Curricula Junkie
There you have it! My confession! At heart I am a curricula junkie! I love homeschool materials! We have tried numerous programs, curricula, subjects, and approaches to homeschooling over the years. As of now we are finishing up what has been my 12th year of homeschooling. I think I am considered a veteran homeschooler by now. About 6 years into our homeschool journey I ran across a curriculum that I absolutely feel in love with and we have used it ever since. We, of course, have made a few adjustments but have stuck with the same program. It works well for us!
Then I run across another curriculum that looks to be wonderful! I think to myself maybe I should try it out but then I remember that every time I try something new I always come back to what I am using now. Sometimes I will add something and then I frustrate myself because I have to much to try and accomplish! I keep reminding myself that sometimes less is more. So what is the cure? Please someone tell me!
There is one idea that has been floating in my head for several years. I often kick this idea around and have even discussed it with my husband. Maybe just maybe I should just write my own, perfectly suited, everything I desire incorporated curriculum! It would be complete with day to day instructions, necessary resources (real books & supplies), planners and scheduling tips, Biblically sound and deep, totally comprehensive, more and more! Maybe I would entitle it Classical Christian Schooling for the Large Family. It is a grand idea and one that is probably biting off much more than I could ever chew. Then once I get excited and worked up and am ready to plunge in, the realization of the time and effort that would go into such a feat overwhelms me! Then the idea diminishes into a dream way back in the corner of my mind until I see another new curricula out there I want to try.
I am hopeless! Or am I? What do you think???
ADDED: Everyone keeps asking what we use that we love…it is updated in the comment section! So now, if you use something you love share with me too!
Posted in Curriculum, Homeschooling, Train Up a Child
May 15th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Wow, that does sound like a good idea. I wouldn’t even know how to begin making my own curriculum. Let us know what you decide.
JoAnn
May 15th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Maybe that idea is God whispering to you. =) Sure seems like a good one!
May 15th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Ok – I was waiting to hear the NAME of this curriculum you use now and keep coming back to. Are you a bit of a tease??? ::snort:: Back in the dark ages….I considered writing a curriculum – then I realized it would cost us to much time from schooling for me to do that……but I found a curriculum that I love too. LOL
May 16th, 2008 at 4:14 am
That sounds great, Kristine! I just know it’ll be awesome and I would definitely buy it!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:17 am
I’m in year 15 of homeschooling and have found curriculae I’m very pleased with for most subjects. History is one I’ve never found approached as I would like.
I began writing my own highschool history program and mostly finished the first year. It is hard and time consuming to write a program like this. As a mom expecting #8 baby, always with little ones around, I just don’t feel that I have time to write the curriculum to the standard I desire and still take care of the home and family.
That said, if I was a more organized woman, not also trying to develop a homebusiness as an artist, I could just see having time. If you feel called to work on this program, why not try 45 minutes per weekday? You will surely accomplish much. Begin with high school history, okay? That way I don’t have to write the rest of it
Love,
Beth
May 16th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I’m with De’Etta ~ what curriculum are you using that you absolutely love? Please, do tell!
Blessings,
Trish
May 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Why are people so reluctant to tell the NAME of the curriculum they are using? You already said it was working for you. Spill it, already.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
OK! OK!
Since everyone is asking!!!!!
I use primarily Veritas Press with some add ons!
Here is a list of this years curriculum that we used!
This Years Curriculum
May 16th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I am a former curriculum junkie too. All the stuff looks so exciting until I got it home and tried it. So, now I am just developing our ecletric curriculum. If you ever have time, you really should try to write your own. I bet it would be great.
BTW, I am always stuck with more blackberries than I can handle. If you lived close to me, I would be glad to share. : )
May 16th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I saw go for it, if the Lord is leading! If He has put this in your heart, it will be wonderful. And He will give you the time you need to get it accomplished.
Bravo!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Don’t you love being Eclectic Classical! Great post!!! I pull and pick from a bunch, too!!!
Valerie
May 17th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Hi Mama Archer, I am with you!! I love books, though, maybe more than curricula. I can also relate to all of your curricula writing cold sweats! We use Veritas Press too (and add in some Story of the World fun things – coloring pictures, maps, etc…) for history. However, just this year, we read “Unwrapping the Pharaohs” and now I am dying to adapt all the VP stuff to the updated time line and come up with my own…..AND, put the VP stuff in order from start to finish (you know how Alex. the Great comes in the end of “Creation through Anc. Egytp”, but then when you start NT/Greece/Rome he is in the middle of that time period? That always bugs me and I’d like to have it all chronological start to finish – but I am neurotic, AND I digress) but, oh the time it would take. I think that beating myself over the head with a club would be better for me!! maybe someday – maybe as my kids get older they can do that with me!!