Our plans for the school year

Our homeschool co-op has recently completely fallen apart, with allegations of financial mishandling, among other things.  Bee was signed up for several classes, while Bug was signed up for one class that he very much wanted to take, in addition to both being signed up for piano lessons there, and now it's gone.  I have received about half of my money back and am very much hoping that I get the rest of it.  There is a new co-op starting with many of the former instructors, and we are hoping that both boys will get to continue their robotics.  But the nice plan I had made out became completely screwed up a few weeks ago. 

So, the most important quality in a homeschooling parent is flexibility.  This is my 8th (!) year to homeschool, and every year, I do things a little differently.  Sometimes I move in one direction for a while and then find myself surprised to be moving back in the other direction.  For a while we were moving to taking a lot of outside classes, and now we find ourselves returning to doing most classes at home.  They had both requested to take fewer classes, and now we are doing it almost all at home again. 

Plans for Bee (8th grade!!!):

•  English:  We are using a program called WriteShop, Level I.  We started it today.  No lesson plans for me, and every tiny step for each assignment is very clearly spelled out.  We should not have any issues with "blank page syndrome" or "writer's block," which is why I have frequently used writing tutors or classes for Bee.  I'm very excited about it.  If we like it, we will go one to Level II for next year.  I'm also going to have him work through the Life of Fred Language Arts series this year.  For literature this semester, I am having him read 8 books related to the Cold War, and do a short response on each one.  Next semester is still TBD.  
• Social Studies:  We are studying the Cold War, and he is watching an extensive 24-part documentary on YouTube, in addition to the books he is reading.  Next semester, I will let him choose a different topic.  
• Math:  He continuing to work in an algebra book by Harold Jacobs.  It's going well.  
• Science:  I hope that he will continue on his robot team, if the team continues.  Otherwise, I will have to come up with something.  
• Spanish:  He is back with Homeschool Spanish Academy!  Yea!  Last year, we took a break from private lessons because we were just so busy with co-op classes.  But it's too much for me with a little one in the house to make lesson plans, prepare, and have the time to interact with him individually.  In addition, I'm going to have him watch the episodes of BBC's Mi Vida Loca, on days that he doesn't have class. 
• Arts:  He will take private piano lessons with a teacher close to our new home.  I'd like to add in some art and drama, but we'll see what comes available.  He was signed up to be in a play before our co-op fell apart.  
• PE:  He will continue his team at the rock climbing gym, in addition to family outdoor activities.  

Plans for Bug (4th grade!!!):

•    English:  Bug will be working through WriteShop Junior Level D.  At his request, we will continue the All About Spelling program, although I must admit, that with Dot running around, it is so hard for me to keep up with.  Bug spends hours every day listening to audiobooks, and at the age of 9, I just let him pick what he wants to read.  This worked well for Bee.  I will start assigning Bug some literature in the 6th or 7th grade.  
• Social Studies:  I decided to try a Holling C. Holling book, as a literature-based approach to geography.  If it goes well, I'll order more.  
• Math:  Bug will continue with Life of Fred and practice on Khan Academy as well.  
• Science:  Bug was excited about being on a rookie FLL team.  He may still get to be on one, if the stars align.  Otherwise, I'll have to come up with something else.  
• Spanish:  Bug adamantly refused to take online lessons.  We are going to do the Speekee program for kids his age instead.  
• Arts:  So far, just private piano lessons.  
• PE:  He will continue his team at the rock climbing gym, in addition to family outdoor activities.  

Plans for Dot (my tiny 2-year-old!):  Book reading, counting, singing, coloring, crafts, playing, kissing, hugging, trips to the park.  Just life! 

Plans for Me: 

• I've never included this before in my blog, but I actually think that one of the most important things a parent can do is model a love of learning for the children.  Over the years, my children have seen me learn about gardening, Spanish, genealogy, and theology, among other things.  
• My big project this year is continuing my Education for Ministry program (offered by the Episcopal Church).  Last year, I studied the Hebrew Bible; this year, I will focus on the New Testament.  My class meets once a week in the evening during the school year.  I have loved it.  
• I've been enjoying reading books when I get a minute--fiction and nonfiction.