2013-2014 Curriculum Choices

In our state, we have fairly lenient homeschooling regulations.  We do have to show “regular and thorough” instruction in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Phys. Ed., and our oversight organization requires Bible/Christian Studies.

Next year, everyone will be enrolled in Classical Conversation’s Foundations program.  John and PJ will also particpate in Essentials.  I’m excited to have everyone in CC and hoping it makes managing everyone’s work a little easier.  Putting a large family through CC is not an inexpensive way to homeschool so I will be teaching Essentials to offset the cost.  I also do not purchase much other curriculum but rather take advantage of all the great FREE resources that are available.

Here’s what I’m thinking for next year.

Bible

  • Last September we started listening through a dramatized NIV Audio Bible.  It’s how we start out every morning and everyone’s been loving it.  We’ll continue doing that for the forseeable future.
  • My husband just graduated with a MA in Theology so we enjoy periodically engaging the kids in theological conversations in the car, around the dinner table, or before bed.

English

  • Our Foundations work will include English Grammar.
  • For spelling and reading instruction, we will continue to use Spell to Write And Read (SWR).  It’s economical for large families because the program can be used for pre-readers all the way until a spelling program is no longer needed.  It has a bit of a learning curve, but I like that it uses the 70 phonograms and 30ish spelling rules and gives the kids a systematic way to spell words.  It’s also multi-sensory. We supplement with games at Spelling City.
  • For Ty, who is learning to read, we’ll supplement SWR with BOB readers from the library and these free printables.  We also use letter tiles to work on spelling and alphabetizing.
  • While Foundations is plenty of prep for Essentials, I like having my pre-Essentials kids work through the relevant practice book pages at Scott Foresman Reading. The Online Grammar and Writing Handbook found on the same site also is a great resource. I changed my mind.  Primary Language Lessons is a better fit for our classical methodology. Don’t worry, it’s still FREE 🙂
  • Essentials provides thorough grammar and writing instruction.

Math

  • For the main curriculum we use Math Mammoth which is based on the Singapore methodology but written for homeschoolers.  In August, you can score a deal through Homeschool Buyers Co-op to buy 6 levels in pdf form.  Another large family, budget-friendly curriculum.  Recently we picked up a math manipulative that I really like to reinforce number sense.  It’s the Learning Resources Desktop Abacus.  You can read about how cool it is here.
  • The one thing MM lacks is drilling so everyday the kids sign in to Xtra Math and do a set of drills.  I love this because it’s FREE and taylors itself to the student.
  • The kids will also memorize skip counting through 15′s and a handful of math formulas and conversions through CC.

Science

  • Our CC memory work will specifically focus on ecology, astronomy, and physical science. We will do related activities and experiments and check out related books from the library.  Stay-tuned for more specifics once I start my weekly planning for CC.

Social Studies

  • The kids will memorize over 150 timeline cards starting from the Age of the Ancients through Modern History with CC along with all the Presidents.  They will also memorize 24 history sentences that cover from Pre-Reformation to the Modern Era.
  • We will reinforce our memory work with great literature (all from the library…aka. FREE).  As with science, more detailed plans will be coming for you CCers.

Art

  • The kids will learn basic art theory and history at CC. We will also do relevant projects that I find.  My new favorite place to find projects is Deep Space Sparkle.

Music

  • When they’re not doing art at CC, the kids will learn basic music theory and history.  Plus we sing every last, blessed piece of memory work.
  • We also have a drum set and an electric piano the kids like to play on.  Sometimes we throw in formal lessons.
  • Additionally, we love listening to the Beethoven’s Wig series.  They’re fun and educational.

Health

  • The best free comprehensive health curriculum out there is Kids Health.
  • I also signed up for a free account at Nourish Interactive.
  • My four oldest will also work through this packet on safey while staying home alone.

Physical Education

  • Besides participating in Tae Kwon Do as a family, each child is required to do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.  They earn 2 minutes of screen time for every 1 minute of exercise. Exercise has to happen even if there’s not time for screen time, screen time does not carry over day to day.
  • The kids also occasionally participate in organized activities such as soccer, swimming, dance, etc.

What are your favorite curriculum choices?

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