Planning Our Next Homeschool Year...

With our Annual Homeschool Assessment done, I'm shifting gears in planning mode for next year.  Though officially I'm homeschooling 2, I will be focusing on my five year old as well.

These past couple years we have done our Bible Study and the 3 R's (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic) daily and all other subjects twice a week with a Ruth Beechick feel to applying BPA.  This has worked OK for us-but, I always feel rushed in our studies.  I'm never really satified with the amount or quality of projects we incorporate with our studies.

So, I'm thinking this year, I'd like to try to do a quarterly cycle on subjects like History/Geography, Science, Art & Music Appreciation.  My thinking is as an adult, I don't pursue a study on several interests all at once.  I focus on the necessities daily (Bible, Home Management, find Gluten free recipes). But, study other interests (photography, painting, quilting, etc.) one at a time, till I feel satisfied with what I have learned.  Then I move to another interest. I know standard education doesn't work this way. But, outside of the standard education-educating oneself does.

For me, it allows me time to focus, ruminate, and reflect on what I'm studying.  Couldn't it do the same for my children?  And possibly, make it more enjoyable?  And allow me more time to plan a project and feel like we've accomplished some quality learning?  I don't know.  It sounds good.

So, I think I'm going to try it.

Now, I have to come up with our Study Goals and draft up our Schedule.  Plus, I want to research more on Charlotte Mason to see if and how I can integrate that method into our studies.  Ambleside Online is a great online resource for learning Charlotte Mason. I'll keep you posted. 

What does your homeschooling schedule look like?  What's worked or not worked for you?  Feel free to share!

Summer Vacation & Next Year's Planning

 Summer Vacation is here and all children, homeschool and public, are cheering.  This is when they put up the books and pencils, and enjoy the sun and outside world.  This is also when the homeschool moms and teachers alike take a breather and regroup.  I know this is the case for me.  .

I'm not a homeschool veteran.  In fact, I'm still in beginner stages (My oldest is just 8 years of age).  But, I'm definitely learning a lot and trying to glean anything I can from those before me. 

So, that is why I am listening to those pioneers and taking a break from "School".  It will only be 2-3 weeks for me.  Then I will start my planning for next year.  This time I want to have our routine ... well... more routine.  I, also, want to train my children to be independent learners and doers. Which is going to require me to be more diligent about having our ducks in a row and utilizing our resources in a more accessible and efficient way.

Like, having assignments and books for the day set out for them ahead a time.  Something they can see and go to on their own and take ownership of their day and work-Especially, when mommy is tied up potting training or keeping little hands out of places they don't belong.

Basically, I want to train my children to diligentlly "finish what we started" and then "move to the next thing" without pressure-  knowing "what doesn't get accomplished today can be picked-up again tomorrow".  I want to instill that work ethic of  "Work Before Play" ( This may be more for me than them.). Because "Play" or "Relaxation" is so much more enjoyable when you feel like you've accomplished something.

But for now, I am going to put my books, planners, and worries on the shelf.  I am going to put on my large brimmed hat and sun glasses.  Grab a glass of lemonade and a book.  Lay a blanket on the lawn  and  read to my children, while enjoying the sun and outside world.

I want give thanks to God for getting us through another Homeschool Year!

Happy Summer Vacation!
Brook