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Chari
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| Posted: Aug 26 2009 at 2:22pm | IP Logged
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My house is a bit thrashed from moving one kid to Switzerland and one kid to a university...it has been a long over 8 month process........with real life in between all of that (like both of them graduating and directing/starring in/building sets for two plays).....I have barely kept up for six months.....with all the other busy-ness......
Other than some quality time PLANNING during my annual school planning retreat with Willa....(probably my favorite week of the year!  ).....and one afternoon of gathering some supplies at home.....I have nothing ready for the four left at home.....two pretty new high schoolers and two elementary kids requiring serious reading help.
I feel frozen and overwhelmed....and doing anything feels like it barely touches the surface....like a very tiny bandaid...
What do you think? What would you do? I am just worn out from running for the last year.......and though the future could look easier for awhile.....it will not be till I get myself organized...but the organizing is long term.......and I need to be productive with homeschooling during that time....you know? This is the third year in a row that schooling needs to be starting.......and I am not ready. sigh.
Prayers, too, please?
And, if you feel like me......add your name to this list so I can pray for you, too!
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Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11
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Mary G
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Chari ... oh yeah! All will work out ... and one thing I realized the other day ... I don't HAVE TO start school on the 31st! I (and dh of course) can control our calendar of on and off days, so why am I "freaking out"?
Life does have a way of throwing us curve balls and prayer is about our only life-line (besides visits from dear friends and generally making hay while the sun shines!).
Prayers and hugs and know that I'm right there with ya ... except I'm here in Virginia and not California, but you know what I mean 
Oh, and I say a prayer of thanksgiving every day for this forum ... this helps alot (even if it just keeps me from doing something else! )
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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JodieLyn
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I always start us off with math.. workbooks ya know Of course I was printing stuff off for the youngest starting math because I only just discovered that I need to order his workbook 
So what do you not need to plan much for? the reading? then start with that and have your high schoolers lend you a hand either with getting the youngers going on reading or with other stuff so you can plan their things.
 I made a checklist.. but mostly I'm flying by the seat of my pants
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Bookswithtea
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I've had two years hit me straight in the gut in a row. So I know how you feel. I've only noticed a few things that seem to make a real difference to my pathetic schoolyear starts (which includes this year for me, as well...).
Try to plan some of the schoolwork so that its completely independent. The kind where you don't even have to figure out how many pages per day, and you can even hand over the answer key for older children. And let it be ok if the resource is good but not necessarily grade level. If the info. is quality and they didn't know it already, then its fine. Unless you are in an ISP with their own rules, CA law doesn't dictate that you have to prove grade level. Math U See and Queen's Language cover the basics with almost no parental involvement.
It helps me to find something to do with someone (or several) that I am excited about. Last year, it was the Alphabet Path that offered some inspiration for me. But without something that I was looking forward to using, I wasn't as motivated to start. I didn't do even half of what was available, and I think we only made it to G, but it was lovely, and the loveliness helped bring me out of my funk.
If your olders are motivated, let them do the planning for booklists for literature/history. Some children love this, and it can help generate enthusiasm within themselves. If not, try using what's on your shelf. I just put together a religion course for my 16 yr old last week by pulling 12 books/audio cds off my shelf that I have loved and listened to in the past. I gave him 2 weeks to complete each one and then a week to respond in writing (=36 weeks). It took me all of one hour to create a year's worth of religion that has no textbooks or catechism, but plenty of inspiration, quality writing from authors who are passionate, and a variety of genres and topics.
Honestly, with your 7 yr old, I'd try strewing and unschooling for a few months at least, until you feel like your home and life is a bit more put together. Plus, its not easy to lose two of your children to life's adventures, one overseas! Give yourself some time to recover.
and prayers for you, as well, Chari.
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and  due 9/10
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Carole N.
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I started this week even though I am barely ready. We always start with prayer, but on Monday we reviewed what classes we are *planning* on taking and then did some literature and art. Tuesday, literature and math. Today, literature, math, science and spelling. (I need art supplies...lol).
I am still planning curriculum. It is so unlike me to not be ready. But like Mary wrote, we can start our year when we want to start our school year. We are still recovering from our vacation and no one else is schooling here (in the public schools that is).
So Chari, I will pray for you. Do a great reading activity (like National Geographic Travel Day) to get them started and just let their minds go on those endless rabbit trails that will follow. You can do it...you know that you can!
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Carole ... in Wales
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Mackfam
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Oh, Chari - it's been an intense ride for a bit! This is survival school season, but there's no reason survival schooling can't also be rich and gentle...
