It's only taken me six years of homeschooling (five years of reporting to the state) to finally decide upon the following course of action.
For a couple of years, I've been very diligent at counting days for our state reporting, and only counting days where I felt we reached a certain threshold of learning. It occurred to me several times, though, that there were days we didn't count that were probably far more educational than the end of the year celebrations at the local public schools. As it happens, I also never counted the days that EG was doing end of the year testing. We were usually done with our required number of days by that point.
I also never had a real interest in doing "year round school" in the way that many people usually mean it. I didn't want to do a three week on, one week off schedule, or a three months on, one month off schedule. Summer camps are very important to me as a parent. I'm sure I'd feel that way regardless, but as a homeschooling parent, they're very nearly sacred. Next year, PC can go to a half-day camp at the local YMCA, which means I am eagerly anticipating getting a week where I am ALONE for three hours a day, as well as two weeks where one of the older kids is the only one home with me. I'm getting off track; suffice it to say, while we do light schoolwork throughout the summer, camp is Very Important.
This past year, I did an experiment. Each year, as I filled out my "attendance report," I kept track of our running total of days. Then, I kept an unofficial count. It included things like trips out of town, field trips, and more. If it was somewhat educational, I went ahead and included it. I probably missed a few.
As of the end of May, I have 242 days of education counted for the eleven month period of July 2010-May 2011.
I don't feel bad about what I'm going to do tonight or tomorrow, then: I'm going to print out our "attendance sheets" and fill them out for the 2011-2012 school year. In advance. All 180 days. If we hold with the past year, we'll surpass that by at least 60 days.
Showing posts with label organized mom is organized. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organized mom is organized. Show all posts
28.5.11
Wrapping It Up, Officially
We've been on a very light schedule for the past two months, really; we hit 32 weeks before our spring break week, and almost all of my lesson plans were written for 32 or 34 weeks. EG did have two webinars that both concluded yesterday. All of the extracurricular activities are done until autumn.
And today, I wrote my annual summation of the year. Technically required. Y Georgia law, I'm not actually obligated to submit it to anyone. I'm just supposed to write it and keep it on file. I guess it goes with the test scores that we have to have but not submit.
Now I've really got to finalize everything for next year. I have a lot of plans to finish writing before we start. Oh, and Bento to purchase. I love the Bento iPad app and really want to be able to enter things more easily via the laptop. Other exciting technological things on the horizon include my turn for a new computer over the summer. Oh, Apple store, you just keep calling my name.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
And today, I wrote my annual summation of the year. Technically required. Y Georgia law, I'm not actually obligated to submit it to anyone. I'm just supposed to write it and keep it on file. I guess it goes with the test scores that we have to have but not submit.
Now I've really got to finalize everything for next year. I have a lot of plans to finish writing before we start. Oh, and Bento to purchase. I love the Bento iPad app and really want to be able to enter things more easily via the laptop. Other exciting technological things on the horizon include my turn for a new computer over the summer. Oh, Apple store, you just keep calling my name.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
15.5.11
Electronic Organization
For Mothers' Day this year, albeit a few days late, I got an iPad. A shiny, new, 64 GB iPad 2, to be more precise. I already loved my iPhone and my MacBook, but I think it might just be my iPad that persuades me to go paper free (in terms of homeschool organization and planning) at last.
I've already added a lot of helpful apps. I'm also trying to figure out a way to swing making it work if we get EG an iPad, because I can already see so many potential uses for it for her with regards to schoolwork.
Therein lies my dilemma, in a way. For so long, I've been the only person who keeps track of the family calendar. I use iCal and have it nicely color-coded and everything. If EG starts using an iPad, though, and I can convince the Spousal Unit to use the iPod Touch, I suddenly reach the point where having our calendars sync would make so much sense. I'm not sure if I can do that with iCal but I'm pretty reluctant to switch to a new system!
I've already discovered I need to get Bento on our computers pronto. I got the iPad app and love it; I can't wait to modify it for school use!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I've already added a lot of helpful apps. I'm also trying to figure out a way to swing making it work if we get EG an iPad, because I can already see so many potential uses for it for her with regards to schoolwork.
Therein lies my dilemma, in a way. For so long, I've been the only person who keeps track of the family calendar. I use iCal and have it nicely color-coded and everything. If EG starts using an iPad, though, and I can convince the Spousal Unit to use the iPod Touch, I suddenly reach the point where having our calendars sync would make so much sense. I'm not sure if I can do that with iCal but I'm pretty reluctant to switch to a new system!
I've already discovered I need to get Bento on our computers pronto. I got the iPad app and love it; I can't wait to modify it for school use!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
5.4.11
Two Steps Forward...
• We had no internet for most of last week, and then I took the kids to visit my parents for three days. The lack of internet was a huge downer. I did have my iPhone but it's not quite the same as a functioning internet connection on my laptop with its full keyboard.
• I did manage to get a lot accomplished last week while the kids read a lot. I have more work I want to complete during the remainder of this week.
• However, last night when the storms blew through, a neighbor's tree fell into our yard, across the fence that is technically theirs. The good news is that we have no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for the fence to be fixed. The bad news is that we're dependent on someone else to fix the fence.
• This is how I feel:
• I did manage to get a lot accomplished last week while the kids read a lot. I have more work I want to complete during the remainder of this week.
• However, last night when the storms blew through, a neighbor's tree fell into our yard, across the fence that is technically theirs. The good news is that we have no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for the fence to be fixed. The bad news is that we're dependent on someone else to fix the fence.
