This past September, we started our homeschool journey. While there were many reasons why we started homeschooling, our main reason was to immerse our oldest son in all things science. He has expressed how frustrated he was at school because he wanted to spend hours learning about science and performing experiments, but wasn’t able to due the the school’s lack of time. They only had science class once a week, and that most definitely wasn’t enough for our inquisitive boy. So, we brought him home and started our own science homeschooling program.
Surprisingly, Netflix ended up being a big part of our homemade curriculum, and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey was the foundation. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson takes you on an amazing journey with each episode, answering questions we’ve all asked, while teaching us new aspects of science that we never though of.
This immediately intrigued my boy. When we first started, we watched the episodes with notebooks in hand. I told him to write down any subjects, words, or theories he would like to explore after we watched the episode. I, in turn, did the same. Each episode provided a week’s worth, or more, of learning material for us.
From lots of googling, to quick experiments, and even more researching, we found ourselves deep in learning…from a TV show! We’ve gone through all of the episodes of Cosmos on Netflix, and are going back through them again for even more learning material. Up next, seminars that pertain to my son’s favorite scientific topics. I can’t thank Cosmos enough for the inspiration, especially since I’m an English major who never got into science. Unless you could Sci-Fi shows and movies. Those count, right? Don’t answer that.
Have you ever used Netflix to help your kids learn more about a specific subject?
I’m a member of the Netflix #StreamTeam. All opinions and scientific journeys are my own.
I am retiring from the military and moving overseas to London. I am also considering homeschooling my daughter, for I know that homeschooling can be very effective and I think she needs that extra attention. Good luck with everything, and I think its great that you and your hubby are putting in the effort to make sure your children are well educated.
We are loving our homeschooling time, Petrish. He’s not only learning so much more, but we’re bonding more as a family. Good luck in whatever you decide!
I’ve been homeschooling for 10 years, and while we’ve never had Netflix, youtube and other videos have been very much a part of our schooling. I never would have thought so at the beginning of this journey, but like you pointed out, they are especially helpful in the area of science where seeing is so much better than just reading!
Yes Hope! My son really is a visual learner. Through experiments and watching fun shows, he’s increasing his love of science bit by bit.
Congrats on your decision to home educate! We have been home educating our children since our oldest was pretty much able to communicate in anyway (so birth I guess!)
just found your site and LOVE IT!
Thank you so much, Melissa! I love hearing about families that started homeschooling as soon as they could. It’s such an amazing experience, whether you start at toddlerhood, or later in life. You are a rockstar!