A few days ago a friend was asking some questions about homeschooling and was surprised that the public school wasn’t providing my curriculum. I had the opportunity to explain that every homeschool looks different, and one benefit for me was being able to choose the curriculum I felt would work best for us.
This summer while I was still debating over our schooling decision, I spent hours and hours researching different curriculum options and homeschooling philosophies and then pieced together a course that I’m excited about it. (The true test will be in November though, after the kinks are worked out, so I may be doing a bit of updating!)
Here’s what it currently looks like for us:
Phonics/Spelling:
- All About Spelling Level 3 (Ryan)
- All About Reading Level 1 (Emmy)
Grammar:
- First Language Lessons Level 1 (I’m loosely following this for both, skipping lessons that seem too repetitive, and occasionally supplementing with internet-found worksheets and youtube videos related to the subject)
Handwriting:
- Handwriting Without Tears (both)
Reading: We’re integrating lots of fiction and non-fiction read alouds related to the subject we’re studying. The library and Audible have been our best resources.
We’re also using Book Adventure to help track our reading. It’s an online (totally free!!) accelerated reader-type program with comprehension quizzes. After the kids read and take the quiz, they earn points that can be redeemed for prizes such as a 6-month subscription to Highlights magazine. Parents/teachers can also make up and add incentives–for example, 500 points equals an ice cream treat at Dairy Queen, or 1000 points equals a Redbox rental.
“During the first four years of education, you have two purposes: to get the child to read quickly, well, and habitually; and to fill his mind with stories of every kind—myths, legends, classic tales, biographies, great stories from history.” (Susan Wise Bauer, The Well Trained Mind)
Saxon Math Level 2 (Ryan)
Saxon Math Level K (Emmy)
Story of the World Book 1: Ancient Times (Text)
Story of the World Book 1: Ancient Times (Activity Book)
Integrating lots of read alouds and art/craft projects related to the subject. I’ve started a Pinterest board for inspiration.
As recommended by The Well Trained Mind, we’re doing a “life science” study this year, and are taking (approximately) 20 weeks to learn about different animals, 10 weeks on the human body, and 6 weeks on plants. We’re not using a specific curriculum, rather utilizing the library for subject-related books, taking regular trips to the zoo (a season pass was almost the same price as a one-day admission for our family!), and creating themed art and craft projects. I’ve started a Pinterest board for inspiration.
- Weekly piano lessons (Ryan)
- Weekly homeschooler’s storyhour at the library
***To be updated as we go along***
Alpha used in headers by CD Muckosky
[...] using The Well Trained Mind for the backbone of our curriculum choices, and it suggests introducing a “life science” study of animals, plants, and the human [...]