• This is how I feel:
3.3.11
Is It All Possible?
I've often lamented, to myself and others, that I just need to find "the answer." When I find that answer, I think, I'll be able to accomplish all that I want to accomplish. The fact that I don't currently merely shows a lack of willpower, initiative, creativity, or problem-solving ability. This, anyway, is the thesis from which I work.
What if my thesis isn't actually true?
I have a number of things that I want to do, and do well. Though you might not realize it upon walking into my house, I can be a perfectionist. If I can't do something perfectly, I'd rather just not do it at all, which actually does explain my house. I often let the perfect become the enemy of the good.
What if my expectations are simply too high? What if all the things I feel deserve 100% add up to more than 24 hours in a day? Maybe it's not that I need more problem-solving ability or willpower. Maybe it's simply that I've reached my limits, insofar as my life is currently configured.
My daily tasks & desires run more or less as follows:
- Schoolwork with EG, which includes checking her work, teaching her, and helping her stay on track with her work
- Schoolwork with FB, of which all but 10-15 minutes is direct instruction & sitting with him
- Parenting EG, FB, & PC
- any activities outside the house for EG or FB, which usually involve a period of “sit and wait” for me (I do try to utilize that time for reading or knitting when possible)
- knitting, 15 minutes average (in practice, I will knit a lot for several days, then none for several, and I often knit while watching television)
- reading, 30 minutes (a book I have not previously read)
- magazines, kindle books (I have a backlog), or re-reading, 15 minutes/1 chapter/1 magazine (whichever comes 'first')
- exercise of some type
- cooking or otherwise preparing three meals per day
- decluttering time, 15 minutes
- school prep, which generally takes between one and two hours weekly
- general housework, which may on a given day include vacuuming, laundry, cleaning bathrooms, or any one of a number of myriad tasks, not including the dinner dishes, the trash, or the litter box, ever, thankfully
Let's be honest. It's the world we live in, so I must also include...
- blogging
- email
- facebook and other social media
Then there's the current tasks of
- packing
- otherwise organizing to move
There are more sporadic tasks as well, like the duties I have for various community organizations, switching out clothes for a new season, choosing curriculum, and writing lesson plans.
Maybe, given the way our life is currently scheduled and otherwise designed, it's not all possible. No amount of waking early in the morning will give me the ability to drive to the Y, work out, and get back before dh has to go to work, not without my going to bed before the kids at night. I don't want to become a drudge; I do need leisure time. My ideal would be approximately one hour of television per weeknight, on average, as well as the above time for reading, knitting, and digital tasks.
I'm sure there are people that do everything I've listed on the list above, and then do even more. The question is not about theoretical possibility. The question is about whether I can do these things to my personal standards, and within the constraints of the schedule we have.
An example, then: I am unwilling to put the kids into the childcare at the Y, despite the fact that it is a "benefit" of membership. This is mostly because I had such negative experiences with it when FB was younger. However, the childcare at the Y is also closed for three hours each afternoon–the very same three hours which would be best for us! I'm not willing to yield on the time we devote to school in the mornings, nor am I willing to concede the children's afternoon activities or dinner as a family. The end result, then, is that it’s very difficult for me to utilize the Y. Now, of course, there are alternate exercising options, and the point is not to solicit comments and suggestions, because really, I can brainstorm. ;) In fact, the point is simple: as my life is currently structured, perhaps I truly can’t do everything I want to do. Perhaps I need to focus more on a few things at a time. These last two weeks have been a time for looking at curriculum and planning for the convention later this month; consequently, I’ve done less reading and knitting. Now that I feel I have a good handle on my plan, I can move back towards more reading and knitting. Perhaps this is how it needs to be; I simply don’t know.
What if my thesis isn't actually true?
I have a number of things that I want to do, and do well. Though you might not realize it upon walking into my house, I can be a perfectionist. If I can't do something perfectly, I'd rather just not do it at all, which actually does explain my house. I often let the perfect become the enemy of the good.
What if my expectations are simply too high? What if all the things I feel deserve 100% add up to more than 24 hours in a day? Maybe it's not that I need more problem-solving ability or willpower. Maybe it's simply that I've reached my limits, insofar as my life is currently configured.
My daily tasks & desires run more or less as follows:
- Schoolwork with EG, which includes checking her work, teaching her, and helping her stay on track with her work
- Schoolwork with FB, of which all but 10-15 minutes is direct instruction & sitting with him
- Parenting EG, FB, & PC
- any activities outside the house for EG or FB, which usually involve a period of “sit and wait” for me (I do try to utilize that time for reading or knitting when possible)
- knitting, 15 minutes average (in practice, I will knit a lot for several days, then none for several, and I often knit while watching television)
- reading, 30 minutes (a book I have not previously read)
- magazines, kindle books (I have a backlog), or re-reading, 15 minutes/1 chapter/1 magazine (whichever comes 'first')
- exercise of some type
- cooking or otherwise preparing three meals per day
- decluttering time, 15 minutes
- school prep, which generally takes between one and two hours weekly
- general housework, which may on a given day include vacuuming, laundry, cleaning bathrooms, or any one of a number of myriad tasks, not including the dinner dishes, the trash, or the litter box, ever, thankfully
Let's be honest. It's the world we live in, so I must also include...
- blogging
- facebook and other social media
Then there's the current tasks of
- packing
- otherwise organizing to move
There are more sporadic tasks as well, like the duties I have for various community organizations, switching out clothes for a new season, choosing curriculum, and writing lesson plans.
