Long before I begin each school year, I start the planning process. Actually, I love planning, and often get started preparing for the next school year in March or so.
First, I think about my goals for the upcoming year—both in academic topics and skills. For example, for English, I may want my daughter to complete a vocabulary workbook, read a certain number of books, and develop competence in writing 5-paragraph essays and diagramming sentences. In history/geography, I may want to cover a specific time period of history and have her memorize 10 historical dates and be able to label all the states on a US map.
The next step is choosing the resources I will use. I try to look at my goals as I’m deciding which books and materials will best help us to meet those goals. Personally, I do a lot of picking and choosing from different publishers, use the library and computer a lot, and make some of my own materials.
Then, I map out a rough schedule for the year. Some resources will be used for only a few weeks, while others will be used for the full year. The yearly plan is subject to change, but it gives me a good framework to work with, and allows me to see an overall picture of the year.
I use a lesson planning grid to plan the daily/weekly lessons. I do this throughout the year, planning lessons 3 or 4 weeks at a time. This helps me allow for unforeseen delays, rabbit trails, and review products.
I’m a naturally organized person, but I think that a plan is important for anyone who wants to homeschool successfully. Otherwise, it can be too easy to fall behind, or let important skills slip through the cracks. This does apply more to older students, though. I’m all for short school days, hands-on experiences, and lots of time cuddled up on the couch reading for little ones!
Read more about “Homeschooling Essentials” this week at the following blogs, or click on the banner below!
Amanda @ Hopkins Homeschool Daily Planners
Jennifer @ Royal Little Lambs Planning
Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life Our 2013-2014 Homeschool Curriculum Choices
Lisa Marie @The Canadian Homeschooler Know the Reason Why
Laura @ Four Little Pengins Seeing Your Vision
Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses Stationary
Dinah @ The Traveling Classroom Ten reasons why food is important in our homeschooling
Dawn @ Guiding Light Homeschool The *MOST IMPORTANT* Thing in Our Homeschool
Erin @ Water on the Floor New Year, New Curriculum