We often get asked about school and it is a BIG part of our life. Being parents and teachers is quite challenging and we strive to find a good balance between exploring the places we visit and getting into a good school routine. Truthfully, we adapt and change on a weekly basis! 

Some days we pull our hair out (at least I do) and worry about whether Seth is getting the education he needs and other days we are thrilled to see how much he knows and his ability to analyze what he learns. We also know that being on this adventure is an invaluable experience even if not quantifiable. When we meet other family boats, the topic of schooling often comes up and we share ideas (and commiserate).

"Start of 7th grade (US) / 5eme (FRANCE)"

We started Seth’s school year a few weeks ago after a small summer break. Our ‘boatschooling’ curriculum is ever evolving as we travel and adapt to living on a boat. Most days we have 3-4 hours of school work in the mornings followed by boat work/chores, sailing, shore exploration. Curriculum is not set in stone. Math and science are a given, in both French and English. Writing, grammar and verbal expression get a lot of attention as well, again in both languages. History and geography get a lot of time both from assigned readings and our exploration of the places we travel! Right now we are also discussing our government, election system and democracy. During the DNC we watched, listened to and discussed the speeches from Michelle and Barack Obama. So many lessons, from writing and delivering an amazing speech to defining one’s core values. 

This school year we are also adding some fun online classes via Outschool, right now Seth is enrolled in a STEM and engineering class that meets once a week and involves tinkering and has assigned projects.

"First STEM project was builing a flashlight"

"Tinkering on a boat for his STEM class - Tom Brown in Northeast Harbor helped us get some supplies and gave Seth the foam hull - He also showed us his two paralympic sailing medals, Bronze in Sydney and Silver in Athens - We meet the most extraordinary people"

For the French curriculum, I purchased books in 3 subjects, Physics and Chemistry, French and Mathematics. In English, Adam is using Khan Academy for the math curriculum and for other middle school classes like history and biology. We also use "the Story of the world" books and curriculum. For Spanish Seth has been using Duolingo but we are hoping to enroll him in a live class (Outschool) to make it more fun. "

We are continually looking for opportunities to learn. We welcome ideas and suggestions! 

"We had to take this picture of the Adams school in Castine, ME "

While in Maine we made a stop at the Wooden Boat School and visited the workshops and bookstore. Seth was able to engage with the instructor of the RC Model Boat class.

"Chatting with the instructor of a model boat class during our visit of the wooden boat school "

"The wooden boat school had so many great books. We got a few for Seth who is an aspiring boat builder"

"Hikes and excursions not only allow us to get exercise, learn about the fauna and geology, it also gives us time to discuss and argue all kinds of subjects - Seth and Adam are in an expressive discussion in this photo" 

"Cooking lesson - A cherry clafoutis ...yummm"

"Biking in Acadia National Park"

"Recess! Sometimes kiddos need to use up their pent up energy!"

"It is not always hard work.... Seth is cozy reading a french book his grand parents Emmanuelle and Jean Michel gifted him. If you are a sailor, I highly recomment this super funny book "Le Monde selon Guirec et Monique" (English Version: A sailor, a chicken, an incredible voyage)"

"Outdoor art class - Our friends Sophie (from SF), Sophie (from Annapolis) and Tom brought art supplies with them when they came to visit and Seth and I are continuing our work with watercolors. We often take pictures that we think would be a good inspiration and we visit many galleries to look at different artists and styles."

"We visit as many museums as possible and try to read all signs in towns, historical sites and hikes - We all end up learning something new. The statues above were in the Wilson museum in Castine, ME"

"Castine, ME had lots of very informative signs"

"Seth is very creative and love building. Here, he is testing the strength of his bridge in a very cute ways"