Let's see. Where did I leave off?

Oh yeah. Timeline.

Well, that isn't going to be a subject, per se, it's just going to be something we add to when I feel they need it to help their understanding.

I used to think that the kids needed to spend at least 30 minutes or more on a specific "subject" for it to be "real" and worthwhile. I thought if we spent less time than that on anything, it meant we weren't doing "real" school and it was a waste of time and I would feel guilty. (There are LOTS of things homeschool teachers find to feel guilty about). My reasoning was that kids in a traditional school setting have classes that are usually 45 minutes or more in length, so anything less than that was just "playing"...and wasn't serious.

My attitudes, ideas and emotions have changed slowly and surely. Now I think, "Why does it matter HOW they learn something, as long as they really LEARN it?"

So in thinking about what I want them to learn and remember, I decided that daily flash cards, ones they make themselves and on the topics I want them to remember, would be effective. Even if we only spend five minutes each day on each topic, if we do it EVERY DAY, they will remember. Just like the president song I remember from the first grade (26 years ago). Who cares how long it takes, if it's effective?

These are the subjects we are making and reviewing flashcards for:
Presidents
Classic artists through time
Classic composers
vocabulary (based on words they question in their reading as well as SAT-prep word lists)
And for Izzi: spelling (Baylee doesn't need these)

I realize that it will take more time to review as our number of cards grows. Each morning will be spent on these topics, as well as Bible reading, prayer, and Daily Grams. (Grammar workbooks) I will also read aloud one current event article from the daily paper. William will be with us for this time.

After that, William will move upstairs to his computer desk area and work independently, while the girls and I do math.

More later.