Scheduling 7Sisters ELA Bundles

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
August 30, 2022 by Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Scheduling 7Sisters ELA Bundles.

Scheduling 7Sisters ELA Bundles

Scheduling 7Sisters ELA Bundles

Working on plans for the new school year? Planning English/Language Arts course for your homeschool high schoolers? If you are like many homeschooling families, your teens are enjoying 7Sisters One-Year ELA Bundles…but how do you schedule them?

As you probably know, 7Sisters One-Year ELA Bundles are complete ELA credits, one bundle for each year of homeschool high school. The distinctive about these bundles is that they are made of collections 7Sisters’ popular literature study guides, writing guides, cinema studies for literature learning guides and built in vocabulary and grammar…even public speaking is included!

Together, these cover the HUGE Language Arts credits.

Note: the bundles are not rigidly ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. Every teen is different (that is why grade levels are suggested but no hard-fixed.)

Each of the bundles comes with scheduling instructions, but a little bit of encouragement from Sabrina might help homeschool moms feel a bit more confident with the planning.

The easiest ways to get the scheduling of the ELA Bundles completed is to download the FREE syllabus for each bundle.

These syllabi may be adapted for your teens’ needs. Remember: There’s not ONE right way to homeschool high school!

Common questions we receive about scheduling assignments in ELA Bundles

We love to receive questions, so we receive questions often! Here are some of the most common questions:

Question:

ELA Bundles include Literature Study Guide and Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Guides. These guides include essay prompts. However, if my teen has not completed the Essay Writing Guide, how can they handle the essays in the literature and cinema guides?

Answer:

There’s not one right way to handle this.

If your teen is experienced with essays already, start with their knowledge and write the literature and cinema guide essay prompts. Eventually they will be completing the essay writing guide and will add to their already existing their skills.

On the other hand, some teens can skip the essay. This is especially true if they have handled well the inferential skills in the literature guides.

Remember:

You want your teen to be challenged but not intimidated! Do not burnout your teens! Thus, if your teens need to drop an essay-writing assignment or two, they should do that. You want to preserve their love of learning.

Question:

How do you teach ELA Bundles in co-op settings?

Answer:

This is a good question for Sabrina. She taught these bundles to our teens in our co-op and homeschool umbrella school classes for years.

Typically, Sabrina has taught one or two literature (or cinema studies for literature learning) guide per every two to four weeks. This works out well for a nine month school year, since there are usually nine or ten guides in each bundle.

Books vary in length with some being shorter and some longer. Therefore, on longer books, Sabrina weights the longer reading assignments on the first week. This is because the earlier parts of many novels are lighter as far as inferential and analytical questions (which take more time and thought to answer). Why is that? It is because the earlier parts of the book are introducing characters, setting and plot, so questions are more “introductory”.

Therefore, if a your co-op class is taking four weeks to complete a literature study guide:

  • Have students read one third of the book during the first week, along with answering the questions for the reading and completing the vocabulary.
    • In class, introduce the themes and background material of the book and discuss what they understand about those particular themes.
  • During the second week, have your teens read a second third of the book, along with answering the questions for the reading.
    • In class discuss the themes for the book and discuss the questions from their homework.
  • Next, during the third week have your teens complete reading the book. They can then make a notes and outline for the essay in the literature guide. (Remember, you decide whether or not they will do those essays.)
    • In class discuss the themes for the book and discuss the questions from their homework.
  • Finally, teens complete their essays during the fourth week.
    • In class we discuss their essays, review themes and introduce the next book.

Question:

When should students do the vocabulary in the literature study guides?

Answer:

As always, there’s not ONE right way to handle the vocabulary.

  • Some students like to knock it out before they start the book
  • Other students handle the vocabulary in chunks, with each chapter.

Be sure to discuss this with your teens. What would work best for them.

We hope you and your homeschool high schoolers have the best year yet! Join Sabrina for wisdom and encouragement for scheduling 7Sisters ELA Bundles!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
  3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

  1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
  2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
  3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
  5. Tap *Subscribe*
  6. Please tap *Ratings and Review

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Android | RSS | More

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: , , , ,

Help! I Don’t Want to Homeschool Anymore! Dealing with Homeschool Burnout

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
March 30, 2022 by Leave a Comment

It happens to the best of us; homeschool burnout. We grow weary of homeschooling and we’re ready to throw in the towel. Rather than giving up, let’s look at how we got to this state and what actions we can take to get out of homeschool overwhelm.

