Remember my by 1 July list?
I finished it. All of it. Every single little item is complete, and has a line neatly through it. The last thing to finish was actually setting up the timeline, a tedious job that required very little in the way of actual thought. Of course, once I was nearing the finish line, I realized I had omitted one item, but since I realized it only a couple of days ago, I'm not adding it to the list. I finished the list; I just have that other thing to do to finish all the planning for 2010-2011.
I forgot to make the read-aloud schedule. Because I don't do the main read-aloud, the Spousal Unit does, I break it down into daily bits. Unfortunately for me, I can't find two of the four books that are scheduled for read-aloud. I know I own them. I just bought one of them a month ago! Yet I can't find either of them. I'm hoping that when the kids cleaned upstairs today, it resulted in them magically appearing. I need to grab the third one from Smrt Mama, but the fourth one is broken down into bits, ready and waiting.
Showing posts with label by 1July 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label by 1July 2010. Show all posts
21.4.10
Just Keep Swimming
Since I last updated my by 1 July list, I haven't made as much progress. The remaining items are, for the most part, quite daunting.
I have finalized plans for EG's art skills study for next year. That's one big one! I have nearly finished the history of science lesson plans, but I still need to finalize my list of supplemental books and insert them at the appropriate places in the overall text. Setting up the timeline is merely time-consuming. I'm not entirely sure how to go about breaking the Art of Problem Solving texts into daily lesson plan chunks, so while I've done a first pass, I have no idea if it's adequate!
The big one, of course, is "make history pages for fifth grade." I've got to do this. There's no way around it. It's a huge project, though, and I suppose I've just been putting off the inevitable - that for a few days, I'll need to eat, breathe, and sleep history plans, just to knock it all out.
I have other lists that I keep as well; each is a separate heading in my "Master To Do" list on the computer. I'm working on two of the items listed under "By 1 August 2010," I've finished a number of things under "Moving Projects," there's nothing left under "Assorted," and then I have a list for each week, and I've been crossing out the majority of things on that list each week as well.
Why am I reciting this list? I'm trying to point out to myself how absurd it is that I feel out of control and as if I'm not getting enough done! Sometimes I look around the house and feel like I'll never be able to get it on the market. I feel bad that I'm not doing more schoolwork with FB. I should serve my children more vegetables with dinner, and the corollary to that is, of course, that I shouldn't be such a failure at CSAs. (Food goes to waste, because I'm just too picky.) I can't help being a supertaster, of course, and I can't help that I don't own a Time Turner.
So instead, I'll just focus on the fact that I finished knitting a scarf for FB last night, and that I have to choose what project to cast on next. That's me in the corner... with my fingers in my ears as I sing "La la la, I can't hear you" at my house and my list of things I should be doing.
I have finalized plans for EG's art skills study for next year. That's one big one! I have nearly finished the history of science lesson plans, but I still need to finalize my list of supplemental books and insert them at the appropriate places in the overall text. Setting up the timeline is merely time-consuming. I'm not entirely sure how to go about breaking the Art of Problem Solving texts into daily lesson plan chunks, so while I've done a first pass, I have no idea if it's adequate!
The big one, of course, is "make history pages for fifth grade." I've got to do this. There's no way around it. It's a huge project, though, and I suppose I've just been putting off the inevitable - that for a few days, I'll need to eat, breathe, and sleep history plans, just to knock it all out.
I have other lists that I keep as well; each is a separate heading in my "Master To Do" list on the computer. I'm working on two of the items listed under "By 1 August 2010," I've finished a number of things under "Moving Projects," there's nothing left under "Assorted," and then I have a list for each week, and I've been crossing out the majority of things on that list each week as well.
Why am I reciting this list? I'm trying to point out to myself how absurd it is that I feel out of control and as if I'm not getting enough done! Sometimes I look around the house and feel like I'll never be able to get it on the market. I feel bad that I'm not doing more schoolwork with FB. I should serve my children more vegetables with dinner, and the corollary to that is, of course, that I shouldn't be such a failure at CSAs. (Food goes to waste, because I'm just too picky.) I can't help being a supertaster, of course, and I can't help that I don't own a Time Turner.
