It is here again!! The time of year that comes around at the same time no matter what, FALL. "gasp" I love Fall. Like I have said before the smell of books, the sound of the rain, and the cool crisp air just makes me smile and become giggly all over. On the other hand it drives my kids nuts.
But the real reason I love this time of year is because of a fresh start. This is the time when we "start" our school year. And I love the feeling of being able to start fresh with a new plan. For some it is overwhelming, for me it is exciting.
For those that are overwhelmed I would love to give you some insight that might make it a little easier for you. And for those, like myself, if you get excited some of these ideas may inspire you to tweak what you have already planned.
Here is my five step plan to put together our year.
1. I sit down with my Bible when it is quiet and spend time praying and reading. I ask God what He wants to see out of our school year. What He feels is the most important thing for the year.
2. As ideas come to mind, whether that moment or later in the day, I write them down. I do this for a couple of days. Just like soup takes time to simmer, our ideas take time too. We need to "simmer" on it.
3. After getting a good long list, I go to my family. I ask the kids what they think. What are they interested in? And are there things they enjoyed last year more then others? Or if there are things we did they just hated. After talking with them and going over the list I talk to my husband. I know for some that sounds silly, but husbands are a part of your homeschool system. He may have ideas or suggestions on what to teach the kids. You will never know until you ask.
4. Lastly I write down the final list of classes/subjects we are going to study. I write down if it is a curriculum we are going to use, living books, a co-op we are going to join, or a class that the kids will take. I basically write the blue print for the year.
5. Last I sit back down with my Bible and the Lord just to confirm the ideas that have surfaced, and the schedule that has been created.
Before you know it you have your plan laid out! And you are excited about the coming months of learning.
I love it when you plan comes together, especially when you know it is where God wants you to be.
But the real reason I love this time of year is because of a fresh start. This is the time when we "start" our school year. And I love the feeling of being able to start fresh with a new plan. For some it is overwhelming, for me it is exciting.
For those that are overwhelmed I would love to give you some insight that might make it a little easier for you. And for those, like myself, if you get excited some of these ideas may inspire you to tweak what you have already planned.
Here is my five step plan to put together our year.
1. I sit down with my Bible when it is quiet and spend time praying and reading. I ask God what He wants to see out of our school year. What He feels is the most important thing for the year.
2. As ideas come to mind, whether that moment or later in the day, I write them down. I do this for a couple of days. Just like soup takes time to simmer, our ideas take time too. We need to "simmer" on it.
3. After getting a good long list, I go to my family. I ask the kids what they think. What are they interested in? And are there things they enjoyed last year more then others? Or if there are things we did they just hated. After talking with them and going over the list I talk to my husband. I know for some that sounds silly, but husbands are a part of your homeschool system. He may have ideas or suggestions on what to teach the kids. You will never know until you ask.
4. Lastly I write down the final list of classes/subjects we are going to study. I write down if it is a curriculum we are going to use, living books, a co-op we are going to join, or a class that the kids will take. I basically write the blue print for the year.
5. Last I sit back down with my Bible and the Lord just to confirm the ideas that have surfaced, and the schedule that has been created.
Before you know it you have your plan laid out! And you are excited about the coming months of learning.
I love it when you plan comes together, especially when you know it is where God wants you to be.