When it comes to homeschooling, creating an environment where your child is eager to learn is key. At WonderHere, we believe that the best way to engage children and ignite their natural curiosity is through a well-rounded, holistic approach to education. That’s why our curriculum is built around 7 key Learning Elements that are woven throughout each of our Unit Studies, creating an environment where learning becomes an exciting adventure rather than a task.
These Learning Elements—literature, art, play, nature, community, music, and phenomena—serve as the foundation for everything we do at WonderHere. Each one is thoughtfully designed to spark wonder and inspire exploration, and together they create a curriculum that speaks to all kinds of learners, no matter their interests.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at each of these Learning Elements, how they work together to foster a rich learning experience, and practical tips for incorporating them into your homeschool routine. Let’s dive into how these elements can set the stage for your child’s learning journey.
- Literature: Fueling Imagination and Critical Thinking
Literature plays a central role in WonderHere’s curriculum. Not only does it allow children to explore different cultures, times, and ideas, but it also cultivates imagination and enhances critical thinking. Reading gives children access to new worlds and perspectives, and it encourages them to ask questions, make connections, and develop empathy.
Practical Tip: Make literature a daily part of your homeschooling routine. Choose books that complement your current unit study, whether it’s historical fiction for a history lesson or an adventure story that explores science concepts. After reading, ask open-ended questions about the story to help your child think critically about the plot, characters, and underlying messages. For younger children, incorporate interactive reading sessions where you pause to discuss what’s happening and encourage them to predict what might happen next.
For me (and many educators), literature is the element that brings the most joy and sparks the most questions. When you engage with literature, you invite your child to see the world in new ways and expand their understanding of what’s possible.
- Art: Nurturing Creativity and Self-Expression
Art is a natural extension of learning, allowing children to express their thoughts, emotions, and discoveries visually. It provides an outlet for creativity and gives kids a chance to show what they’ve learned in a way that’s personal and unique. At WonderHere, we believe that every subject can be enhanced with a touch of creativity—whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, or building.
Practical Tip: Incorporate art into every unit study. For example, if your child is learning about animals, have them create a series of animal drawings or paint a mural of an ecosystem. If they’re exploring a historical period, encourage them to design artifacts or create a map. These creative activities help reinforce lessons while offering a fun and open-ended way for children to explore new concepts.
Art doesn’t need to be perfect or polished—it’s about the process of creation and the opportunity to express oneself.
- Play: The Gateway to Learning
Play is the foundation of WonderHere’s educational philosophy. Children learn best when they’re having fun, and play is a powerful tool for both engagement and skill development. Whether it’s role-playing historical figures, engaging in building challenges, or exploring new materials, play helps children develop problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
Practical Tip: Create learning opportunities that feel like play. For example, build a “museum” of historical artifacts in your living room or play “explorer” while conducting science experiments. Incorporate role-playing and dramatization into your lessons, allowing your child to embody the characters and concepts they are studying. Play is not just an activity—it’s a way to immerse your child in the subject matter while fostering deeper understanding.
Remember, play doesn’t need to be structured to be educational—children will often turn an everyday scenario into an impromptu learning experience!
- Nature: Connecting with the Outdoors
Nature is one of the most important teachers. The natural world is filled with opportunities for learning—whether it’s observing the life cycle of a butterfly, identifying local plants and animals, or understanding environmental concepts through firsthand experience. At WonderHere, we believe that learning should extend beyond the walls of the classroom and into the world around us.
Practical Tip: Spend time outdoors regularly to connect with nature. Whether it’s a simple walk through a local park or a full day of hiking and exploring, nature provides endless learning opportunities. Turn your outdoor time into a science lesson by discussing the different ecosystems you encounter, or integrate math by measuring tree heights or counting leaves. Nature is a fantastic classroom, and it offers a perfect opportunity to learn through experience.
- Community: Learning Through Relationships and Service
Community plays a significant role in our curriculum because learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about making a difference. WonderHere encourages students to engage with their local and global communities through service projects, cooperative learning, and real-world connections. Children learn how their actions can impact the world around them, and they gain valuable social skills through collaboration and teamwork.
Practical Tip: Get your child involved in community-based projects. Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, participating in a neighborhood cleanup, or reaching out to elderly community members, service projects teach children about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of contributing to the common good. Plus, these activities can be woven into your curriculum as learning opportunities, linking hands-on experiences with meaningful lessons.
- Music: Enhancing Memory and Emotional Expression
Music is a universal language that speaks to the soul. At WonderHere, we recognize that music has a powerful impact on learning. Not only does it help children with memory, rhythm, and pattern recognition, but it also provides an emotional outlet. Music is woven into each unit study, whether it’s through listening to historical songs, learning musical concepts, or exploring the connection between sound and science.
Practical Tip: Integrate music into your homeschooling routine by incorporating songs related to your unit studies. For example, when studying ancient civilizations, explore the types of instruments used in that culture. Play classical music during art lessons or sing songs that help reinforce important concepts in math or language arts. Encourage your child to create their own songs or rhythms based on what they’re learning. Music helps make abstract concepts feel more tangible and accessible.
- Phenomena: Fostering Curiosity Through Observation and Inquiry
The final key element, phenomena, is a fancy term for something that sparks curiosity and is observed or questioned. It’s the “wow” factor that makes learning feel like an exciting exploration. Children naturally ask questions about the world around them, and phenomena provide the perfect opportunity to engage with those questions through science, observation, and inquiry-based learning.
Practical Tip: Encourage your child to observe the world around them and ask questions. For example, if they notice a rainbow, use it as an opportunity to explore the science of light and rain. Or, if they’re fascinated by a new bug they discover outside, take the time to research its lifecycle and habitat. These everyday moments of curiosity can lead to powerful learning experiences that are driven by your child’s natural interests.
A Curriculum Built for the Whole Family
At WonderHere, we understand that learning is not a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why our curriculum is designed to be flexible, engaging, and family-friendly. The 7 key Learning Elements—literature, art, play, nature, community, music, and phenomena—are carefully woven into each Unit Study to create a dynamic learning environment where your child’s curiosity can flourish. These elements work together to spark wonder and excitement, making learning a truly family-centered experience.
So, which of these Learning Elements speaks to your inner child? Maybe it’s the imaginative world of literature, the hands-on creativity of art, or the joyful discovery found in play. Whatever it may be, WonderHere’s curriculum offers an approach that nurtures both your child’s curiosity and your own love of learning, all while providing valuable, real-world skills.
Practical Tip: Reflect on which Learning Element resonates most with your child’s personality. Is your child an artist at heart? Do they love the outdoors? Or perhaps they’re a natural musician? Tailor your homeschooling experiences to these preferences, allowing them to explore and develop skills that align with their passions.
With WonderHere, the world of learning is full of endless possibilities, waiting to be explored by both you and your child.