Start of a new year

Since my husband started this great blog for me last year I thought maybe I'd start using it. I'll try to keep up to date on what we are learning. I am not a very structured, organized person. One of my big weaknesses in discipline. Knowing the importance of being disciplined I am working on it and praying about it a lot. So....The schedule is posted on the wall. It looks great on paper. But whether or not we follow it is a whole other story.

This year, for my 3rd grader, I am using teaching textbooks for math, Learning LA through Literature for reading, spelling, grammar and cursive.

For my 1st grader I am using Bob Jones Math and the same for LA (LLATL).

For both I am using Harcourt social studies and some books from Christian Liberty Press for History. We will also be adding Rosetta stone for Spanish.

We are going to try something new this year. We are having the girls tell us a thing or two they'd like to learn and then letting them not only set their own goals, but also make their own report card when through. I know they are young but it gives them some say in what we learn and a little more indepence.

Our first week was far from perfect. We only got through about half of that schedule that is on the wall, my two youngest got sick and by Thursday you could tell even the little we were doing was making their brains tired (and MINE!!). But even with all that...they STILL LEARNED. Maybe even as much as their friends IN school.

I am hopeful to find a nice balance between structure and spontaneity this year. As I look at the family calender and see it's our first full week of EVERYTHING...all activities have started...I lay it all at the feet of CHRIST. I pray for discipline, wisdom, patience, creativity, discipline (yes I know I said that one twice) and balance.

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but GOD determines his steps." Lord, guide me this week. I'll plan but take us where you want us to go. Amen