Monday is our last class day for our local homeschool cooperative. The kids have papers to turn in, final labs and tests to take, and then, they have only one more week of this school year before the end-of-year bowling party on May 5th. To say they are elated is an understatement; I share in their joy.
Of course, they are not entirely certain about my newfangled year-round homeschooling idea, but they’ve agreed to the loose plan, and I promised that if it did not work for everyone, we’d reconsider next May.
Because I usually end the school year by preparing for the next one, I have spent the last several weeks talking with the kids and thinking through our 2014-2015 school year’s courses, curriculum, books, and extracurricular activities.
Meredith will be a freshman in high school, and because she has already expressed a desire to go to college, we are thinking ahead for what her high school transcript will require.
Kenny starts seventh grade, and while he has said for years that he wants to be an engineer one day, we have considerably more time and wiggle room for him.
Emelie will complete all of her high school coursework in the next two weeks except for Algebra 2, which she will try to finish by the Summer’s end. Because she needed to back-up a bit to move forward, her surgery, and just the difficulty that Algebra 2 poses for her in general, it is the only course she has left.
Our homeschool year will begin on June 9th, and here are our plans.
Kenny (7th Grade)
BIBLE: AWANA’s Trek program + Inductive Bible Study
HISTORY: World History, Part 1 of 2
LA: Paragraph Writing, Part 1 of 2 (I divide up this curriculum from The Write Foundation into a 2-year program.)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Rosetta Stone – Spanish
KEYBOARDING: Typing Instructor Platinum
SCIENCE: General Science + labs & journaling notebook
MATH: VideoText Algebra: A Complete Course (Continue with Pre-Alg. portion)
ELECTIVE: 4-H Robotics (This is still up in the air, but we are hoping it works out.)
P.E.: Walking/running with family 3-4 days/week
Special thanks to everyone who weighed in on my question regarding whether Kenny should take World or State History. I read every single comment, and in the end decided to hold off on Texas History until Kenny takes American History in high school. Then, I will integrate it in throughout that year.
Meredith (9th Grade)
BIBLE: Inductive Bible Study
HISTORY: American History (Core 100)
LA: Essay Writing, Part 1 of 2 (I divide up this curriculum from The Write Foundation into a 2-year program.)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Rosetta Stone – Spanish
KEYBOARDING: Typing Instructor Platinum
SCIENCE: Biology + labs
MATH: VideoText Algebra: A Complete Course Algebra 1 portion
ELECTIVE: guitar + piano
P.E.: Walking/running with family 3-4 days/week
We are not participating in a co-op for 2014-2015
This year’s co-op ran us all a bit ragged; so, we’ve opted out for any co-op participation for the 2014-2015 school year. Of course, we will plan outings as a family, or field trips with friends, but just not with a large group.
I still believe homeschool cooperatives can be a valuable tool for homeschooling families, but at the same time, I believe it is essential to know what exactly you’re getting into (whether forming one or joining one) before joining.
I enjoyed teaching, and I will miss my students, but I am already enjoying the thought of not prepping, teaching and grading for three different writing courses!
And then there is my own personal growth…
I am currently reading Smart Money, Smart Kids, a book written by Dave Ramsey and his daughter, Rachel Cruze.
I’ve talked in the past about teaching fiscal responsibility, and this year we addressed many of the topics listed in that post. So far, I’m enjoying the book and look forward to writing a review and providing a giveaway sometime this Summer.
Finances = Important Stuff to Learn
For those who have been reading about my my Whole30 Journey, you know I’ve continued my own personal path toward better health and teaching my children (and anyone else who can stand to read or listen) as I go along. The book that inspired me to get off my bum and get back on track with my eating is It Starts With Food.
There are a growing number of nutrition books on the schoolroom bookshelves and stacked on my bedside table. I may be writing about that topic this summer too because what we put into our kids’ mouths equips them to better process what we pour into their minds.
I am EXCITED for this upcoming year. Once we wrap this year up I will do my annual schoolroom clean sweep, deep clean, and then, ready the shelves for another year’s books and curriculum.
Are you prepared for the 2014-2015 homeschool year? Involved in a co-op? Starting a new curriculum? Still struggling to finish this year and can’t think about it yet?
Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.