We break our year into four study blocks – they kind of match the local school term except we often take an extra week for a break (school holidays).  We do this for two reasons – one, life gets so busy during school holidays with all our social commitments, that we are ready for a break!  And secondly, the extra week gives me time to prepare for the coming study period.

This week is my prep week.  I’ll be at the computer most of the time (so I need to discipline myself not to be distracted or waste time:  see my post on managing my computer time).  The children will work independently with their studies and creative projects.  Daniel will require direction from me, though the others will work by themselves.

So in my Prep Week I look at the following:

1. Our routines – are they on track
2. Our planned studies – who will study what
3. Our rosters – it is time to tweak our chore chart
4. Our habits – I’ll also spend time looking at individual habits and hearts and see what needs to be addressed.
5. and I’ll write our educational report for last study block (if I get time)

Now that my children are older I include them in some of my planning.  Jess is nearly 100% self directed though we do talk it over to make sure that she is still within my guidelines and expectations.  Though Joshua is studying at university I’ll still touch base with him too, making sure that his Bible study, reading and math is still on track.

I really enjoy this week but I have to keep my goals in mind as it is easy to delve into all sorts of wonderful curriculum and resources and over plan.  I must keep my goals and expectations realistic for each individual and in the context of the family.