So I've been thinking a lot about this question. I recently had a conversation with shall we say a... "Home School Naysayer" and I was surprised at how I handled it. It was good. I didn't debate, give research, quote scriptures, or anything crazy like that. I just spoke calmly and listened.
His point was if people don't socialize their children well, they could end up misdiagnosed from having Autistic tendencies and have to receive group therapy later. No seriously, that was when the Holy Spirit came in and took over by keeping my mouth shut. :)
But I felt like I was able to explain OUR schedule and how much socialization is a part of our lives.
Then I went into a montage of what I wanted to do with my blog and how I want to use it as a source for help and training.
So here's me keeping my word and making all of us better at what we are about to do in Semester 2.
Lesson 1: The importance of Objectives
In my elementary ed days, we were nailed with objectives. We wrote lesson plans over and over again until everyone understood the standards we were reaching, the objectives we were teaching. It was kinda Nazi like, but dutiful teachers sat around half moon tables in tiny chairs to write out objectives.
I hated this! But I learned it's value from it. I loved being creative in my classroom, but needed a road map to stay on track. The objectives of each lesson can help us do that. They can also help the tired mommas know when they are done or if they should continue to another day.
I got to thinking about Classical objectives and realized I use memorization as the "Objective"- but it's not clear to how we would differentiate those objectives. Let's say for example you are doing Classical for Year 1 the second time. Would you teach it the same? Have the same standard as before? Do you differentiate? I know, I'm getting too teachery, but you get my drift, right? Or for a 8 yr old vs a 5 yr old. Should they both learn the same thing?
Same memorization, but what about our objectives? Are those the same as well?
So I started a quest to clearly lay out objectives and an overview plan using this idea.
This is a sneak peak into a new lesson plan format I'm going to use and would really love feedback on. Like really! :) Please, pretty please, tell me what you think about differentiating and making different objectives for each level.
These are just the start.
I'm getting really excited about how much easier they are to use each week and how I can look at things at a glance. This is just a sample, I need to finish off this week and talk to my partner in crime about the entire Lesson 13. It makes me feel like I can meet these objectives with gusto!
I can accomplish those things and check off that box instead of wondering did I teach enough that day? Did I cover the right stuff?
Looking forward to posting the entire document later. It's making me sooo excited to teach! Am I a nerd or what? Don't answer that...
Have a great Sunday and a Wonderful Christmas!!
Blessed,
Crecia
