A New Approach

I haven't blogged about homeschooing in a while. I thought I'd let you know about how I have changed things up a bit. For a couple of years we used the workbox system on and off. I really like this system because it gave Lucy independence and freedom. It also gave her the ability to see how much work she had left for the day. However it started becoming a problem when Stinky Pete was frustrated at not having enough boxes (and her teacher not always being on top of things and having them filled and ready for her!), so they have been scrapped for a while now.

But I still like the idea of Lucy knowing what's expected and being independent. So I have adapted that system and gotten her a daily planner. I write all her assignments for the week on each day and she checks them off as she goes. The other advantage to this is she can get ahead if she chooses and end up with a day of no school if she is diligent! She LOVES this idea...we'll see how it actually translates! This also helps bring in the Big Rock of responsibility in focus. I have given her a time deadline of when daily school is to be over. If she is not finished, then she has to continue it as "homework". The catch here is that, when school is over, we (both girls and I) get to play games, watch a movie or some fun way to spend time together. This is fabulous incentive for Lucy, as she loves to play games and watch movies together.

Here is a sample of her schedule for the week:

M- Math - We like MUS. She is in Delta this year.
      Handwriting - Awana bible verses
      Reading - Pippi Longstocking
      Language - We are using Total Language Plus - LOVE this program.
      Journal writing - I use a variety of things from lists to story prompts.
      free reading

T- Math
     Handwriting
     Reading
     Language
     Journal writing
     Social studies  - This term we are going through the Young Women of Faith books - SO great!

W- Math
      Handwriting
      Reading
      Language
      Journal writing
      Art

T- Math
    Handwriting
    Reading
    Language
    Journal writing
    Science - I still have a box of experiments from a swap I participated in last year. Super easy and fun.

F- family day!
     May also include any of the following:
     field trips
     review
     unit study family projects - We are currently doing a unit on Voyage of the Dawn Trader.
  


So far so good! This semester is off to a good start. I have simplified down to the basics so that it feels manageable and enjoyable.  How about you? Have you found any successful tools/routines?