2015-2016 Curriculum Choices!
The Fashionista- 7th Grade
My oldest daughter has dyslexia, which we see as such a blessing. It means she is so much more inventive
than the rest of us; she has an eye for art, and is a lover of all things that take any amount of creativity. Dyslexia
is not a curse, it is not a lack of intelligence. Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that I have studied for 4 years. I never thought it’d be something I’m so fluent in, but God has all sorts of surprises for us, doesn’t he? The Fashionista is the ‘Stop and Smell the Roses’ kind of person. She points out beauty for the rest of us to see, and appreciates landscapes, design, and like her momma, loves FOOD.
than the rest of us; she has an eye for art, and is a lover of all things that take any amount of creativity. Dyslexia
is not a curse, it is not a lack of intelligence. Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that I have studied for 4 years. I never thought it’d be something I’m so fluent in, but God has all sorts of surprises for us, doesn’t he? The Fashionista is the ‘Stop and Smell the Roses’ kind of person. She points out beauty for the rest of us to see, and appreciates landscapes, design, and like her momma, loves FOOD.
She needs directions explained clearly, but then can run off and do her own thing. Most kids are this way though, aren’t they?
For her we are using:
Math
Teaching Textbooks Level 7.
We have used Teaching Textbooks for a few years now and really REALLY
enjoy it. I can’t wait until my middle child can graduate to it (they begin at level 3). This is a computer based program with an optional workbook. For her, she prefers to use the workbook, and only uses the CD-ROM instruction when she really needs it. Buying just the workbook is considerably cheaper, so we did that last year. But this year she is getting
into more difficult operations, so we bought the CD to go with it. Luckily Teaching Textbooks has an incredible resale
value, better than any other homeschool materials I’ve ever seen. The good in that is when it’s time to sell,
but buying used for a good price is next to impossible.
We have used Teaching Textbooks for a few years now and really REALLY
enjoy it. I can’t wait until my middle child can graduate to it (they begin at level 3). This is a computer based program with an optional workbook. For her, she prefers to use the workbook, and only uses the CD-ROM instruction when she really needs it. Buying just the workbook is considerably cheaper, so we did that last year. But this year she is getting
into more difficult operations, so we bought the CD to go with it. Luckily Teaching Textbooks has an incredible resale
value, better than any other homeschool materials I’ve ever seen. The good in that is when it’s time to sell,
but buying used for a good price is next to impossible.
Language Arts
This year we are trying something totally different, and so far it has proven to be worth the switch. These books are really inexpensive, and super thorough. I am so bummed I didn’t find these and start using them years ago!
We’re using Climbing to Good English Level 6. We chose level 6 over 7, because it focused more on composition, which is an area we needed to work on.
Working with Words Level 6, for vocabulary.
These were written for Amish Parochial Schools, and are very thorough. Be sure to get the teacher’s manuals for easy grading, and helpful teaching tips! I don’t normally think the teacher manuals are necessary, but these really are.
The pages are distraction free, which is more beneficial for
my middle child, but still great for everyone.
my middle child, but still great for everyone.
Spelling
All About Spelling level 4 (almost level 5). I’m not rushing this, as I am not as concerned
which level she is at, as I am more concerned that it is clicking and sticking.
which level she is at, as I am more concerned that it is clicking and sticking.
I purchased every level of AAS, so I can effortlessly move
the kids onto the next level whenever they are ready, or go back and review
when we need to. I also did this because
our kiddos have such an age gap between them that I wanted to be sure we had
the right books when they needed them. This
program is not cheap, but I think a good spelling program is fundamental. I did purchase two levels first, and then
bought the rest; so don’t feel like you need to do it all at once.
the kids onto the next level whenever they are ready, or go back and review
when we need to. I also did this because
our kiddos have such an age gap between them that I wanted to be sure we had
the right books when they needed them. This
program is not cheap, but I think a good spelling program is fundamental. I did purchase two levels first, and then
bought the rest; so don’t feel like you need to do it all at once.
Ps. This program is highly recommended for
children with dyslexia.
children with dyslexia.
Science
For Science we are continuing on using Curriculum from Apologia,
because their books are laid out so nicely.
The workbooks are incredibly educational, but still fun. We also purchase the Audio CD, which I transfer
as MP3 files to my phone; this helps save my voice.
because their books are laid out so nicely.
