So, we officially started school today. I am trying to keep to a schedule of what work needs to be done when this year. I actually started doing a post about homeschool planning, too, which included what we were doing this year, but I haven’t finished it.
Come to think of it, I have about a half-dozen or more posts that I want to get around to doing. I also want to reorganize my blogrolls and make a couple of changes to my sidebar.
At any rate, I wanted to start today because I broke the curriculum down into six 6-week sessions, with a one week break in between, and I wanted a break to fall on Thanksgiving week. Yes, I am obsessive. I know that already.
I decided at the last minute to bump The D into Saxon 6/5 because I know he can handle it (even without having had Saxon 5/4). I can fill in anything that he is weak in, but I looked over the book and I am confident that he will do just fine.
I had to order the book last week, so he wasn’t able to start it today, but it came in the mail this evening, so he will have it for tomorrow.
I love starting a new school year. Each new year represents the chance to apply the lessons learned the year before and make the homeschooling experience that much better.
Ask me how I am doing come January.
If only I could bottle some of this optimism up to take then.
1:25 pm on August 21st, 2007
Do you buy all the Saxon Math manipulatives? Or do you make your own? I just got a used Saxon Math K for my son, and the cost of their manipulatives is quite pricey. We already have the dominoes that they call for - and I have things that would substitute for their “teddy bear” counters.
Just wondering what you’ve done.
Thanks.
6:58 pm on August 23rd, 2007
Sorry that I didn’t answer this, Susan! I was just doing math with the kids and I remembered that I didn’t reply to this.
My first year, I knew nothing about homeschooling. I thought I had to have everything from a curriculum seller. Plus, I had lots of help from relatives with money for school stuff (that year only). So, I did buy the manipulative set they sell.
If I had it to do all over again, especially if I had some items already, I probably would not have.
In Wal-mart, there is a section that sells educational stuff (near office/schools supplies usually). I have seen teddy bear counters, fake money, and many of the other manipulatives you would use. Or, as you said, you could substitute.
I have heard that others do this with no problem.
Good luck!