A Review: Delightful Planning: A Unit Study Planner for Every Homeschool

I had never even  heard of “Delight Directed Homeschooling” until just a few years ago. And, when I did find out that it was basically a child-led homeschool method I thought, “hey…that’s kind of what we’ve been doing anyway.”

Let me explain my thought process. When we first started homeschooling I filled our school days with a scope and sequence appropriate to Josiah’s age and grade level. I used my textbooks as our daily script. I was an educated teacher. I knew what I was doing.

Until I didn’t.

Josiah is dyslexic. So much of my energy was taken up in that battle. If you are homeschooling a child with different learning needs you understand what I’m talking about. It was hard work for both of us.

It was after he came to me with a library book in his hand that the lightbulb came on. I can’t even remember what the book was about, but I do remember his shining eyes. He wanted me to read it and he wanted to learn more about it.

The work of learning to read was so hard. Why shouldn’t I let Josiah choose what he wanted to learn about?

It changed the atmosphere of our homeschool.  I started focusing on Unit Studies. Josiah asked to learn about meteorology, geology, archaeology, snakes, Star Wars (true story).  Our lessons became lively and inspired.

When I first began my journey as a reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, I was immediately drawn to one of our incredible leaders.

Marcy Crabtree and I had a few things in common. She was raised in Arkansas and she and her husband had adopted their beautiful, one and only son as an infant.

She also is a “Delight Directed Homeschooler.” For a few years now, I have been blessed and encouraged by her blog and just by her presence…not literal presence…we’ve actually never met in person, but she has been available for any and all random questions and concerns.

 

 

A few weeks ago, she sent out word that she had written a book just for me!

Actually, it’s not just for me. Anybody can utilize it. I give you my full blessing.  

Delightful Planning: A Unit Study Planner for Every Homeschool is full of inspiration and contains the most beautiful planning pages.

She outlines some of the more popular Delight-Directed homeschooling techniques and shares with us detailed ideas and insight.

I think one of my favorite ideas was the Fun School Jar. This is going to be our summer curriculum! It fits in nicely with our summer schedule.

When Josiah was going into Middle School I was concerned that our homeschooling practices would not fit in with a more rigorous study.  This is our 8^th grade year. Next year is crunch time. Marcy addresses this in her book.

Here are just a few of her words.

This is the perfect time to help your student recognize his gifts, passions, and talents

and encourage him to begin exploring possible vocational training, mentorships, and

apprenticeships. All of these can be parlayed into high school credit in a delightdirected

way.

 

If you are interested in learning more about this method of schooling or this is something you are using already, I wholeheartedly recommend getting your hands on Marcy’s book.

Marcy has done such a beautiful job with Delight Planning. I can see her heart shining through. I am excited to be able to put into to practice some of the practical and inspiring ideas she has shared with us.

Check out the book and Marcy’s Blog (Ben and Me). Right now (until June 30) it is on sale at an introductory price.