My thoughts are finally turning towards preparing for our new homeschool year. I am happy with our curricula choices from last year, no big changes to make in that department. I am, however, thinking seriously about how to set up a better routine- and how to improve on things that were lacking last year.
Here are 5 things I will be adding/changing to our school year:
- More fun. Dad is usually the more fun parent around here, but this year it was glaringly clear he was way above me in the fun department. I failed to follow a plan most of the year, the result was a frazzled teacher/mom hell-bent on just finishing the important stuff. She was no fun. I think I will fire her.
- More hands-on crafts and activities. Those sorts of activities are the ones that drive home learning, and give the kids something to show-off, something to be proud of. Math and journal writing are never really ever complete- but to wrap up a unit study with a map or lapbook is to have a concrete finish line. This goes hand-in-hand with “more fun”.
- A set schedule. As much as I hate them, we really need one. Doing- the- next- thing works only to a point.
- Physical Activity scheduled each day. The kids are active with different after-school sports, but we really need to have a time to get outside and moving together- go for a walk, roller-skate, play a quick game…to liven up our school day, to shake out the cobwebs so the kids can sit back down to their studies with renewed attention.
- MCT Language arts program. Of course I had to find a new curriculum to play with, er try out.
These are my thoughts, as we head into a new homeschool year. I am feeling excited at the thought of having a brand-new year to look forward to. I am looking forward to starting with a clean slate, having a new schedule/rhythm for the day, and having materials better organized for my students.
How about you? What are you looking forward to? Have you found any new materials/programs to try?
Genevieve, homeschool mom who has found her secret place. Confession is supposed to be good for the soul. That, or just entertaining. Grab a drink, and I'll spill.
Hi Genevieve! It seems I’m really being steered into this direction. My daughter is turning four next year and about to start school. I’m seriously considering homeschooling her but haven’t decided yet since I work full time and I’ve got to find a way to be a WAHM so I can teach her myself. Not to mention, homeschooling is quite unheard of in my part of the world.
But the more I read about other moms’ experiences with it, the more I am convinced it’s the right way to go. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your future posts. Goodluck with 31DBBB.
We need to add more crafts and activities too. My son just loves to make a mess…I mean…he just loves to make things! -LOL
I’m so glad that you joined the Hip Homeschool Hop today.
Sue
The Homeschool Chick
Thanks for joining in Hip Homeschool Hop. I’m excited to get to know you better!
Meghan
http://www.thetuckerstaketenneessee.com
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I bounced over from the Hip Homeschool Hop!
I love your post about curriculum. I too, am a curriculum junkie. I keep telling myself that the PERFECT thing is out there, I just haven’t found it yet. This is only our 4th year and I have tried many different curriculum. I am eclectic…yeah that’s what I am.
Love the site and will be back.
hi! i hopped over from the hip homeschool linky. love the idea od adding more fun AND having a set schedule. so many times we think we can’t have both.
this year we are trying learning language arts through literature. this is our second week and so far so good. have a great day!
Hi Jeanine,
how nice to have you hop over here and leave a comment! Yes, I am going to try very hard to be more fun this year. I really need a schedule, I can be very absent-minded and then not get done all that we need to get done.
good luck with LLATL- we used it one year, way back in the beginning and enjoyed it!
once a week i use a roller skate as my exercise ;’:
roller skating is my sport, this sport is very enjoyable and is a form of exercise too”,;
Hi Genevieve! It seems I’m really being steered into this direction. My daughter is turning four next year and about to start school. I’m seriously considering homeschooling her but haven’t decided yet since I work full time and I’ve got to find a way to be a WAHM so I can teach her myself. Not to mention, homeschooling is quite unheard of in my part of the world.
But the more I read about other moms’ experiences with it, the more I am convinced it’s the right way to go. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your future posts. Goodluck with 31DBBB.