Every year, as we continue with Connections Academy, I always am confident that we finally have it all together. That I know the in's and outs of the whole deal but, guess what? Every year I find out I'm wrong! HA! Instead, we start the year and once again it takes me about 2 months to get it all together!
This year will be even more strange because I have a sixth grader! His whole routine will be different and something new to learn. I think we can figure it out, though, and maybe, just maybe help him become a little more independent!
First of all, the boys and I have some goals for Connections Academy itself. Some lessons were learned this past year in the way we did things and they weren't always for the best! So, with that in mind we discussed a few things at the end of the year in how to make the 2020-2021 better. This is what we came up with together:
1. Attend live lessons. Last year the boys did not attend any and they both said that they missed them. So, the goal is to attend as many live lessons as possible so that they can connect with the other students and their teachers. Plus, one comment I was given about Nate was that the teacher would love to see him in Live Lessons because he would be a great example to the other students. How can I not give him that opportunity?
2. Start the year strong. We have always been slow starters but this coming year my goal is to start strong with the goal of wrapping up first semester by Christmas time.
3. End the year strong. This is usually a non-issue but we still have the goal to wrap up our year by May 15th.
4. Complete projects on time.
Second, I also have some plans for additional things the boys need to accomplish.
1. We will continue on with cursive writing. Nate loves cursive writing whereas Josh does not. Either way, they are both continuing on with cursive writing. Don't worry, isn't that Josh hates it - he just wants his printing to be neater and isn't quite as focused on cursive.
2. Practice Grammar. I've picked up a grade level grammar practice book for each of the boys. I feel like grammar gets skimmed over in their lessons and think this will just give some added practice.
3. Add a Bible curriculum/study. Up until this year, I've relied on their AWANA books to be their "Bible" but now that they are getting older I feel like we can add something more. I'm still looking at a couple of options and haven't picked what we will do but I want this to be more student led and more then just their daily devotional that they currently have to read each day. We will continue on with AWANA verses as well.
4. Typing. There are some great, free typing curriculum available. I'm still looking at my options but I plan on adding that to their daily list as well. Just 1-2 days a week of practice but I think that is a skill that will help them as they get older. (No more one-finger typing!)
5. Clubs - This is something new for Josh as a sixth grader. We are going to look at the various clubs and hopefully find one he likes. I've heard there is a running club which is something he is already interested in at this point. I might also look into an art club as Josh really enjoys art.
6. Piano - this is not new. We will continue with piano lessons this fall as well.
In the coming weeks I will have to finalize a few things, help the boys clean out their desks and get them ready for the coming year and stock up on my favorite chocolate to get me through the first few weeks HA! (Not really!) . I can say in all honesty that I am so thankful I already homeschool my kids. In light of the current events, it is so nice to not have to think about all of the "what-if's" . Our biggest what -if is whether or not our Co-Op will meet this fall as normal and we should have that answer by the end of July!
