• Feb. 3, 2008
I'm back!
After a very long hiatus (even longer that LOST's!), I am back to blogging.
I am hoping I'm able to stick with it better this time around. I think the big problem was I hadn't made blogging a habit. Also, it seemed the site was really s l o w every time I tried to do an entry. The last time I attempted to do an entry, I think I lost it about 3 times before I gave up.
So now it's been a loooong time since I've written anything. I'm out of practice. I guess I'll just share what's on my mind.
I've been re-re-rethinking my homeschooling methods. This is our 4th year homeschooling and I've gone from Sonlight to Alpha Omega Lifepacs, to everything in between. Over the years, I've really been drawn to the Charlotte Mason approach. However, when I've tried to implement her techniques (copywork, dictation, narration), I give up pretty quickly. I think my biggest fear is that they will miss something. Or maybe, it's not hard enough, so I must be doing it wrong. Well, God's just really been putting it on my heart to keep moving in this direction. So starting tomorrow morning, I'm revamping.
Of course, as soon as I decide to do a huge overhaul, my oldest develops a 103 degree fever. I'm thinking the big overhaul will be slower in coming than I originally anticipated. 
Something that really struck me, as I was listening to a CM seminar by Cindy Rushton on my trusty, dusty iPod, was that I had so many materials and ideas that I hadn't used because I "never had the time." I sat down today and made a list of all the books and materials and activities I most wanted to do. Out of everything on my list, I'm actually doing only ONE thing. And that's math! Yikes! What am I about anyway???
So tomorrow is a new day (I actually hate that cliche) and I'm starting fresh. My only goal is for the girls to get Bible, Math and read aloud done. I'm going to start reading "Little Women". It's been sitting on my shelf for a year now.
I'd love to hear from any of you out there using CM methods. I'm curious how you make it work in your school day.
Bye for now (and I promise it won't be for another 10 months!).
Comments
• Feb. 3, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by 2peter318
Hey, welcome back. I like the CM method, though I don't follow it closely. I do the copywork and dictation. We have done the narration a bit. I'm now using a language arts program that uses dictation, and I do separate copywork. There are lots of sites out that that use and explain the CM method. I hope you get going like you want and that everyone feels better soon. :)
JoAnn
• Feb. 4, 2008
You're back!
Posted by jenn4him
I am so glad you decided to give this another chance. I know what you mean. One reason we are not doing co-op this 8 weeks is that I wasn't getting to the things I wanted to do most! And even now that we are home, I find myself torn in other directions. I keep saying, "Next week we are going to..." We are making improvements in the right direction and life happens! I say you are doing a great job recognizing where you want to be and how to get there. Are you still in co-op this 8 weeks.
Jenn
• Feb. 4, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by eclecticeducation
Welcome back! I have always found with changing the way I do things, it works better if I make small changes instead of trying to totally revamp. Whenever I do that, I also give up quickly, but if I can change one thing and make it a habit before I go on to another, I stick with it better. Good luck! :)
• Feb. 4, 2008
Hey there
Posted by Bahamahomeschooler
well this looks great. so glad you are back. I just took a break too.
Let us know how your day went with just the basics. I have finally worked out their schedule after a redo. It is working like a charm.
