Looking Forward Meme

 Looking Forward
Saturday, April 5
What are your goals for home education? What do you hope to instill in your children? Are you planning any changes to how you educate your children?

Over the last three months, I have learned SO much about Boo, her learning styles, some learning issues and how our homeschool “works” (or doesn’t work). My original goal was to homeschool Boo with a Charlotte Mason and classical twist. (I am using Ambleside Online, year 1, as our skeleton program.) I started out with daily lessons in: history, literature, poetry, geography, science and art/music. (It was pretty tight.) Boo works slowly – - so the CM “15 minute” lessons just don’t work. We also took a detour when I found out that the homeschool group that we would join was going to a chocolate factory on a field trip. I spent two full weeks prior and one week after the trip doing a chocolate unit study. After the unit study, I never did get back into the previous swing. At this point, we are doing daily history, literature, poetry – - and – - weekly geography and science.

My homeschool goals are: 1) Add more subject matter (in a way that doesn’t cause too much stress) and 2) Continue in the child led direction.

I would like to add some foreign languages (specifically Latin (for word bases), German and Spanish); regular “classes” in art and music; nature study; more history and science.

I have tried not to be too pushy with school, because I do realize that she is getting de-pressurized from public school – - but, in order to get anything accomplished, we are gonna need to do something. (Do you see my “perfectionistic” nature coming out?)

 

My goals for Boo: 1) Proficiency in BASIC Math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and the use of money); 2) additional writing practice (she seems to have a touch of dysgraphia); 3) Research skills and 4) More practice speaking in front of groups.

 

Almost one year ago, I quit smoking (cold turkey) – - after 20 years of a pack-a-day habit. In addition, also last year, within the course of just a couple months, three relationships disintegrated. One of them was with my very best friend, of ten years. Now, although, I have always enjoyed the computer, I have noticed (since the above incidents, especially) that I avoid other activities in lieu of surfing the net, aimlessly. So, one of MY goals for MYSELF, is to spend less time on-line. Actually, I should just say, spend less time with electronic equipment, period.

There you have it….goals for the future!!

I wanted to say thank you, to Dana from Principled Discovery for hosting Home Education Week – - and having such great questions to ponder and share.

I would also like to thank everyone who participated – - it was great reading all of your responses – - and getting to know you all just a little bit more.

And finally, thank you to everyone who visited my site – - and an extra special thanks to those who left comments (they are always appreciated)!!!