The workbooks are incredibly educational, but still fun. We also purchase the Audio CD, which I transfer
as MP3 files to my phone; this helps save my voice.
According to Iowa law, for the type if instruction we chose,
I am required to teach Science. But even
if we weren’t required to, we’d still do science, and we would still use this
very same curriculum. This year we are
going through Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day — Young Explorers Series
. We may also get to Zoology 2 yet this year, since we find ourselves doing more lessons than suggested, since it is so fun!
I am required to teach Science. But even
if we weren’t required to, we’d still do science, and we would still use this
very same curriculum. This year we are
going through Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day — Young Explorers Series
We are also members of the Minnesota Zoo, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Both of these places are
well worth their memberships! I can post
more about each of these later if anyone is interested.
well worth their memberships! I can post
more about each of these later if anyone is interested.
Social Studies is
another required subject. We have a
hodgepodge of Geography/Social studies materials, games, and apps, because we
haven’t found one complete program that I feel covers it all in a way the kids
will retain.
another required subject. We have a
hodgepodge of Geography/Social studies materials, games, and apps, because we
haven’t found one complete program that I feel covers it all in a way the kids
will retain.
We have lots of free reading books that fit this category,
we have workbooks, and we are using Confessions of a Homeschooler’s Road TripUSA again. I printed out her PDF’s,
hole-punched them, and made each of us our own binders (teacher and two
students). It took a ton of ink, and SO
much time, but I needed the paper form to follow along with it. Many people use just the PDFs on their computers
and that works well for them too. Do what
works for you.
we have workbooks, and we are using Confessions of a Homeschooler’s Road TripUSA again. I printed out her PDF’s,
hole-punched them, and made each of us our own binders (teacher and two
students). It took a ton of ink, and SO
much time, but I needed the paper form to follow along with it. Many people use just the PDFs on their computers
and that works well for them too. Do what
works for you.
Keyboarding
Keyboarding, to me, is a necessary skill. I know all the phones and tablets have
speech-to-text capabilities, but I still think formal training in keyboarding
is a good idea. We use Handwriting
without Tears’ program called Keyboarding without Tears. They only go to level 5, but it’s a great
program even as review for older kids.
speech-to-text capabilities, but I still think formal training in keyboarding
is a good idea. We use Handwriting
without Tears’ program called Keyboarding without Tears. They only go to level 5, but it’s a great
program even as review for older kids.
There are FREE keyboarding web-sites, and we’ve used many of them. I even linked one or two of them on my homeschool resources tab at the top of this page. I still believe those are good, Keyboarding without tears is just better. So if you have the funds and are able to, check into Keyboarding Without Tears. It’s about $10/student.
We have several other materials that we use, like Daily Oral
Language books, Unit Studies on specific topics, Hands on Learning, Specific
Homeschool field trips/days to local (and not so local) places, etc. Homeschooling is really just a way of life
for us. We take each opportunity and say
“how can we learn from this” (not really, but you get it).
Language books, Unit Studies on specific topics, Hands on Learning, Specific
Homeschool field trips/days to local (and not so local) places, etc. Homeschooling is really just a way of life
for us. We take each opportunity and say
“how can we learn from this” (not really, but you get it).
The Ball Player- 2nd Grade
This guy is a ball of ENERGY. He’s on turbo mode almost every minute of
every day. He does not enjoy things that
take precision or long amounts of time to complete, as he gets bored
easily. For him we focus on short blocks
of time, and doing things that really interest him. He’s the one that keeps this family moving
along and getting to places on time. We’re
grateful for his energy and enthusiasm, most of the time. J
every day. He does not enjoy things that
take precision or long amounts of time to complete, as he gets bored
easily. For him we focus on short blocks
of time, and doing things that really interest him. He’s the one that keeps this family moving
along and getting to places on time. We’re
grateful for his energy and enthusiasm, most of the time. J
Math:
Singapore. We’ve tried it all with this
kiddo, and we keep going back to Singapore.
Singapore is confusing to me, but he gets it, so that’s what we’re
sticking with until he is able to fully move on to Teaching Textbooks. He already enjoys doing the TT for fun.
Singapore. We’ve tried it all with this
kiddo, and we keep going back to Singapore.
