This is a year of many firsts, and I’m nervous about it.  It’s not like fear though… just apprehension. 

Camille is much more active this year than she was last year.  I know this will be a challenge.  Also, she’s ready to learn, so I’ll have independent school time with her too.  She is doing so well.  She now recognizes six letters and three shapes.  We’re working on the letters E and I now, so it won’t be long.  For some reason, colors are not sticking with her though.  I don’t think she’s colorblind though.  Perhaps it’s just a lack of interest.

Also, this will be our first year practicing the Charlotte Mason method for language arts, art appreciation, and history.  I LOVE the philosophy, but I wonder if I’ll be a good facilitator.  I have struggled with staying up late at night, then dragging all day.  It greatly affects our school day, as much energy and enthusiasm are needed with my girls – or else they copy my indolence.  Late night hours are usually my time to catch up on work, read, pray, blog, check email, and just unwind.  If I make it a point of going to bed before midnight, I just lie there with my mind spinning with ideas and things to do “tomorrow”.  I love the idea of rising early, spending time with my husband before he leaves for work (which is 4:30ish by the way), then having breakfast, bible study, prayer, and exercise – all before the kids wake up.  This hasn’t worked for me.  I love even more the idea of going to bed at my usual (late) time, rising around 8:30, starting school at 10ish, and finishing up around 3:00.  The problem is, I usually experience a drop in energy around 2:00 that can’t be denied.  The last hour or so of school is unbearable, and I usually end that time wishing I was napping along with Camille.  Anyway, I’ve digressed enough about my sleep deprivation and lack of willpower to change it.

This year, Rachel will be in “high school”.  This means I’m required to devote so many hours per week to certain subjects for a certain amount of credit.  So many educational experiences cannot be time-logged, so I’m not sure how to count those.  Then, there are some (like theater lessons) that will only be an hour or so per week, so I’m confused about those.  Will occasional nature walks count for P.E. credit?  Do I have to calculate each week how much she walked, played, swam, etc?  I know it may sound like I’m making this difficult, but when I’m given a list, I get a bit obsessive.  Any suggestions would be appreciated…

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Posted by mijubrifarms

Things will be just fine with Rachel. Quit worrying.

My Special : my daughter will be 17 tomorrow (Sat. Aug 18th). I'd like to suprise her with LOTS! of birthday greetings from around the blog-o-sphere. Please visit her site and leave a comment and spread the word. Thanks.

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Posted by sahmto4orMore

I struggle with sleep, too, and have the same desire to rise early, but not the discipline to follow through. sigh

I have a friend who uses melatonin (a natural hormone or enzyme, i think) to help her body shut down at night. It is perfectly safe and not addictive. She gets it at a health food store. I don't want to use it while pregnant or nursing, so i haven't tried it myself.

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Posted by mijubrifarms

Karen
I log and track EVERYTHING! I use a database I built right now, but I used to just use notebooks and forms (Senior High Form-U-La has great suggestions). But, you'll get through Rachel's credits faster (if you're using hours to count). And yes, I count Nature Walks as P.E., if it's a true Nature walk with observations, pictures, etc. I count it as science as well. And why can't you log all those "educational experiences"? I do. When Kat does volunteer work I log it under Business, or Volunteer Hours. Everytime she goes to a 4H meeting or officer meeting, I log that as Student Gov't. When we work on political campaigns, it's PoliSci or Civics; and if she's writing on her blog it's English or Typing (depends on where we need credits). Somethings I log as credit just by mastery & completion, even if it isn't done in 120 hrs.
So, what is it that you can't log? I'll have to look at Tenn. laws, but I bet I can help you fit it all in and count. This is my specialty!!! Email me.
Julie

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