So instead, I'll just focus on the fact that I finished knitting a scarf for FB last night, and that I have to choose what project to cast on next. That's me in the corner... with my fingers in my ears as I sing "La la la, I can't hear you" at my house and my list of things I should be doing.
3.4.10
BIG Progress
Continuing with the theme of "BIG"... :)
Since my last update on my by 1 July list, I have...
... bought Art In Story, read it, and made plans for art appreciation for kindergarten. I really like using this for art appreciation, because it lets it be a light, 'sometimes' subject. There are eleven specific lessons that we'll cover during the ancient time period, and a similar number during SOTW 2. The library has some resources for viewing art, and I may or may not see what books the library has from the list of Children's Books for each lesson when we get there. That will depend on our time frame and how interested FB seems to be. I'll do a more detailed review later, but I would definitely recommend the book because it makes it easy.
... almost settled on supplemental books for history of science. I really need to cull the list farther, at least in terms of what I plan to purchase, but it's so hard to do! I did sort it out into a list of "books for now" and "books for later," which helped a lot.
... finished the "history pages" for kindergarten. Hooray!
... planned the prehistoric life/dinosaur unit.
... set up all of our binders for next year! EG is actually using one already, since she started Latin Prep 1 once Lively Latin was finished.
... set the calendar for next year, including our tentative travel dates. On the slate for travel next year are Destin and Disney World, plus we'll probably plan a shorter, less expensive trip in May 2011. I know we'll do some weekend trips as well, but at least our major trips are set.
... created all the schedules that are necessary for 2010-2011 school year. At least, I think I have all of them! I have a schedule for EG and one for FB. I didn't go through the entire MOTH procedure this year, but I did use some of what I learned in doing it last year. I also have learned that I personally do better with a daily checklist, since what I have to accomplish varies widely depending on what exactly the day's schoolwork is, what the day's errands are, and what's for dinner. Part of the reason I didn't use the MOTH procedure is also that our days should be more uniform. Aside from the public speaking class EG will take, we don't have anything currently scheduled before noon, and I plan to keep it that way. Oh, sure, we'll occasionally do things before noon! But nothing weekly. :)
.. finally decided how to approach scheduling Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and the accompanying workbook, because it's not immediately obvious how they should line up.
If you're keeping score at home, it means very few things remain on the list:
• Finalize plans for art skills for fifth grade.
• Make history pages for fifth grade.
• Make history of science lesson plans.
• Break AoPS texts into daily lesson plan chunks.
• Set up timeline.
As you might guess, the second and third of that list are looming over me and filling me with a bit of dread. :)
Since my last update on my by 1 July list, I have...
... bought Art In Story, read it, and made plans for art appreciation for kindergarten. I really like using this for art appreciation, because it lets it be a light, 'sometimes' subject. There are eleven specific lessons that we'll cover during the ancient time period, and a similar number during SOTW 2. The library has some resources for viewing art, and I may or may not see what books the library has from the list of Children's Books for each lesson when we get there. That will depend on our time frame and how interested FB seems to be. I'll do a more detailed review later, but I would definitely recommend the book because it makes it easy.
... almost settled on supplemental books for history of science. I really need to cull the list farther, at least in terms of what I plan to purchase, but it's so hard to do! I did sort it out into a list of "books for now" and "books for later," which helped a lot.
... finished the "history pages" for kindergarten. Hooray!
... planned the prehistoric life/dinosaur unit.
... set up all of our binders for next year! EG is actually using one already, since she started Latin Prep 1 once Lively Latin was finished.
... set the calendar for next year, including our tentative travel dates. On the slate for travel next year are Destin and Disney World, plus we'll probably plan a shorter, less expensive trip in May 2011. I know we'll do some weekend trips as well, but at least our major trips are set.
