California Bound

It is official... we are moving to California! My husband has accepted a job at Apple and we will be moving just after the start of the new year (2012). I knew this day was coming and I have been preparing for it but now that it's here, I realize that there is no "real" preparation for moving across country.

I am excited to move but this means all of my homeschooling planning/preparation/practice is going on hold for at least 2 months. But, it also gives me time to do more and more research. I find the most exciting part about moving is that I will get to set up our "learning area" before it can become over-run with toys or misc. junk.

I LOVE the Montessori Method of learning but after much research, I realize that I am going to be more of a 'Hybrid Montessori Mommy.' What I mean is that I am very much a helicopter parent. For those non-Love & Logic readers... it basically means that it is hard for me to just sit back and watch my kiddo; I want to jump in and teach. With this in mind, I have been doing a bit more blog-search. I found a number of mom's who successfully create a mixed (Montessori and traditional) learning environment and that's where I am headed at the moment.

Blogs that I have been devouring are 1+1+1=1 and Counting Coconuts. I love the Tot School that Carisa of 1+1+1=1 has developed along with the wonderful "star bins" for her older homeschooler. I would like to develop my own method of tot school by crossing her more traditional sit down learning methods with the child-led learning style of Mari-Ann at Counting Coconuts. I have time to stew on this as our entire life including all my resources (except my lovely laptop) will be boxed away and stored until we find a permanent living situation. I am sure my method(s) will evolve as I start planning, preparing and putting everything into practice but for now I am happy to have more time to do some constructive thinking and planning.

In conclusion, I look forward to seeing what 2012 holds for us in the "Ski" household.