This time of year does it to me every time.
It’s cold outside and I am dreaming of warmer weather….
which starts the wheels turning for our next school year.
We are year round homeschoolers- so I do my planning for next year as we are finishing up our current studies.
I’ve found this really helps me figure out what will work best for us for this season of life. What the kiddos are into, what our current schedule looks like, how we can fit the littlest learners into our schedule.
It helps to know we will keep the momentum going, and although we do take a few weeks off in June- this allows us to seamlessly blend into next year’s work (in theory….).
Sometimes things are not quite that smooth, but a mom can dream, right!! ;-)
Next year I will have a 5th grader and a 4th grader learning at home- as well as a 2 year old in the mix. It promises to be an interesting year for sure.
We’ve been on a very eclectic, semi-unschooling path for about a year due to our major move across country and adding a baby into our mix. I am feeling very much like next year we need a bit more structure in our curriculum.
Here’s what we’re currently considering:
- Both of my students are on the same level for most of their work with my 5th grader a little slower at things and my 4th grader above grade level in most areas. This makes it fun to find things they can do together, but also a bit challenging to keep them from competing about everything!!
- I know we will stick with Teaching Textbooks- we love it and it works well for both kiddos.
- I am really looking at using My Father’s World curriculum- it has a great 5 year cycle and we are in the perfect spot to begin the cycle. It’s a bit daunting to think about choosing a curriculum for the long term, but I really like the looks of this. It combines Bible, literature, history/geography, science, music appreciation, art, and character development. I love that it tends toward Charlotte Mason with a unit study twist. Still deciding, but this is looking good.
- MFW suggests using Intermediate Language Lessons with their curriculum. I have to admit I have not loved this curriculum when I previously looked at it, but I just stumbled upon a great workbook alternative that I think will work well with my students.
- I am also planning on adding Writing Strands 3- another new addition for us. I have heard good things about this writing program and I like that it can take them from beginning steps through High School composition.
- I am totally undecided on our spelling program- MFW suggests using Spelling Power and I have heard good things about All About Spelling… I’m just really not sure which way we will go. Suggestions??
- We are also thinking of adding Rosetta Stone Spanish into the mix this year. It would be great for all of us to learn this one together.
- And of course we will be adding all kinds of fun goodies from Schoolhouse Teachers- this has been the basis for much of our learning this year and I know we will be incorporating it again next year!!
In addition, both kiddos will be attending a co-op on Tuesdays from 8am-3pm that provides them with classes in science, art, PE, music, and computers.
All in all, it’s looking like a busy but fun year approaching. I just need to nail down a few specifics and work a bit on our schedule.
Are you planning for next year yet? Using the same approach or taking a new route? Let me know how it’s going.
Wow! You are on top of things. I still have to schedule out the next term for my oldest yet for this year.
Small world. I was retweeting this post for The Crew, hopped on, liked your choices and noticed we have the same designer. I am also working next year’s schedule as we homeschool year-round as well.
Good luck!
I’m starting to think of next year as well. I’d also like to think that things will go super smooth, lol. Sounds like you’re on the right track, though. Do you use a worksheet or planner to keep it all organized? I’m debating which method of planning I’d like to use for next year.