A process and a new adventure
I've had the worst time trying to find the perfect homeschool planner.
I've found some really good ones and I've found some that simply would not work for my family.
Years ago I sat down to design my own planner only to throw my hands in the air and give in.
But not this time.
This time I am sticking with it and, I must admit, I am a bit impressed. My project has certainly evolved over time to accommodate things I feel are important. My design has changed radically.
Gone are the standard pages of calendar blocks. I need room to free hand write. The boys do so many interesting things that just don't "fit" into one of the lovely blocks but should certainly be recognized. If any lessons deserve being formally recorded they are the Natural Learning moments. I find it hard to fill a planner with blocks of "Math- Lesson 5". Blah... how boring! I want to look back through our journals and read entries about the boys discovering the red headed woodpecker living in our tree. I want to record the books and websites they visited or what information they gathered. I want to write about the beautiful drawing they sketched of the woodpecker. (Maybe the journal should include folders for items such as art?)
I tend to use quite a few different educational approaches. I suppose you could say we have an eclectic educational style. I enjoy Unit Studies for the in depth knowledge they can offer on a specific topic. But, I also find it very important to appreciate Natural Learning. And quite the opposite of either of these approaches I enjoy the peace of mind some workbook lessons can provide.
So, you can understand why finding a homeschool planner has been difficult for me. But I'm *really* excited about designing this homeschool planner. I was discussing the planner with my best friend last night. I told her about the 20+ hours of planning I have into designing this project so far. She suggested perhaps other mothers would also be interested in my planner. Hmmmm.... maybe?
Everything almost seems to be falling into place. My sister in law and close friend is a graphic designer itching for a project. She is also a, now retired, homeschool veteran. We've discussed the basic design of the planner and I'm really excited!
Okay, I confess.... I'm a bit of a dork. I use the word swell on a regular basis. I enjoy looking at old 50's advertisements and I love the swanky look of them. So, my planner will be swell. :) I still haven't thought of a name yet but I believe the word swell should be in it. Also, I believe the word school should not be in it. ;)
Well.... I've rambled quite a bit about his project. Bless your heart if you've read all this.
I've found some really good ones and I've found some that simply would not work for my family.
Years ago I sat down to design my own planner only to throw my hands in the air and give in.
But not this time.
This time I am sticking with it and, I must admit, I am a bit impressed. My project has certainly evolved over time to accommodate things I feel are important. My design has changed radically.
Gone are the standard pages of calendar blocks. I need room to free hand write. The boys do so many interesting things that just don't "fit" into one of the lovely blocks but should certainly be recognized. If any lessons deserve being formally recorded they are the Natural Learning moments. I find it hard to fill a planner with blocks of "Math- Lesson 5". Blah... how boring! I want to look back through our journals and read entries about the boys discovering the red headed woodpecker living in our tree. I want to record the books and websites they visited or what information they gathered. I want to write about the beautiful drawing they sketched of the woodpecker. (Maybe the journal should include folders for items such as art?)
I tend to use quite a few different educational approaches. I suppose you could say we have an eclectic educational style. I enjoy Unit Studies for the in depth knowledge they can offer on a specific topic. But, I also find it very important to appreciate Natural Learning. And quite the opposite of either of these approaches I enjoy the peace of mind some workbook lessons can provide.
So, you can understand why finding a homeschool planner has been difficult for me. But I'm *really* excited about designing this homeschool planner. I was discussing the planner with my best friend last night. I told her about the 20+ hours of planning I have into designing this project so far. She suggested perhaps other mothers would also be interested in my planner. Hmmmm.... maybe?
Everything almost seems to be falling into place. My sister in law and close friend is a graphic designer itching for a project. She is also a, now retired, homeschool veteran. We've discussed the basic design of the planner and I'm really excited!
Okay, I confess.... I'm a bit of a dork. I use the word swell on a regular basis. I enjoy looking at old 50's advertisements and I love the swanky look of them. So, my planner will be swell. :) I still haven't thought of a name yet but I believe the word swell should be in it. Also, I believe the word school should not be in it. ;)
Well.... I've rambled quite a bit about his project. Bless your heart if you've read all this.
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