Starting Homeschool in 5th grade

I have read that after being in public school that kids need time to decompress from all the stress and other things that come along with PS, paticularly if there were issues involved like it sounds.  It is benefical to let your son decompress while you study and decide what is best.  The Five in a Row were, I think, based on a CM theory and if all you did to make yourself feel like you are doing school is the Five in a Row series while you prepare more thoroughly, it would be enough.  We also have all the FIAR stuff.  Lots of us do.  It is not what you are used to for school, so second guessing yourself is normal.  BTW, my 11yo dd had to have decompression time in order for all of us to re-bond and enjoy life again.

Part of what you are going through right now is “deschoolling” yourself and it is a hard thing to do!  =)  Also, we tend to think that all subjects must be taught everyday.  NOT true – and very liberating to realize that.  I also found prepackaged curriculum adds stress to my life because the ones I tried want you to say ”

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” to your child and follow it exactly.   Very hard for me, and that was one of the reasons that I love CM.  I like the Organizer on here because I can follow a schedule at our pace…without having to erase all my plans for the next month –  whew!  What a relief!

You could use audio books for awhile too while he is decompressing from school.  Librivox.org has hundreds and lots of the recommended literature books are on there, free!  you can burn them to CD’s if you want.  I let my kids listen while they do art stuff, sew, chores, etc.  Then they tell me the story, since I didn’t herar it all (oral narration). They like it.

If you want a fun way to “do” grammar, use the Grammarland book and get the free worksheets on line.  I use that and then through the week I just copy a random page of literature and ask my kids to circle, underline whatever we are reading about that week.  Then on Friday I ask them to write a paragraph using the topic we are reading about.  Simple, but effective.  We only do it 3 times a week and it’s very non-stress.  The Grammarland book would probably capture his attention, since all the parts of speech are testifying at a trial about what they do.  I am using it as a bridge to another program, when I decide what I like.  =)  We do this M-W-F.

Add nature study in very simply by having him draw a picture of something in nature he found in the backyard, flower, rock, bird feather, bug, worm, whatever.  It doesn’t have to take forever and be perfect.  He’ll get the hang of it soon enough.  This is a Thursday afternoon subject.  After they draw, then they are free to explore and play.  Usually they find something else to draw too.

Science for now could be readng the Thornton Burgess books (or other living science books on the curriculum guide, these are also available as free audio books from Librivox.org) ) and either orally narrate or write what he remembers about each animal and drawing them.  That allows you to see what he likes and enjoys, then start your school year with that part of science.  (this is one area we use notebooking pages). 

Just gradually add things in: picture study using a free picture from online; listen to free classical music online; listen to a free audio book while he draws or builds something; if you set the timer and alternate these things in amongst the “school” subjects it really helps with attitudes (eventually) and attention.  We do picture study on Monday, composer/music study on Tuesday (to introduce a new song – we usually listen to the compser all week long), hymn study on Wednesday, Nature study on Thursday, and either an art project or Shakespeare on Friday.

Math is everyday.  Scripture reading with the family everyday.  Reading literature, history and science books are everyday.

We do Module 1 History MWF, Geography T. and Ancient Egypt on Thursday.  The history books they read everyday are additional books about ancient Egypt. 

We are doing science 3 times a week.

My 10 yo and 11yo dds use SCM’s Spelling Wisdom and are always telling me how much they love it and can’t believe that it is spelling.  I love how non-stress it is and, yet, it is very effective.  LOVE it.   They also use it for copywork.  We do copywork on it and then when they are ready we do the dictation.  Usually we do copywork in it on Monday, dictation on Tuesday, copywork on Wednesday and dictation on Thursday.  We will adapt this as they get older and the passages are longer. 

BTW, the SCM handbooks can save you alot of time in reading CM’s books.  Sonya has quoted CM extensively and really only bridges between quotes, then she gives you practical application ideas and points to ponder at teh end of each chapter.  They can give you a good feel for the CM methods and allow you to feel more confident that you really can do this, and do it now.  You will still want to read through her works at some point though. 

Another thing that helps is the timer:  I set it and “make” them stop when it dings.  They don’t get as bored as fast. =) 

Instead of workbooks, I use notebooking pages that dds pick out and use.  Then they add them to their binders in each subject. 

If you want to PM me, I can show you our schedule for this semester.  It might help you see that you are okay, and that it isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds!  =)

The SCM Planning Your CM Education will be a big benefit for you as you are trying to implement her methods in your life. 

I think what I am trying to say in such a wordy way:  Let him relax, you relax, wander through the Five in a Row book, and prepare for next year.  Add in the fun stuff, study out what you want and listen to lots of books on audio.

I really hope this is comprehendable – heeheehee  HTH, Sheila