Thursday's Tip

This one is for all my fellow homeschooling peeps out there--but it can be applied by any family who likes to take "educational" vacations. That doesn't have to be a dirty word, ya know. Educational can be fun! My tip? Relate your learning to attractions at the Disney Parks. We're starting school in August, and instead of delving into our curriculum full-force, we'll be taking a brief detour in some subjects, to allow for a little "Disney school." Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about:

• My husband loves all things train-related. He's going to help teach the girls about rail travel and what it meant to our country as far as commerce and growth, as well as the science behind how steam engines work. Related attraction: Walt Disney World Railroad.


• We're going to read some American Folklore stories, particularly those involving Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and friends. Related attraction: Splash Mountain (theming from Song of the South).


• We're going to learn a bit about requirements to be a US President, as well as memorizing who the first five were, and learning a bit more about several of the most famous. Related attraction: Hall of Presidents.


• We're going to read aloud together Tom Sawyer, and my second grader will read some abridged versions of shorter stories about the character. Related attraction: Tom Sawyer Island.


• We're going to learn the language, flag, capitol, primary religion, form of government, etc. from all the countries in the World Showcase at Epcot. We'll also cook some native dishes of each country.


• We'll do a quick study of plant life and related subjects (photosynthesis, for example) and especially hydroponics. Related attraction: The Land.


• Another general study of marine life, especially learning a bit about the different varieties in the movie Finding Nemo, will relate to The Seas with Nemo & Friends.


• Our "green" study of simple ways we can take care of God's creation will relate directly to Ellen's Energy Adventure, as well as several attractions at Innoventions: Don't Waste It!, Smarter Planet, and the Environmentality Corner.


• For art, we're using several "how to draw" books that will be complemented by the Art of Animation tour.


• My daughter requested a study unit on dinosaurs, which will go quite nicely with all the exhibits in Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, but especially Dino Sue and the Boneyard.


• We'll study animal habitat and such as related to the various trails at Animal Kingdom, as well as the Kilimanjaro Sarafis and the Conservation Station.

I'm sure many more opportunities that we haven't even considered will present themselves too, but this is about all we can handle for the next month until our trip. (Don't worry, we're still doing math and language arts and all the other stuff your kids in "normal" school will do!) It's going to be fun finding ways to incorporate our favorite vacation spot with our new venture into homeschooling!