Friday, June 4, 2010

Reviewing the Crew Part IV: Looking ahead

So I guess I should actually officially announce that:


I'm going to be a First Mate for the upper level TOS Homeschool Crew for 2010-11.

When I was asked if I would like to return, and which crew I'd like to be on, we prayed about it as a family.  Since I have kids who are in the Preschool/Elementary age range (the younger crew) and I have one child solidly in the Junior/Senior High range (the older crew) and I have one child who is solidly straddling that line (6th grader, reading at a lower level, doing solid middle school math, science and history work) -- it was not an easy decision.

But... honestly, I have plenty of stuff around for my little kids, and there are plenty of wonderful people out there who can do a better job of reviewing that level of product than I do... and since we do not have a whole lot of stuff at the high school level and there simply are not as many people out there homeschooling high school (I'm only sort of doing it myself... Connor will be an 8th grader, but is already taking high school classes)... well, the older crew it is.

I already know a few vendors I should be seeing, and a number of things I'm really hoping  to get.  Some that I'm most excited about, just for a teaser preview:

  • Math Essentials (yes, I am, in fact, excited about more math)
  • New Monic Books (publishers of Vocabulary Cartoons -- something I have had in my cart over, and over, and over... but I've never purchased)
  • Digital Frog (remember I said I was praying for science!)
  • Homeschool Programming (Connor has specifically asked to start doing some serious technology electives)
And so many more...

I'm nervous about being a First Mate, and hoping my mini-crew doesn't hate me by the time the year is over...  

I am looking forward to my short break here, as the first products are not supposed to be shipping until July, except maybe a practice review this month.

7 comments:

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

I'm all over the place when it comes to being a first mate and starting my 2nd year on the crew. With many changes in store for us (crew members), it should be quite the adventure!

Debra said...

and I just love adventures!!! :)

It is going to be interesting. I'm looking forward to it.

Tess said...

I can't imagine anyone hating you! I think you're going to be a fantastic First Mate.

Michelle Smith said...

Debra, you will do fantastic! Just enjoy the year. :)

Deanna said...

I am so nervous about being on your mini-crew, but I am sure that you are going to be amazing! We are in this together!

Debra said...

Thanks everyone!

Deanna -- you'll do great. Being nervous about being on the crew is fine, but don't be nervous about the mini-crew! It's going to be fun to see how things work out this year, I just know it. And I'm looking forward to getting to know you :)

You'll be a pro by September. Really.

Tonya @ The Traveling Praters said...

Found you and am following through the TOS Crew Forum. Love the posts you wrote up about reviewing the Crew! They will be very helpful to me as I prepare for this new job! Looking forward to working with you on the older crew! Blessings!:)