This is an example of what I'll be working on every Saturday. This is our weekly schedule. I know some people like to plan it all out in advance, but that just would never work for us. We like to go at our own pace, sometimes we have to continue a lesson into the next day or week. This is also why I use a pencil instead of a pen. I love having everything written down. I also prefer the physical tactile things, like a text book instead of a website, or a planner book instead of an electronic calendar. It also feels good to highlight things when we have accomplished it and to look back at the book and see it all done and think, "This is what we've learned!"
One thing I have to get use to, that will be new, is a more difficult level of math. This means more intense planning and involvement while following an instructors guide. I really wish mathematics came more easily to me, then I wouldn't need to spend so much time going over another person's notes that were put together because they are the genius with teaching math. I choose to look at it this way, "It is so nice of someone else to take the time to do that for people like me! I'm so lucky."
Another thing I have to get use to is planning science a week ahead BEFORE I go grocery shopping. Why haven't I done this before? I have a lot of excuses for this, but it doesn't matter. I will just tell you that I've learned that you need to prepare for science after we pulled it open to the lesson we were on and we didn't have all of the materials to perform the demonstration. If it was something unique that had to be purchased at a different store and really researched to be sure I got the right thing, we'd often go with out doing science for quite some time. For example the last science lesson we did was probably in May or April, because I didn't have KCl (Potassium Chloride or "salt substitute"). I wanted to be sure that this "salt substitute" was actually Potassium Chloride, so since this required time and effort and I was confused already, it wasn't something I jumped on. This time I am more determined to plan ahead. I've already gone through the whole book and ordered the weird items that are left and the rest I have to get at the store the week we will need it.
After we set up the homeschool room, W was very excited to get started and for about a week he would get up early and start doing school. We even were able to finish up some things that were left hanging for "last year". But that excitement wore off. Now that we are officially starting, he doesn't seem as excited.
I am planning on lots of prayer and hopefully the personality of my mom will get these kiddos riled up and excited, in a good way, about education. I'm more of the serious organized, check-list, person (I can have fun though too) and she is more fun and creative. I am very pleased she is with us and can be a part of my children's education. Everything I know I learned from her because she is such a great teacher!
