Planning Tips Volume 1

For those parents who are endeavoring to create their own plans, I responded to multiple questions concerning planning in this series of articles.  Taking planning step by step often helps people who are not natural organizers to feel in control and organized.  Typically, with each new unit, planning becomes easier and more of a consistent process.  Consider the following tips as you plan.

1. If you look at the checklist in your Epi Kardia Parent Manual (the first document in the Tools section), you'll note that "rest and pray" are at the top of the list.  Resting and praying cannot be underestimated!  We all get busy and sometimes overlook these important first steps.  Be sure to put all of your efforts before the Lord so that He may guide your work.

2.  Read through the planning and teaching sections of the EK Parent Manual.  Even though I wrote many parts of the manual, I still refresh myself by reading through it annually.  It allows me to remember all of those ideas that God presented during the writing process!  As well, this reading time helps me focus on the job at hand.

3.  Read the historical overview for the unit (located behind each Unit booklet in your binder), noting any points that you want to make with your children and specifically, any information you may not have learned or have forgotten.  See the attached worksheet to assist you with this process and goal setting

4. After reading the historical overview, develop unit goals. Do you want to focus on events, people, God's hand in history?   Do you want to provide a general picture of the time period for your children, or are there areas that you feel they need to study with more depth?  Do your children's learning styles, strengths or weaknesses lead you to specific goals?  Are there specific subject areas that you feel need to be emphasized, such as reading or science?  Do you want your children to memorize scripture, science and/or historical material?  Goal setting is often skipped by moms as they move into the more practical side of planning.  However, these goals will be invaluable as you select books and other materials.

Elizabeth Harrell