Well, I would actually like to do as few subjects as possible. You see, I am a wanna be semi-unschooler. I really think unschooling would work if the world wasn't so inflexible. I don't want to prepare my son for a world that doesn't exist. What I mean be as few "subjects" as possible is this: learn and research without worrying what category it fits into. For example we have a book called "Backyard Ballistics" which is a VERY cool book. It teaches how to make certain weapons and scaled down versions of other weapons. It doesn't stop there. It teaches the history behind a lot of them AND the mathematical principals involved in figuring out the distance or height of what you do. Can I justify this as a science, math and history class. I would imagine what else we do or how in depth we go with the work and study of the ideas presented. IF my son can learn some of the math in there (trigonometry) it would be a great way for him to do so. He doesn't like math generally, but I think he is just as good as the average student-he just doesn't "think" he does well. I am loosely planning these subjects: English math history science PE Bible I would like to add an outdoor survival class and yes, give him a credit. He belongs to a camping group that does pre-1860's style camping and that gives him a lot of time towards something like that. Another thing I plan of doing is finding ways to combine different classes. I wholly believe that literature is literature is literature and it doesn't have to be on someone's list to be valid. SO, I want to encourage him to read about things he likes, which happen to usually be history related. Voila, I can count that as history or English. I can have him write a paper or have him make his own "Eyewitness" type book or page and count the content as history and the grammar as English. Plus, if he does illustrations--that can be art. I just think the random splitting up of subjects and the solid lines between them shouldn't be there. I really wish we could go back to pioneer times or earlier where people learned at home and there wasn't credit worries and stuff like that.
9th grader Abeka Language/Lit Wordly Wise Voc/Spelling Rosetta Spanish Writing SOS Bible SOS Science SOS Geography Daily Reading Saxon Algebra 1 5th Grader Abeka Language Saxon Math Daily Reading SOS Bible SOS History SOS Science Rosetta Spanish Wordly Wise Voc/Spelling Writing 2nd Grader Abeka Math Bible Daily Devotion along with Awana Stuff BJU History BJU Science BJU English Wordly Wise Voc/Spelling Daily Reading/Writing Also different things to fill her workboxes. The kids will also be doing Sports Day from 9-noon on Friday and we plan on hitting the pool at least every other day. My daughter will be doing gymnastics and the boys drumming lessons.
I agree that subjects can and often should be integrated. Have you considered unit studies? You can find one that focuses on history or an historical period to appeal to the interests of your son. One unit study program that I thought looked intriguing is the history themed studies at www.winterpromise.com . Of course there are hundreds of unit studies out there that are great...hope you find something that fits for you and your son
I have checked out a few unit studies and they look interesting. I have found that many of them are made for younger grades, most ending at 8th grade or younger. My son is halfway through 9th and I don't know about going completely different, although it would be best. I am not the best planner and I work full-time. I may try to help integrate some subjects and go a more traditional route in some.
cabsmom, if you are interested in unit studies, check out this website http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/unit-studies/unit-studies-index.htm . It has reviews of various unit studies, some geared toward jr high and high school. Good luck
I want to be an unschooler but I'm not. I try to make everything relaxed and I let her choose what we do in what order each day. 2nd grade: we don't do these all everyday math reading (CLE) Science (CLE) history pockets (currently native americans) handwriting (copywork) poetry (currently Shel Silverstein) literature read alouds (currently Mary Poppins, Just So Stories and Grimm Fairy Tales) artist/music study (currently John Singer Sargent and the opera) Recitation (currently Psalm 23) I feel like I am missing something and probably am because I don't have my list in front of me but that is a general idea. She will also help with gardening and the chickens when we get them.
