Homeschoolers NEVER get a day off! Due to the Hurricane Gustav evacuation, Benjy had a couple of unscheduled days off from work, and he made good use of them by catching up on some automobile maintenance. McKenzie and I were happy to invoke our favorite homeschooling rule … if Dad is off work, WE are off school. It just works better that way! The rule only applies to books and worksheets, though, because reading assignments and worksheets can get very boring, but hands-on opportunities like this really add to the homeschooling experience.

Since Benjy had to change the spark plugs, belts, and pulleys in his little truck, he used it as a teachable moment. Actually, it was a teaching afternoon because it took a long while to finish the job, but McKenzie seemed to enjoy taking a break from the books, so it turned out well. She really likes hands-on learning … even if it leaves a little grease under her nails!

Keeping it real,