For the past decade of homeschooling, we have used the shotgun approach... and LOVED it! The shotgun approach, for us, was homeschooling from early morning straight through to a late lunch, and it worked splendidly!
However, due to increased responsibilities in my life (and I also think increased AGE on my behalf), I needed to do something different. So, I tried to schedule an afternoon break this year. It didn't work. Why? Old habits die hard. We just pushed harder, talked faster, got up earlier... not good. After talking to my wonderful sister Carrie (who still finds time to help her little sis even though she's the author of Heart of Dakota guides), I moved lunch so early and planned such a big afternoon break, that it would be impossible to do the shotgun approach.
The results? TOTALLY HAPPY SUCCESS!!! I cannot tell you the difference in our days. We work hard and STOP at 12:30 PM, no matter what, and we finish from 3:30 PM to whatever time is needed (never later than 5:30 PM). We leave 3 independent boxes for the end for my 2 oldest sons, and 1 or none for my youngest. We don't always have that much left, but most the time we do. It works! My oldest high school student is doing the Heart of Dakota World Geography guide, our middle school student is finishing Heart of Dakota's Creation to Christ guide and soon to be starting the next guide Resurrection to Reformation, and our youngest first grade student is doing Heart of Dakota's Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory guide. Click here for my SCHEDULE!
I have enjoyed all of my years with Heart of Dakota - it is such a blessing in our home! Whether the shotgun approach or a planned breaks approach is your cup of tea... Heart of Dakota is something I want to share with everyone. Hope this helps some of you as you think through scheduling your homeschooling days!
In Christ,
Julie
Dearest Julie, I am so happy to see you posting again. I've been reading all your posts since I checked your blog a few days ago. I just love your heart and I miss being able to talk to you here and there. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Blessings, Paige
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paige! You are such an encourager for me in this blog endeavor! I have missed being able to chat with you too. I am hoping to do better with my blog this year! We did have a good Christmas overall and a very Happy New Year, as my niece got married New Year's Eve in OK City! What fun we had! I hope you also had a good Christmas season and that you are healthy and doing well. God bless!
ReplyDelete