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Per what we discussed earlier in the year, I scheduled my 10 yo dd to do Beyond History and the right side of Preparing. After we attempted to go through the schedule today, I realized that there is not a Beyond history activity for every day. That, for several days, it is replaced with a science exploration. My 10 yo dd will be doing the science in Preparing. So, I was left feeling like she wasn't going to be getting much history with just the history readings in Beyond and the limited number of history activities for the week. I am wondering what I should do to enhance her history. I was thinking of getting some early american craft books and then letting her pick out some to work on the days that the other children have Beyond science scheduled. But, then I will need to figure out how to coordinate them to fit in, so that she has the necessary materials for the added crafts.

We tried to implement our HOD guides today and I have to say that I am already feeling overwhelmed after 1 day of accomplishing part of our schedule and the thought of having a newborn in about a month !

Ladies, any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Terri, just keep reminding yourself that you have to get into a routine and it takes time (unfortunately) to do that.

What I do with my crew was to start off with everyone together for Bible, poetry, and then our storytime. During that time I would also have mine doing any handwriting or copywork they needed to do. Then, because my son struggles with working with everyone else, I zip through my youngest's phonics and math (a page or so a day) while my older two are either reading in their own Bible, reading a book, doing a typing lesson, or doing www.mathusee.com's online math drill. I get the typing and math drill already set up so the oldest two just have to go to the computer and get started. Then, I can start my son on anything he can do independently (not much because he stresses when he does his work solo), or he can proceed with piano or just reading, while my youngest does a fun educational computer game (15 min. or so) Then it's middle daughter's turn for her basics. I do short lessons with my kiddo's...for my 8 yr old I do 10-12 minutes of math, grammar, spelling, and some work in a Pathway workbook. Then I call in my son and my middle does the fun educational game, piano, or just playing with little sis while my son will do his math, grammar, Latin, Writing, and spelling. On days where he has a writing assignment, I've started dropping all the other language arts subjects so he can focus on his writing project, something he isn't keen on. I also keep his lesson to about 15-29 minutes tops...we do these basics daily so I like to keep everything short. THEN, and this is typically after lunch because I'm usually stopping somewhere on oldest's basics at lunch, resume with him after lunch, THEN, we resume with our history reading, and any activity that is left. We start our day with togetherness and reading, and that's the way we end it .

IF your oldest is good at working alone, then she can do plenty of this stuff independently while you are working with the younger ones. You can always just have her doing some extra history reading on those days when science is scheduled...or that's when she can do her independent science work, if she has any. You can always just get some biographies on history or science, JUST to have her read during time where she isn't included in what is going on.

I hope something I said helps you out.

Alison

Hi Terri! Well, first days are usually tough, there is just a lot of learning new routines to do. Plus, after my dc have had the summer off, it takes a little time for them (and for me ) to get used to buckling down and doing school rather than just having a lot of free time all day as we did in the summer. I don't care about this. It is worth it to me, but I do know going in it will take some time to get back to a routine. So, I totally agree with Alison that you'll have to get into the routine of it, and that yes, unfortunately that will take some time. Plus, you are pregnant and feeling tired, I'm sure. The good news is Beyond doesn't take that long to do, and your oldest can become more independent with the PHFHG things you're adding in for her after a while.

Based on my own experience with crafts/art projects/handicrafts, I would not try to add those in for your oldest thinking that they will be independent. They are usually not truly independent - because you have to run to the store to get needed materials (or be terribly responsible and look weeks ahead to get the things which I personally never am good at ). It seems like these types of activities generally cause interruptions. Other than HOD's planned art activities, I have never honestly seen an art/project activity book that I could actually get done on a regular basis without a whole bunch of work on my part. If you want to add more, I would get her some audio books on tape or Dover coloring books matched to the time period if she enjoys coloring. I wouldn't try to add in a bunch of stuff right now though. I think the over-reaching goal is to do Beyond each day along with what you've chosen to do with her for PHFHG. You have your plate full and are pregnant right now - I really do think this will be so much better of a goal than trying to add more already when you are still trying to establish a routine with the core part of school. You can do this, Terri - I totally know you can. Just put one foot in front of the other and start stepping your way through Beyond/PHFHG, and with routine and time each step truly will become easier! Praying for strength and good health for you personally as you are pregnant now!

In Christ,
Julie

Terri,

For right now, I'd focus on getting everyone underway with Beyond and getting a good routine going. I would have your older daughter be the helper/teacher for the science days. This in itself is a great learning experience. I would have her be responsible for reading the instructions in the guide, setting up the experiment/activity, and leading it (with your help). This will be excellent skill-practice for her in following written directions (which is a biggie in standardized testing and an important skill to have in life). It will also teach her to be prepared and have all needed supplies ready, as well as guiding her to lead others. On a sidenote, she will actually be getting another dose of science and would likely feel left-out if she didn't get to participate.

Once you get further into Beyond, you'll see that there's plenty of emphasis on history woven throughout the guide.

Blessings,
Carrie