... created all the schedules that are necessary for 2010-2011 school year. At least, I think I have all of them! I have a schedule for EG and one for FB. I didn't go through the entire MOTH procedure this year, but I did use some of what I learned in doing it last year. I also have learned that I personally do better with a daily checklist, since what I have to accomplish varies widely depending on what exactly the day's schoolwork is, what the day's errands are, and what's for dinner. Part of the reason I didn't use the MOTH procedure is also that our days should be more uniform. Aside from the public speaking class EG will take, we don't have anything currently scheduled before noon, and I plan to keep it that way. Oh, sure, we'll occasionally do things before noon! But nothing weekly. :)
.. finally decided how to approach scheduling Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and the accompanying workbook, because it's not immediately obvious how they should line up.
If you're keeping score at home, it means very few things remain on the list:
• Finalize plans for art skills for fifth grade.
• Make history pages for fifth grade.
• Make history of science lesson plans.
• Break AoPS texts into daily lesson plan chunks.
• Set up timeline.
As you might guess, the second and third of that list are looming over me and filling me with a bit of dread. :)
24.3.10
Progress
Remember my By 1 July 2010 list? I've been working on it steadily. It occurred to me that if we're going to sell this house & move into a freshly purchased one, I'll spending my free time packing boxes and organizing for moving soon. That doesn't leave free time for homeschool planning. The result has been a near-obsession with finishing as much of the planning for next year as possible.
Smrt Mama might want to stop reading here, since sometimes my plans give her a panic. ;)
What have I finished?
• Type up art appreciation lesson plans.
This was more or less complete, except for typing. I did add some supplemental books to the appropriate week in a third column on the spreadsheet. This is for EG - the spine is DK's Art, and she'll use books from the Taschen Basic Genre series as well as the Art in History series to add to specific topics. Near the end of the year, she'll reach the Renaissance and start reading biographies of specific artists as well - I decided to stick with Venezia, even though they are an easy read for her, because they are the most practical investment.
• Make music appreciation lesson plans.
I'm so excited about EG's music appreciation for next year! We're using The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music History which is, despite the name, a great resource for chronological music appreciation. She'll cover the first two chapters of the history of Western music next year, as well as two chapters on other parts of the world - Middle Eastern music and Asian music. I've picked out a lot of great music for her to listen to (iTunes is my friend, especially with Costco-purchased iTunes gift cards!). One of my good friends who lives in China currently is helping me put together a selection of Asian pop music, as well.
• Map out framework for language arts.
I sat down with the Voyage level MCT materials and attempted to figure out what would be studied when, at least on a week-to-week level. I think I have a good framework in place. I'm so impressed by Essay Voyage!
• Finalize supplemental history books for kindergarten.
Not only are they supplemented, the last of the ones for purchase are on their way to me from amazon, B&N, and Rainbow right now! I'll try to post the final list on here in the next few days.
• Finalize general science overview lesson plans.
Luckily, I had finished more than I had previously remembered, so this was easy-peasy. EG's going to use Science Matters as well as the DVDs The Joy of Science from The Teaching Company. I'm also going to require her to read Angier's The Canon.
• Consider possible supplemental or source reading for science, and schedule.
It was very hard to find reading for geology. Biology and ecology were easy, for me - The Double Helix, Silent Spring, and a couple of books by one of my heroes. *Looks longingly in the direction of Nashville.* Astronomy is Cosmos and a few other things I found poking around amazon; similar for meteorology. I don't know how well they are scheduled but each subtopic at least has an order. *shrug*
• Make lesson plans for Latin Prep 1.
These are, of necessity, very tentative, because I have no idea how long it will take her to do these exercises. I think I've estimated relatively well, though, and she will have two chapters under her belt at the end of this year.
• Figure out timeline.
I bought the Add-A-Century timeline. So pretty! I need to get EG to help me set up one weekend, so that we're ready and raring to go.
I've made headway on several others as well. The panicky feelings are officially starting to subside. Of course, I have a feeling that as soon as I stop panicking entirely, it'll be time to gear up for moving.
Smrt Mama might want to stop reading here, since sometimes my plans give her a panic. ;)
What have I finished?
• Type up art appreciation lesson plans.
