After much thought and research and rough drafts and... this is the schedule we'll try to follow for our 2008-2009 home schooling day:
Charis's First Grade Year. Selah's Preschool Year. Raegan's Toddler Year. Baby Girl #4 Birth Year. :)
Not long ago, I had mentioned feeling overwhelmed as I was trying to wrap up the finishing details of our daily/year schedule. And how, in a split second, God changed the large majority of what I had taken three months to plan.
Well, that all surrounded "Galloping the Globe."
This Geography-based curriculum essentially takes the student through a study of the world by continents... broken down into selected countries. My plan was to take three years to complete it, changing the country of focus every two to three weeks. focusing on Europe and Asia our first year.
But it was overwhelming. I wanted to really study the countries. leave the girls with a strong basis for each land and its people. not feel pressured by time and schedule, especially if the girls wanted to go in-depth in their learning. which, for me, is a big reason to home school.
But all I felt that three week period would turn out to be, for us as a family, was an information cram-session and stress overload. It felt rushed. knowledge-shallow. and overall exhaustive.
So immediately after I prayed, the Lord laid it on my heart to, instead, do a year-long unit study of just Mexico.
We're already studying Spanish. Our church is bi-lingual. Our county is almost 1/2 Hispanic (though unfortunately not our particular town). I've been to Mexico twice and have some sort of understanding of the culture. The whole thing just made sense to me. (note: I'm sure the Lord appreciates hearing that His All-Knowing "suggestion" made sense to me.)
AND then the plan is to have Jet take Charis to Mexico next summer. Where she would get to actually submerse herself in the land, the people, and the language as Daddy and Daughter minister together on a church missions trip.
It's a perfect mix of putting to use what she's been learning, seeing that other children don't live as she does and! learning to step out in faith representing Jesus and his power to the world. All of which are priceless experiences at her young age.
The whole thing just gets me EXCITED. Which is a huge difference from where I was before. I no longer feel pressure to do a geography study (regardless of how small) every day. I no longer feel pressure at all! Instead, I can use the entire year to focus on Mexico's native culture, food, language, animals, etc etc. At our own pace. In our own time frame. As in depth as the girls want to go (or not go).
Leaving the girls with a lasting knowledge of this neighboring land and precious people!!
At this point (our first week almost over), we are yet to officially begin the unit study. But honestly, I'm not stressed. We have all year. I feel at peace. Knowing that I haven't set myself up, from the get-go, with too much on my plate. Especially being that Baby Girl will be here next month.
Thanks, Lord. Your oh-so-insightful suggestion is much appreciated. *wink*
