Bonne Apprendre:

Bonne Apprendre is a labor of love I started after I couldn't find exactly what I wanted for an impromptu learning project. I decided to make my own, was rather proud of myself with the result, and thought, "Man, I should share this so others don't have to make their own."

A few days later, when we went to Google something I didn't know offhand, (which happens more than I'd like to admit) we learned it was Jane Addam's birthday. I mentioned it to my daughter, who didn't know who she was, so we Googled some more! I found a mini-unit, we did it, and I impulsively shared it with a few homeschool groups on Facebook. The next day, the kiddo asked if anything cool had happened that day. The feedback from the group was great. And so, Bonne Apprendre was born!

Our purpose is to make learning a fun yet educational experience for everyone involved, not only educating, but strengthening the bond between teacher and learner.

So, greetings! I'm Kat. I'm the single mother to an only child, and while I've never taught professionally, since childhood, I've always wanted to facilitate learning in children. From the age of six, I forced my brother to play student to the lesson plans I'd drafted. When he eventually grew weary of doing work outside of school, I'd line up my stuffed animals and continue with the lesson. In high school, I was a member of Future Teachers of America every year which led to me becoming a teacher's assistant at the nearby elementary. By Senior Year, I was trusted enough to take over teaching one hour a day, this time to middle school students. I started work at a nursery school/day care as soon as I was legally able, working at several over the years. If they didn't have a program, I was quick to develop one. This continued on until 2005, when my daughter Addie was born.

Yup. That's us.

At that point, my teaching bug shifted into focus to her. At 3, she could tell you her address, city, state, and country, as well as the leaders of those. She could also sing three Queen songs all the way through. We've received notes home for her quoting Pink Floyd at school, and arguing with other students about Pluto's qualifications as a planet. All in all, she's a pretty unique/awesome kid. After three years of public school, we made the decision to homeschool. We chose a K-12 virtual school tied to a local public school for our first year, at least, and hit the ground running. We're still finding what works for us, but at least now I have an excuse to go crazy in the office supply section at Target.

I feel I should mention I have a decidedly secular outlook when it comes to education, and this blog. You won't find any religious curriculum here, and holidays are celebrated in a fun, secular way only. That said, we judge not. All are welcome, and I do mean all. This is a place to gather in the spirit of education and human kindness, bound by our common goal of wanting the best for our child/ren. And that's how it should be.