Last week I was a total home-body. My daughter and I had colds, but my desire to stick close to home was more than that. The kids and I huddled in the house, reading books, watching TV, playing games, moving furniture and cleaning out closets.
I liken it to that nesting instinct women have before giving birth. I know that the next couple of weeks bring new classes, co-ops and sports, throwing us back into the social circle we’ve been a bit absent from lately. And, last week, I knew I needed some nesting time to prepare for it all.
This is the first year in my homeschooling journey that I have structured plans. I’m inherently an unschooler, and feel confident in that philosophy. But my recent exposure to some wonderful books, programs and inspiring friends has lit a fire in me. Additionally, my son has asked me to do more “school” with him. (Excuse me while I pause and revel in the fact that my son loves to learn…)
So I did some prep work for this year. I now know why other homeschool moms scour the Rainbow Resource catalog each year. There are some awesome books and activities that I’ve been missing out on. While I still won’t sit my kids at a table and “do school,” I am looking forward to curling up on the couch and sharing some of these materials with them:
With Cassie (1st grade):
- Five In A Row: Each week you read one book with your child every day for five days (hence “five in a row”). The teacher’s volume gives you five book-related activities that span social studies, language, art, math and science to do that week.
- Math Games
- Art, geography, and other activities with our homeschool co-op.
- Piano, Tap Dancing, Gymnastics, and Karate classes, as well as Ski Club.
With Logan (6th grade):
- History Odyssey: Ancient world history program (Cassie will listen along to some of this).
- Holt McDougal Math (online videos).
- Ready, Set, Write!
- Web Design and Technology clubs with homeschool co-op.
- Art, Philosophy, Civics and Marketing/Economics activities (and whatever else we come up with!) with homeschool co-op.
- Baseball, Lacrosse, Skiing and Cooking class.
Writing it out like this makes it seem like so much! But our schedule is balanced and has lots of down time built in. I’m excited about this year. Do you have a plan for homeschooling this year?
{ 17 comments }
Twitter: HeadlessMom
August 30, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I love the Five in a Row with activities idea. Covers so much!
Headless Mom´s last blog ..Copy Cat
If your kids like US geography at all or you want to get them into it , there is a fun board game called, Great States and they also have junior version for the younger crowd. We have both.
Both my kids love the game and all the answers are right on the map so there is no actual having to know before you play.
Enjoy your new adventures.
Oops and to answer your question:
Our plans include learning Spanish continuing with Latin and a little math here and there. Michael is still working on learning to read and Johanna needs more help with fine mother stuff like handwriting.
Otherwise plans are often trips to somewhere.
Twitter: jamieworley
August 31, 2010 at 5:16 pm
We’re doing things differently this year, too. More activities and such. I’m such a homebody, but I think these activities are working well for my daughters.
See Jamie blog´s last blog ..Blogging Differently
Twitter: melaniederrick
August 31, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hi. My Name is Melanie. I am a new follower from the Hip Homeschool Hop. I love the saying in your header. That’s awesome!
http://joyfulhousewife.com/blog-hops/tuesday/
-Melanie =0)
Joyful Housewife
Joyful Housewife´s last blog ..Love this Video – A Homeschool Family by Tim Hawkins
Isn’t home schooling a big pressure on you? But I’m proud you. You’re a one great mom.
filipino recipe´s last blog ..Aug 20- Chicken Recipe
I love playing math game. It helps to increase our knowledge so i just like it.
Hi Shannon! Thanks for this post… my kids are still little so I’m still deciding on the homeschooling thing and it’s so great to read about what other moms are doing and what has worked for them. It sounds like your kids are getting a rich education!
P.S. Jessica at APISS sent me your way… she’s great… and she said we’re a lot alike!
I think you will see more and more people homeschooling in upcoming years especially without the amount of information available on the internet these days.
nice mom..i wish other moms would also do the same..your principle on home schooling is quite amazing i should say”,
potchie´s last blog ..Android May Soon Have the Upper Hand
Twitter: EverParent
September 16, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I wish I had the self discipline to home school. I have considered it numerous times, but ultimately I worry I will not devote the necessary time and attention. I’m always interested in reading about home schooling families, maybe I will get there eventually. :)
THANKS FOR YOU
Twitter: thinkwell
September 22, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I think you are on the right track. The more I delve into the homeschool community, the more I see the parents who are the most successful seem to start off with a plan. What’s really helpful about having a plan is that you can always change it! When something doesn’t work, there are so many other resources and ways to teach that you can always change things up.
Good luck with this year! There are thankfully so many great homeschoolers online wanting to help one another.
AprilS´s last blog ..8th Grade Math – Subtracting Polynomials
Thanks nice post….
With the amount of knowledge available online these days, I would not be surprised to see the home schooling options increase in the near future. Anyone can be taught over the computer possibly just as effective as in a classroom.
Math Game! Love playing that!
How does the homeschool coop work? I am considering homeschooling my daughter, but don’t know much about it…
my kids are still little so I’m still deciding on the homeschooling thing. Thanks for a nice post.
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