Homeschool planning

As our remodelling project progresses the kids are getting excited to see their new homeschool materialize. And I have had to start figuring out exactly what they will be studying next year. It sounds like a simple process...math, english, science...but I have discovered..(as most teachers will tell you I'm sure)...that its a little more complicated than that. Who knew that what we used to call "English" is now termed "Language arts" and comprises reading, comprehension, grammar, composition, spelling, vocabulary and penmanship. Sheesh..I felt like I could be in trouble already :(
Science has also been a tough one for me to figure out. But that will be fodder for another blog post. Suffice it to say that there are a LOT of different programs out their with a huge range of different world views.
We are still deciding on whether or not we will go with a government sponsored program like SVLA or CVA or go it alone. There are benefits to both of course. The government sponsored programs will reimburse you for any non-religious curriculum but there are reporting requirements that go along with them. Part of the attraction of homeschooling was that we can really do whatever we want with minimal oversight, so that freedom is a lot to give up.
We will be attending a local homeschool co-op. I think that will be healthy for all of us to spend some time with a group of like minded people. They have asked me to think about what skills I could contribute to the co-op. Hmmm...let me think. What am I good at? Oh...I know...what about a coffee appreciation course...no. Blog surfing skills....no. Housekeeping 101 ! ( I can just visualize my husband choking on his cornflakes as he reads this)....no that is definitely out. Ye gads...don't tell me I'll have to dust off the business degree and put it to work.

Getting the Government Involved

There was a lot of conjecture at the conference about the role the government plays in homeschooling. The traditional homeschoolers do it all on their own...so governemtn assistance or funding. Recently, the government, no doubt as a response to the increasing popularity of HS have started offering financial assistance to HS families in exchange for some review of their methods and progress.
In my area, a program called Spokane Valley Learning Academy is available to HS families. This provides classes one day a week and financial support of up to $330 per child per year but in exchange HS have to provide reporting on programing, progress and submit to testing and monthly meetings.
The traditional HSers are vehemently opposed to this kind of intervention and see it as the thin edge of the wedge. Others see it as a way to get some support and keep them focused and on track. At the moment I am uncommitted about the degree to which I want the kind of government assistance offered. Maybe as fall approaches I will figure out whether it will be a good fit for us or not.

Election Fever

My children were so excited last night to watch the election results. I let them stay up passed their bed time because I felt that they were going to see some history in the making. I was surprised to see how politically aware they had become. They even made posters to cheer their candidate on. We felt like we witnessed something pretty special last night....hopefully the beginning of a whole new era.