More about the new school year

So I haven't written for a week. I've been on vacation, but I've been THINKING about school. We're starting August 18th. I don't really know how to feel about it. I just don't know what to expect. I feel unprepared, although I've spent WAY more time than ever before on planning. Actually, I would say I've spent 80% more time this summer on planning than ever before. So why am I so unsure? Because I'm trying something new. Something I've had inklings about before, in ever-increasing amounts, but I'm only now confident enough to try. Teaching the kids DIFFERENTLY.

Here's the plan: (I know this will change when we start really using it)

William (11th grade) and I do school from 8-9

All three kids and I do school together from 9-10
This includes: making and reviewing presidents cards
state cards
classic artists/musicians cards
vocabulary cards
Reading about current events
Adding to timeline as needed
Prayer for people groups (I am using the Usborne book Window on the World)
Singing president's song


Here's the list of the other things the girls (8th and 6th) are doing the rest of the day:

Test Prep
Spelling and vocab review and test
History reading
History discussion
Mom read Lit outloud
Lit worksheet
Dictation
independent lit reading
independent lit discussion
Mom reads classic book aloud
Activities (make lapbooks or paint)
writing (a curriculum that mixes TOG and my own SAT ideas)
letter/note writing
flash card review
math
character building
discussion with Dad about week's work