Maybe, given the way our life is currently scheduled and otherwise designed, it's not all possible. No amount of waking early in the morning will give me the ability to drive to the Y, work out, and get back before dh has to go to work, not without my going to bed before the kids at night. I don't want to become a drudge; I do need leisure time. My ideal would be approximately one hour of television per weeknight, on average, as well as the above time for reading, knitting, and digital tasks.
I'm sure there are people that do everything I've listed on the list above, and then do even more. The question is not about theoretical possibility. The question is about whether I can do these things to my personal standards, and within the constraints of the schedule we have.
An example, then: I am unwilling to put the kids into the childcare at the Y, despite the fact that it is a "benefit" of membership. This is mostly because I had such negative experiences with it when FB was younger. However, the childcare at the Y is also closed for three hours each afternoon–the very same three hours which would be best for us! I'm not willing to yield on the time we devote to school in the mornings, nor am I willing to concede the children's afternoon activities or dinner as a family. The end result, then, is that it’s very difficult for me to utilize the Y. Now, of course, there are alternate exercising options, and the point is not to solicit comments and suggestions, because really, I can brainstorm. ;) In fact, the point is simple: as my life is currently structured, perhaps I truly can’t do everything I want to do. Perhaps I need to focus more on a few things at a time. These last two weeks have been a time for looking at curriculum and planning for the convention later this month; consequently, I’ve done less reading and knitting. Now that I feel I have a good handle on my plan, I can move back towards more reading and knitting. Perhaps this is how it needs to be; I simply don’t know.
28.2.11
Managing Social Media: Digital "Chores"
Social media. I love it, but I also realize it’s created numerous additional digital “chores” that did not previously exist. I spent part of my evening clearing my inbox, followed by going through my google reader. I’m not completely content with google reader but it’s what I’m using for now. I’d be happy to take suggestions of other good blog readers. More than happy.
More than the housekeeping nature of social media, though, I’ve been thinking about why I use various social media. I’ve thought about splitting my twitter account, for instance. I seem to want to use it for two very different things, and while I applaud those who can easily use theirs for multiple reasons, it’s not me, and frankly, I find it (as I currently use it) overwhelming. So I haven’t been using it, because I both want to follow homeschooling people and other friends, and I want to use it to follow various celebrities. It’s not working for me.
I’ve also concluded that even though I don’t get a paycheck for any work I do, I might want a LinkedIn account after all. To be honest, I don’t really want to use facebook for networking and connecting per se. I find networking to be important, but I view facebook more as a personal playground than a professional one. There are also people whom I know from past endeavours with whom I’d like to remain connected without necessarily giving them access to photographs and other things on facebook. And yes, I know about lists and so forth, and no, I’m not interested in pursuing that option on facebook. I think LinkedIn actually will do exactly what I want it to do–freeing me to use facebook I would like to use it. Win-win.
I’ve decided to a variation on NaBloPoMo in March. I often think about sharing random finds on youtube and the like, but I rarely do. So, for March, I’m going to post one per day. I’ll still be posting other things, but I think it’ll be sort of fun. Most of them will be light-hearted, but I’m sure I’ll slip in something thought-provoking at some point, if I can. :) I find this particularly amusing since the official theme for NaBloPoMo March is “In A Word,” and here I am, doing it without, well, words. At least not the typed form.
More than the housekeeping nature of social media, though, I’ve been thinking about why I use various social media. I’ve thought about splitting my twitter account, for instance. I seem to want to use it for two very different things, and while I applaud those who can easily use theirs for multiple reasons, it’s not me, and frankly, I find it (as I currently use it) overwhelming. So I haven’t been using it, because I both want to follow homeschooling people and other friends, and I want to use it to follow various celebrities. It’s not working for me.
I’ve also concluded that even though I don’t get a paycheck for any work I do, I might want a LinkedIn account after all. To be honest, I don’t really want to use facebook for networking and connecting per se. I find networking to be important, but I view facebook more as a personal playground than a professional one. There are also people whom I know from past endeavours with whom I’d like to remain connected without necessarily giving them access to photographs and other things on facebook. And yes, I know about lists and so forth, and no, I’m not interested in pursuing that option on facebook. I think LinkedIn actually will do exactly what I want it to do–freeing me to use facebook I would like to use it. Win-win.
I’ve decided to a variation on NaBloPoMo in March. I often think about sharing random finds on youtube and the like, but I rarely do. So, for March, I’m going to post one per day. I’ll still be posting other things, but I think it’ll be sort of fun. Most of them will be light-hearted, but I’m sure I’ll slip in something thought-provoking at some point, if I can. :) I find this particularly amusing since the official theme for NaBloPoMo March is “In A Word,” and here I am, doing it without, well, words. At least not the typed form.
28.12.10
Goals and The Dread Flu
In addition to Christmas, we were invaded last week by a vicious flu. A vicious, vicious flu that slowly made the rounds through us all; myself, EG, and the Spousal Unit were first and hardest hit, but FB had a milder case that left him in bed all of Thursday and part of Christmas Eve, and PC had a middlin’ case that really only served to make her both more energetic than the rest of us combined and whiny. This, by the way, is not recommended – having the youngest member of the household feeling the best.
Now that I’m finally emerging from the haze, I’ve been working on finalizing my goals for 2011. I started working on them fairly early in the month of December, which has given me appropriate time to tweak and modify. In the end, I have goals in fifteen distinct categories. Granted, I break things down considerably, and others would likely group some of my categories into a single category, so it’s not quite as gruesome as it sounds. My categories, though, are the following: health; weight; exercise; running; knitting; food (as it relates to money); food (as it relates to nutrition); spending & budgeting; moving; homeschooling; parenting; birthdays; holidays; online life; and books. Some of the goals aren’t really the type that I would share online, but there are a few for which accountability is a positive thing, so I thought I’d share them here.
