I've learned that with afterschooling, it is much like homeschooling in that more of the things I want to do actually get done when I have a plan. Yeah, I know....obivious, right? Well it amazes me how often I fail to make a plan and then get frustrated when it doesn't happen. Here are my goals for today: No T.V. (it's amazing what can be done after school hours when television and all that goes with it is turned OFF). Tessa: Next 2 pages of Latin Next 2 pages of math skills practice Classical Writing Read latest Ranger Rick, and summarize favorite article Copywork- Selection: "Bird Talk", by Aileen Fisher, taken from The Harp and Laurel Wreath. Ethan: Read-aloud time (him reading to me) from The Castle in the Attic. Spelling practice Copywork: same as Tessa Classical Writing Math skills practice Ryan: Reading lesson in Phonics Pathways Copywork: words from reading lesson Reading practice - Innovative Kids Press readers Read aloud time - Little House on the Prairie. [/i] Math- lesson in Math-u-See : Primer I am posting this for me as a way of accountability. At least when there's a plan, I have a greater chance of getting something done. I hope you are all having a great day! ~Marita

...doesn't Sonlight use SOTW in some of their higher cores? I think it would be fine to use as a spine. Check out TruthQuest History, too. They list TONS of books by topics that could supplement it.

...that your children are being exposed to all different kinds of people in different situations. They are learning to mix and identify with kids of other ages and backgrounds. A very valuable lesson.

...you have established a culture of learning in the home that says that learning doesn't "stop" when they get out of "public school", but is a way of life that expands to everything we do, all the time, 24-7. When you have the mindset that learning takes place all the time, and not within someone else's definition of a schedule, it is very easy to find the time to "afterschool."

I am so glad I have found this board! It's been a long while since I was on TWTM boards, and I really like the new format, and the fact that there is a place just for afterschoolers! My name is Marita, and I homeschooled my older three children up until last year when I became pregnant with my fourth. I became extremely ill during my pregnancy...much more so than with my other three and I felt I just could not handle homeschooling. Additionally, my father became ill with mesothelioma (lung cancer due to asbestos exposure) which was devestating in the extreme for me. I had every intention of going back to full-time homeschooling after this year but made a very surprising discovery...we *love* public school! I haven't felt comfortable admitting that to my homeschooling friends. It's like there's a stigma there and we aren't supposed to like it. I felt like they viewed me as "selling out." But because of my previous homeschooling experience and my absolute love for all things pertaining to learning and education, I feel that my family has a lot to offer our schools. I love being able to be a part of the schools, volunteering and especially getting to work one-on-one with struggling readers. I enjoy seeing a different side to my children, and I have seen such a difference in their overall attitude and character development since starting school. My 10 year old daughter, especially, has just really experienced a surge in personal responsibility. She has really been growing by leaps and bounds. We've enjoyed the things PS has given us a spring board for spiritual discussion. We've had some wonderful heart-to-heart talks that I believe we wouldn't have had if we were still HSing. I have seen her grow in her faith as a result. We all have. I've been in anguish trying to decide whether or not to HS again next year. I've been struggling so much with the decision. But finding these boards has released me from the guilt of not homeschooling in the traditional sense. I still feel like a homeschooler because of all I do with my kids educationally. I feel that afterschooling is the perfect blend of the best of both worlds for us and I am excited to be a part of this forum.