limbo

Well, the big kid's dad is undecided on whether or not he is behind the homeschooling idea. I certainly don't want to turn it into a stressful situation for the big kid so we're in limbo for the moment. I sent off an email outlining my curriculum plans which also helped me feel a little more organized about things. Here it is, for those interested:

• Math: Life of Fred Fractions and Decimals. I would also get a used 6th grade textbook like they use at his school to supplement to make sure he didn't miss anything
• Science: the local Nature Center has a once a week Science class with hands on projects. There are also lots of projects to be found on the internet
• Language Arts:
• Writing - I found an online Creative Writing (poetry and fiction) class that lasts 12 weeks with powerpoint modules followed by writing assignments. I can teach grammar and other types of writing, creative writing is a weak point for me. This would also tie into his reading. I have suggested to Big Kid starting either a blog online or a paper "zine" to update you and stepmom and any interested friends and family on what he is doing.
• Reading - Reading workshop which involves reading books of his choosing, keeping journals about his writing and a regular book group meeting with a homeschool friend and possibly some other older homeschool kids.
• Social Studies - 6th grade studies Geography, but Big Kid is currently interested in the Civil War and slavery all over the world, past and present, which would lend itself to learning the geography of the regions he is interested. There are also a lot of more traditional Geography workbooks out there.
• Art: I am going to get a membership at the awesome neighbodhood museum and plan to do regular trips there and another local museum for art appreciation as well as classes when they are offered. My mom has offered to teach mosaics or other art classes to Big Kid and Homeschooling friend's kids once a week.
• PE: There is a weekly homeschool playgroup at a local park that has some boys closer to Big Kid's age. There are also a lot of hiking and biking trails being built around the city that I would like to explore.
• Music: He is teaching himself guitar and I was planning to ask our friend the musician for some more formal lessons, or ask my brother-in-law for some saxophone instruction
  
• Citizenship: He has shown great interest in reading the Bible which I would love to study with him. I was also planning on looking into potential volunteer opportunities in the community, although this could also fall under some of the things y'all do at church like the mission work
  

I have more ideas, but that seems like plenty to start with. Big Kid is interested in earning money so yard work in the neighborhood, walking dogs, etc. are on the list as well.

We have about a week and a half until we have to formally register at the junior high school so we don't have a ton of time to work this out, but I'm hopeful.