Summer Plans

Ha! I actually don't have any.  I struggled, do you hear me, struggled to get through the last weeks of school.  I never recovered after taking those two weeks off for our Spring break.  It was made easier though, by the kids seeing their own progress within their workbooks.  Once they saw that they only had a few more lessons they pushed hard and hustled to finish by May 16. 

So, summer break is finally here and we couldn't be more excited.  Honestly, we haven't done anything other than veg out on Netflix and video/computer/tablet games.  There have been multiple games of Uno and Hedbanz.  We've done a couple of park/playground trips but that's about it.  Maybe things will change once the weather stabilizes.  I thought I was going to give them some refresher work starting this month, but I am just NOT in the mood.  I really think this summer will be a true vacation and no work will be done.  Well, other than my planning for next year.  I'm not even in the mood for that.  I'm in true relaxed, vacation mode right now.

What are your plans? 

2013 Fall Planning

It is that time of the year... planning time.  Though, when are homeschooling moms not planning?  It seems we spend a bit of time planning the next school year throughout the current year.  As you know, we spent most of the 2012-2013 school year with K12's Virtual Academy.  We made the decision primarily based on financial necessity.  This year, we are not much better financially but our resolve to independently educated our children is stronger than ever.

Earlier this year, I discovered the wonderful resourcefulness of YouTube.  Now, I've watched many a YT video but never did I watch (or look for) homeschooling videos.  All it took was one video for me to get hooked.  (Don't ask which one because I couldn't tell ya!)  Most of the videos I was attracted to were the ones explaining how to homeschool on a budget.  And not just the average 'get books from the library' suggestions.  I was learning the who, what, where & why of creating your own homeschool curriculum for free or as close to free as possible.  I've discovered so many websites that provide free curriculum, resources for creating lesson plans, etc.  I've always known of free printable websites but for the first time since we began homeschooling officially in 2006, I've come to realize I can (and will) homeschool for free.

Now by "free" I mean I will not purchase a full curriculum from publishers (with the exception of science that we will begin in the Spring).  The majority of my lesson plans will be created via printables I find online, unit studies,  notebooking and lapbooks centered around living books.

I'm so excited to begin formulating a plan for each of my children.  I love to shop but I'm just as excited to see how little money I can spend this year! I'll keep you posted.  How's your planning coming along?