Aug. 9, 2008
Panic
Yes....... that is what I am feeling. Not sure why. Trying to get our *school room* organized. That is normal... I usually do this. Just not sure what is going through my mind.
I just feel unraveled. Weary, tired. My husband says "taxed." Feeling like I can not get it together. I know I can not *get it all done.* That is not what I am talking about ... this is different.
For years (as you know) I have walked this journey of homeschooling. This year though.... I will have a Kindergarten-er, first grader, fifth grader & a tenth grader. I have not schooled four since Michael was a senior back in 2002-2003. Six years ago..... I am six years older.... I want things more laid out. Is that because I am tired? Pre-menopause? I have never had two this close... is that the *panic* I am feeling?
With the Heart of Dakota that I will use for the boys... everything is laid out. I just look at it and do it. It shocks me to think this is the path I am going to take. Now I am thinking.... "why don't I do this with Alyssa too?" I just can't figure it out?
We have used different Math programs (BJU or Abeka mostly) and we always use Abeka phonics. I try to stick with one reading program and this one seems to work for us. But then we use a hodgepodge of things.... like Ann Voskamp's Explore His World & Explore the Holy Land. We have used Mystery of History, biographies and all kinds of things.
Maybe I just need to write out my plans for Alyssa for the whole year? What I want her to accomplish, what books to be read and so forth? Do you do that?
So.... why am I feeling this way? Panic.... uncertainty. UGH
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Comments
• Aug. 10, 2008
I'm quite relaxed!
Posted by deedeeuk
Compared to most American homeschoolers I'm quite relaxed, but compared to the majority of British home edders I'm very organized!! LOL!
We simply get the books we want to use and then get as far in them that year as we can, carrying over unfinished portions to the next year.
We use Math U See (of course) and the boys need to finish one book a year in that. That is about my strictest subject.
We use Hooked on Phonics to learn to read. With that I go at the boys pace. I tried to 'push' phonics lessons with my eldest for two years and it only put him off reading! So we slowed down to his pace and now he is a verocious reader!!!
For History/geography we are working through the 'Story of the World' series. However, we hit the Egypt section and decided we wanted to learn more than was in the course work. We went out of the book and spent nearly five months now learning about Egypt using lots of other resources we found online and trips to museums to view Egyptian artifacts. In two weeks we will basically wrap up Egypt (pun intended!) by a trip to London to see the King Tut exibition before it heads back to Egypt for good.
The good thing about having the curriculum though is that when we are finished with Egypt, I don't have to think of what to do next. We just head back to the SoTW and pick up where we left off till we find another rabbit trail we want to explore a bit more. (I never intended to spend so long on Egypt, the boys just loved it so much!)
This is the first year that we have a set science curriculum! I found 'Considering God's creation' and fell in love with it! We have simply done different experiments as the boys have asked about a subject till now. We also started doing alot of nature study this past year - Charlotte Mason style science. I will probably use this science book a bit like the SoTW in that if we find the boys majorly interested in something, we will run off onto it for a bit longer, then return to the curriculum when we are done.
This year we are also starting timeline notebooks so that we can plot on a timeline all the different people and events that we study in each subject. This will be ongoing through all their years of school.
The 6 year old has a handwriting book he practices in each day. The oldest does his 'handwriting practice' with his spelling book work, again each day. We also have a grammar lessons book we work through together with them both.
That is the core of our curriculum choices and how we do things. You have far more experience than I do, so please accept a small suggestion from a younger sister who has two boys fairly close in age. We do as much together as we can. We also dont' push things that they just don't get. Personally I don't think young boys are ready for much formal learning till closer to 7 or 8. I tried to push a few years ago when my eldest was 4 and 5 and it was just frustrating to us both and I almost gave up completely! Then last Autumn he turned 8 and just a month before him birthday he picked up a chapter book and read it cover to cover!?!?!?! I wish now that I had just waited till he was ready. I didn't trust that it would happen if I left it - IT DOES!
I like the look of the Dakota series! I think it is a little too young for mine now unfortunately. If we had a younger one one day I would be very tempted to get it though.
I hope you have a great start to your year! And that you find your confidence again. After all you have two high school graduates - you are a pro at this homeschooling thing!! ;o) (((HUGS)))
PS - Sorry! I didn't mean to write a book!
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• Aug. 10, 2008
Me too
Posted by ccparker
I have been in a frenzy to try and get my homeschool room together...which is also my dining room table. I have a plan set out for this week..to clean and organize one room a day so I can get it all done before my curriculum that I ordered comes in. I only have one son who is 8 that I am homeschooling, and admire those of you who homeschool more than one, because that seems overwhelming to me! But the Lord doesn't give us more than we can handle..have to keep reminding myself of that! Hang in there.....it will all work out!
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• Aug. 17, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling right now with homeschool. Just know that you are my hero! I will be praying that God will renew your vision and give you His amazing strength and peace. I'm so thankful to know that God is only a prayer away, He is waiting for us to get down on our knees and call out for His help.
Are things going better yet? I realize that you posted this a while ago.
Be blessed my friend,
Suzi
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• Aug. 17, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by misty316
Hey Teena
This is your IRL friend, just thought I would stop by quickly and see how you are doing. I see you are using HOD. I think you will love it. Just relax we all get this way. Hey at least when your frazzled you can still accomplish blogging. I have not blogged since last November. I will have to do better. Just remember you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. I didn't join last year are you still president of the group? I know you must have been a great one. I always love to hear you talk about creating memories and homeschooling at the same time.
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• Aug. 18, 2008
Praying for you my sister!
Posted by Anonymous
Just came across your blog. I want you to know you are in my prayers and that God says if he calls you, he will equip you. Be anxios for nothing, but pray about everything.
Much love and blessings to you and yours.
Shirley kirby
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• Aug. 20, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by misty316
No there is not a group here that I know of. We did not join anywhere last year or this year.
No I'm not using WP, I am using HOD also. With R&S math. We like HOD.
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• Aug. 20, 2008
I think I understand
Posted by GailBardsley
I've felt that "panic" as well this year...maybe not only this year. :-0
This will be our 9th year homeschooling and I was all set to go with Weaver Unit study that we used for a few years a while back.
Now however, hummm, I don't know, but the past few days I've been thinking I need curricula that's all laid out. Day by day so I don't have to stress over what to do next & when & for how long.
Maybe it's because I'm 39 this year and my oldest is going into 11th. She has so many subjects that "must" be covered over the next 2 years and I'm feeling like I don't want to miss anything.
Also, I'm a little shaky with some of the tougher literature and science etc...
It's like I NEED everything planned out and at my fingertips. Weaver isn't like that.
I know this hasn't helped your situation, I just wanted you to know you're not alone in your frenzy.
Taxed - yes, that's a good word.
Have a blessed week!
~Gail
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Home schooling mom of 18 yrs~ with 6 children and a daughter in law. Sharing our challenges and victories. Home schooling has become our lifestyle. We are more relaxed, fun, unschooling, unit study, less text-y then we use to be!