It is with a lot of soul searching and prayer that we decided to go with the Robinson Curriculum Philosophy of education.

One reason is that my husband likes the structure. I am more of a spur of the moment type. But, I will be the first to admit that we were not getting enough done. The kids were having too much free time that was not being used productively. Our days were so sporadic and the kids were bickering more and more…over silly things. I wanted to be more structured, but I was lost as to how to go about it. Amazing how sometimes we just can’t grasp or get a hold of something we want so badly.

Really though, now that I think about it, I believe I am the source of the problem! Ack! I am not disciplined! I need accountability! I am going to pray that I become more disciplined in keeping to our schedule. And it isn’t only with studies, it is with household duties too. I find myself so out of it lately. Funny because I use to be really organized. I sometimes long for that organized person again. I NEED to dig her out!

I am praying that with a more structured day, and me being accountable to my husband (he wants me to show him work produced by the kids every week), I will become that organized person once again. I do remember how the day went so much smoother and I never had to worry about what was for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Now meals frustrate me. The kids were younger then, so we didn’t have studies, just learning through play. I have been out of whack for a few years.

If I look back, once we made a move in the Fall of 2005, my organizational skills slowly went down hill from there. We were living with my sister after the move, and so without our own place, I didn’t have a need for them anymore. I didn’t want to take over my sisters house, so we conformed to their ways and times in doing things. We have been in our own place for a year now, and my husband has been doing home improvements, so up until a few months we were living in a mess. And I CANNOT function in a mess!! So that was my excuse! [Can anyone say rambling...when will she end, you say...]

So needless to say, I just answered my own question. I DO know how to go about it, becoming more organized and structured that is, I just have to put that knowledge into practice. [my rambling ends here. ]

***Now back to our feature presentation***

I found the Robinson Curriculum used for $50. What a deal! Once it came I read over the introduction and printed it out for future reference.

We have a large selection of books at home that I have collected over the years, and I think we will start with those. I read that is how the Robinson’s started out. Once they finished the books already in their home library, then they began looking for more good quality literature and that is how their booklist was born. I have been utilizing Paperbackswap to locate a few of the titles on the Robinson’s book list.

I found Saxon 54 used, a newer set and an older set. MaryEllen is doing the newer one and Donnie is using the older one. Why one newer and one older? Well, first I found MaryEllen’s used, and it was still a pretty penny. When I saw an older version for way less than what I bought the other one for, I grabbed it. Seems like the older ones (3rd ed) go for around $25 a set. That is a good deal for me. I found Saxon 65 for $25 too and bought it also to have on hand. You never know what the funds will be like when the time comes. LOL! So far both the kids are enjoying Saxon. Before Saxon, we were using Hamilton’s Arithmetic and Rays Arithmetic.

So far for the summer our days pretty much look like this:

• Get up, dress, eat, etc.
• Studies – Bible – Math – Penmanship/copywork – Reading
• Chores
• Free Time

I read to them before bed from our current read alouds and the Bible.

Right now their reading time consists of what they choose to read. Starting in August, they will go by the book list.

We will add formal grammar in August too. Robinson’s requires writing everyday and pretty much you learn grammar through writing, but we are still going to implement a grammar course. We are using “Practical Lessons in the Use of English” by Mary F Hyde. Donnie will be doing part I and MaryEllen will be doing Part II.

I guess like any other method, we are tweaking it a little. But atleast I have a skeleton to work with…I just have to add the substance.

Prayerfully our days will continue to go smoothly as we work towards a full day of studies. I know it looks full right now, but most days they only get penmanship in and I would like to implement more copywork. Reading is usually a half hour. We are slowly working our way up to an hour and then from there up to the 2 hours recommended. I use our read aloud time as reading time too, but I would like the kids to read more also. We are all still trying to get in the groove.

Happy Planning!

Blessings,

Related Products:

Making Sense of Secondary Science: Support Materials for TeachersNo description available

Robinson Self-Teaching Home School Curriculum

Friends Old and New (The New Basic Readers, Curriculum Foundation Series)

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