Making changes already...

I've decided to re-write my education plans for this year to reflect our increased time spent on LB's language issues.

And because I am constantly losing things, and to give myself some accountability, I'm going to post my goals here for all to see.

So, our revised plans until September 2012...

For LB, age 14 (almost 15)

struggling with poor communication skills due to autism

The Visualizing and Verbalizing Kit - we will be following this program closely and spending the majority of our time on it. It will form the backbone of our language arts learning for this year.

MathUSee - This has been working well. We will finish with the Delta level and move on to Epsilon. We will also spend some time on Math Vocabulary using the techniques from Visualizing and Verbalizing to solidify concepts such as time and money.

Science and Social Studies - These will be largely unschooled and addressed through daily reading and life experiences.

Physical Education - We have found that regular, VIGOROUS, exercise is very important to help LB focus on the world around him more easily. So, we will continue with weekly swimming and workouts at the gym 3-4 days/week. So far, we've been focussing on cardio but I'm thinking we will move on to some work with free weights in the new year.

Art - One of my biggest regrets is that we haven't devoted much time to art in the past. LB has a strong creative side that really needs to be encouraged and I've been far too neglectful of it. So, we are going to spend two to three days a week going through the lessons found in the book Drawing with Children, by Mona Brooks.

Nature Study - Another thing we have neglected in favour of the 3R's. This is such a valuable way to improve observation skills though so I hope to devote some time to it daily. Just a little something like a weather journal and a prompt to draw or write about something.

Piano - No need to change anything here. The boys' piano teacher is working out very well and LB has been making good progress.

Cooking / Life Skills - At least once a week LB will help with meal prep and begin creating a personal recipe book.

For BB, age 12

Afterschooling only

Homework Help - No description needed here.

Supplementary Math - My husband, a math teacher, really dislikes the math curriculum in the schools here as it does a poor job of cementing foundational math skills so we are providing supplementary work. It's been lax lately though, only so many hours in a day!

Piano - Lessons continue

Archery or Horseback Riding - His chosen activity for this year.

For TB, age 8

Afterschooling only

Homework Help - No description needed here.

Supplementary Math - As for BB

Reading Log - I think that I'll be using some of the activities from the Visualizing and Verbalizing kit with him to help improve his reading comprehension and enjoyment.

Piano - Lessons continue

Swimming Lessons - His chosen activity for this year.

For BG, age 4

Pre-School / Kindergarten

We will be using Workboxes daily, twelve activities ready for every day. Within these boxes, reading activities will be consistent as will math. We will also try to incorporate the activities that include those from "A Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of Six"

And I must not neglect to mention her beloved dance class once a week!

For SG, age 1+

Toddler Activities

The plan is to have at least twelve different activities or sensory items ready for her daily.

Whew, I'm getting tired just reading this! Wish us luck!