Well, mostly I've been writing plans for my two oldest. This is something new for me, writing things down in an organized fashion, and I am hopeful that it will work well this year. I guess I've still been planning a little differently than most people; the kids' plans are mostly based on lists of interests they gave me last month. Jen ever so kindly sent me some editable tables in Word which she and Elizabeth used to plan their Literature for a Young Lady curriculum, and I used them to plan A Bunch of Stuff I Think My Young Man Will Like. I'm not sure it hangs together enough to give it a title, but I borrowed the idea of using a guide by Father Lasance -- in this case, The Young Man's Guide -- to be a sort of organizing thread. Katydid will be following along with the Serendipity plans this year, by request, although I am altering them for a slightly younger girl. (Katydid is only 10. I guess technically she's in fifth grade, although for some reason I keep forgetting and thinking she's in sixth. Oh well.)
If anyone's curious, I'll post my plans for Gareth, who will be in 7th grade this year. (I mean, for real, and not just as pictures.) But I have to warn you, they're a bit individual.
I mean, I doubt that every 7th grader will want to start with prehistoric people before moving on to a study of the Middle Ages. But, to be honest, the subjects he wanted to study -- prehistoric people and evolutionary biology -- are just the sort of things you want to study with a "shield of faith" in hand. I gave him the plans today and he seemed to think they were decent... He has the kind of personality that needs both choice and structure. Using the table I was able to list a whole bunch of choices as far as projects go, which will hopefully solve the problem of the whiteboard. We'll see how it goes.
While I was working on the plans, I had to mostly go offline. Which is okay because I have been in one of those funks where I'm not sure I have anything of worth to say anyway and the blogosphere left me largely feeling inadequate. It occurred to me that since we usually go on vacation this time of year and I get enforced (and therapeutic) time away from all computers, I usually get a retreat that I wasn't planning on getting this year, with so much poultry to care for. So maybe it wasn't really that I'm inadequate, just that I needed some time off. Then Andy sent me an email asking whether I thought we could make a family trip to New Hampshire with him when he visits there on business, so maybe I will get a brief retreat anyway.
(Actually, what Andy said was, do you think we could stock the chickens, etc. up on water and food for a few days and just have the kid down the street come by a couple times, and what I replied was, do you think we could put the kids in the coop, too? Okay, so yesterday was a little tough.)
I was thinking to myself about two weeks ago that I get more from your posts on education and gardening than almost anyone else in the blogosphere. They are always very informative and thought provoking. So at least I think you have something worthy to say!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 13, 2009 at 03:39 PM
I agree with Jennifer, in fact just yesterday a friend and I were talking about blogs and I was saying how REAL your blog is.
Well I for one would love to see your plans, they sound fascinating. I just had to smile about the 'structure and choice' I SO understand, you were describing my children to a tee.
Can I admit curiosity and ask 'just what job does Andy do?' You talk about him traveling alot and I wondered, sounds interesting.
Pleased to see you back, I was wondering:)
Posted by: Erin | August 13, 2009 at 03:46 PM
i would love to see your plans! please do post them!
Posted by: mary | August 14, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Well, thank you, Erin and Jen :-) Erin -- my husband works for a mutual fund company managing money. He travels a lot, visiting companies and small banks (his specialty). If it's possible, we like to tag along sometimes for a couple of reasons. First, I like to travel! And I conveniently forget how hard it is to travel with little ones after we come home. ;-) And also -- if it's technically a "business trip" for Andy, some of our costs are taken care of. Gas, for instance, and part of the hotel room. So it makes traveling a little cheaper.
Posted by: Angel | August 16, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Dear Angela,
Well, I was wondering how the lessons were going and if you had added any of the Monterssori Farming elements to your plans.
Just today I received my Reggio book and have yet to start but I really love the one on got on Waldord: Creative Play for you baby.. Christopher Clud. I think it is one of the best waldorf books and incudes toy projects to make as well.
One of my(obsensions), I mean interests!!
God Bless
Posted by: Gae | August 17, 2009 at 08:58 AM
I LOVE the time you take to share your posts and pictures of your family. I really learn a lot and get inspired to 'do'....not just 'think' about some stuff. I will also have a 7th grader and would LOVE to see what you have planned. I realize individual plans are tricky...kind of personal. If you're inclined, I'd be so grateful.
Teresa in VA
Posted by: Teresa | August 19, 2009 at 08:34 AM
I love seeing how you planned for G! Those look sooo interesting! I'm getting excited about doing something like this for the boys...and hoping you post your plans!
I'm glad you had an internet break...but selfishly, I hope you're back! ;) I love seeing how you tweak/interpret/create with the kids and their work!
Posted by: Jennifer Mackintosh | August 20, 2009 at 08:38 PM