Our Philosophy in a Banana Peel

Core Principles 

for a "Silly Monkeys" Homeschool:

• Play-Based Learning: Especially in earlier grades (K-2), prioritize hands-on activities, games, and imaginative play over worksheets.

• Child-Led Interests: Follow your child's curiosities. If they're fascinated by dinosaurs, explore that through all subjects!

• Short & Sweet Lessons: Keep formal lesson times brief, especially for younger children. Think 15-30 minutes per subject, with breaks and movement.

• Real-World Connections: Integrate learning into everyday life (cooking, errands, nature walks).

• Embrace the "Mess": Learning often involves exploration, and that can get messy.

• Read Alouds are Key: Read diverse books daily, well beyond their reading level.

Kindergarten (K): The Foundation of Fun

• Language Arts:

  • Phonics & Letter Recognition: Focus on one letter sound and formation per week. Use multi-sensory approaches: tracing in sand, playdough letters, singing alphabet songs.

  • Read Alouds: Picture books, rhyming books, stories with repetitive phrases.

  • Early Writing: Scribbling, drawing, practicing name, simple letter tracing.

• Math:

  • Counting: Count everything! Toys, steps, snacks.

  • Number Recognition (0-10, then 0-20): Use number puzzles, matching games, counting objects.

  • Shapes & Colors: Identify and sort.

  • Simple Patterns: Clap patterns, make patterns with blocks.

• Science/Social Studies:

  • Nature Exploration: Go outside! Observe plants, animals, weather.

  • Five Senses: Explore through tasting, smelling, touching, hearing, seeing.

  • Community Helpers: Learn about different jobs and roles.

  • Simple Experiments: Baking soda volcanoes, floating/sinking.

Grades 1-2: Expanding Play & Introducing Structure

• Language Arts:

  • Phonics: Continue with more complex phonics rules (blends, digraphs).

  • Early Reading: Use leveled readers, decodable books, and continue abundant read-alouds.

  • Sight Words: Play games like "sight word bingo" or "Go Fish" with sight words.

  • Writing: Simple sentences, storytelling through drawing and dictation, journaling.

• Math:

  • Addition & Subtraction: Use manipulatives (blocks, beans), finger plays, and games.

  • Place Value: Introduce tens and ones with visual aids.

  • Basic Measurement: Use non-standard units (pencil lengths, hand spans).

  • Time (to the hour/half-hour): Use a play clock.

  • Money (pennies, nickels, dimes): Counting coins.

• Science/Social Studies:

  • Unit Studies: Pick a topic (e.g., oceans, outer space, animals) and explore it through books, crafts, experiments, and field trips (even virtual ones!).

  • Simple Maps/Globes: Learn continents and oceans.

  • Basic History: Learn about historical figures through stories.

Grades 3-5: Growing Independence & Deeper Dives

• Language Arts:

  • Reading Fluency & Comprehension: Encourage independent reading of chapter books. Discuss plot, characters, setting.

  • Grammar & Punctuation: Introduce concepts through reading and writing (e.g., identifying nouns, verbs in sentences).

  • Writing: Paragraphs, short stories, journaling, letter writing. Focus on expressing ideas clearly.

  • Spelling: Use a structured program or focus on common word families and rules.

• Math:

  • Multiplication & Division: Use hands-on methods, flashcards, and real-world problems.

  • Fractions & Decimals: Visual representations, baking (fractions in recipes!).

  • Geometry: Identify shapes, angles, perimeter, area.

  • Problem Solving: Incorporate word problems into daily life.

• Science/Social Studies:

  • In-Depth Unit Studies: Continue with topics of interest, but delve deeper.

  • Research Skills: Teach how to use books, websites, and interviews for information.

  • Geography: Learn states/countries, capitals, major landmarks.

  • History: Explore different time periods, cultures, and important events.

  • Hands-on Science: More complex experiments, building models, nature journals.

General "Silly Monkeys" Tips:

• Games, Games, Games! Board games, card games, outdoor games – they teach math, strategy, cooperation, and language skills.

• Creative Outlets: Art, music, dramatic play, building with Legos/blocks.

• Outdoor Time: Essential for physical and mental well-being, and provides endless learning opportunities.

• Library Visits: Your best friend for free resources and sparking new interests.

• Flexibility is Key: Some days will be more "silly" than others. Adjust based on your child's energy and interest.

• Don't Over-schedule: Allow for plenty of unstructured play and downtime.

• Focus on the Process, Not Just the Product: Celebrate effort and discovery.

Remember, the goal is to foster a love of learning in a joyful and engaging environment. 

A "Silly Monkeys" approach means embracing your child's natural curiosity and making learning an adventure!