Okay, we've been relaxing and doing fun things and as usual about the end of July I'm finally ready to think about fall. Every year it seems like I need the whole month of June to "veg" out before I'm ready to even think of the next year.
Now don't get me wrong I have "thought" of the year as far as what we're studying and have all the books either already here or on the way but what I haven't done yet is plan and schedule it all out. Last year it took me about two weeks of evenings to get it all set. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.
First, I'd like to share a few things you may want to think about before last year is too distant of a memory.
#1 What went well and what didn't and why? The answer to this question may help you figure out what you do and don't want to do this year.
For instance last year we beta tested a curriculum about composers from Bright Idea press. My children really enjoyed this! We don't need to continue a composer study (it's certainly not in most "scope and sequence") but they enjoyed it (and might I mention learned) so much I'd like to continue.
Now on the other hand for us we started to feel stressed with our time especially starting in January. This happened because some scheduling was changed and we no longer were able to do all our "outside" activities (like band, choir, orchestra, history co-op etc...) all on one day. This small change really stressed us. I know we don't want to do that again.
#2 Make your records for last year before you forget. Now, I know some of you did this before the end of the year because you're on top of everything but for those of us who were a little burnt out or just ready to be done now is our time. In the state of MI we don't have specific "requirements" except to keep evidence of teaching the core subject so I file our papers, workbooks, lapbooks, notebook etc... in banker boxes by the year in the basement.
Besides those obvious records it may be time to start thinking about transcripts if you have a Jr. High or High School student. I'm not ready to make our transcript yet but I will forget information if I don't write it down so I created this form to help me.
#3 Lastly, before you plan for the next year consider each child individually. I created this form to help me think this through. If you have more then one you've I'm sure realized that they are all different. Your curriculum plan may be different based on their strengths, weaknesses and gifting.
So I hope you'll think about those 3 things and then come back for the next entry to get more into planning! See you then!
Gina
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