What Homeschool Burnout Looks Like

Think back to when you first began homeschooling. You were full of hope and excitement and couldn’t wait to pour over homeschool curriculum catalogs. You had a new identity to celebrate, you were now a homeschool mom!

New friends were made, conventions visited, and curricula purchased. Things went great in the beginning, or even for a while.

Then it happens, burnout!

Now you dread getting up to more schoolwork, more laundry, more meal prepping, more of anything. You’re just tired, and there seems to be no end in sight.

How Homeschool Burnout Happens

The truth is, you didn’t just wake up tired of it all one morning. Let’s look at the road to burnout and see if you can identify with any of these:

  • you don’t have a predictable schedule
  • you have an overly stressful schedule
  • your homeschooling a wide variety of ages and levels
  • your partner works long hours
  • you’re not plugged into co-op or homeschool group
  • you are overly committed to a co-op or homeschool group
  • lack of support from friends or family
  • expecting too much of yourself
  • putting everyone else before your own basic needs
  • over-commitment to church
  • neglecting your spiritual life

If any of that sounds familiar, you might be in homeschool burnout.

What We Do About Homeschool Burnout

There are some action steps you can take to help yourself walk out of burnout to relief. Try a few of these to see what works.

  1. Practice the art of saying “no.” You don’t need to do everything. If you feel like you need permission to bow out gracefully, granted.
  2. Understand the difference between roles and responsibilities. Your role is mom, wife, sister, daughter. You have different responsibilities within each of those roles. Make a quick list of what your true responsibilities are. This will also help you learn to say no.
  3. Re-think your identity. Yes, you homeschool. But, your identity isn’t a homeschooling mom. You’re a mom who homeschools, right? And most importantly, you’re a daughter to the One who made you, loves you, and doesn’t want you sit in homeschool burnout.
  4. Make prayer a priority.

PRAYING AND WORKING. I Like that saying of Martin Luther, when he says, “I have so much business to do to-day, that I shall not be able to get through it with less than three hours’ prayer.” Now, most people would say, “I have so much business to do to-day, that I have only three minutes for prayer; I cannot afford the time.”

But Luther thought that the more he had to do, the more he must pray, or else he could not get through it. That is a blessed kind of logic: may we understand it! “Praying and provender hinder no man’s journey.” If we have to stop and pray, it is no more hindrance than when the rider has to stop at the farrier’s to have his horse’s shoe fastened; for if he went on without attending to that it may be that ere long he would come to a stop of a far more serious kind.—C. H. Spurgeon.

Practical steps:

  1. Keep a simple schedule.
  2. Keep meals simple.
  3. Plan time with friends and don’t talk about homeschooling.
  4. Communicate your needs clearly to your partner, friends, and family.
  5. Partner with an online homeschool provider to handle some of the teaching load.

Working through these 8 quick steps can help you gain clarity for yourself, your relationships, and your homeschooling. Keep things simple!

 

Starting Your Homeschool Over

Listen, I hear you! You’ve already purchased all of this curriculum. You’re determined to use it.

You’ve already purchased the convention tickets and reserved the hotel.

Your church is counting on you.

Your partner isn’t supportive.

All of that can be true, and you can still simplify.

That curriculum? Set a timer and work through it for a set amount of time. No one says you have to do all.the.things!

Let your kids know that for a while school is during the hours of x and x and after that mom needs a recess or reboot.

Go the convention, but change your aim. Have fun! And if you want to, cancel it. No one is judging you. There’s always next year.

Your church probably does need you, that’s the nature of it. But they want the best version of you. Not the stressed-out, burnt-out version. Have a conversation about volunteering boundaries for this season. They will understand.

You’ve Got This!

Just do the next thing. Pick one area to simplify. You’ve got this. And maybe some of these podcasts will help: *scroll to the bottom of the page to play the podcast

Let me know how this article and the podcasts have helped. Have more advice? Leave a comment and bless another mom.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , , ,

Schedule or Routine?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
March 28, 2019 by Leave a Comment

schedulingDo you follow a segmented schedule, complete with time slots, or more of a routine in your homeschool? Or perhaps you relate to Christi’s description of a “rhythm”! On this episode, Christi Deason joins us once again, this time to discuss scheduling. While scheduling is definitely not natural for either of us, Christi talks about how her loose style worked for their family and I share my own experience with my style of minimal scheduling.

