what about more crafty type things?  I've jumped around quite a bit with curriculum, right now we are doing Sonlight- but I notice it perks the kids up to do something with the creative side of the brain, even if it is something as simple as adding a history pocket project or something from the Story of the World activity guide. 

sometimes when I'm in a rut, {which happens a lot, even though I am a creative person, I get bogged down with just trying to stay on top of things, so I don't want to go to the trouble of being creative..} anyway, when in a rut, sometimes I just stop and take everyone for a nature walk around the neighborhood, or we go to the park and take a treat with us. 

I don't know how old your kids are, but when mine were little, I really enjoyed using Five in A row, lots of creative jump off points with that.

For groundhog day, I'm going to do some activities from edhelper, make cookies or something and a craft and then go for a walk to look for shadows.  Not a big deal, but fun. 

Thank you for the response! And for visiting my blog.

My children range in age from 13 down to a newborn - which makes things interesting when it comes to school.

Thank you for the great ideas! I think you are right we need to get creative!

A week-long or even month-long unit study on something the KIDS really like is a good idea. You can let them vote on a few pre-approved topics, or base it on a season or holiday. It's kind of nice to get off-track with something fun. Let the older kids look up info, help plan a field trip, find easy activities and books for the younger kids, etc.

Example: Valentines Day is coming up. Let the older children do research on the history of the holiday. Check out several good books on V-day at the library. Study and memorize 1 Corinthians 13. Make handmade valentines to exchange. Plan a themed meal. Take a field trip to a cookie or candy factory or retail outlet.

Just google unit studies and you'll find more than you'd ever have time for.

Hi Courtney!  Our kids must be close to the same ages.  We have 13 down to due in July.  :)

We use and love Sonlight.  I think that it is a fun curriculum and we have been using it for 6 years now.  I've actually done several posts on how we use Sonlight in our family that is very similar to yours.

I also like the idea of doing unit studies.  I have a friend who has used KONOS unit studies with her large family. 

Thank you!!!!!!!  It sounds perfect for us!!