I was remarking to a friend this week how right now I feel that our homeschool has become a well-oiled machine. In general, things are just working. We have reached a particular point in which I can give assignments and the kids are becoming more and more responsible for their work. Of course, reminders are necessary once in awhile, and I still have to stay on top of things. But everyone seems to know the expectations of our school morning, more or less. We continue to tweak and change things as needed, but I can honestly say that we are having more good days than difficult ones at this stage. Praise the Lord!
This is a reward, and not a reward earned without some hard work and diligent planning.
Each evening, while my husband and I are sitting down to relax, after the kids are in bed, I write out everybody's assignments for the next day. Taking this 10 minutes out of my evening really pays off the next day. As well, I've found it better than creating their entire week's schedule on Sunday night. Because as we go through each day, often times, certain things take a little longer than we expected, or perhaps shorter. By writing out each day's work the night before, I am also able to note special attention I might to give someone for any particular assignment that must get done the next day. It really helps me think about timing and anticipate who will need Mom more that day, or what-have-you.
Since starting school in September, we have gradually added more things to the schedule. For example, my 6th grader has started a Science H (from Sonlight). Rather than following the schedule that came with the program, however, I have suggested she set a timer and just work on Science for 30 minutes each day. This has worked brilliantly! She isn't getting bogged down by a set amount of work she must finish, and sometimes I even find her able to fit in extra. We have intended to stretch this course across 6th and 7th grade, so we don't feel as though we're rushing through either. We are finishing up Module 1 at this time, and so far she's loving it. I also really appreciate that she's reached an age where science experiments don't need to involve me. :) I'm not a science-experiment-loving-homeschool-mom... ... nope.
My son in 4th grade has also started Science E (from Sonlight) which focuses on magnetism, astronomy, and electricity, among other topics spread throughout. We are moving very slowly through this one. And it's been a nice way for the two of us to connect. It's very important to him that he has a special thing that only he gets to work through without the others. We are reading the material together, and he really enjoys the hands-on projects.
This is a reward, and not a reward earned without some hard work and diligent planning.
Each evening, while my husband and I are sitting down to relax, after the kids are in bed, I write out everybody's assignments for the next day. Taking this 10 minutes out of my evening really pays off the next day. As well, I've found it better than creating their entire week's schedule on Sunday night. Because as we go through each day, often times, certain things take a little longer than we expected, or perhaps shorter. By writing out each day's work the night before, I am also able to note special attention I might to give someone for any particular assignment that must get done the next day. It really helps me think about timing and anticipate who will need Mom more that day, or what-have-you.
Since starting school in September, we have gradually added more things to the schedule. For example, my 6th grader has started a Science H (from Sonlight). Rather than following the schedule that came with the program, however, I have suggested she set a timer and just work on Science for 30 minutes each day. This has worked brilliantly! She isn't getting bogged down by a set amount of work she must finish, and sometimes I even find her able to fit in extra. We have intended to stretch this course across 6th and 7th grade, so we don't feel as though we're rushing through either. We are finishing up Module 1 at this time, and so far she's loving it. I also really appreciate that she's reached an age where science experiments don't need to involve me. :) I'm not a science-experiment-loving-homeschool-mom... ... nope.
My son in 4th grade has also started Science E (from Sonlight) which focuses on magnetism, astronomy, and electricity, among other topics spread throughout. We are moving very slowly through this one. And it's been a nice way for the two of us to connect. It's very important to him that he has a special thing that only he gets to work through without the others. We are reading the material together, and he really enjoys the hands-on projects.On My Side Table
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