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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Anxious to Start Our New School Year




Well, it is almost here--the beginning of our 7th year of homeschooling. When I started with my DD in kindergarten, I had a 3 year old and a nursing 1 year old. I needed something simple. Something that told me what to do when. I grew up in Pensacola, Florida, so I had some knowledge of Abeka. So that is the route we went. We used Abeka up through fourth grade. Then last year, I got a hold of Kathy Duffy's 100 Top Curriculm Picks. Well, from there the Lord took me on a little journey with Charlotte Mason. I didn't do everything the Charlotte Mason way, but I really like the philosophy. So this year, we are going to use Sonlight for our history. We are doing Core 3+4. I am trying to get my daughter in a good position for high school. We still have three years, but it doesn't hurt to prepare, right?


So, always in the past I have felt we should do arithmetic and language first. This year, I have decided to start our day with history and science. I want to get started at a more regular time each day. My older two children will work more on their own with their math and language, thus giving me the opportunity to get my 2nd grader reading better. Lessons will be scheduled, and if they are not finished, there will be homework. I want to get down to business. We need a little more structure. The last two years have wrecked havoc on our school day--we have had A LOT of major changes, and we have not done what I would have liked to. I think we learned a lot--at least I did about schooling and knowing my children. The last two years weren't wasted--they were good for me. But my daughter has desires for her life, and I want to help her realize those desires.
To that end, I am going to try very had to keep us at home much more this year. Last year, we participated in a co-op, and while it was great, it took a whole day out of our week. With little things that sounded great here and there, time was just eaten up. WE ARE STAYING HOME THIS YEAR! If something isn't planned, it won't be done. And things that are planned will be watched carefully for time.


My goal is for me to be up, have exercised, showered and dressed by 8:00 so I can fix breakfast and start school by 9:00. I would like the kids to be up at 7:30 so chores can be done. We will do the schooling we need to do together first, then break off into individual studies. Lunch will be between 11:30 and 12:00. Back to the books by 1:00 and hopefully done with our day by 3:00. This is what I would like, whether or not it happens remains to be seen.


I am excited though. I have very happy thoughts about this year.

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Give-a-ways:

We get to choose which give-a-way we would like to win. My top picks are:

1) Circle C Adventure books

2) $50.00 Rainbow Resource Center gift certificate

3) $50.00 Currclick gift certificate

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great plan! I hope that you really enjoy your switch from Abeka to Sonlight. We also follow some of Charlotte Mason's philosophy and especially love all of the wonderful living books we've enjoyed over the years. Hope to catch up with you on THL!

    Blessings,
    Tonya
    www.homeschoolblogger.com/livetheadventure2008

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  2. Do you get the HSLDA mag in the mail? There was a great article by Vicki Bentley. Her #1 thing: have a routine!
    I need a routine!

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  3. I know how you feel about needing to be more structured. That is our goal this year as well. We had a lot of issues last year when I was a part of a curriculum review and it caused a lot of havoc in our schooling schedule. We are getting down to business as well starting year number 6.. Good luck and God Bless

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  4. I know what you mean about needing a routine. We have so much trouble keeping one. But this year we are trying very hard to stick to a routine. But like anything in life it will take time to make it a habit for everyone. Have a great day!

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