I feel like I’m always planning, looking for books, and putting it all together despite the SCM framework we use. I decided I don’t want to have to do this for each of my four kids, esp. when each would use many of the same resources.
I’ve decided to write up some course outlines for each subject for our family. What I am hoping to do is to make a plan for each subject area that carries through PreK – Grade 6 (eventually 12). This would be my personal curriculum guide as it were, pulling from SCM and misc. other sources. This won’t be set in stone as I could always discover a new resource or need to change something for one kid, but I hope will free me up from reinventing the wheel each time a new kid rises through the ranks. What do you guys think? I welcome feedback!
I like this idea too, though I’m not sure how I would do it because of the many subject areas where we work together. For example, we do history together, which means my younger children don’t begin in Module 1, they begin wherever we are when they’re old enough to start “official” schooling according to the state. Hmm….
We do this also and for the same reasons you decided too. I just started making “official” copies recently though.
Tristan, for the family subjects, I do a rotation schedule. So for history it has year 1…, year 2…, etc. After year 6 we cycle back thru. This would be for history and Bible. I also use this for the early years personal development books-when they can’t read well enough to do it alone-there will only be 3-4 in this rotation.
For some subjects, I just use a general age range (ie in science). That way I can do it with at least a few of my kids at a time. So, for example, we’d do Outdoor Secrets sometime between K and 2, then Considering God’s Creation sometime between 3 and 5. So, this year, I’m doing Considering God’s Creation with my 4th and 5th graders. Next year, I’ll do Outdoor Secrets with my then K and 2nd graders. Each child does have a grade level list of science readers though. And once they get to High School there is a set pattern (biology, chemistry, physics).
I would love to see yours as you finish Christie. It’s always good to get other ideas in different subjects.
Okay, I’m incredibly impressed. At the place where Sonya has us fill out all twelve years in the Planning DVD that’s where I take her advice and, rather than get overwhelmed, go get myself an iced coffee instead. Really nicely done.
I plan to do something like this as well…but I’m glad you brought this to the forum cause it’s a good reminder (for me)!
If we had more children, I’d almost think this was a definite MUST or I’d go crazy…:) I think it looks great and is going to free up your planning and make things so much easier for yourself in the future. I love to plan, plan, plan as well and get things on paper so I don’t have to carry them in my head..not a good place:)
For me, to have it on paper is key…so I need to get started myself, or like Richele, get that 12 year planning stage:)
I do something very simular as well. I like that with each year I can just look at what they should be doing next. Also if they are fast learners I’m not franticly trying to remember what to do next.
I appreciate you sharing I like some of the books that you have and might have to look into them. Also, I like the added personal or other spot so you know if you have it or may have to borrow from library per say.
Thanks, Ladies. I think the idea is that I have to get it ALL out of my head and onto paper (or the computer) so that I’m not trying to remember each time. The “Personal” column is where I indicate whether I’ll do it with them or they will be on their own.
For out together subjects, like history for example, I plan to have a rotation list. This one will be an almost duplicate of the SCM guide, but with some substitutions/additions for books that I own or want to use.
@Rebecca, I like the age range idea, too, and plan to use that where appropriate.
@Richele, I do find the whole thing overwhelming, but I’m hopeful by getting it out of my head, it will be less so. I want to spend more time doing and living and less planning, which is always a struggle for me when I have to do it for each up and coming kiddo. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do need chocolate breaks! Also, if I can get ready through grade 5 or six, I can simply add a year as my dd gets older, but be ready for the three littles, thus cutting my yearly planning time by 3/4!
I’d love to see other’s plans, too. It really helps get my thinking going.
I have’t done anything this “official” but I do like your idea. I have a list where I put resources as I come across them (many that you ladies have recommended :o) that may not be age appropriate now but that I don’t want to forget when the time comes. In this way I am slowly starting to formulate our big plan…..
I think some of us have mentioned this before but it is certainly a SM Organizer “wish list” item for me……
I’d love a blank curriculum guide template to be a part of the organizer, that way I could have my customized plans (yearly and big overview) right there to refer to as I plan and schedule. :o)
What an awesome idea! I need to do this. Planning overwhelms me tremendously. I love the idea of getting it all down. And then if I find something later that “has” to be included (you know those resources you come accross later that are too good to pass up) I can just pop it in and not get seriously overwhelmed all the time 🙂
This totally makes my organizational heart go pitter-pat! Really, this is very well done! I also would like to see how you lay out the other subjects – keep us posted!!
Mis-I have a simiular thing but it’s just subjects at this point in order of doing them with a relitive grade next to it. I wouldn’t mind sharing if I knew how to. but if you’d like to see it just pm me and I’ll email it to you. It’s just nice to see it and say “this is next”! Good luck in your planning. Misty