I’ll admit it: Children’s books, while they whet the appetite to learn more about a topic, aren’t that interesting. I’ve found a way around these homeschooling-teacher blahs!
This school year, I decided to take it upon myself to read an adult book on the same topic we are studying in homeschooling.
I’ve found that this
-Keeps my brain stimulated and interested in what the kids are learning
-When I’m teaching, it helps me to bring out aspects of a topic neglected in children’s books
-Gives me an excuse to learn something new
-Prepares me for questions kids ask that go beyond the scope of “easy readers”
-Helps me to formulate questions in conversation with my children to help them to “dig deeper”
Even if you’re not homeschooling, may I recommend doing this for what your children are learning in school? Think of the dialogue it will stimulate, just having the information fresh in your head for when you ask the question, “What did you learn in school today?”
Sounds like a wonderful idea. I am preparing to start homeschooling my daughter next year and as I gear up I’ve been doing a lot of reading. I look forward to learning with her and I think reading an adult-level book along with her kid-level books will benefit both of us. And you’re right, too much kids only stuff makes my brain go all fuzzy!