Friday, August 3, 2012

Gearing Up For School

It's that time again. Time to plan, time to organize, and time to prepare for the beginning of school. In years past I have found myself more prepared than I am this year. I do not have any lesson plans ready, for example, and I am still waffling on the issue of scheduling. But I have made my curriculum choices and I feel really good about those choices. I am using more traditional curricula than I usually do, but I don't plan to always use that curricula in a typical way. In other words, I plan to make it work for me and to make changes when necessary rather than become a slave to it. I will always consider myself to be a Charlotte Mason homeschooler because that is where my heart is, but I felt that it was best for our family to do some things differently this year. Aren't you thankful that we have the freedom to do that? Below is a list of subjects and curriculum choices for each of my children. As you will see, it is a very eclectic mix.

For My Seventh Grader
The Holy Bible
Life of Fred Math
Bob Jones Grammar and Composition
Christian Light Education Reading (I will use living books for additional literature studies)
Mystery of History Volume I
Getting Started With Latin
*Apologia What We Believe Series (worldview studies)
*Apologia General Science
*Art
*P.E.

For My Third Grader
The Holy Bible
Math-U-See
A Beka Language Arts
Handwriting Without Tears Cursive
A Beka Spelling
Christian Light Education Reading
Mystery of History Volume I
*Apologia What We Believe Series (worldview studies)
*Apologia Astronomy
*Art
*P.E.

For My Second Grader
The Holy Bible
Math-U-See
At Last! A Reading Method For Every Child! By Mary Pecci
Super Spelling by Mary Pecci
A Reason For Handwriting
Mystery of History Volume I
*Gospel House Publishing  Junior Bible Quiz Fact Pack
*Apologia Astronomy
*Art
*P.E.

*Denotes subjects that will be completed under the direction of a weekly homeschool co-op.

I am excited about the year ahead and I am trying not to feel the least bit overwhelmed as I gear up for it. Even though homeschooling is a monumental undertaking, it is also a privilege that should be readily embraced. I am looking forward with anticipation to the start of school. May God bless us with his wisdom and peace as we plan, prepare, and get organized. 2012-2013 is going to be a terrific school year!