Running: My goal here is to complete twelve races (5K) in the year, for an average of one per month.
Knitting: My main goal is to finish at least two projects per month. I have a lot of subgoals, mostly related to specific projects. That may become a separate post.
Food (as it relates to nutrition): A late, dark horse entry made itself known for this category just over a week ago. I think we’re going to have to do a trial of gluten-free, at least for the girls. This is going to be a significant hardship, and one to which I am not looking forward.
Books: One of my main goals here is to read any unread books in the house, or to take them to the happy place in Chattanooga, McKay’s. Additionally, I want to maintain a backlog of no more than 4 unread books at a time. As it stands now, I have one book I’m reading, two books that are waiting, one book I’ve decided not to read (McKay’s for it), and a couple of books that I have borrowed. I’m feeling pretty good about this one.
I’m pleased with the way my goals look; I’ve been able to break a number of them down into easily measurable monthly and weekly goals. I’ve also convinced Spousal Unit to join me in working towards some of them. Now the new year just has to show up so I can get started. That, and I have to get rid of this cough that’s still lingering.
Now that I’m finally emerging from the haze, I’ve been working on finalizing my goals for 2011. I started working on them fairly early in the month of December, which has given me appropriate time to tweak and modify. In the end, I have goals in fifteen distinct categories. Granted, I break things down considerably, and others would likely group some of my categories into a single category, so it’s not quite as gruesome as it sounds. My categories, though, are the following: health; weight; exercise; running; knitting; food (as it relates to money); food (as it relates to nutrition); spending & budgeting; moving; homeschooling; parenting; birthdays; holidays; online life; and books. Some of the goals aren’t really the type that I would share online, but there are a few for which accountability is a positive thing, so I thought I’d share them here.
Running: My goal here is to complete twelve races (5K) in the year, for an average of one per month.
Knitting: My main goal is to finish at least two projects per month. I have a lot of subgoals, mostly related to specific projects. That may become a separate post.
Food (as it relates to nutrition): A late, dark horse entry made itself known for this category just over a week ago. I think we’re going to have to do a trial of gluten-free, at least for the girls. This is going to be a significant hardship, and one to which I am not looking forward.
Books: One of my main goals here is to read any unread books in the house, or to take them to the happy place in Chattanooga, McKay’s. Additionally, I want to maintain a backlog of no more than 4 unread books at a time. As it stands now, I have one book I’m reading, two books that are waiting, one book I’ve decided not to read (McKay’s for it), and a couple of books that I have borrowed. I’m feeling pretty good about this one.
I’m pleased with the way my goals look; I’ve been able to break a number of them down into easily measurable monthly and weekly goals. I’ve also convinced Spousal Unit to join me in working towards some of them. Now the new year just has to show up so I can get started. That, and I have to get rid of this cough that’s still lingering.
24.8.10
Today was a lovely day of homeschooling, with regards to education, and I think that's instructive. So many components can go into a homeschool day, and the chances of getting all of the components to work in sync are, unfortunately, quite small.
What is a good day, educationally speaking? Today, it meant that EG completed her work within the assigned time parameters, with a good attitude, and did her work well. FB also completed his work with a good attitude and showed understanding. Both of them have time this afternoon or evening to work on science projects; EG is going to help FB with his, and later she'll work on her own. EG has a trumpet lesson this evening, and she's practiced for 20 minutes in preparation for that. She's also practiced piano and marked off a majority of the items on her "chore" checklist, which enumerates her responsibilities each day outside of the schoolroom.
A particular triumph today was that both children started a new poem for memory work yesterday, yet both were able to recite more than half of it by memory already this afternoon.
On the other hand, there's the "home" portion of homeschooling. There's also a toddler, but we'll get to her in a moment. I told Spousal Unit that today was pretty crappy, and when he asked what had happened, I simply said, "No. Literally." The cat left feces on the bed (she's mad at us about getting a dog), the dog had an accident in the living room, the toddler had an enormous diaper, and FB had a slight constipation issue (for the first time in a few months). There was, literally, a lot of crap in my day today. I forgot about a laundry in the washer (though I am thankful that my washer works - Heather, you have my sympathies, and I hope you found an adequate replacement today), and the table has a disturbing number of piles on it. Also, my internet at home went out most of the afternoon. Thank you, Mercury Retrograde. Not my finest "home" day.
Finally, of course, there's PC, who has been in a mood for several days (which also coincide with Mercury going retrograde, come to think of it). She's not sleeping well, which leads to a very grumpy girl. She's not explicitly in need of anything in particular, she's just plain grumpy.
To swing the pendulum back to the positive, I've read several good books in the last few days, and am reading another at present. I've read Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire, The Link, and Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, and am in the middle of Remarkable Creatures. I have more good books waiting.
Best of all, perhaps, is that tonight is Custard Night with my girls. <3
What is a good day, educationally speaking? Today, it meant that EG completed her work within the assigned time parameters, with a good attitude, and did her work well. FB also completed his work with a good attitude and showed understanding. Both of them have time this afternoon or evening to work on science projects; EG is going to help FB with his, and later she'll work on her own. EG has a trumpet lesson this evening, and she's practiced for 20 minutes in preparation for that. She's also practiced piano and marked off a majority of the items on her "chore" checklist, which enumerates her responsibilities each day outside of the schoolroom.
