Best laid plans

The beginning of a new school year always brings hope and goals.  The year is started with anticipation and enthusiasm by teacher and students alike.  Homeschool is no different from public school in this regard.

We are starting our fourth year homeschooling now.  I have high hopes for the year and a  fear that my expectations won't be realized.  Not that my kids won't learn but that all that I have planned won't get accomplished.  I do understand that my plans probably far exceed what the local school has planned.  After all, I only have 5 kids to teach.  But I plan what I think we should learn and then kick myself when it doesn't happen the way I have planned.

This is when I have to rely on the Lord and know that He will help me accomplish what He wants me to complete this year.  He knows my limitations and He shows grace to my children for my shortcomings.  It would be so easy to be stressed over all the lessons we don't accomplish and not celebrate all that has been accomplished.  I can lift up my concerns to Him and He can bring me peace over decisions or convict me where I need to try harder.  He has blessed our homeschool immensely.

Another way I have discovered to counter the sinking feeling is in scheduling each subject.  I like to schedule the whole year, that way I know how often I need to do each subject in order to complete by the end of the year.  If it doesn't get scheduled, it won't get done!  I know this can be overwhelming for most people and it was frustrating when I had to reschedule (especially in my written planner).  I have found an amazing tool though.  It is called Homeschool Tracker and it allows me to schedule all of my subjects with minimal work.  This Basic software program is offered free (with limited functions), Plus is offered for a one time fee of $49, or Online which is accessible anywhere and costs as little as $5 per month.  I love this program!  I can reschedule with just a few clicks on the computer, create reusable lesson plans, schedule field trips, track attendence, run reports such as report cards and assignments. 

At the beginning of the week I print out the assignment list for each day for each child.  This stays on their desk and they highlite assignments as they complete them.  I can then check them off on the program and enter grades as I correct papers.  My goal though is to place the software on our network so that the kids can track assignments straight from their computers and mark the box when they are finished with each assignment.  The program is set up so that they can only see their assignments and cannot make changes except to check the finished box. 

This program doesn't do the assignments for us but it does help me plan for it!