I often read this forum and as a classroom teacher wanted to share some of the things I do, to alleviate some of the pressure I read about the moms feeling. Of course, if you or the other women of this forum feel that my words would not be beneficial, I would not be offended in the least. I just wanted to give back a little, since I have received so much from CHC.

Teacher to Teacher
I am a classroom teacher and I have often read this forum. I have gotten so much from it. I wanted to share some of my practices, to ease some of the anxiety I so often hear the moms express. In my classroom we engage in the following:

Religion: Monday-Thursday, Mass on Friday
Reading/Grammar/Spelling: Monday-Thursday, tests on Friday
Math: Daily, tests and quizzes, as lessons are completed
Science: Monday and Tuesday
Social Studies: Wednesday and Thursday

While the school provides extra curricular activities like foreign language, gym, art and computers, the children only experience one of these a day. I am sure you could do the same. I have also read about families spending an entire day engaging in all these activities at a group facility.

Our school does not celebrate Halloween. We will be dressing up as our favorite saint and sharing what we have learned about them. We will also have a Saint Parade and classroom parties. You might find this to be a nice alternative for your family.

The week before Christmas all of our Language Arts & Religion time will be spent preparing for our Nativity Play. We will continue with Math, Science and Social Studies. I have read of many families taking a "break" from school work to prepare for Christmas. Our schedule will be altered to accommodate these sacred teachings too.

So if you ever feel pressure, because you think you are not getting it all in, don't worry. Public and Catholic schools also adjust to these celebrations and to demands on limited time. I am sure in that in home schooling, however, you have far more control and flexibility over your child's education.