A particular triumph today was that both children started a new poem for memory work yesterday, yet both were able to recite more than half of it by memory already this afternoon.
On the other hand, there's the "home" portion of homeschooling. There's also a toddler, but we'll get to her in a moment. I told Spousal Unit that today was pretty crappy, and when he asked what had happened, I simply said, "No. Literally." The cat left feces on the bed (she's mad at us about getting a dog), the dog had an accident in the living room, the toddler had an enormous diaper, and FB had a slight constipation issue (for the first time in a few months). There was, literally, a lot of crap in my day today. I forgot about a laundry in the washer (though I am thankful that my washer works - Heather, you have my sympathies, and I hope you found an adequate replacement today), and the table has a disturbing number of piles on it. Also, my internet at home went out most of the afternoon. Thank you, Mercury Retrograde. Not my finest "home" day.
Finally, of course, there's PC, who has been in a mood for several days (which also coincide with Mercury going retrograde, come to think of it). She's not sleeping well, which leads to a very grumpy girl. She's not explicitly in need of anything in particular, she's just plain grumpy.
To swing the pendulum back to the positive, I've read several good books in the last few days, and am reading another at present. I've read Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire, The Link, and Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, and am in the middle of Remarkable Creatures. I have more good books waiting.
Best of all, perhaps, is that tonight is Custard Night with my girls. <3
18.7.10
In-Service
I'm officially declaring July 19-23 as my "in-service" week.
EG will be at a science camp all day, every day (drop off is 7:30-8:00, pick up is 5:00-5:30!), and FB will be at a sport camp for a good portion of the day (drop off is 8:30-9:00, pick up is 1:00-1:30). I have this week to 'reset,' move all of our materials, and finish all the necessary printing and photocopying. I'm also taking this week to take myself to the dermatologist and my general practitioner. I usually feel like it's just not possible to attend to these things during the school year. I wish I had gotten all of us in for a dental appointment before we restarted school, but maybe we'll manage before the end of August, at least.
Tomorrow I'm driving to the nearest Staples (which is not very near at all) to get EG a Desk Apprentice, which I'm hoping will alleviate some of the bookcase storage space issues that we're facing. If it seems to be helpful, I may get FB one as well, since he thinks he should do everything his big sister does, as it is.
We're starting our new year on July 26. While on principle I feel that public schools should operate on a calendar approaching September through June, I also recognize that since the local schools don't, there is pretty much nothing in August - no camps, no White Water, no pools. Everything goes to weekends only! Since we don't have our own pool, and since it's so horribly hot, I decided that we might as well have the ability to take a few days or weeks during the much nicer autumn and spring.
Our calendar for the year includes two days off around EG's birthday, three days of the beach in September (but not Destin :(( ), a week for Disney in February, spring break with the local schools, and of course time off around Thanksgiving & Christmas both. We'll finish our required 180 days sometime in early May 2011. The exception to this schedule is EG's online logic course, which follows the above-referenced September-June schedule. She'll have her first class on September 3, and will wrap up the second semester on June 10. We also will have several weeks before all of the outside activities begin, which gives us additional "wiggle room."
I think the kids have had an excellent summer. We started with a trip mid-May to Washington, DC, and we also took a weekend to go the Great Smoky Mountains. EG has gone to Girl Scout day camp, Girl Scout resident camp, Camp Gold Dust (show choir/musical theatre), and this week, science camp. FB has gone to two mini-camps at the Y and, this week, sports camp. We've also gone swimming, to White Water several times, to two state historic sites, to an amusement park, miniature golfing, the zoo, and Fernbank natural history museum, amongst the usual things.
Needless to say, I'm exhausted after this summer, so I'm looking at July 26 with increasing eagerness.In
EG will be at a science camp all day, every day (drop off is 7:30-8:00, pick up is 5:00-5:30!), and FB will be at a sport camp for a good portion of the day (drop off is 8:30-9:00, pick up is 1:00-1:30). I have this week to 'reset,' move all of our materials, and finish all the necessary printing and photocopying. I'm also taking this week to take myself to the dermatologist and my general practitioner. I usually feel like it's just not possible to attend to these things during the school year. I wish I had gotten all of us in for a dental appointment before we restarted school, but maybe we'll manage before the end of August, at least.
Tomorrow I'm driving to the nearest Staples (which is not very near at all) to get EG a Desk Apprentice, which I'm hoping will alleviate some of the bookcase storage space issues that we're facing. If it seems to be helpful, I may get FB one as well, since he thinks he should do everything his big sister does, as it is.
We're starting our new year on July 26. While on principle I feel that public schools should operate on a calendar approaching September through June, I also recognize that since the local schools don't, there is pretty much nothing in August - no camps, no White Water, no pools. Everything goes to weekends only! Since we don't have our own pool, and since it's so horribly hot, I decided that we might as well have the ability to take a few days or weeks during the much nicer autumn and spring.
Our calendar for the year includes two days off around EG's birthday, three days of the beach in September (but not Destin :(( ), a week for Disney in February, spring break with the local schools, and of course time off around Thanksgiving & Christmas both. We'll finish our required 180 days sometime in early May 2011. The exception to this schedule is EG's online logic course, which follows the above-referenced September-June schedule. She'll have her first class on September 3, and will wrap up the second semester on June 10. We also will have several weeks before all of the outside activities begin, which gives us additional "wiggle room."
