Expanding the 60-Day Christian Delight-Directed Curriculum into a Full-Year Open-and-Go Adventure

 

Expanding the 60-Day Christian Delight-Directed Curriculum into a Full-Year Open-and-Go Adventure

The 60-Day Christian Delight-Directed Curriculum is a flexible, faith-based homeschool program that can be stretched into a 180-day school year with field trips, research, documentaries, and crafts. Here’s how to make it an engaging, open-and-go experience.

1. Create a Flexible Year-Long Plan

Divide the 60-day curriculum into 20 weeks (3 days/week), reserving 1-2 days for enrichment activities like field trips or projects to fill 16 more weeks. Plan breaks for balance.

**Sample Weekly Schedule:**

- Mon/Tue/Thu: Core lessons (Bible, math, reading, science)

- Wed: Field trip or hands-on activity

- Fri: Research or documentary

2. Add Field Trips

Field trips bring lessons to life and align with delight-directed learning.

**Ideas:*

- **Bible/History:** Visit a church or historical site.

- **Science:** Explore a nature reserve or planetarium.

- **Literature:** Attend a theater performance.

- **Service:** Volunteer at a food bank.

**Tips:** Use local resources, virtual tours, or homeschool group trips. Prep with a tie-in discussion.

3. Include Research Projects

Encourage deeper exploration with simple projects.

**Ideas:**

- **Bible:** Research a Biblical figure.

- **Science:** Study animal adaptations.

- **History:** Explore the Reformation.

**Tips:** Use templates, Christian resources (e.g., Answers in Genesis), and a weekly “research hour.”

4. Use Documentaries

Documentaries add visual context with minimal prep.

**Suggestions:**

- **Bible:** “Patterns of Evidence” series.

- **Science:** “Is Genesis History?”

- **Literature:** C.S. Lewis biography.

**Tips:** Watch weekly, use free platforms (YouTube, library), and follow with a discussion.

5. Incorporate Crafts

Crafts make learning tactile and fun.

**Ideas:**

- **Bible:** Create a prayer box.

- **Science:** Build a terrarium.

- **History:** Make a scroll.

**Tips:** Use affordable supplies, pre-plan crafts, and keep a craft bin for grab-and-go.

6. Reinforce Christian Values

Tie activities to faith with a weekly Bible verse, reflection, or discussion (e.g., “How does this show God’s love?”).

7. Keep It Open-and-Go

- **Plan:** Use a binder or digital planner for schedules and resources.

- **Batch Prep:** Plan monthly, reserving field trip spots or gathering supplies.

- **Involve Kids:** Let them choose topics to reduce planning.

- **Resources:** Use Christian homeschool sites (e.g., Apologia).

8. Stay Flexible

Check in weekly, track progress with a portfolio, and adjust based on interests.

Sample Month: Creation

- **Week 1:** Study Genesis 1, visit a planetarium, make a star mobile.

- **Week 2:** Explore animals, research a species, watch “Planet Earth.”

- **Week 3:** Study water, visit an aquarium, paint the sea.

- **Week 4:** Learn stewardship, volunteer, journal on faith.

Final Thoughts

With field trips, research, documentaries, and crafts, the 60-Day Christian Delight-Directed Curriculum becomes a year-long, faith-filled adventure. Keep planning simple and follow your child’s interests for a joyful homeschool experience.