Wowwee! There are lots and lots of things to choose from in the realm of curriculum! It is a beautiful, amazing world, full of possibilites.....but can also be COMPLETELY overwhelming to a homeschool newbie like myself.
When I strode into my first homeschool bookfair, I thought there'd be about 10 things to choose from. I'd buy the best of the ten choices and be on my way. Little did I know, I'd manage to find my way to the door hours later with a pounding headache and little to no idea of what I'd like to use! It's important to know that you absolutely do not have to buy anything when you go to these bookfairs - they are all on-line and appreciate your business either way.
I spent time looking over all of the literature, reading on-line reviews, and praying over my decision. I ended up choosing a very good curriculum for our family and still wander from it from time to time, just for fun.
So now, I keep adding things and moving things around and massaging every detail. Day to day doesn't look too different from last week, but sometimes it is. I am adding a keyboarding program for Sophie, who really hates writing. I know that she will have to write sometimes in life.....or will she??? I am changing up math for the 3rd time. Math has been difficult for me to get a bead on, but I think this new program is going to be IT (I always think that!).
All of my changes are relative to the things I am learning about my children. As I learn more, I change things up to suit them and we keep on a-movin! After all, isn't that exactly the reason why I began homeschooling in the first place? I wanted to zoom in on their special-ness and nuture it. I wanted to make sure that they didn't have to put up with the frustration that goes with a teacher who goes too slow or too fast for their taste. All-in-all, they are better for it. I am still adding and taking away and massaging, but I am also learning. I am learning all about the special gifts that God has given my girls, and the special gifts He has given me by allowing us the time to do this......