This was more or less complete, except for typing. I did add some supplemental books to the appropriate week in a third column on the spreadsheet. This is for EG - the spine is DK's Art, and she'll use books from the Taschen Basic Genre series as well as the Art in History series to add to specific topics. Near the end of the year, she'll reach the Renaissance and start reading biographies of specific artists as well - I decided to stick with Venezia, even though they are an easy read for her, because they are the most practical investment.
• Make music appreciation lesson plans.
I'm so excited about EG's music appreciation for next year! We're using The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music History which is, despite the name, a great resource for chronological music appreciation. She'll cover the first two chapters of the history of Western music next year, as well as two chapters on other parts of the world - Middle Eastern music and Asian music. I've picked out a lot of great music for her to listen to (iTunes is my friend, especially with Costco-purchased iTunes gift cards!). One of my good friends who lives in China currently is helping me put together a selection of Asian pop music, as well.
• Map out framework for language arts.
I sat down with the Voyage level MCT materials and attempted to figure out what would be studied when, at least on a week-to-week level. I think I have a good framework in place. I'm so impressed by Essay Voyage!
• Finalize supplemental history books for kindergarten.
Not only are they supplemented, the last of the ones for purchase are on their way to me from amazon, B&N, and Rainbow right now! I'll try to post the final list on here in the next few days.
• Finalize general science overview lesson plans.
Luckily, I had finished more than I had previously remembered, so this was easy-peasy. EG's going to use Science Matters as well as the DVDs The Joy of Science from The Teaching Company. I'm also going to require her to read Angier's The Canon.
• Consider possible supplemental or source reading for science, and schedule.
It was very hard to find reading for geology. Biology and ecology were easy, for me - The Double Helix, Silent Spring, and a couple of books by one of my heroes. *Looks longingly in the direction of Nashville.* Astronomy is Cosmos and a few other things I found poking around amazon; similar for meteorology. I don't know how well they are scheduled but each subtopic at least has an order. *shrug*
• Make lesson plans for Latin Prep 1.
These are, of necessity, very tentative, because I have no idea how long it will take her to do these exercises. I think I've estimated relatively well, though, and she will have two chapters under her belt at the end of this year.
• Figure out timeline.
I bought the Add-A-Century timeline. So pretty! I need to get EG to help me set up one weekend, so that we're ready and raring to go.
I've made headway on several others as well. The panicky feelings are officially starting to subside. Of course, I have a feeling that as soon as I stop panicking entirely, it'll be time to gear up for moving.
9.3.10
Kilroy Was Here
Because I have many things on my mind, but none of them quite a full post, I present one of my favorite things in the entire world. Bullet points.
• There's been a lot - a lot - of discussion lately on the WTM boards about giftedness. One takeaway message has been "if your child is gifted, you'll just know it." Without getting into too much detail, I don't think that's true. For various reasons, my peers have always been highly intelligent people. I think there were one or two people in elementary school that could be said to possess average intelligence, but I don't remember much about elementary school. I graduated from high school with 98 other girls, all of them highly intelligent and yes, dare I say it, all of them at least moderately gifted. I firmly believe this. I followed that up with a university experience where, again, "normal" was well above average. When someone stands out in groups like these, you know they're scary-smart. All of that said, my yardstick is different. No, I don't know what is and is not normal. I know what gifted looks like. To me, gifted is normal. Sometimes you don't just know. That's all I have to say on that matter.
• I've figured out the solution to each of my previous dilemmas. We'll finish the All About Spelling series with EG, but then concentrate on application in writing; FB is going to start in the Spelling Workout series, because I don't think I can add another teacher intensive subject unless it's vitally necessary; and although I really like BFSU (or what I've read so far; I haven't finished it yet), I don't think I'll be using it with FB. As I stated in the previous post, I think it might just be the ticket for PC, since she's effectively going to have two years of pre-K before her official K year, thanks to that November birthday.
• Since I've resolved those issues, I naturally have turned my mind to another: revisiting the question of choosing a modern foreign language for EG to study. I still have it narrowed to Chinese or German, but I'm torn between the two. I can see a real value and utility in each. Our resources locally for studying each are approximately the same. My mind is locked in a stalemate between the two.
