I love January because it's always such a fresh start. December is a time for reflection and evaluation, which is also great because it is hard to progress at anything without evaluation. But January. January comes in all its newness, and the evaluation of what didn't work stops. January brings a chance to do things differently and, at least potentially, right.
And without further ado, here are some new things helping us with our winter-spring semester.
- This sweet home school planner designed by Ruth over at LWSL.
At first I was a little unsure where to start with this planner because, well, it seemed redundant. But once I picked a place and jumped in, I couldn't get enough of it. I start by filling out the academic game plan with everything I want to do for the week. Then I break it down to the day by day. I have a hard time leaving space blank, but I am trying to get over it on the day-to-day pages because our schooling has to be pretty flexible. I particularly like the space it has for blog/work and cleaning/organization. It might not seem school related, but for someone like me who can't think well in a messy space, it is absolutely school related. - Charlotte Mason style narration**
I read about narration online, and while I am not completely sold on Charlotte Mason as a whole, I love narration. Narration is a child retelling what they read, watched, heard, did, etc. in their own way. What I think is so great about this is: the material is only given once. This teaches children to pay attention the first time, and it saves time because the material didn't need to be gone over again and again. Simply Charlotte Mason has some really great Narration Ideas if you feel stuck getting started. - Chapter books
We're starting into chapter books. Right now, we're reading The Secret Garden, which is beyond his comprehension. The book itself is in the shape of a kid's book, but it was deceiving. I wouldn't continue with it, but the Kiddo wants to finish it before we start the next book. And who am I to teach him you should abandon unfinished projects. Nope, we will finish this liar of a book*** and move on to My Father's Dragon, which at first glance seems way more up our alley at this stage. I know it's probably a little early for chapter books, but here are my hopes: - He will be able to sit for longer stints of time.
- His imagination will develop due to fewer pictures
- His language and command of it will increase because he will use context rather than pictures to connect the verbal dots.
- He will learn to better build- Chapter two will only make sense if he remembers chapter one from the previous day.
- Incorporating lessons throughout the day
I went from scheduling our school day to the minute to scheduling what needed to be done and doing it piecemeal throughout the day to something even more relaxed. Now I am taking my list of lessons and throwing in a lesson where I can so that we have as little sit down time as possible. Our weekly memory verse? Reviewed between bites at breakfast. Going over the difference between left and right? Learned to the Hokey Pokey when Daddy walks in the door. Consolidating life and learning is definitely our friend.
These are our new efforts. What does your new year hold?
*I had a biology teacher in high school who often called us "Sports Fans." I never understood it, but I always liked it.
**Anyone familiar with CM, please correct anything I have written that isn't exactly right. I am new to the concepts and would hate to misrepresent something. Anyone not familiar with CM, take my perspective with a grain of salt and do more research.
***Don't get me wrong, I love The Secret Garden, I just wasn't prepared for all the words and phrasing I would have to explain.
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