I think the kids have had an excellent summer. We started with a trip mid-May to Washington, DC, and we also took a weekend to go the Great Smoky Mountains. EG has gone to Girl Scout day camp, Girl Scout resident camp, Camp Gold Dust (show choir/musical theatre), and this week, science camp. FB has gone to two mini-camps at the Y and, this week, sports camp. We've also gone swimming, to White Water several times, to two state historic sites, to an amusement park, miniature golfing, the zoo, and Fernbank natural history museum, amongst the usual things.
Needless to say, I'm exhausted after this summer, so I'm looking at July 26 with increasing eagerness.In
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.
20.4.10
The Virtues of Not Planning Too Specifically Too Far Ahead
Like the other neurotic homeschoolers, I have a master plan. The most neurotic version showcases what classes I think the kids will take... all the way through high school. Luckily, I don't have my hopes pinned on one particular curriculum or another, for the most part.
Sometime around this time last year, I wrote a note to myself, to STOP finding additional resources for the next year (this year!) and just plan it. I also noted I could start planning for fifth grade at some point shortly thereafter, and thereby spread out the cost of fifth grade materials.
To help myself out, I made a list of what I thought we'd be using for fifth grade.
I got two items right: Life of Fred, and the Art of Problem Solving texts.
The rest was oh so very wrong. Prentice-Hall Science Explorer was a thought I entertained for fifth grade science. At that point, I thought we'd continue with Lively Latin 2 for Latin, before going to Latin Prep. The rest were various language arts resources all of which have been replaced by MCT. Needless to say, I'm laughing at myself, especially since I titled the list. "What I know we'll need for fifth grade."
Yeah. That. :)
Sometime around this time last year, I wrote a note to myself, to STOP finding additional resources for the next year (this year!) and just plan it. I also noted I could start planning for fifth grade at some point shortly thereafter, and thereby spread out the cost of fifth grade materials.
To help myself out, I made a list of what I thought we'd be using for fifth grade.
I got two items right: Life of Fred, and the Art of Problem Solving texts.
The rest was oh so very wrong. Prentice-Hall Science Explorer was a thought I entertained for fifth grade science. At that point, I thought we'd continue with Lively Latin 2 for Latin, before going to Latin Prep. The rest were various language arts resources all of which have been replaced by MCT. Needless to say, I'm laughing at myself, especially since I titled the list. "What I know we'll need for fifth grade."
Yeah. That. :)
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.
4.3.10
Secular Thursday: Planning and Pre-Planned
I've spent the last three or four days immersed in lists, planning for next year. I have our actual curriculum determined, and will be placing the last necessary orders tomorrow. What I didn't have determined was all of the real books that we use. We use real books for literature, somewhat obviously, and history, too, but also science, art, and music, depending on the topic at hand.
My first item of business was to finalize what books to use for history for both EG and FB. There are a few that will overlap - thank you, David Macaulay! - but overall, EG is ahead of the curve enough that resources that are appropriate for her are just too much for a kindergartener, even a bright and inquisitive one. Which, of course, meant two lists.
As I approached the third or fourth hour of looking up books and eliminating those that were out of print, I reflected upon the fact that while it seemed somewhat like drudgery, I did enjoy it, for the most part. We very briefly tried a pre-planned curriculum when EG preschool-age, and I tweaked it mercilessly. Pre-planned just doesn't work for us.
However, it's a good thing that I enjoy planning, because if I wanted a pre-planned package, I would have considerable difficulty finding one to suit our needs.
If you are more conservative Christian, there are a number of pre-planned package programs using a variety of styles. There's Sonlight, of course, and Winter Promise, My Father's World, and Heart of Dakota. While not quite as packaged, there's also Tapestry of Grace.
If you want something a little more nonsectarian, you have approximately one choice, in terms of pre-scheduled guides: History Odyssey. It, however, is not a package as such, as you need to collect the various resources separately, which makes it perhaps a better analogue for a program such as Biblioplan.
As I said, I like this process - dividing up our spine text, partitioning the assigned reading, developing the written assignments to correspond with it. Even when I'm frustrated, I like lining up our literature to more or less correspond to what we're studying in history. So the lack of an appropriate program doesn't affect me very much. I suspect there are those out there for whom it does, however.
Sometimes I consider making my own schedules pretty, and making them available inexpensively as a pdf. I don't have a good sense of average reading speeds, though, much less average anything else. The plans I make end up being customized not just for our family, but for each particular child. So, in general, I lean towards making them available for free, so that the next homeschooling parent can use and tweak upon my foundation. I don't claim to be anything but organized. That said, some samples can be found at Scribd, and I'm happy to email those files which are not posted in their entirety.
And now I've got to get back to plotting out art & music appreciation. ;)
My first item of business was to finalize what books to use for history for both EG and FB. There are a few that will overlap - thank you, David Macaulay! - but overall, EG is ahead of the curve enough that resources that are appropriate for her are just too much for a kindergartener, even a bright and inquisitive one. Which, of course, meant two lists.
As I approached the third or fourth hour of looking up books and eliminating those that were out of print, I reflected upon the fact that while it seemed somewhat like drudgery, I did enjoy it, for the most part. We very briefly tried a pre-planned curriculum when EG preschool-age, and I tweaked it mercilessly. Pre-planned just doesn't work for us.
However, it's a good thing that I enjoy planning, because if I wanted a pre-planned package, I would have considerable difficulty finding one to suit our needs.
If you are more conservative Christian, there are a number of pre-planned package programs using a variety of styles. There's Sonlight, of course, and Winter Promise, My Father's World, and Heart of Dakota. While not quite as packaged, there's also Tapestry of Grace.
