It's always exciting to start planning the new school year, but this year I felt like I was behind because of the very busy summer, then I remember My Way. My Way is different than anyone elses way and works best for me and my family. I encourage everyone to find their own way that is unique and fits them. My Way consists of identifying what unit studies I will cover each month, and then going to the library and finding wonderful books about the people and places and things that I want my kids to learn about. I use textbooks for science and math (which I chose last year) and so I am done planning for the "year." I only have to worry about planning for the current month. An hour and a half searching in the library and I am done. Now I just set the books out on the livingroom table, and my wonderful bookworm kids will do the rest. I will have them make some index cards on the people they read about, and will help my youngest read through the simpler books, and then have a group discussion. Some bee will settle in my bonnet while we are reading and talking and it will turn into a project, a collage, a trip to the river, an on-line search, or a boat ride. Something will occur to us that will seem just right for this unit. Til then, I have some good books to read.....