Ideas...
** A Place to Land
Grab 5 white dishwashing buckets to plan in (they're $1 each around here - so inexpensive, but VERY worthwhile planning investment, imo!) Get one for each child, and one for you. Set them on the table, or somewhere that you can get to easily. This gives a place to drop lists, book ideas, or books from your shelves.
** Math
Most people find a math program and stick with it...is that the case with you, Chari? If you know what you usually use for math - get it right now - borrow it, stick it in a cart, find it at a used book store - whatever works best for your budget.
** Language Arts/Literature
:: You can work language arts in as you read together - narration, copywork, dictations.
:: Grab your favorite poetry book and drop it in your bucket.
:: Go shop your shelves one child's bucket at a time...grab books as they seem appealing and age appropriate. Just grab a few to get the kids started and reading...don't worry about a theme or period of history, just something age/reading level appropriate right now.
:: If you've done some planning already with Willa, you might have given this some thought already and you can just pull a couple of things from this plan. The key here is to just get them started with something so you can establish a general routine that will afford you a wee bit more time to pull together some thoughtful reading lists.
** Faith Studies
These are typically a natural extension of however you normally teach/study the Catechism - just extend what you've been doing. Set as a goal one liturgical tea a month. That's doable. Not overwhelming - apple slices and tea - while you read aloud from a Vision series saint book or Windeatt book. There. Done. Check.
Have I oversimplified totally, Chari? I don't know if any of this was helpful! When I find myself in these holes...and I do find myself there in different seasons...I just look for small, bitesize, simple, gentle, non-overwhelming ways to climb out of them.
Go to your primary, tried and true educational philosophy. Stay right there and only attempt the basics - math, literature/language arts, religion/faith/liturgical year.
And those darn dishwashing tubs (or baskets) are so helpful with planning your way out of a funk because they just seem to have these natural boundaries. It's a place for ideas and books and booklists to land. There's a tangible feeling of ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....I've added something...I've planned something!!!! It's a start anyway!!!
I hope something in here is helpful! Many prayers coming!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Paula in MN
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Not a lot of advice here, Chari. I had a real curve ball thrown my way this year, so all my plans changed. You are in my prayers, my friend.
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Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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Mackfam
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Oh...I forgot...
** Nature Study
That's easy-peasy though...just make a commitment to get outside because that is like a healing balm to a frazzled mother's heart and soul!!!! It's like we all take a collective deep breath!
Ok...done! 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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aussieannie
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| Posted: Aug 26 2009 at 5:19pm | IP Logged
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Chari wrote:
| I feel frozen and overwhelmed....and doing anything feels like it barely touches the surface....like a very tiny bandaid... |
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Oh what descriptive words, I know what your meaning when you say that! 
So I don't think I should give advice for that reason, except to say we are trying to plough our way through things at the moment, concentrating on Maths at present in particular.. but prayers coming your way Chari!
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Under Her Starry Mantle
Spiritual Motherhood for Priests
Blessed with 3 boys & 3 girls!
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4 lads mom
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Oh Chari....double, triple --I am so, so there!!!! I won't go through my "trench" list, but it is pretty deep. I have decided we are just going to read this nice Bible story book..and we are having great conversations every day with it....and math...and I am determined to sew or craft something every day....okay, maybe every other day...it is my lifeline, not replacing prayer ( that obviously is my major lifeline)....just giving me something to look forward to when I can barely peak over the top of the trench I am in....I'll try to check back in later when I have more time.
again!!
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Mom of four brave lads and one sweet lassie
Scenes From This and That
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Erin
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Oh Chari, prayers{{}} I am so with you, I'm not really pleasant company. My basic list even for my highschoolers is daily maths, writing and reading. They choose what, I'm not up to directing, just something.
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Erin
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molly
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First- can I say, Jennifer you helped me tremendously with your advice for Chari 
Second- Chari, work with the readers who need your attention. Your older kids are advanced academically, you will feel better when you see them all engaged in a great book
Third-remember how well your kids are ALREADY doing, and how successful your methods have been with Anne and Matthew.
Fourth-remember this is only a feeling, it WILL pass and you family will continue to flourish even more.
Fifth-know I am offering a Memorare right now for you
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Tami
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Chari, I'm so there with you - with soooooo many of the things you described. Ugh. And if it's any comfort, I see waves of things go through hs'ing, and this is the one I'm seeing this year, in lots of places.
I think Jennifer in her usual clear and concise way laid out a great game plan, at least to get the children up and running while you figure out the rest/details.
