Gearing Up for the Spring Semester

(This picture was taken at a One-Room Schoolhouse)

Well, the holidays are almost over and for me, that means planning for the Spring Semester of homeschooling.

Just as I do in the summer, this is the time of year that I take a step back and evaluate what we're using, what's working and what's not, evaluate our schedule (or lack thereof), and revamp anything that needs revamping.

I often buy something new in January; something to keep the days fresh, as we head down the road to May.   I also toss out anything that's been mundane, too tedious, dumb, or just plain not working for us.    In other words, we start fresh for the new year.

For us, the second semester is actually more productive than the Fall semester.   The Fall is always crammed with starting new curriculum, finding our routine, then focusing on the holidays, that come around way too soon.    

In the spring, we can take a slower pace, really spend some days in our studies, and relax a little more.   

As in all of my prep sessions, I try to read something that will educate and motivate me, so that I can motivate my kids.   No matter how long you've been teaching at home, you still need fresh ideas and new motivation to keep yourself from getting burned out and bored out of your mind.

My choice for motivation this session is Joanne Calderwood's

new book:

 This book is great!  Joanne has such an easy style of writing (no fancy words to skip over), and such practical advice, that you feel like you're listening to a friend.

She has a method and a philosophy for teaching kids to be self-taught and it's something that I totally agree with and believe in.

After hearing Joanne speak, several years ago, on this subject, it changed my perception of my role as a homeschool mom.    It gave me the freedom to be all the things I needed to be, in the home, and not 90% teacher - 10% everything else.    

Her method also allows your child to be an independent learner and not someone who needs to be spoon-fed (my words) at every turn. 

So, I'm reading her new book; getting myself freshly motivated for the next few months and actually looking forward to starting school again.      I'm not sure how Collin is feeling:)  He's still on holiday time and enjoying every minute!

I encourage you to take this next week (or so), before you jump back in, to educate yourself, choose at least one new area of study, plan an outing or two, and revamp something, so you can start out fresh and ready.

You will feel better about letting go of the holidays, your kids will be pleasantly surprised, and you should have a great Spring Semester!

Happy Homeschooling!