I’m currently on a plane flying back from a trip to LA and Santa Barbara.  It was a great trip and what a beautiful area.  I was able to spend time with my son in LA and attend Grace Community Church where he goes to church.  What a blessing that was!  I met his friends that he attends small group and Bible study with, and we were able to sightsee together over the weekend.  What a blessing to see your children on their own choosing to serve the Lord!  In addition, I spent some time in Santa Barbara with a dear friend who has decided to start an Artios Academies program in that area.  We had a great parent meeting and  I was able to meet some really meet some wonderful homeschoolers.  It’s funny though…no matter where I travel, it appears that the questions from parents are the same…..and I am really praying that the series that we have been going through over the past few weeks in this column has helped you FOCUS in on what God has for you and your family this coming year. 

Last week we spent time putting all of our observations, thoughts, reflections and answers to prayers in writing and now it is time for the “rubber to meet the road” so to speak.  Based on what you have journaled and decided over the past few weeks, go ahead and plot out what courses you feel your student needs to study this coming year.  Write out all areas that you wish to “study” this year:  academic, life skills, character, fine arts, etc. Then, it is time for you to begin to research resources that not only fit those “course” goals…but also fit your overall philosophy as you approach this next year and fit your overall goal for this year as a family AND as individuals.

I want to suggest to you some resources that I just love using for my homeschoolers.  I have personally used all of these resources with one child or another.  You can see a complete list of books that I’ve used over the years by visiting my site and clicking on the library thing link on the right hand side.  It will take you to a list of books that I have in my library and will allow you to search for various books based on subject, title or author. 

                History and Literature  ( I use a great books and history integrated approach to both history and literature)

                                Tapestry of Grace

                                Beautiful Feet Books

                                Sonlight Curriculum

                                Exploring Government

                                Great Books                      

                Science

                                Apologia Science

                                Beautiful Feet:  Science Through Literature

                Math

                                Math U See

                                Saxon Math

                                Teaching Textbook

                Foreign Language

                                BJU text and tapes/cds

                Grammar and Composition

                                Write Shop I and II

                                Jenson’s Grammar

                                Jenson’s Format Writing

                Worldview

                                Summit Ministries

                                The Truth Project DVD series from Focus on the Family

                                Nehemiah Institute

                                David Quine

                                Tapestry of Grace

                At Home Composer/Artist Study and Music Appreciation:

                                Harmony Fine Arts

I realize that these are just a very SMALL sampling of the curriculums out there that we are blessed to choose from.  However, these are among my favorite because while meeting the academic demands and standards of a high school student, they also allow for some delight directed learning, flexibility and adaptation to meet the individual needs of our children.  So often we give up that flexibility and individualized approach when we near the high school level…..but it is one of the things my guys are the most thankful for as they continued through high school. It continued to develop their love of learning, their self-motivation, and their self-discipline and character.

From now on out the process of planning for next year becomes quite personal.  I would love to hear from you if you get stuck or need some input along the way.  Please remember that there is probably an “older” woman around who is a bit further down the road regarding schooling and they are a well of wisdom.  Don’t be afraid to seek counsel.  “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”  However, remember the most important, “WONDERFUL COUNSELOR” and continue to seek his guidance as well.

You can reach me at llane@wildblue.net

Hope to hear from you soon.   Faith and Courage,  LORI

OH…P.S.  On Thursday, I’m interviewing Rea Berg from Beautiful Feet Books.  You can listen in live at 3 p.m. EST by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/theendinmind or you can listen to it as an archived copy later at your convenience by visiting the same website.  You don’t want to miss this interview and Rea’s wisdom from 25 years of homeschooling experience.

Lori is married to the love of her life John and together they have four sons ranging in age from 22 down to 10.  The two oldest boys have graduated from home school and successfully entered college and/or internship positions!  (YEAH!) She is the author of “Beginning With The End In Mind”, a frequent speaker on home education, family and the arts, as well as the founder and Executive Director of Artios Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts where she has worked with hundreds of homeschooled high school students.  You can see some of the pictures of their home in the central Colorado Rockies by visiting Lori’s website at www.theendinmind.net where you will receive encouragement for the journey.  You can also hear Lori on “The End In Mind” broadcast on www.blogtalkradio.com/theendinmind