September 5, 2015

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone is planning a relaxing weekend in preparation for the new school year to begin.
Or maybe you are still prepping for the school year? Or are you in a panic because OH MY GOD IT'S SEPTEMBER! Of course you may have already started the year. The one of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility of scheduling.

Of course a schedule is a useful tool for homeschoolers. It reminds us of where we need to be and can help us prepare for upcoming events. It keeps us from forgetting important things like appointments and birthdays. BUT ONLY IF WE USE IT! A schedule has to be regularly maintained, updated, adjusted and consulted.

I have always used a paper planner, with one short fling with the electronic calendar on my phone. I do also keep a calendar on my computer. DH was after me for years about going all in on the electronic planner and getting rid of my paper one. First, I like my paper planner. When I sit with it, I feel civilized (it is the best word I can think of before the coffee kicks in this morning). It makes me feel like I have control (an illusion of course). I get to write and even color sometimes. The calendar on my phone requires typing on a tiny little keyboard not made for the fingers of a grown-up. It also thinks it knows what I want to say better than I do. How rude. I do use it at times, but if I have to make an appointment when I am out and cannot get to my planner, I send myself an email to put an event on the calendar. I am not a Luddite; I will try technology, but if it does not work for me,forget it.
(The irony is that DH has a paper planner! I am waiting to see if he uses it.)

So how do you keep track of you schedule? Paper, computer, phone, post-it notes, frantic phone calls from other grown-ups?


Transitions

Those of you who know our family, know we are in a period of great transition. Our oldest has gone off to college and we are going to be moving to DATADADA! Hawaii! Courtesy of the Untied States Navy. This is our first move in 18 years, but the process of moving all comes back to me from growing up with a Dad in the Navy.

Since I have been homeschooling in one area for many years, I have developed certain ideas and practices that have served me well. Now I will be starting all over in an area with very little support structure especially (based on the research I have done) for high school students. It will be interesting to see how I and my son will cope. So stay tuned. And pray. It is going to be an adventure!

Aloha
Terri