I'll be praying for you, and all of us struggling to get on our feet. And may out feet be like His and bring 'good news' and not be feet of clay.
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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guitarnan
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I am definitely disorganized, and it's my son's senior year (read: applications to colleges...not a task for the disorganized). Our summer turned into chaos, with various family members coming and going, and I'm still not sure where I put my son's French textbook. Sigh.
So, I'll be praying for all of you...please pray that St. Anthony will intercede for me as I look for lost things!
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Mimip
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Chari,
I'll make my list like Molly
1. I will pray for you to have peace with your situation and with your surroundings which is sometimes the hardest place to start.
2. I did a version of the dishpan thing with our planning but I placed things for one child on each shelf. It helped tremendously! Having everything in one place was great for starting little by little.
3. Do you do the Morning Basket idea?? This has transformed our homeschool. We all gather and do the daily devotions and then a few other daily things (Jennifer Mackfam, THANK you so much for this) Maybe just starting there will kick start the days for you.
4. Back to Basics, just read with the kids, maybe aloud and then they each read their own thing?
Good luck and keep checking the forums. They give me such daily inspiration!
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In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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Servant2theKing
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Chari, Whenever I've felt "frozen and overwhelmed" I remind myself that heightened activity or crises of any kind tend to cause extended adrenalin rush, followed by severely depleted energy...my solution is to self-prescribe serious rest before trying to tackle anything...by giving rest with the same value as a doctor's prescription, it's easier to avoid slipping back into acitve-duty too soon. Heavy-duty vitamins and supplements, especially B Complex, may be in order as well. From the sounds of it you have been operating on overdrive for several months, warranting some kind or restorative, renewing rest before stepping into overdrive once more! I've found that whenever I force myself to take the time to truly recover, I am much better able to cope with whatever onslaught life brings next! May the Lord shower you with grace-filled, blessed rest to renew your mother's heart, mind and soul! Praying for you...please echo prayers back...life sometimes seems to be one long series of overwhelming seasons!
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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Sarah
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Chari
I didn't get a chance to read everyone's responses. They look awesome!
Here's what I would do:
Not plan on starting school until the week after labor day. Two of my friend's are starting the 14 and they are awesome homeschoolers.
I would then keep telling myself that removing and prganizing the top 20% takes care of 80% percent of the problem. That is what they teach in messies anonymous! Its so true. The mess LOOKS bigger than it is. Try to tackle just 20 % and you will see a difference.
Hope it helps!
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Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
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MarilynW
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Dear Chari - I have been told (and believe too) that even if your children do nothing but READ or be read to for a few months (or school year) they will be sufficiently educated. I love this articleon Keeping It Simple. I have been in survival homeschooling for a couple of years now. I have found the following helpful:
- Firstly organizing myself and my environment enough to ensure that I am not irritated by the clutter or wasting time finding things.
- Religion/Faith Studies/Prayer pegs - to be the center of our school days - some years I do a lot of crafts and cooking - other years (like this one) we read and discuss the saint/feast day and the littles do a coloring page. For children's name days we do a little more - Mass and special tea time.
- Math - I needed my older ones to be able to work independently. Teaching Textbooks and Saxon DIVE are (in my opinion) so worth the cost.
- Writing - when I cannot do the narrating and other CM stuff, I use some workbooks for basics (especially for reluctant writers) - CHC or other
- Reading - book lists for older ones and lots of baskets of picture books for the younger ones.
Anything else is icing on the cake....
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Marilyn
Blessed with 6 gifts from God
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Chari
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Thank you for your kind words...I will be responding to them eventually......but in the meantime:
They cut me from work today...now, I have a whole day before me....with nowhere to go....I hope! I am going to attack the planning for my two high school students.....pray I can be complete by the end of this day!!!
We will start with breakfast, morning prayers....and the kids are in charge of meals today!
Blessed day to all of you, too!
__________________
Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11
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missionfamily
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Chari--I do not have time to read this whole thread and my dino computer will not link...so if this suggestion is ignorant or redundant forgive me. But I noticed you said two of yours really need reading help. Explode the Code is now available in a totally online format and we are loving it for our struggling reader. That and a math program plus an afternoon read-aloud or science experiment would be a great way to get going, begin building some structure into your days, but still buy you some time to overhaul things at home.
And don't feel bad...I head into every Monday feeling like things are in good shape and start every Friday feeling the way you do now!
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Colleen
dh Greg
mom to Quinn,Gabriel, Brendan,Evan, Kolbe, and sweet St. Bryce
Footprints on the Fridge
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: I do not know what to do first....
