Feb 24, 2011

TV as teacher for Feb. 24th-25th....

Just in case you missed my last post take a look here for info about the TV as teacher.

Now on to today and tomorrow's broadcasting schedule in the Mighty Masters Academy.

At 2pm (EST) we will be watching a documentary about Martin Luther King in honor of black history month. This is also a great opportunity to discuss the importance of King's faith to his mission which is something that is often overlooked. If you would like to take it further you could also look up bible verses that talk about freedom and discuss what true freedom looks like.

Tomorrow we will be watching or recording Cities of the Underworld Washington, D.C.: Seat of Power at either 12pm or 6pm (EST) and Custer's Last Stand at 11am (EST). On a side note if you do not have a DVR I highly suggest getting one. It has made a considerable difference in the type and amount of t.v. we watch.

Now be warned to make "TV as teacher" work you must watch with your kids so that you can discuss what their learning and to get ideas for further study.Personally I keep a notebook handy. Another added benefit is family togetherness and becoming more knowledgeable yourself.  See who said TV is a bad thing?

I would love to learn what shows you watch that have added to your homeschool classroom. So take a moment and comment below

Feb 18, 2011

The tv as teacher...

One of the most valuable tools (other than bible) I have found in our homeschooling is the one thing I try to minimize in our house. The television. It has helped me teach all of subjects and it has helped me inspire creativity and curiosity.

What once acted as babysitter has now become teacher of both myself and the kids. On days when learning is slow, the t.v. expands on what we have been learning. It also challenges us to go deeper because as anyone knows, just because its on t.v. doesn't make us true. It has also served as a spring board for further learning and gives me a glimpse into what interest my kids. Surprisingly my 13yr old is just as likely to watch the history or military channel instead of cartoons.

So in the months ahead I plan on sharing some of our favorite shows and the channels that have programming that teaches. As always you need to make sure that the shows fit your values, but I also ask that you don't cross a show off your list that seems not to. As a family we have had some great conversations about our values while watching shows that had an opposing view to our families believes. I will do my best to let you know some details that might help you determine if this show is for your family. Please feel free to share with me shows that have helped your family.