The New School Year

School started again yesterday. I'm doing things differently this year, which is normal for us. I get bored doing the same assignments or schedule year after year.

We are "schooling" 6 days each week, but only doing 1/2 days. The subjects are in different order each day and the lessons are only about 20-25 minutes each. Any work that isn't completed in the allotted time period becomes homework. The children were surprised how quickly they were able to complete their work. The older children in grades 5-11 receive their instruction in the morning. In the afternoons, the preschool and kindergarten children "do school." Below is our current schedule for the older children.

Monday: Bible and memory
Math
Dance or yoga
Grammar
Bird Watching (natural science)
Spelling
Read A Loud (literature)
Latin
Vocabulary

Tuesday: Spanish
Art Appreciation
Reading
Math
Geography
Science
Physical Education
Bible/Catechism/Memory
Music Theory

Wednesday: Piano Lessons or Reading
Reading or Piano Lessons
History
Nature Walk
Math
Spanish
Grammar/Writing
Read A Loud
Vocabulary

Thursday: Bible
Dance or Yoga
Read A Loud
Science
Grammar/Writing
Reading
Latin
Spelling
Music Theory

Friday: Art
Math
History
Spelling
Grammar/Writing
Music Appreciation
Reading
Spanish
Vocabulary

Saturday: Latin
Science
History
Math
Physical Education
Reading
Music
Bible/Memory
Music Theory

This is the first school year in a long time, where I am looking forward to the beginning of the school year. The emphasis on the humanities and physical education is because we have neglected these areas during the last two years. Four of my children need to work on flexibility and strengthening their backs. We will also be swimming at the Y-center five days per week, going to fencing classes 2 hours per week, and attending martial art class once per week.