Cuban Racing Monkees

Before I jumped into homeschooling, I did tons of research.

I researched different types of homeschools, curriculum, schedules, and learning styles.

Because I, personally, am primarily a visual learner, I read every book I could get my hands on and then I read everything I could find on the web. I took copious notes and made diagrams and flow-charts. I prefer my information in writing, and illustrated, if possible. That’s one of the reasons I like to post photos on my blog as I tell stories. They are more compelling to me with a visual attached.

So, learning styles.
There are technically three:

1. Visual Learner – likes their information relayed visually: diagrams, illustrations, flip-charts, videos. They literally have to "see to believe."
2. Auditory Learner – likes to listen: verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to voice, pitch, speed and other nuances of verbal communication.
3. Kinesthetic Learner – must touch, must move, MUST DO STUFF.

Most of us are a combination of these, but we all prefer one style over another.
Me? Visual and Kinesthetic.  I have to read the information. See the illustration.
But then . . . I like to PLAY!

So it stands to reason that my teaching style is to encourage exploration and imagination. And frankly, I didn’t even really think twice when Jonathan asked me if he could borrow my camera (which is pretty expensive and which I love more than my right arm, but that’s not important right now) and my tripod.

He obviously had SOMETHING. HE. HAD. TO. DO.

Welcome to the mind of my creative and kinesthetic eleven-year-old . . .

UPDATE: He took 198 still digital photos with the camera and tripod. He story-boarded this event before it happened, too. It took him about 2 hours to actually film the race scene. Another two, editing in Windows Movie Maker.

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