My intent was to have this post up weeks ago before we began the school year, but I’ve been busy teaching and am just now getting around to it. The beauty in this delay is that I have been using this plan for a few weeks and can tell you where it is falling short (and it is) and what I am going to do to fix it.
Morning Time is supposed to be a time for us to 1) read aloud and 2) do all of those things that might otherwise get pushed aside in our homeschool.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Prayer – Children’s Daily Prayer 2013-2014 from Liturgy Training Publications. This is written for schools, but it also works great in a home setting. There is a Psalm and gospel reading each day as well as questions for reflecting on the gospel and intentions. I am liking using this very much. The only downside is the cost of shipping from LTP.
. We do this orally each day.Virtue card and song – We review our We Choose Virtues card of the week and sing our Sing Along Virtues song.
Oral presentation practice – Every day we practice our presentation for co-op. Last year we were always running at the last minute getting our presentations ready. Having a set time during the day to practice is wonderful.
. Love this set of books!Memory work – I’ve created a memory work binder based on the Simply Charlotte Mason memory review program for all of our memory work. More details coming soon.
, if you prefer.
. Reading lists for this year’s science and history are coming soon.
- Monday – Math
- Wednesday – Science
- Thursday – History
Friday
Friday is slightly different as it is the day I like to focus more on fine arts.
Oral presentation practice
Read aloud literature
Memory work
. Then we look at a selection of their work in the Art Authority app and talk about it. No special order, no extra work. Just art appreciation that gets done.
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I am loving that Bedtime Math app! Downloading it for FREE on our iPad now!
Glad you like it Nicole. My kids really like the interesting story that goes with the math questions.
loved reading what wasn’t working as well and why. I should keep more recs of that myself
For the past three days we have started on the couch with all of the reading except for the Bible story (I should probably try putting that there too). It has worked really well — much better in fact.) The only thing I hate is that moves the prayer down on the list until after the reading.
I’m glad you like the classical music book- I’m excited about that one myself!
After lunch seems to me like a lovely way to exhale and enjoy a good read aloud, especially if Thomas naps and you don’t have to wrangle him?
I have a hard time with the quick transitions too. I like your idea to separate a lengthy read aloud from the rest of morning time. I’m thinking we may need to do that too. And I’m DYING to see your memory work binder, so I hope you post that soon!
Thomas hasn’t napped in FOREVER. And I really like to be done by lunch, or then it has to be something left that I would NEVER put off — like Olivia’s math. Working on that post, promise.
Curious about the music book. Did you just buy the book, or do you have to have the cds as well? I’m sure most of the selections are easily found, but didn’t know if the cds contained more than just the pieces of music.
Tara I only bought the book because I hate CDs. Would much rather have downloads. I have had good luck with Amazon. I found the first three selections on one CD and then there are tons of 99 cent downloads with 100 Mozart songs or 100 Bach songs that has every song you need for only 99 cent. My plan is to download as we go.
I’m new to homeschool and am having trouble with my planning. How long does your morning time last?
Jennifer – Mine typically lasts from 30 minutes to one hour.