If you want something a little more nonsectarian, you have approximately one choice, in terms of pre-scheduled guides: History Odyssey. It, however, is not a package as such, as you need to collect the various resources separately, which makes it perhaps a better analogue for a program such as Biblioplan.
As I said, I like this process - dividing up our spine text, partitioning the assigned reading, developing the written assignments to correspond with it. Even when I'm frustrated, I like lining up our literature to more or less correspond to what we're studying in history. So the lack of an appropriate program doesn't affect me very much. I suspect there are those out there for whom it does, however.
Sometimes I consider making my own schedules pretty, and making them available inexpensively as a pdf. I don't have a good sense of average reading speeds, though, much less average anything else. The plans I make end up being customized not just for our family, but for each particular child. So, in general, I lean towards making them available for free, so that the next homeschooling parent can use and tweak upon my foundation. I don't claim to be anything but organized. That said, some samples can be found at Scribd, and I'm happy to email those files which are not posted in their entirety.
And now I've got to get back to plotting out art & music appreciation. ;)
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.
5.12.09
Yes, It's Only December
And yes, I'm trying to start putting together a plan for next year (fifth grade for EG, kindergarten for FB). It's easier to picture what level EG will be at than it is to even attempt to predict FB's trajectory. For all that EG can be scary smart, I see even more traits of giftedness in him. This is the part where I whisper "help!" in a great, faux-scared stage whisper. :)
Fifth Grade
Language Arts:
Word Study - continued use of All About Spelling through Level Six, if not completed this year; Vocabulary from Classical Roots, continuing through the series at a steady pace.
Grammar - Punctuation Puzzlers, Harvey's as a reference for CW, GrammarLand, possibly The Language Mechanic.
Writing - Classical Writing Homer and Poetry for Beginners; either outside class or some other program as well -??
Reading & Literature - Literature list pulled primarily from WTM recommendations for fifth grade, along with beginning to delve more into analysis. I'd love to find a resource for this - I have Deconstructing Penguins but I admit I need a little more handholding... mainly because I don't enjoy literary analysis.
Mathematics: Art of Problem Solving texts, Life of Fred Advanced Algebra... it's so hard to say. If she hasn't finished the Key to Metric Measurement and Key to Percents series this year, she'll finish those. She may or may not play with the Key to Geometry books. Ideally, practice for and competition in Math Olympiad.
Foreign Language:
Latin - either Lively Latin 2 and then Latin Prep 1, or just the Latin Prep series.
Modern Foreign Language - either Chinese or German, probably primarily through a local tutor, utilizing whatever materials chosen by said tutor
History: Year One of Three covering world history, so primarily ancients, moving into the Middle Ages. The plan is to use History: The Definitive Visual Guide as a spine, following most of the suggestions as laid out in WTM.
Science: Oh, goodness. EG really wants to accelerate in science, and I told her I'd help her figure out a way to do it. Tentatively, she'll cover at least life science and earth and space science next year. I'd really like to spend at least a few months doing a history of science course, using the Joy Hakim books and other resources.
The Arts:
Visual Arts - I really, really want to find time for her to take drawing lessons. I think artistic ability is somewhat fixed, but I also think that almost anyone can learn to sketch passably well. Master's Academy does a nice job of providing projects in various media.
Drama - I also want to step up the amount of live performances that EG attends. Master's Academy does at least include drama and the chance to be in an end-of-the-year production.
Dance - See previous comments about live performances. While EG has never expressed regret about stopping ballet after two years, I have considered seeing about some kind of low-key jazz or modern classes for her; I think she'd enjoy them more.
Music - Continuing piano lessons and involvement in band playing the trumpet. We're looking for a local instructor for her to take trumpet lessons, as well, since the band instruction (or lack thereof) is frustrating her. At some point, I'd love for her to do the occasional voice lesson with her piano teacher (who also does voice training). Of course, attending more live performances would be a positive as well. I wish there was some kind of calendar of performances that included schools, amateur groups, and professional groups as well.
Physical Education & Health: I hope she'll continue to swim, either on her own or with a group of some sort, one to three times a week. Not sure what other physical activity we'll incorporate. I'm working on a list of books I want her to read for an informal nutrition study.
Kindergarten
Language Arts:
Phonics - I have no idea if we're going to keep using OPGTR or something else; either way, we'll continue phonics. If he ever goes off phonics-strike.
Spelling - As much as I've not enjoyed teaching spelling, I go back and forth. He wants, desperately, to learn to spell. A big part of me wants to try Spelling Workout with him, because it would be so easy. I have almost everything for All About Spelling, though, so... we'll see.
Grammar - I use First Language Lessons for kindergarten and first, so we'll start grammar in that.
Handwriting - He's already using the kindergarten book of Handwriting Without Tears, so I'll probably make my own practice pages at first, and then move on to the first grade book.
Writing - We may or may not do Writing With Ease. I'm leaning more towards "may," just because it would a chance to write (and boy, does he love to write!) in a workbook (which he also, inexplicably, loves).
Mathematics: Assuming we finish Right Start A this year (which I think we will, if we ever just do it again, we'll move on to Right Start B. I'm considering purchasing the Miquon books just because I loved using them with EG, and I think they'd complement Right Start well. I also have in mind to use the Math Mammoth materials if he needs extra practice. I have to keep reminding myself that he's not EG, who was so obviously a mathematician even at an early age.