As is typical, we take some time for a few necessary rabbit trails, as well! (College proponents, watch out. We’re not anti-college, but perhaps we get a bit opinionated here!) Since scheduling involves curriculum, I cover a bit of what I’m doing with that, too. It’s not fancy or complicated, but it works for a wiggly, kinesthetic seven-year-old!

Here is the general outline we followed for our interview:

Did you follow a schedule or more of a routine? What did that look like?

Did you have it written out or did you use some kind of software?

What subjects went on that list, at what ages?

  • I tend to follow the “better late than early” advice
  • With my youngest, I always do Bible and character training daily, even if we get to very little in the way of formal academics
  • We also regularly do history, as Bible tends to dovetail well into ancient history
  • Science at this age is focused mostly on nature and animal studies, but we also incorporate any interests as they appear (today in our Bible doctrines, we talked about faith being something that can’t be experienced with our five senses, naturally leading into a science reading and discussion about the five sense).

What time did you usually start? Did you take certain days off?

  • We took off Fridays, birthdays, and of course…snow days! Being in the south, snow days are something to be enjoyed as much as possible, in my opinion!

What factors went into deciding the schedule (husband’s work, personalities, early birds/night owls, specific giftings…)?

Were there any years that seemed harder to schedule?

Anything you would change about how you scheduled or did your routine?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Filed Under: Life as a Lifeschooler Tagged With: , ,

HSHSP Ep 123: Successfully Scheduling Your Homeschool Highschool Year

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
August 14, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This week on HSHSP Ep 123: Successfully Scheduling Your Homeschool Highschool Year!

HSHSP Ep 123: Successfully Scheduling Your Homeschool Highschool Year

HSHSP Ep 123: Successfully Scheduling Your Homeschool Highschool Year

We know that many homeschooling moms love scheduling…and many DON’T. However, highschool needs organization and scheduling if you’re going to achieve your goals (and your teen graduate in 4 years).

What is the one right way to schedule your homeschool highschool year?

There’s NOT one right way to schedule but there are some tips for developing a schedule that works for you.

Here are some tips for successfully scheduling your homeschool highschool year:

Start with the end in mind.

  • Set a 4 year goal. What do you want your teens to have accomplished by the time they graduated (on the transcript and in real life). When they walk across the stage at graduation, what kind of person do you hope your teens will be?
  • Read this post on how to set goals.
  • Write out your mission (click here for a guide).
  • Create an idea of the kind of homeschool environment you hope.

Schedule backwards.

Scheduling Backwards Freebie from 7SistersHomeschool.com

Click image for information on this helpful freebie.

  • Looking at the end goals, start by working backwards.
  • Decide what kind of educational year you want
  • Mark the halfway point on the schedule. Then ask where should we be in the curriculum by halfway through the year.
  • Mark special dates
    • portfolio reviews
    • missions trips
    • scheduled guests visiting
    • co-op field trips
    • drivers ed
    • sports competitions and performances
    • holidays
  • Now decide how much should be done on each subject day by day
    • The number of pages (or chapters) in the text divided by the number of weeks in the year or number of days in the year
  • Create your syllabi

When life happens or things go wrong, give yourself grace then get back to the schedule as soon as possible.

Remember to include teens in the planning process, so that they can own their education.

Be sure to write your goals down.

Have an accountability partner.

If you need some support, you might enjoy some coaching from Vicki at VickiTillmanCoaching.com.

Join Sabrina and Vicki for this helpful discussion. Also enjoy these posts and episodes:

HSHSP Ep 42: Highschool Goals and Planning

HSHSP Ep 43: Highschool Planning and Teen Personalities

HSHSP Ep 44: Including Teens in Highschool Planning

HSHSP Ep 123: Successfully Scheduling Your Homeschool Highschool Year

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: , ,

Secrets of Scheduling Success

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
March 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

How can we get it all done? If that’s your question, you’ll love this episode of The Homeschool Sanity Show. You will want to grab your copy of the scheduling worksheets as you listen. Scroll down to claim them.