• I've made real progress on my list of things to do by 1 July. I'm not ready to actually strike any of them completed, but I feel like things are a bit more under control. I need to add five new books to the art appreciation plans, but they are typed. The music appreciation plans are in a good second version. I'm 98% sure I've finalized the kindergarten supplemental history books. I tried very hard to break the AoPS texts into daily chunks. And I've got a good preliminary list for science reading!
• I purchased the last of the actual curricula for 2010-2011 last week and it should all be here by tomorrow. I specified curricula because, of course, there are still plenty of books to be purchased, as well as music for music appreciation. What actual curricula is there? I purchased The Complete Writer: Writing With Ease Workbook 1, The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times and the pdf activity book, RightStart's A to B Add-On kit, My Printing Book and Spelling Workout A for FB. EG's curricula for next year are MCT LA Level 3 (Voyage level), Life of Fred: Advanced Algebra and the corresponding Home Companion, Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Counting & Probability as well as Introduction to Number Theory, and Galore Park's Latin Prep 1. The rest of her stuff is either real books or online endeavors.
So far, I'm really excited by the Latin Prep books, especially. Essay Voyage looks intimidating from a "how do I break this down into daily lessons?" viewpoint, but the material looks great.
• I've made a renewed commitment to my own oft-neglected bedtime, which includes actually rising with my alarm. Let me tell you, my body is not too sure about this plan. I've had more time to read, though, and I am far more productive between 7:30 & 11:30 am than I am 7:30 & 11:30 pm. I have a strong feeling that I've been working on a significant sleep deficit, though, so the more I'm careful to go to bed by 11 pm & get up at 7 am with the alarm, the more I want to go to bed even earlier! Maybe I'll be all caught up in a week or two.
• There's been a lot - a lot - of discussion lately on the WTM boards about giftedness. One takeaway message has been "if your child is gifted, you'll just know it." Without getting into too much detail, I don't think that's true. For various reasons, my peers have always been highly intelligent people. I think there were one or two people in elementary school that could be said to possess average intelligence, but I don't remember much about elementary school. I graduated from high school with 98 other girls, all of them highly intelligent and yes, dare I say it, all of them at least moderately gifted. I firmly believe this. I followed that up with a university experience where, again, "normal" was well above average. When someone stands out in groups like these, you know they're scary-smart. All of that said, my yardstick is different. No, I don't know what is and is not normal. I know what gifted looks like. To me, gifted is normal. Sometimes you don't just know. That's all I have to say on that matter.
• I've figured out the solution to each of my previous dilemmas. We'll finish the All About Spelling series with EG, but then concentrate on application in writing; FB is going to start in the Spelling Workout series, because I don't think I can add another teacher intensive subject unless it's vitally necessary; and although I really like BFSU (or what I've read so far; I haven't finished it yet), I don't think I'll be using it with FB. As I stated in the previous post, I think it might just be the ticket for PC, since she's effectively going to have two years of pre-K before her official K year, thanks to that November birthday.
• Since I've resolved those issues, I naturally have turned my mind to another: revisiting the question of choosing a modern foreign language for EG to study. I still have it narrowed to Chinese or German, but I'm torn between the two. I can see a real value and utility in each. Our resources locally for studying each are approximately the same. My mind is locked in a stalemate between the two.
• I've made real progress on my list of things to do by 1 July. I'm not ready to actually strike any of them completed, but I feel like things are a bit more under control. I need to add five new books to the art appreciation plans, but they are typed. The music appreciation plans are in a good second version. I'm 98% sure I've finalized the kindergarten supplemental history books. I tried very hard to break the AoPS texts into daily chunks. And I've got a good preliminary list for science reading!
• I purchased the last of the actual curricula for 2010-2011 last week and it should all be here by tomorrow. I specified curricula because, of course, there are still plenty of books to be purchased, as well as music for music appreciation. What actual curricula is there? I purchased The Complete Writer: Writing With Ease Workbook 1, The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times and the pdf activity book, RightStart's A to B Add-On kit, My Printing Book and Spelling Workout A for FB. EG's curricula for next year are MCT LA Level 3 (Voyage level), Life of Fred: Advanced Algebra and the corresponding Home Companion, Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Counting & Probability as well as Introduction to Number Theory, and Galore Park's Latin Prep 1. The rest of her stuff is either real books or online endeavors.
