2011 Goals/Resolutions

With new Skeleton puzzle.

We are in need of a plan around here in the homeschooling realm.  On the one hand, I know the Bibliophile has accomplished more than he needs to for his age, but I also need to stop him from just resorting to computer games all day out of boredom and lack of structure as we transition to a family of four.  Since he loves our "learning boxes," I feel compelled to fill them.  And in order to fill them, I need a plan.  (Here is our wrap-up post for 2010, so you can see where we are starting from).

So, I tried last week to step back and think about big picture goals.  I came up with six --

1. Maintain his level of interest/excitement with learning.  The most important thing!  If we start an activity and he's not enthused, it's out.  We have always operated like this, which is why we don't post about more cute crafts than we do.
2. Continue to show him how to find answers to questions, let him pick animals and countries to learn about each week, guide him to search for his own library books, google questions, etc.  
3. Work on improving handwriting proficiency (he's doing fine with this already, so I don't mind if progress is really made, but we'll try, for fun) -- writing holiday cards, correspondence etc. and pre-writing activities like mazes, connect the dots, word searches.  (Unrelated reminder: more scissors practice).
4. Continue with reading and make sure he knows what he is reading -- reading comprehension, vocabulary, sequencing.
5. Physical play - sports in the summer, throwing and catching ball, tag, skipping, etc. (consider summer classes - T ball, soccer again).
6. Toilet training - not pushing it right now, but I hope it happens this year!

Next, I spent some time thinking through our 10 learning box categories, and brainstorming what concepts I might introduce in 2011 (and the tools and resources I can use).  I thought I would include my notes here so that I can refer back to them for ideas, but it is proving difficult to find time to type them up, and quite lengthy.  So, maybe I'll spare you the details.

As for me, I have never had new year's resolutions, so far as I can remember.  But, this year I have one!  I resolve to get better at keeping a clean house.  I've started doing the "Flylady" 15 minute challenges every day, and I'm working to get the Bibliophile engaged in helping me (we call it "the Flylady game").  I'm trying to declutter, simplify, and clean more, so that I feel calm and content when I look around my home, and so that I can welcome friends more freely, i.e. without mad dash panic cleaning.

I may link this post up with Weekly Wrap-Up, Preschool Corner, and Tot School.

Comment: What are your resolutions or goals for the year? 


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