Singapore is confusing to me, but he gets it, so that’s what we’re
sticking with until he is able to fully move on to Teaching Textbooks. He already enjoys doing the TT for fun.
Language Arts: We’re also doing the same
program with him as we are with The Fashionista.
program with him as we are with The Fashionista.
He’s using:
First Steps workbook $2.55- Again, these books are SO inexpensive, but their quality and content are great.
Climbing to Good English Level 1 $5.20 (we could’ve gone to level
2, but wanted a little review first after summer break).
2, but wanted a little review first after summer break).
We’re also still
going through the First Langauge Lessons Level 2 book, because the stuff in
there is SO good! If we hadn’t found the
Pathway Readers and C2GE we would still be using the FLL full time, so don’t
count it out- it’s a great program!
going through the First Langauge Lessons Level 2 book, because the stuff in
there is SO good! If we hadn’t found the
Pathway Readers and C2GE we would still be using the FLL full time, so don’t
count it out- it’s a great program!
Spelling: Allabout Spelling Level 2. There are also
apps with this program that are helpful, even if you aren’t’ using AAS.
apps with this program that are helpful, even if you aren’t’ using AAS.
Keyboarding:
Keyboarding without Tears. We started
this with him because it wasn’t much more expensive to add it to our
Handwriting without Tears book order. I’m
so glad we tried it! We discovered what
a great program it was, and chose to do it for the other kids as well. .
Keyboarding without Tears. We started
this with him because it wasn’t much more expensive to add it to our
Handwriting without Tears book order. I’m
so glad we tried it! We discovered what
a great program it was, and chose to do it for the other kids as well. .
Handwriting: We’re
using Handwriting without Tears (you already guessed that, huh?). I’ve read lots of blogs, and heard from other
moms and teachers that say only do handwriting until they can form nice clear
letters, then stop because it’s not necessary any more. I’m not sure that I agree, so even though he
does have legible penmanship, we are still continuing on with the
handwriting. He will finish up his
second grade book soon and then move on to the cursive, which he has wanted to
try. His sister has shown him how to
write in cursive, and he’s pretty sure it’s the language Spy Kids use, so he’s
all over it! Ha!
using Handwriting without Tears (you already guessed that, huh?). I’ve read lots of blogs, and heard from other
moms and teachers that say only do handwriting until they can form nice clear
letters, then stop because it’s not necessary any more. I’m not sure that I agree, so even though he
does have legible penmanship, we are still continuing on with the
handwriting. He will finish up his
second grade book soon and then move on to the cursive, which he has wanted to
try. His sister has shown him how to
write in cursive, and he’s pretty sure it’s the language Spy Kids use, so he’s
all over it! Ha!
Subjects We Do Together:
Art:
We’re trying something new in this area also. We’re using
Home Art Studio! Erica, from Confessions of a
Homeschooler recommended it through Instagram, and I happened to see it was on
sale through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op.
Again because of the age gap of the kids, I bought all the levels. It was actually much cheaper to do this than buy them individually. And now I won’t need to buy it again each
year, because we’ll already own it. It’s
a DVD with instruction that also includes PDF lesson plans, material lists,
etc. Home Art Studio combines art with
other subjects too, such as social studies, science, that sort of thing.
Home Art Studio! Erica, from Confessions of a
Homeschooler recommended it through Instagram, and I happened to see it was on
sale through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op.
Again because of the age gap of the kids, I bought all the levels. It was actually much cheaper to do this than buy them individually. And now I won’t need to buy it again each
year, because we’ll already own it. It’s
a DVD with instruction that also includes PDF lesson plans, material lists,
etc. Home Art Studio combines art with
other subjects too, such as social studies, science, that sort of thing.
Thankful Journals:
Maybe you remember from past years or previous posts, but I have
the kids keep a “Thankful Journal”. It’s
a place they just write down what they are thankful for. For one child she could do this all day long,
for another child, it’s just short of torture.
The Fashionista is doing this in a planner book this year, to be sure
she covers all of her days. The Ball
Player is still keeping his in a spiral notebook. The baby (she needs a new
name soon!) and I are also using notebooks to document our joys. I think she’s very thankful circles and
scribbles, because she writes those each day!
the kids keep a “Thankful Journal”. It’s
a place they just write down what they are thankful for. For one child she could do this all day long,
for another child, it’s just short of torture.
