Planning 2019-2020 School Year

Mar 15, 2019

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I know we are a ways off from the start of the new school year but this is the time of year that I begin to plan. I gather my curriculum catalogs together along with my trusty notebook so that I can plan out what materials I need for next year and where our journey will take us. I love this process because it allows me to recharge, gain motivation and let’s face it I get to buy books so of course it is my favorite time of year.

Before I begin the process of planning I like to sit down with each of my kids and go over where they are and how they are feeling about their progress. I think it is important to have these conversations with my kids because it’s the best way to keep them on track and involved in their education. During these conversations I like to find out if there is anything in particular they are interested in learning or adding to their curriculum. For instance, my oldest this year has told me that he is really interested in aviation and would like to learn all about flying. When I am planning next year’s curriculum I will be looking for aviation themed books and resources for him to explore this interest. During these conversations I like to take notes that I can refer back to during the planning phase.

Once I have had a conversation with each of my kids I then like to review what we have done over the past year. This is a great time to get rid of what doesn’t work and find replacements. Starting this far in advance with my planning allows me to research and read reviews so that I can make an educated decision on what to try next. Of course things that are working well will be continued into the next year. This past year we have had great success with CTC Math so we will continue this program next year. Again I record these notes in my notebook so that I can reference back to them.

Over the next few weeks I will peruse through my catalogs (my favorite is the Rainbow Resource Catalog) and conduct online research. I usually do this after the kids have gone to bed so I can relax with a cup of coffee while I read uninterrupted. When I find books that interest me or materials I want to try I will write down the information in my notebook. By the time I am done my notebook will be pretty filled in but it will become a valuable tool when I finally write out my scope and sequence for next year.

When the research part is done this is when the real fun begins I like to take myself out for a parent teacher conference. I go to a cafe where I can sit down with my books and my laptop so I can work for a few hours uninterrupted and I can keep the coffee coming along with a delicious lunch. I will use my notebook to fill in what we will be learning next year in Bible, English, Math, Science and History and a list of materials for each subject. I will also determine what extra curricular subjects or activities will be covered. Each of my kids will have an outline created and I will create my short term goals for the year and re-address our long term goals to ensure we are on track. I will then create a homeschool budget and create a game plan to stay within that budget.

Once I have everything figured out on paper and typed up I print up a materials list. Since I plan in advance this allows me several months to purchase materials and gives me the opporutnity to get the best price. I love ordering books through sites like abebooks because I often find gently used books for a few dollars a piece. I keep this materials list on me whenever I am out because I have found resources at used bookstores, thrift shops and even garage sales.

Over the years I have found that this approach to homeschool planning works best for me but what works for me may not work for others. However you plan your homeschool curriculum make sure you make it fun, use it as a way to invigorate your homeschool and find out what your children think about their education and what they might be interested in learning.

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Best Catalogs for curriculum:

https://rainbowresource.com/catalog

https://www.bookshark.com/request-a-catalog/

https://www.sonlight.com/about/catalog/

https://timberdoodle.com/pages/free-catalog

https://www.nature-watch.com/online_catalog.php

https://www.christianbook.com/apps/catalog-request

https://www.libraryanded.com/request_catalog.html

Saying Goodbye to 2018

Dec 31, 2018

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I can’t believe that the time has come to say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019. We have plans for a big move near the end of 2019 so we will be working steadily on making this happen as smoothly as possible. We were hoping to make this move last year but life got in the way and we were derailed by some unexpected medical expenses. We are starting off 2019 motivated and excited about making our dreams of homesteading a reality. With faith and determination I am confident that this will be our year.

I know that many people start the New Year off with resolutions but I don’t intend to make any specific New Years resolutions. I am terrible at sticking to them so instead I am just reassessing my current short term and long term goals. I think that it is important to reevaluate your goals to make sure you are on track and moving in the right direction. What better time to reassess goals than the start of a brand new New Year.

Tonight we will ring in the New Year together as a family. We have a Hallmark movie night planned with hors d’oeuvres, scrumptious deserts and sparkling juice. We will be wearing silly hats, glow in the dark glasses and enjoying the whimsical sounds of noisemakers when the clock strikes midnight. We will happily say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019 and whatever adventure lies ahead.

Wishing you a happy and safe New Years eve and may all of your dreams for 2019 become a reality!

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Getting Ready For The New Year

Dec 29, 2018

The following blog post was written by my Mom (let’s call her Hectic Eclectic Grandmama). She has inspired me my entire life and I hope you will be inspired to kick off the New Year in an organized fashion.

Getting Ready for the New Year

With 2018 winding down it’s time to get my journaling materials together…

5-6 notebooks (small enough to fit in my purse, I like 5″x7″)
a large supply of #2 pencils (the sharper the better)

I usually grab at least 5-6 notebooks with a total cost of approximately $12. I like these for their portability and this year I sewed a cute “pocket” purse for them.

Now I know many people think journaling is too regimented but I have adapted a freestyle approach. On New Year’s Eve, I sit down with paper and pencil and write everything I hope to do from home improvement ideas to garden plans. Journaling helps me focus on what’s important in my life as well. Each room gets a to-do list and when I accomplish a task I write down the date, but I don’t fret about what wasn’t done instead I transfer the task to my new journal at the start of the year. As the year progresses, I use my journal to record everything from grocery lists, a list of books I want to read, to recipes and craft projects I want to try. I believe that journaling is the best form of therapy for me and helps me handle this chaotic thing we call life.

One more thing I like to do at the start of the New Year is to purchase a new broom for my home. It’s the perfect way to sweep in the New Year as well as some good luck too!

Happy New Year to you all!

Love Hectic Eclectic Grandmama

Check out Hectic Eclectic Mama’s Pinterest for Notebook cover ideas

https://pin.it/o62zpsdaxoyjxj