Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Vicki Bentley, HSLDA’s Early Years coordinator, is my guest this week. Vicki, as we discuss lesson planning, you have a helpful suggestion for keep curriculum under control. Would you share with our listeners how you decide what to keep and what to eliminate from your homeschool curriculum?

Vicki Bentley:
Well, what do you want to accomplish this year? And what tools will help you to achieve those goals? Choosing your curriculum and lesson planning are sort of the roadmap for getting from where you are, to where you want to be, with the actual curriculum itself likened to your mode of transportation. An airplane will get you where you want to go fast, while an RV is good for leisurely trips.

A few years ago, we drove from Virginia to Arizona on a tight deadline for a convention, so we drove straight there, no time for sightseeing. But on the way back, we had two weeks, so we stopped at landmarks in 19 states and had a great family time, just enjoying the trip and enjoying each other’s company.

It's the same with homeschooling. If your goal this year is to catch up a child who has lagged a little, you'll take the direct route—the airplane—covering the basic skills areas of math and language and of course character and Bible, and then add the content areas of history and science as time allows. Once you feel more comfortable that you’re where you want to be on your timetable, you can start cruising or sight-seeing, taking more time to enjoy the homeschool journey, adding extras to help you meet more advanced, delight-directed goals.

Mike:
Vicki that’s very helpful! We’ll continue talking about lesson planning next time. And until then, I’m Mike Smith.