The Fashionista is doing this in a planner book this year, to be sure
she covers all of her days. The Ball
Player is still keeping his in a spiral notebook. The baby (she needs a new
name soon!) and I are also using notebooks to document our joys. I think she’s very thankful circles and
scribbles, because she writes those each day!
Sometimes I assign how many things to write, or give them prompts
like all things ‘red’ or ‘in nature’.
Other times we put on some soft music and set a timer. Most of the time they just do their own thing
with it, and it’s really cool!
like all things ‘red’ or ‘in nature’.
Other times we put on some soft music and set a timer. Most of the time they just do their own thing
with it, and it’s really cool!
Social Studies:
We do the Road Trip USA all together, but they each have
their own workbooks and what I expect of them is different depending on their
skill level and abilities. It’s recommended for K-4th, so for my oldest this is just a starting point and we add more research, reading, and writing into her studies.
their own workbooks and what I expect of them is different depending on their
skill level and abilities. It’s recommended for K-4th, so for my oldest this is just a starting point and we add more research, reading, and writing into her studies.
Science:
I explained this earlier, but the materials we use for this
are the Zoology 1 Textbook, Audio Book, Notebooking Journal, and JuniorNotebooking Journal. The Notebooking
Journals aren’t required and neither is the audio book, but they are working
well for us. Yes it’s way more
expensive to add the extras, but a good education is ever so important!
are the Zoology 1 Textbook, Audio Book, Notebooking Journal, and JuniorNotebooking Journal. The Notebooking
Journals aren’t required and neither is the audio book, but they are working
well for us. Yes it’s way more
expensive to add the extras, but a good education is ever so important!
The Baby- pre-pre-preschool.
2 yrs.
2 yrs.
She’s learning alongside of the big kids by listening,
taking “notes”, and just being with us. We’re
focusing on letter sounds, colors, shapes, kindness and character with
her. Whenever it’s safe or feasible she
joins in on experiments and art classes.
The amount of information she is picking up is really incredible!
taking “notes”, and just being with us. We’re
focusing on letter sounds, colors, shapes, kindness and character with
her. Whenever it’s safe or feasible she
joins in on experiments and art classes.
The amount of information she is picking up is really incredible!
Homeschooling with a baby/toddler is challenging, but not as
challenging as you’d think. My advice is give the little ones attention first,
get them set with something to do, then quickly get to the big kids.
challenging as you’d think. My advice is give the little ones attention first,
get them set with something to do, then quickly get to the big kids.
I feel like I need to
put a disclaimer here, because each time I post our curriculum choices I get a
few messages in my inbox that I’d rather not have to deal with. So here it goes:
put a disclaimer here, because each time I post our curriculum choices I get a
few messages in my inbox that I’d rather not have to deal with. So here it goes:
I’m not anti-public
school, or saying only homeschooling is the only right thing to do. We are taking it each half year at a time doing
what we feel God is telling us is best for each child individually, not as a
whole family. One year that meant we
homeschooled one child and the other was in public school. Sure I got plenty of questions and judgement
from people (even strangers!) thinking I must care more about my HS child, or
be playing favorites. But I just let
that ridiculousness roll out, just as quickly as it comes in.
school, or saying only homeschooling is the only right thing to do. We are taking it each half year at a time doing
what we feel God is telling us is best for each child individually, not as a
whole family. One year that meant we
homeschooled one child and the other was in public school. Sure I got plenty of questions and judgement
from people (even strangers!) thinking I must care more about my HS child, or
be playing favorites. But I just let
that ridiculousness roll out, just as quickly as it comes in.
I watched a cute video on Facebook where a little girl is
saying “You just worry ‘bout you. You
just worry ‘bout you-self”. I think of
that sweet little voice so often when it comes to homeschooling. We’ll do what works for us, you do what works
for you, and if we can encourage each other along the way that’s awesome. And if we can’t, let’s not get in each
other’s way.
saying “You just worry ‘bout you. You
just worry ‘bout you-self”. I think of
that sweet little voice so often when it comes to homeschooling. We’ll do what works for us, you do what works
for you, and if we can encourage each other along the way that’s awesome. And if we can’t, let’s not get in each
other’s way.
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