Aug. 4, 2008 - so what should I drop?
Thankfully today (Monday, Aug. 4th) has been a much better school day for us. Thanks so much for the prayers and encouragement offered. However, we are still feeling pretty bogged down with the schedule I laid out for us this school year. I'm conflicted on what needs to be dropped, if anything, or if we should possibly break up our day. We have never been one for a rigid schedule. I was hoping to try and change that, and possibly that's why our first few days were torture! Today we've been more relaxed about what order to things, and it's gone more smoothly. I don't know why that is. Anyway, it's 1:30 our time and all of us are really ready for the school day to be over, but we (according to our schedule) have two more subjects to complete. We're all currently taking a 20-minute break and I'm hoping that will be enough to get us going for the last two subjects. I wanted to share our schedule with you all to get some feed back as to it's doability (is that a word) in your mind's eye. Please feel free to offer your total honest opinion. Here's what I've planned on us doing daily:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs:
Bible - Answers in Genesis material (lots of Scripture reading)
Math - Teaching Textbooks (with DS occasionally doing Times Attack on the computer)
History- Mystery of History (rotate science on Tuesday)
Reading - Christian Liberty Nature Readers (usually 3-5 pages)
Art - notebook pages on what they read
Grammar/spelling/writing - Learning Language Arts Through Literature
Latin - Prima Latina
Music - my daughter has piano
PE - whatever exercise I feel like doing with them that day ;) soon AYSO soccer will take this place
Fridays are enrichment classes at our cover which are mostly 'fun' classes this year.
In our previous years, I've combined subjects. For instance, our Bible curriculum requires quite a bit of Scripture reading, so I've let that be Bible AND reading. Our Latin curriculum requires a lot of writing, so that was Latin AND writing. I'm wondering if I should cut some things out and go back to this method. I just want to be certain that we are covering enough material. As they grow older I feel that they need more involved. Is this incorrect thinking on my part?
I sincerely hope that I'm not boring you all to tears with my insecurities and cries for help. Hopefully I will be able to start writing about something more entertaining or thought-provoking in the days to come. I do appreciate the input that I receive tremendously.
Comments
Aug. 4, 2008 - my two cents worth
Posted by Potpourri of Praise...Laura A.
It sounds like you are covering a lot...and maybe combining subjects like Bible and reading would be helpful. Also, I don't know if it will be beneficial, but we are starting Latin this year and will just focus on a 'lesson' one day per week (probably Tuesdays) and then review flashcards and such on other days. We also alternate..history on T, TH and Science on M, W to allow time to read, discuss and do the experiements (one per lesson). I found that worked well rather than trying to do every single subject every single day. Also, I am going to try skipping handwriting and grammar on alternate Wednesdays due to some ongoing obligations that tend to fall on that day. That way, we can always do the other subjects when we are in a time crunch. It is hard to figure it all out, and yes, sometimes letting the children choose the order (or at least you choosing but making it different) makes a big difference.
Also, I am learning that it is okay to have things unfinished. Often I will put "catch up" in my lesson plan book to help me get back on track. I tend to plan my lessons by the unit (so 2-3 weeks at a time) and at the end of the unit, we may need some extra review or if not, we can take a break from that subject for that day. Of course my chapters/units are not on the same schedule for each subject, so any given week, we may have one or two catch up days scheduled for certain subjects.
I hope this helps. And, I will keep on praying for you guys:)
Aug. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sadie423
That does seem like a lot. Esp if you and the kids are feeling bogged down- that would be the sign to ease up a little maybe. Here I set out their ind work the night before, each at their spot at the table. They choose the order in which to complete it. Usually math is last since I have to go over anything new first. Science and SS I do in units and we only do 1 at a time, but since you have a curriculum- last year we alternated MW and TR and then Friday we did "fun" stuff...experiments and hands on activities for both. Reading I require 1 read aloud a day...so if they read else where I would definately count that. Maybe add an independent reading time- 15-30 min during a quiet time for extra reading but their choice of books. Same with writing, once they have learned what they need- up to forming cursive- they can write with the other subjects and don't need an actual writing curric. My boys are young and I am keeping it easy, adding a little more each year. My thinking is by 4th grade they will be a going fairly indpt and have a better and quicker ability. So you aren't wrong in that thinking....maybe just ease into it a bit more or alternate days for awhile?
Aug. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by brafordchemist
I tried to send you an email about the Creation Museum, but I don't know if it sent. I'll post the information in a comment if the email didn't work.
Aug. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by dcellis
I'm praying about what to drop. I think I've definitely overloaded us this time.