Content Subjects: Geography, history, literature, science, and so forth. I have a long list of books to read to FB, and we'll work off that list. I also have ideas of experiment kits to purchase and do with him, informally. One thing EG and I enjoyed when she was in kindergarten was getting those "Cooking the [insert country here] Way" books from the library, reading some of the information, and picking one recipe to try. I still make the lentil soup from one of them. I'd like to do that with FB, too, especially since he so loves to be a "cooker."
The Arts: His arts exposure will be covered well by Master's Academy. Depending on the time that it's offered, I might have him participate in the class for five year olds at band. He'll go to as many performances as we think he can sit through without being disruptive.
Physical Education: If EG is going to swim regularly, that should translate into FB taking lessons at least once a week. I'd also like to enroll him in a gymnastics class.
Now to figure out what all of this means in terms of purchases to be made, right?
Fifth Grade
Language Arts:
Word Study - continued use of All About Spelling through Level Six, if not completed this year; Vocabulary from Classical Roots, continuing through the series at a steady pace.
Grammar - Punctuation Puzzlers, Harvey's as a reference for CW, GrammarLand, possibly The Language Mechanic.
Writing - Classical Writing Homer and Poetry for Beginners; either outside class or some other program as well -??
Reading & Literature - Literature list pulled primarily from WTM recommendations for fifth grade, along with beginning to delve more into analysis. I'd love to find a resource for this - I have Deconstructing Penguins but I admit I need a little more handholding... mainly because I don't enjoy literary analysis.
Mathematics: Art of Problem Solving texts, Life of Fred Advanced Algebra... it's so hard to say. If she hasn't finished the Key to Metric Measurement and Key to Percents series this year, she'll finish those. She may or may not play with the Key to Geometry books. Ideally, practice for and competition in Math Olympiad.
Foreign Language:
Latin - either Lively Latin 2 and then Latin Prep 1, or just the Latin Prep series.
Modern Foreign Language - either Chinese or German, probably primarily through a local tutor, utilizing whatever materials chosen by said tutor
History: Year One of Three covering world history, so primarily ancients, moving into the Middle Ages. The plan is to use History: The Definitive Visual Guide as a spine, following most of the suggestions as laid out in WTM.
Science: Oh, goodness. EG really wants to accelerate in science, and I told her I'd help her figure out a way to do it. Tentatively, she'll cover at least life science and earth and space science next year. I'd really like to spend at least a few months doing a history of science course, using the Joy Hakim books and other resources.
The Arts:
Visual Arts - I really, really want to find time for her to take drawing lessons. I think artistic ability is somewhat fixed, but I also think that almost anyone can learn to sketch passably well. Master's Academy does a nice job of providing projects in various media.
Drama - I also want to step up the amount of live performances that EG attends. Master's Academy does at least include drama and the chance to be in an end-of-the-year production.
Dance - See previous comments about live performances. While EG has never expressed regret about stopping ballet after two years, I have considered seeing about some kind of low-key jazz or modern classes for her; I think she'd enjoy them more.
Music - Continuing piano lessons and involvement in band playing the trumpet. We're looking for a local instructor for her to take trumpet lessons, as well, since the band instruction (or lack thereof) is frustrating her. At some point, I'd love for her to do the occasional voice lesson with her piano teacher (who also does voice training). Of course, attending more live performances would be a positive as well. I wish there was some kind of calendar of performances that included schools, amateur groups, and professional groups as well.
Physical Education & Health: I hope she'll continue to swim, either on her own or with a group of some sort, one to three times a week. Not sure what other physical activity we'll incorporate. I'm working on a list of books I want her to read for an informal nutrition study.
Kindergarten
Language Arts:
Phonics - I have no idea if we're going to keep using OPGTR or something else; either way, we'll continue phonics. If he ever goes off phonics-strike.
Spelling - As much as I've not enjoyed teaching spelling, I go back and forth. He wants, desperately, to learn to spell. A big part of me wants to try Spelling Workout with him, because it would be so easy. I have almost everything for All About Spelling, though, so... we'll see.
Grammar - I use First Language Lessons for kindergarten and first, so we'll start grammar in that.
Handwriting - He's already using the kindergarten book of Handwriting Without Tears, so I'll probably make my own practice pages at first, and then move on to the first grade book.
Writing - We may or may not do Writing With Ease. I'm leaning more towards "may," just because it would a chance to write (and boy, does he love to write!) in a workbook (which he also, inexplicably, loves).
Mathematics: Assuming we finish Right Start A this year (which I think we will, if we ever just do it again, we'll move on to Right Start B. I'm considering purchasing the Miquon books just because I loved using them with EG, and I think they'd complement Right Start well. I also have in mind to use the Math Mammoth materials if he needs extra practice. I have to keep reminding myself that he's not EG, who was so obviously a mathematician even at an early age.
Content Subjects: Geography, history, literature, science, and so forth. I have a long list of books to read to FB, and we'll work off that list. I also have ideas of experiment kits to purchase and do with him, informally. One thing EG and I enjoyed when she was in kindergarten was getting those "Cooking the [insert country here] Way" books from the library, reading some of the information, and picking one recipe to try. I still make the lentil soup from one of them. I'd like to do that with FB, too, especially since he so loves to be a "cooker."
The Arts: His arts exposure will be covered well by Master's Academy. Depending on the time that it's offered, I might have him participate in the class for five year olds at band. He'll go to as many performances as we think he can sit through without being disruptive.
Physical Education: If EG is going to swim regularly, that should translate into FB taking lessons at least once a week. I'd also like to enroll him in a gymnastics class.
Now to figure out what all of this means in terms of purchases to be made, right?
