5 NEW things for homeschool 2014-2015

We are starting (in Aug '14) on our third consecutive year of homeschooling for two of our kids and our fifth year for our oldest son. We will be teaching 7th grade, 4th grade and 1st grade. Wow!

We had a two year break when our kids attended a private school where I worked.

Each year provides learning for all of us. I learn how to be a better teacher. And hopefully they learn a lot as well. This year is no exception. I already have five things I will be doing differently in the coming year.

This week we have wrapped up our school year and said our goodbyes to kindergarten, third grade and sixth grade. We've danced and been silly, we've fussed and fought a little bit too. We've been making summer plans to swim, play at Top Golf, jump at Urban Air and so much more. 

I've begun cleaning out the school room getting things ready (already) for next year. I truly think this is my favorite part of the year. The removal of the old and bringing in of the new. 
1. We will be joining a weekly coop.

The last two years I just wasn't ready for an entire day out of our week to be committed to something else. I can already tell at this point, that we need more time with other people doing different things. This coop we are joining will allow for that. The coop also has a prep option for our oldest son so this will give me a chance to see if we need or want to pursue that. Wonder Woman and superman are both excited. Lego Man will need additional convincing. My involvement is a requirement of the group. That will be good for me as well. It will only take one day of our week and last six hours.

2. We will add foreign language.

Wonder Woman wants to learn French. Lego Man is entering middle school years. It's about time, I think, to add foreign language. I think we will go with Rosetta Stone, but I haven't completely settled on this yet. We need something that each kid can use at their own pace and that works toward mastery. If you have tried any that you love, I would love to hear about it.

3. We will split up science since my oldest will be in 7th grade and will need more in-depth science study than my 1st and 4th grader.

This year we used Apologia Science. I love the Biblical foundation of Apologia. I love the straightforward approach. However, I don't know that the kids loved it. And I don't know how much they will retain from their studies of Human Anatomy & Physiology. It was a great introduction to the human body and the way God made us.All that to say, next year the oldest needs more in depth science and the other two need more hands on learning. I'm looking at Real Science for kids for them. I am undecided on Lego Man, but may consider Apologia again for him. I just felt like the kids needed more hands on activities, more measurement of their mastery and more than just me reading a textbook.4. We will read 15 books per student this year. (1st grader may read more).This year we attempted to do 18 books. And since I get annoyed going to the library every week, it was closer to 10 books. Gasp! Yes, I get annoyed with the library. And yes I do love free books. But I get frustrated with stupid, silly things like germs, driving, parking, checking out, and overdue books. I stress about those things, and so it makes the whole process a little less fun.I do, however, love seeing the kids reading and finishing books in 24 hours. Love that! And so, I suck it up and go to the library.5. The older kids will each have one big project per semester.I'm not fully settled on this idea. But we introduced small projects this year to teach them about research. We used a form that I created to help them begin gathering facts, writing paragraphs and including visual aids.Next year Lego Man will have to expand on his research a little more and begin learning about bibliographies and other exciting things. For now, Wonder Woman will keep honing her basic research skills. (She will actually have to read about her topic rather than pretend to read about it).So for now, these are just a few things we are changing.Happy homeschool planning to you!

Are you a homeschooler? If so, are you wrapping up or doing year-round school? Are you planning for next year already? I'd love to hear from you!