2012-2013 School Planning: Core Four in a Bag

As I reflect upon last school year and look ahead to 2012-2013, I have decided that the best way to keep myself on track with our Core Four is to keep a skeleton for it in a single grab-and-go bag.

Why? 

Because history proves that I can delineate a wonderfully rich plan of study, only to have other academic and life needs supersede it.  I can delineate an ideal daily rhythm and framework for learning, which includes large blocks of at-home learning time, only to discover the kids’ appointments blur the lines.  And, I can set up a lovely learning space, only to have it overcome with clutter. 

Yes.  Experience shouts at me:  Simplicity and portability!

Who am I not to listen and act?

I listened. I gathered.  Our Core Four Bag now hangs ready on a hook for whenever we leave the house. It currently contains:

• a Catholic Children's Treasure Box book  
•  a copy of  Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
• a blank lined notebook for each child and one for Mama, too
• a clipboard with some blank white paper on it 
•  a baggie with pencils in it
• a box of chalk
• an Arts & Crafts for Kids Supplies 100 Piece Art Set that I picked up on deep discount

With these, we can enjoy exploring our core four – Faith, Reading, Writing and Math – no matter where our days might take us.  For, while I know that one can teach without any “schooly” materials at hand, I also recognize that having a few key resources at the ready helps me maintain focus and ignite inspiration even on the craziest of days!

What skeleton supplies do you like to carry with you to help keep you focused on your children’s learning?
Note: It would appear that as I have been taking my planning in bits, I have sharing it that way as well.  The other portions of our planning to date can be found by scrolling through School Planning 2012-2013. 


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