So far, I'm really excited by the Latin Prep books, especially. Essay Voyage looks intimidating from a "how do I break this down into daily lessons?" viewpoint, but the material looks great.
• I've made a renewed commitment to my own oft-neglected bedtime, which includes actually rising with my alarm. Let me tell you, my body is not too sure about this plan. I've had more time to read, though, and I am far more productive between 7:30 & 11:30 am than I am 7:30 & 11:30 pm. I have a strong feeling that I've been working on a significant sleep deficit, though, so the more I'm careful to go to bed by 11 pm & get up at 7 am with the alarm, the more I want to go to bed even earlier! Maybe I'll be all caught up in a week or two.
28.2.10
By 1 July 2010...
I like lists. Naturally, then, I have lots of lists. I have lists of curriculum to buy for 2010-2011. I have lists of supplemental books & kits to buy for 2010-2011. I have a list of reference books and resources to buy. I have a prioritized list of various things to buy as long as Spousal Unit is continuing to work freelance. I have a list of things to do by August 1, 2010, that centers primarily around the kids' extracurricular opportunities. I have 101 in 1001 list.
Naturally, though, I needed another list. I needed a list of what I needed to do between now and the first of July, to get ready for the 2010-2011 school year. If a grade is not specified, it's fifth grade and for EG. Kindergarten is FB. PC doesn't have anything on the list. PC doesn't have anything on the kids' extracurriculars list either. She is woefully deprived. She'll survive it.
Without further ado, then, and to keep myself somewhat accountable, my "by 1 July 2010" list:
• Type up art appreciation lesson plans.
• Make music appreciation lesson plans.
• Buy Art in Story and make art appreciation plans for kindergarten.
• Finalize art skill plans for kindergarten.
• Decide direction to take with scheduling art skills, and then finalize.
• Map out framework for language arts.
• Make history pages for fifth grade.
• Finalize supplemental history books for kindergarten.
• Make history pages for kindergarten.
• Make history of science lesson plans.
• Decide on supplemental books for history of science.
• Finalize general science overview lesson plans.
• Break Art of Problem Solving texts in daily lesson plan chunks.
• Plan prehistoric life/dinosaur unit.
• Plan focus unit for evolution & genetics.
• Consider possible supplemental or source reading for science, and schedule.
• Make lesson plans for Latin Prep 1.
• Set up binders.
• Figure out timeline.
• Set calendar including dates for travel.
• Create all schedules necessary for 2010-2011 school year.
Naturally, though, I needed another list. I needed a list of what I needed to do between now and the first of July, to get ready for the 2010-2011 school year. If a grade is not specified, it's fifth grade and for EG. Kindergarten is FB. PC doesn't have anything on the list. PC doesn't have anything on the kids' extracurriculars list either. She is woefully deprived. She'll survive it.
Without further ado, then, and to keep myself somewhat accountable, my "by 1 July 2010" list:
• Type up art appreciation lesson plans.
• Make music appreciation lesson plans.
• Buy Art in Story and make art appreciation plans for kindergarten.
• Finalize art skill plans for kindergarten.
• Decide direction to take with scheduling art skills, and then finalize.
• Map out framework for language arts.
• Make history pages for fifth grade.
• Finalize supplemental history books for kindergarten.
• Make history pages for kindergarten.
• Make history of science lesson plans.
• Decide on supplemental books for history of science.
• Finalize general science overview lesson plans.
• Break Art of Problem Solving texts in daily lesson plan chunks.
• Plan prehistoric life/dinosaur unit.
• Plan focus unit for evolution & genetics.
• Consider possible supplemental or source reading for science, and schedule.
• Make lesson plans for Latin Prep 1.
• Set up binders.
• Figure out timeline.
• Set calendar including dates for travel.
• Create all schedules necessary for 2010-2011 school year.