Secrets of Scheduling Success

 

Want to read this article as a blog post? READ HERE Or WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS | More

I have to apologize AGAIN! I did not have the code set up correctly for you to get the Nature Study printables via text message last week. You can definitely get them in the show notes here. I’ve learned how to prevent this problem in the future, but I’ve learned something even more important. I have the best listeners! I didn’t get one complaint. Not one crabby email about this. You are my people and I love you. Thank you for putting up with all my foibles. I wish I could promise there will be no mistakes going forward, but I can’t.

What did go very well last week was the Facebook Live inside look and giveaway of Our Journey Westward’s Charlotte-Mason friendly materials. We had a great time! You can join me on Tuesdays at 4E/3C/2M/1P for more homeschool sanity goodness at Facebook.com/Psychowith6. Comments and shares during the live video earn double entries, but you can still comment up to a week later for an entry in the giveaway. If you’re not a giveaway lover, there’s still nothing like seeing resources in person and being able to ask questions about them. I love Facebook Live for this purpose. If there’s a discount available, I’ll share that, too.

Teaching Tip of the Week

Last week was a time of grieving Mandy Kelly and three of her family members. This blogger behind Worshipful Living was a friend to many of us in Christian, homeschooling, and blogging circles. We will miss her terribly, but we give thanks to God for using her to minister to thousands of people. The grief that I and many friends experienced prompted me to do a Periscope video on how to manage grief and then a second Periscope on how to help others who are grieving. The second video, in particular, reminded me that we need to teach our children how to help those in mourning. If we don’t, they are likely to make mistakes that will add to others’ pain.  I also recommend the book The Art of Helping by Lauren Littauer Briggs that I contributed to. This book is for your reference and is a great resource when you aren’t sure what to say or do in specific situations.

Links

2:1 conference

Scheduleing Worksheets

 Click here to subscribe

[LISTEN TO: HOW TO HOMESCHOOL IN LESS TIME]

[READ: A YEAR OF LIVING PRODUCTIVELY]

Panda Weekly Planner

Organized Homeschool Life

How many hours did you have left over when you did the exercise? Let’s chat about it on Facebook.

Filed Under: The Homeschool Sanity Show Tagged With: ,

The Art of Schedule Juggling – MBFLP 146

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
October 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

mbflp-146-juggling-schedules-v

Once it was so easy – Dad had his calendar at work, and Mom had hers for the kids and herself. What needed coordination except for holidays and vacations? But when we had kids in high school and heading off to classes and activities all over the place, we realized we had to get better organized or we’d lose track of everything. This episode, we talk about four very simple things we’ve done – and totally for free – that help us keep tabs on everyone’s plans and commitments, so we avoid most of the “Uh oh!” moments we used to have so often!

This program is brought to you in part by
Schoolhouse Teachers banner-468x60Click here for more information!

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

 

Filed Under: Making Biblical Family Life Practical Tagged With: , , , , ,

Homeschooling in Less Time

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
January 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

How to Homeschool in Less Time: The Homeschool Sanity Show podcast

Are you stressed because of how much time homeschooling takes? If you feel like you would be a happier homeschooler if you could finish schooling in less time, this is the episode for you.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Can I ask you a favor? Would you share two minutes of that time savings posting a review of this podcast on iTunes? Reviews encourage people to give a podcast a try. I’d be so appreciative if you would let people know that The Homeschool Sanity Show is worth their time. Thank you in advance.

Teaching Tip of the Week

100+ places you can find planner printables for 2016 at CornerstoneConfessions.com. Kathy Gossen not only provides us with a 140-page set of free planner pages she’s designed herself, but a new 180-page premium, color set.

Organized Homeschool Challenge of the Week

This week’s challenge is the the Daily Routine Challenge.

Links

Konos

How to Homeschool in an Hour a Day

Periscope Viewers

Candace

Markie  lifewithmrscooks.blogspot.com

@cmw28

Sarita

Minivanministries.com

Christina

waterproof, Bluetooth speaker

Have a happy homeschool week!

Filed Under: The Homeschool Sanity Show Tagged With: , , , , ,

MBFLP – Planning For The New School Year

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
July 27, 2015 by 3 Comments

MBFLP - Planning For The New School Year

 

The new school year is coming … do you have your plans together yet? Or do you shudder at the thought? This episode, we talk about the need to have a plan, but not to obsess over it. You’ll find this episode both challenging and encouraging as Melanie explains her calm, positive approach to planning — with an eye to God’s providential interruption!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Filed Under: Making Biblical Family Life Practical Tagged With: , , ,