School Plan Questions Answered
There were several questions in the comments of the last post so I thought that I would address them today. I know that our plans for next year seem like a lot and to be honest I tend to put too much on my plate. We may or may not get to everything. We are trying a few new things this year and we may end up finding that some of these things just do not work for our family. If that is the case then we will modify things. I have also come to the acceptance that things will hardly ever go as smoothly as I have planned out in my mind. One thing that does help a lot though is to have a schedule. A plan of attack makes a world of difference. I will be working on our schedule during the summer months. Some of the things on the list will also be completed during the summer, like the Alaskan History course and Driver’s Ed here in Alaska is only one week long.
Another thing that I would like to remind you of, is the fact that I have will have two children who will be able to drive unsupervised by next school year. They will be able to get themselves to and from work as well as other activities and can even help to transport some of the other children if need be. I do try very hard to schedule things for the children to do at the same time or one thing right after another on the same day. When the children are at figure skating I take advantage of the walking track and get my exercise for the day. The two birds with one stone type of thinking goes a long way in helping me to accomplish things.
I do not do a college type schedule. I have tried that in the past and it just does not seem to work well for us. I tend to schedule every subject for everyday. I have a sheet per day with a chart on it. The chart has each child across the top and each subject along the side and in the boxes I write the assignments for the day and we mark them off as completed. The older children can really do most of their work on their own. It really only takes a small amount of time to go over what they need to accomplish for the day. I then answer questions they may have or help when needed and keep tabs on their corrected work. I can school the younger children in about an hour a piece. I often give them short breaks in between subjects to play with the youngers who are not schooling yet. These small breaks allow me to check in on the older children and give guidance as needed. You may have also noticed that several subjects have been combined for the children. We will have our catechism/devotion time together. Children who are close in age/grade will often share the same history or science. Both of my high schoolers are doing some of their required subjects together. They can then help each other and it cuts down on time.
The link that Emma posted in yesterday’s post’s comments is a great resource! It is very similar to one of the scheduling tools that I use. I use the Managers of the Homes resource.
Bible Beginnings is something new that I am going to try out. I am not sure if we will stick with it or not. I used one of their books for older children almost 10 years ago and I remember liking it then. I thought I would try it and reevaluate with the younger children this year. You can find a free sample and more info HERE. As for the Bible lessons with the older girls, it is a study that I have been wanting to go through myself and we will do it together, maybe even in the evenings. I am also considering starting a Bible study in our home one night a week for ladies.
What are some of the ways that you make your busy school schedule run more smoothly?
Tags: homeschool Posted in Curriculum, Homeschooling
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:50 am
I actually think your plan looks like great fun. I’m thinking I need to get my children involved in more activities but everything around here costs a FORTUNE. I need to try and find some cheaper activities in our area.
I’ll take a look at Bible Beginnings. Thanks!!
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April 23rd, 2009 at 6:50 am
Daisy-Cost is an obstacle. However, there are programs here in Alaska that help to pay for them and we are taking advantage of that while we are here, trying many different things, that way we can see what it is that our children will really love. I am sure we will not continue everything when we move but for now it gives us the option of trying new things out!
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thanks for the update. If you are looking for an indepth Bible Study. My daughter is doing Walking with Jesus Bible and Reading for Fourth Grade, The Noah Plan. THis is a very intensive study. It’s all study, no games. It’s actually a study that would be in-depth for most adults. It’s important to buy the Teachers CD bc it has all the forms needed. This is GREAT program to teach our children to disect the WORD of God. It took a bit to get into the groove of the study, but now my daughter is flowing in it and growing. I come up with my own “tests” for her based upon her written work to make sure she it is staying put in her heart. She also has to give us oral reports during dinner about what she is learning. My 2nd grader is doing a study also at 4th grade level that he just loves. Grade Four: Christ and His Word, Student Book
Assoc. Of Christian Schools / Paperback. It’s a completely different kind of study… cross word puzzles, colored pictures, definitely made for children. Like I said it’s a 4th grade level and he is in 2nd and he enjoys it, because he is growing in his knowledge of the WORD and he does have to use his Bible to complete the studies.
They can be found at christianbook.com http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=2727120&event=1016ACSI|1745041|1016
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April 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Emma- I have looked into the Noah Plan in the past and considered it. I am trying this new thing JUST for my littles. I am happy with Veritas Press for the middle grades. My older girls and I are both doing the Dust to Glory series by RC Sproul, it is meant for adults and is very very indepth! I started it a while back and he spends 15 minutes on the first three words “In the Beginning”.
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I think it was the activities scheduled that threw me. It makes sense if you can get the scheduled around each other and you are not running around all day everyday to get people where they need to be.
I did a college schedule at the beginning of the year and half way through it seems we changed without planning to.
I combine as many things as I can so that I can maximize my one on one time with the kids. We usually spend the mornings together doing everything combined that we can and then in the afternoon focusing on one on one for Math, Reading/Language and stuff. Each year changes with what works for us. I love your schedule and am inspired to start planning next year.
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April 23rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Mommy Reg– most of the activities are only once a week and I try to schedule as many as possible on the same day– so we will have one big “outing” day. Figure skating however is three times a week but it is in the late afternoon so we have finished the core part of our school studies already.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Ugh – I don’t even think I can begin to think about next year’s school. I need to think about finishing the boys’ portfolios and getting us moved out of this house so it can go on the market. LOL Next year will surely happen. LOL
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