Homeschool Planning and Materials

I am definitely a can't-see-the-forest-through-the-trees kinda person (you may have picked up on this by the way my stories meander along with various side-tracks). So once we made the decision to homeschool, I got a little bogged down by details: how, when and where to start; what subjects to teach; what materials to use; how many hours per day/days per week to teach; what extra-curricular activities to sign-up for; on and on.

One of the many ways in which TDH complements me is his ability to create order out of chaos at times like these. My getting bogged down by details is a perfect opportunity for him to perform triage (it's ok - he is a professional). He swoops in, sorts and prioritizes action items, and then we can proceed efficiently. I would love to suggest that I have my own orderly approach to problems, but I have learned to accept this limitation and TDH loves me anyway.

The process typically begins with TDH throwing several of the items I consider to be critically important completely out the window. I often feel discouraged or hurt, observing that many concerns do not receive adequate consideration. With time, I begin to see the plan emerging. Tedious details are sloughed off my shoulders and at last I am able to focus on important first steps.. And so it has been for many an undertaking, from organizing cluttered playrooms and computer desks to arranging a move to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Having applied that process to homeschooling a few months ago, TDH chiseled out a simple plan. The first step was to select teaching materials. I had so much fun - more than I anticipated by far - with this task! I felt like a kid in a candy store. Of course, I also spent money like a high roller in Vegas! I am certain that more seasoned homeschoolers are laughing now at my expense, calling me an Amateur. Hopefully, I will gradually learn the art of thrifty homeschooling. I'm not holding my breath, though - neither TDH or I are known for being particularly thrifty...

Anyway, I used the internet, advice and recommendations from friends, and my own criteria including Waddles and Hoppers' unique learning styles and academic needs as well as my own personal preferences and gut feelings. In other words, I did not apply any hard and fast rules to selecting materials. I got what I wanted when I wanted it, and will add to it as I see fit. I LOVE this freedom!

Our homeschooling curriculum includes:

1. McRuffy Math
2. Language Arts: Michael Clay Thompson's Elementary Program
3. Handwriting Without Tears
4. Reading - all the books can stand and more
5. Writing journal - Waddles and Hopper are responsible for keeping a journal of stories, observations, questions, things they have learned - you name it! It is a low pressure, free-writing activity.

The next step was to create goals for our homeschool. Also free to evolve, the goals look something like this:
1. Build a strong foundation in the basics of reading, writing and math
2. Encourage the kids to shape their experiences by defining and exploring additional subjects of interest to them
3. Engage in physical activity every day
4. Allow plenty of opportunities for imaginative play and free-time
5. Create and maintain a positive learning environment
6. Demonstrate and emphasize the importance of a strong work ethic
7. Be flexible and willing to adapt to changes involved in moving from traditional to home schooling
8. Have fun!

This is our plan, for the most part. Plenty of material to start with, and plenty of room for refinement as we learn about homeschooling and ourselves. An adventure lies ahead!