It's actually been a long while since I've updated my blog. No excuse for it really. I suppose talking to good friends made it possible for me not to need a blog for letting out frustrations. But since I find myself frequently searching random blogs, I figure it's only fair that I update mine just in case someone wanders by. Maybe they'll get inspired. Maybe not.
Here goes...
Officially, we have only eight more days to go before we have completed our required 180 days of schooling. This will also mark the end of our first year of homeschooling.
However, I want to continue working on math since DJ is weak in math. Next year will also mark another first for us -- standardized testing. It doesn't have to be done til this time next year, so I'm trying really hard to sweat it too much. I just have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind 'Has he covered everything he needs to cover? Has he truly mastered it or just mastered it for a short term?'
While we are finishing up this school year, we are already thinking about next. Together, his father, he and I have discussed what we want to cover and what materials we want to use.
We are definitely going to go with Saxon next year. DJ used in public school last year and it is a format he is comfortable with. My husband is familiar with Saxon and he is excited to use it next year, as well.
At the suggestion of a friend, we are going to try out Home School Science Kits for next year. DJ is really interested in science, but he wants to do more hands on activities. I'm not really sure what this city has to offer homeschoolers in the way of science, so having kits that we can buy makes things so much easier for us.
Language Arts, Bible and History are still up in the air. If anyone has any suggestions, I welcome them.
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I guess tis the season. Sure, of our Savior's birth (and what a glorious birth it is!). But it seems, looking around on blogs and message boards, this is the season for curriculum review/curriculum prospects.
I'm looking into curriculum for my 4 yr old -- for next year. Janice over at Rainbow Resource Center has been a true (and patient) God-send. (Thank you, Janice!)
There is always so much to think about, isn't there? I am just a first-timer...I'd be interested to see what those who have been doing this for decades do -- does it involve nothing more than going to one of many of your bookcases and choosing a curriculum that you like or that you feel your rising grader would like? Do you still pour over books and ponder and question and wonder and worry?
Does it ever get easier?
I have to say, it's quite exciting to search and see everything out there -- overwhelming at times, but exciting nonetheless.
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This Thanksgiving was the first major holiday in our new home (rental -- but new for us). It was a small event -- only 7 of us -- but there was more than enough food, love and laughter and for that, I am grateful.
Whenever I feel afraid or alone, I come onto HSB and read random blogs. Some of what I read is so inspiring!
Right now, I'm taking a 'lunch break' and eating turkey day feast casserole (that's a whole bunch of left overs heated up in a pan -- no microwave -- I know, I know...). Call me crazy, but I'm thinking of next year's curriculum. A friend suggested LifePac -- she swears by it. I'm just trying to research as much as possible and see if it might be something my son might respond to next year.
This year is going well, though. I'm using a lot of Christian Liberty Press because I was on a tight budget. My son loves the science book and finds the history book interesting, too. I got him the Nature Reader (CLP) and he's almost through it. I wonder if I'm moving too fast...but he seems to grasp the knowledge and run with it. Not sure if I want to order the next year's book (3rd grade) now or delve into an unit study of a particular animal or insect. I suppose I could ask my son what he wants to do.
My daughter will be turning 5 next year. I have no idea where I should even begin with her! In GA, the compulsory age is 6 -- which means technically I don't even have to 'report' what I do with her until '1st grade'. I just don't know. I really wish I had the confidence of unschoolers.
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I've decided that we'll take our Thanksgiving 'break' this week. I am beyond tired. When I first considered HS'ing, I'd read of people getting burned out. I thought, 'Yeah, right. What's to get burned about? It's like summer vacation, only with lesson plans.'
Boy, am I eating crow now. Only now, I feel like a ninny because I'm burned out 50 days into the school year. (Although, my son did have 27 days of PS under his belt). I figure I can feel like a ninny all I want, but when I start losing patience and we stop getting anything worth while accomplished, it's time to put it away for awhile. After all, I brought my son home to enjoy the process not get x amount of pages done a day.
So, this week, we're laying low. Not sure what we're going to be doing, besides cooking Thanksgiving Dinner, but that's okay. I'll let learning happen naturally -- and I take this vow -- I will try to say 'Yes' more often than 'No' this week. Walk? Sure! Make a map? Sure! Search for buried treasure? Sure! Play a game of Go Fish? You bet.
I just want to enjoy the time with the kids. Of course, chores still have to get done -- but one thing I know -- if they don't get done one day, you can always do them the next. There is a never a missed opportunity.
So, here's to a week off from book work and a week on to learning naturally!