Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Second Grade, Fifth Grade and Junior High

     Oh MY!  I could spend the entire blog post talking about how quickly the time has passed and wondering where it went or bemoaning what we have not yet accomplished.  But that's the past and it's the present.  So I'm going to take this gift and go with it! 

    Tis the season, rain, flowers, warm weather, and homeschool conventions.  And homeschool conventions mean planning so you can buy ahead and save shipping!  It's a lot like Christmas for mom and not quite like Christmas for the kids.  Toys seem to get a louder cheer than new Math books.  Imagine that.

     With Jr. High looming ahead in the fall I knew it was time.  Time to start planning high school.  Can you imagine?  I try hard not to, honestly.  But the reality is it's coming and we need to be prepared.  It's time to think about online schools or classes, what Math and what Science she's going to need.  It's time to consider Grammar and Writing in ernest and since planning is something I enjoy I even find it a bit exciting.  I'd rather plan than teach.  *gasp* I don't anticipate Literature being a problem, but labs for Science. . .that's another story.  And in fact, they need to start NOW so she has a good idea what she's doing when it's time to keep records for potential Colleges to look at in the future.  Oh help.

     Thankfully, the convention I attended in Illinois had several sessions about planning high school.  I brought home great information and even a resource for planning that I didn't know existed til I found it.  I was able to hear Jay Wile, the author of Jr. and Sr. High Science curriculum speak about how to use it and what groundwork needs to be in place for which specific sciences.  Praise God!  I've had time to think, time to talk with Tim and then last night I found a sweet deal with the curriculum and the dvd lecture series for less than the price of the dvds.  I can check Science off our Jr. High needs list.

     As I confessed, I do enjoy planning more than the actual dirty work.  It's going to be a challenge over the next couple of months to school while I'd rather think ahead and plan.  But it's critical.  Planning without doing is garbage!  As I type this I have one one the computer doing school and one enjoying a fun read.  We still need to do our read aloud Science, History/Geography and Bible.  It'd be easy to let today slip by without doing it.  We're going to do it anyway.,

     Next Thursday is the next homeschool convention, and before that, on Monday I've coordinated a curriculum sharing day.  Moms in our area will bring curriculum they use and like to share with others who are interested in  seeing it.  Conference is overwhelming and getting a chance to get hands on with curriculum first is something I think will help some of the newer homeschool moms.  I'm hoping someone will bring Latin, but I don't think anyone around here is using it.  We'll see. 

    At the convention I really don't have a lot I need to buy.  The next levels of Math U See student books are all that are on my list as BUY.  There are still several LOOK AT items but even those will likely have to wait.  Latin for Children, English From the Roots Up, and a Greek Curriculum are on my look at list.  What I really can't wait for is the used book sale at the end of May!!    Is there a homeschool mom alive who doesn't love books? 

    Well, real life is calling my name, or rather my children are talking to me which means it's probably a good time to get started on our afternoon work.  My goal for today is not to be toady. To not lose my temper, and to make it through our work.  If there's a laziness problem in this house it likely starts with me!