So after doing one semester of classically minded curriculum, I realized what I loved about it is also what I wished was different. So I took my break to think about what I would do if I was in charge and this is what I came up with... some lesson plan pages that are easy to read and simple for us to accomplish in a week.
First of all, I divided the week up into 3 days. I figure we have a weekly meeting on one day, three days of school, and one day to run errands or just catch up on the other stuff. With that said, I made a three day plan. One day focusing on each subject. But if you have a 4 day week I would separate day 3.
Second, I wanted to make plans that looked similar to the plan books I had when I was teaching. These lay it out for me so I can pick up and teach. I love, love, love this format because I can check off things, review info quickly, and best of all take one sheet with me to the library to get the books I need. Or gather all the materials I need for the day.
I'm not a naturally organized person. In fact, if you walked through this computer you would see a messy counter filled with stacks of papers, things that are undone, and so on. But when it comes to teaching, I am organized in my mind. Now, by no means do I expect any of you to do exactly what I'm doing, but I just thought to share these with you to get an idea of what I think I need in order to not get burned out too soon. I also tried to just put a couple good activities instead an endless amount. Again the purpose of these are to make our lives simple and for you not to spend 2 more hours checking out the internet deciding what to do.
Third, I wanted to offer something that was multiage. When I taught for the DoDDs school system and in Denver I taught multiage. I loved it! I understood then what many great researchers have discovered... it works! This is one of the many reasons why I loved teaching classically, but unfortunately I feel like the question of what should they know being left somewhat unanswered. I love the memorization, but as a teacher and a mom, I just want some comprehension of the huge subjects. With that being said, I made standards that are tangible. Yes, my 5 and 3 year old can sing all sorts of catchy tunes, but do they know what they really mean? So that is where my objectives come in. It gives me a clearer road map of what I can look for when I think they understand.
Keep in mind, this is not a stand alone lesson plan, you do need another classical curriculum to do this and I do not say anything about the memorization because it's just a given that we are all going over it.
If you like what you see, please pass the link on to someone else and leave me a comment. If you think they are too detailed, feel free to tell me that too.
These took me a long time to create, but I have to say, I'm a lot more pleased with the outcome than I expected to be. Let's face it, I love lists! :) I plan to do more, but am curious if you guys think this is helpful or too much. These took me hours to format, but I already have 14 and 15 planned out, just need to plug them into my new format.
So I will do more based on whether or not people seem to think they are helpful or not. I'm also thinking of selling the rest as I'd love to make money to donate to charities. So if you like what you see, please comment and let me know what they are worth to you ($10-$15) or ($15- $20) per six weeks.
I need input so please leave yours!
I really want to bless God using my talents for His work and bless all the busy moms out there like me.
I need input so please leave yours!
I really want to bless God using my talents for His work and bless all the busy moms out there like me.
Merry Christmas to All!
May this be one less thing you have to think about after checking out our blog.
Blessings to your family!
-Crecia
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