Dec. 20, 2006 - The Beauty of Homeschooling
The time during our Christmas break is when I begin to plan the curriculum that will be used for the next school year. So, I am doing just that. While looking at curriculum for Will, who will be in 8th grade next year, I realized that he has naturally worked himself into high school level material. He would be taking 4 courses that were high school level, so the thought occured to me, "Why hold him back doing middle school material for everything else?" We are forging ahead and he is officially beginning high school!
For most homeschoolers that is probably nothing earth shattering, but for me it is a realization that my first born is entering the teenage years! We are not fearful of rebellion because he is such a great kid. We count our blessings for him daily! I don't know....it is just unfamilar territory I guess. Perhaps I am a little intimidated with teaching high school. There are little doubts that surface, "Can I really do this?" Obviously the answer is a big fat YES because thousands of homeschoolers have done this before me.
This is one of the many things that makes homeschooling so beautiful. For several years now, Will feels that God is calling him to be a doctor. So this is the way we are leaning in choosing his high school courses. The fact that I can cater to my son's learning style, interests and academic level is just inspiring. Also the fact that I can curtail his studies to fit in line with his calling from God and "train him in the way he should go" just blows my mind sometimes. If he were attending public school or private school, he would have to fit into their mold and his God-given drive would not be fed. With homeschooling I have the capability to "light that fire" of learning and watch him soar; it is just thrilling! In the state of Kentucky the minimum high school requirements for graduation will not even prepare a student to meet college entrance requirements. That blows my mind!
Anyway, these are some of the courses Rodney and I have decided Will would enjoy. We have discussed these with Will and he has given us thumbs ups.
History - Ancient Civilization by Diana Waring. (This looks REALLY great!)
Math - Geometry (Math U See)
English - Literary Lessons of The Lord of the Rings. (Will is SO excited about this one!)
Science - Physical Science by Apologia
Science - Robotics using Mind Storm programming (He actually gets to build a working robot that is as tall as Rodney.)
Health - CPR and First Aid course through The Red Cross (I need to look further into this because he maybe too young. I think there is an age requirement.)
World View Training - Starting Points by David Quinne
Science Roots - Vocabulary Vine - This is study in Latin and Greek biology root words. Science Roots is the 2nd level after Vocabulary Vine's Latin and Greek root words.
Grammar - Writing a Step Above - Will still needs grammar reinforcement. I am ordering this from Rainbow Resource.
This is as far as we have gotten. We may add another elective or two. I'm not really sure. I have to do some more thinking and research. Right now my brain hurts from thinking about this so much. I need to take a day or two off and let it rest. :0)
It also surprises me at how fast the cost of homeschooling jumps once you begin high school courses. Most of these courses are $100 and up! We spare no expense when it comes to our children's education, but looking at what one year of high school is going to cost is rather shocking compared to what we have been spending. Using Five in a Row really had me spoiled!
