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.