A New Home School Year

When new magazines plop through the door

The most exciting time of year is upon us! Planning subject matter and time-tables, brand new additional topics may be called for, scheduling in sport and social days... and buying new stationery. How satisfying! I  can almost smell the freshly sharpened pencils just thinking about it :)

Throughout the year I keep a diary of topics covered,  and yet to be covered.  Interests or places to visit that have cropped up but we didn't have the time to delve into very thoroughly. This is my starting point when forming [a very lose] plan for the new term. But all subjects will be based on the children's own enthusiasms. 
There are many children' educational magazines that make good reading material. Societies like the RSPB or Bat Conservation Trust for example or Aquila, National Geographic Kids or Answers in Genesis Kids to name a few. 

We don't jump into the school year with both feet [I have tried various approaches over the years and that strategy made for unhappy children and mum] We slip in there gently with a couple of weeks worth of fun projects.   [Currclick has very inexpensive or free short topics/lapbooks if you need a little inspiration.] It would usually be a topic which has caught the kiddos' interest over the break, so its a natural progression.   

Looking at a duck egg embryo

Most of all don't stress, take comfort knowing that HE is flexible and it may take a few own-goals before you hit on the right track for your child for that season.  Help is out-there in the HE community. They are a very co-operative bunch, everyone is supportive and loves to talk about what worked for them.