Lessons Learned On the Farm

• Aug. 10, 2008 - A Change in Plans

We just had our first homeschool support group meeting on Friday and it's always great to see all of my friends again after the summer and to meet the new homeschoolers.

Some are very certain about what they're going to do this year. Some have pretty much stuck with the same curriculum ever since they started homeschooling. (Sometimes I wish I was one of them.) Some are trying new things. Some are going to be more structured and some are going to be more relaxed.

I THOUGHT I knew what I was going to do. I had been planning on giving the Bob Jones HomeSat program a try. I thought that even if I didn't use it for everything for all three boys that it would still be a great resource and would help me keep things moving along.

It all made lovely sense and I didn't even browse curriculum catalogs this Summer since I thought I knew what I was going to do.

Alas, Bob Jones is discontinuing the HomeSat program after this year and Tony just didn't have the same warm fuzzy feelings about it. Then my oldest came to me and said that he wished we'd just go back to "just books" and me working more with them.

And I had a little cry because that kind of threw a kink in my plans and I felt overwhelmed with having to go back to the drawing board for this year.

But after our homeschool meeting the other day and some wonderful conversations with friends, I'm encouraged again. I am reminded again of Who has plans for us this year and thankful that He used my husband and boys to direct me back towards His plans rather than what just "made sense" to me.

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Comments

• Aug. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by westward

You are *so* much better at accepting a change of plans than me. I would've had two or three cries and someone would've had to remind me that the Lord was perfecting the plans. Somebody probably would've had to smack me upside the head when I still continued to complain and whine about all the hard work I'd already put in, which would lead me to two or three more sessions of tears. Hmm....I think I'm seeing an area of character I might need to work on! :o)

Good luck on planning and a new year of school!

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• Aug. 11, 2008 - Thank you

Posted by ApplesofGold

I know what you mean about the curriculum & learning style choices. I have kept some of the same curriculum all the way thru, but had to change our math plan-and it was really scary for me to change from what I know. But, our oldest dd (12) hasn't done well with it and she now thinks she's just not good at math-last year was so frustrating-we both dreaded doing her math lessons.
We're actually excited to use what we've decided to go with now. She loved doing the demo of it online.
I also wanted to let you know that I was SO blessed & encouraged by one of your posts-I think it is the 3rd one down-the one w/ a pic of your boys on the path. The verses you wrote & some of what you said were a balm to my soul and my heart. Thank you!
I don't have much computer time lately & I'm so glad that this is what I ended up reading today during my computer time-I think it was God-designed. Holly

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• Aug. 11, 2008 - I know the feeling

Posted by sikoraaj

I know how apprehensive you must feel after making a decision and then changing it all around. I worry whether we have to much"textbook" time going on and not enough learning, if you know what I am getting at. I don't want to just "do" the facts. I want the kids to really learn about what they are studying!

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• Aug. 11, 2008 - the best laid plans....

Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

I hate when a curveball messed with my plans, but it's often for the best. I hope you can figure out what you need to get for this year and that you have the best school year yet.
I had everything I needed for this year, and went and ordered a new book (Mystery of History vol. 3) yesterday. I love that with homeschooling, I can be flexible (but it's a learning process for me, for sure)!

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• Aug. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Juliestew

oh girl, i feel your pain. i had certain plans for baby girl that just aren't working out like i had intended. i'm having to rethink things for joshua too because he is struggling reading. i'm checking into sylvan and also avko sequential spelling. and still freaking out off and on about being an adequate HS mom.
at least my eggs are safe in the frig. my raccoon and possum steal the cat food if it's left outside at night.
julie

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