Hola! Cómo estás hoy? Today, I’d like to talk about OLC and why it was created. OLC (Our Learning Curve) is a resource for children of color, families raising children of color, and diverse classrooms. We provide impactful curriculum and unit studies that promote multicultural learning, self-reflection and self-identity, and self-esteem.
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I’ve always wanted to teach. I love kids and I love teaching. However, I found that the classroom was just not for me. It wasn’t the kids. It was the politics behind it all. It was quite draining. Although I left the classroom, I’ve continued teaching in various other forms including volunteer work, homeschooling, and teaching online. I’ve also continued my studies as well. I am a current MA student in Africana and Latin American studies. I love learning more about people that look like me. OLC was born from the lack of materials that postively reflect people of color. It has been an honor to be able to use what I have learned and share it with others.
Culturally inclusive homeschooling is homeschooling that is culturally responsive. It facilitates the learning of all peoples. This means that it takes into consideration and includes persons of varying or different backgrounds. Rather than limiting the homeschooling environment to one that is reflective of traditional education, using the same divisive and biased products, and resources that reflect an all white, all male audience only, it reflects the diversification of the world. It accentuates worldly cultural references, making it relatable and accessible to all rather than just a few. You can read more about multicultural homeschooling on the blog.
“Education must not simply teach work – it must teach Life”.
– W. E. B. Du Bois
In addition, education must also reflect life! Sadly, traditional educational materials don’t often do that, if at all. It is unfortunate that the homeschooling world has also followed suit. Readily available materials tend to show only one viewpoint. Here, in the United States, education is taught from a European view of the world. However, the United States is not and was never a European or Anglo nation. Actual people already inhabited the land. The United States is part of one land, one continent, America. America is divided into the North and the South, both of which were lands occupied by brown people prior to the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European groups. Despite this, persons of color are systematically excluded from American history. The same few stories get told over and over. At OLC, we want to tell more stories, the stories that go unvoiced. We want everyone to be included in history. And, we want to invite non-persons of color to learn right along with us.
Who this curriculum is geared towards?
Our Learning Curve’s curriculum and unit studies are geared toward everyone. The materials positively reflect persons of color and can be used in an inclusive or diverse setting. Our unit studies include book lists, suggested materials, art projects, reflection questions, word puzzles, copy work, vocabulary, and more. There is literally something for everyone in each jam-packed unit study.
What learning styles are matched?
Because OLC’s materials are designed from a unit study and project-based learning approach, they can be applicable for various learning styles, especially those which promote learning by doing, hands-on activities, and repetition. Unit studies allow for specialized instruction and discovery of a topic that is then extended to every subject. This enables children to focus on the things they love or are interested in while learning at the same time.
What is the age range for these materials?
Materials created by OLC are ideal for children from Kindergarten to the 8th grade, however, the materials can be adapted for various levels and needs.
My children’s thoughts?
My kid’s love the materials that I create and offer to other families. They are my guinea pigs if you will. When creating, they are my inspiration.
Here is my son with our Mexico Unit Study while on our recent trip to Mexico. I simply printed it out, placed it in a folder, and packed it up with some supplies for my children.
This is a copywork book introducing proverbs from all over the world. It includes proverbs from Africa, Asia, and other countries.
Included in this unit study, you will find:
- Over 40 pages of content
- Proverbs from all over the world
- Notebooking pages for copywork
- Full manuscript lined pages
- Coloring Pages
- And more!
Ideal for K-8th grade.
Click here to download yours.
Our Learning Curve also offers courses. Our current courses include:
And more coming for the fall!
Hasta Pronto!
Please feel free to share your comments or suggestions! I would love to hear from you. If you enjoy reading my blog, make sure to sign up so that you can always be alerted for new posts, tips, and recipes. You can also find me at Wombology (A Safe Place for Women to Heal) and Being Mama Dot (Chronicles of a Homeschool Mom).
If you are a homeschool mom needing some new ideas and encouragement or if you are completely new to homeschooling and you are looking for ways to get started, click here to apply for a FREE Strategy and Brainstorming Session with ME! Let’s work together to get you to where you want to be!
Hi! I’m Kat aka Mama Dot! Nice to meet you. I’m a homeschooling mom of three boys. By day, I run a mom’s blog (Being Mama Dot) and subscription service (Wombology). In my downtime, I create resources for families homeschooling children of color at Our Learning Curve. I love coffee, reggaeton (music in Spanish), knitting, and reading. My favorite thing to do is to feel my feet in the sand. #beachbum. Currently, I am an MA/Ph.D. student in Africana and Latin American studies. When I am not in school, I spend my days running my online business and taking care of my little ones. Make sure to check out OLC’s Instagram, Twitter, or join us over at Facebook.