I took the time to write down all my ideas for every subject. Including curriculum that I plan to use, theme ideas, party ideas, classes to take or host. The next day I read the kids a book called My Head is Full of Colors. It is about a girl who wakes up everyday with her head filled with colors, animals, people, books. She has these wonderful adventures. I then had the kids draw their head and what it is full of. I wanted them to draw their interests so I can be sure to individualize their learning. We then went over my ideas and they shared the ones they were interested in. I now feel I have a good idea what to cover. I think it is important to look at each child and how they learn, whether it be visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc. You need to write up or at least verbalize your educational philosophy for the year. This will include goals. My hope is that we can gradually move away from our unstructured summer, to a more activity filled learning adventure.
As the children sense the change they go through some adjustments. If they are not liking a lesson I am presenting, I try to adapt to what they need from it. You have to be flexible with homeschooling. Funny I have a hard time being flexible in life! I like structure, order, routine and rules. Right now I am working on a workshop called "You Can Have B-A-L-A-N-C-E." I have created a flip book that addresses all parts of balance. All though I feel a bit off right now, I know it will be a good reminder of the simple changes I can work on. I look at the book and am quickly reminded of body, area, love, aroma, now, centering and embracing. I can usually pin point the area I need to address. So, as you start a new year, remember balance and that you can have it.
