This is my second year homeschooling but I still feel so green! What am I missing as I choose curriculum? By that I mean--what is really vital? How important is a foreign language, etc? She may be able to take a fun class like photography but I'm not sure if we've got a spot yet. Aplogia Physical Science Math U See Geometry (first time using this system, will it work?) A Beka History of the Word with some TruthQuest guides/reading thrown in Mavis Beacon Typing Bible- (possibly SoS or BJU?) LA- (possibly CLE) PE- Wii Fit or similar ???
I think what you have looks good, but if you want to go ahead and start a foreign language, SOS is an option (although we used it last year and will repeat it this coming year, I really am not that impressed... doesn't seem to have much review), Hooked On Phonics has 2-3 languages, or you could even find free stuff off the internet.
Thanks! =) If we did foreign language, my first choice would be Rosetta Stone. But money doesn't grow on trees around here so I don't know. SoS is the most expensive curric I'm currently considering since I usually borrow or buy used.
hmm, I'm not sure. Last year we operated under our own PSA but this year we're registering with a charter school. Our registration hasn't been completed yet so I don't have all my info but I'm getting my stuff as much ready as possible while I wait. I'm actually starting our school year a couple weeks before they do. I don't remember my son having music and art requirements in the PS a few years ago though. OK, I'm off to ask someone who'll know--thanks! =)
What language would you want to do? I don't know much about CLE. Does it include literature? If not, you might chose a literature guide. Also, you might want something for vocabulary. But that's entirely up to you! Not saying you "must" have those!
She wants to take French. The only problem with CLE is their website doesn't provide very good overview descriptions of their programs. You have to pull up a separate scope and sequence file and the descriptions are very brief. You can also pull up sample pages but again, it's a brief snapshot. But the samples I've seen look good. Since you've homeschooled older ones, could you share what LA program you used or would recommend?
I LOVE CLE. I haven't used the 8th grade yet, but I've used all 1-7. They start each lesson with a new concept or an incremental extension of an old one, then review items, then penmanship and spelling. The explanations and examples are quite clear. Quizzes are lesson 5 and 10, and lesson 14 (or maybe it's 15, I forget) is a review or you can use it as a third quiz, then the unit test. Then two or three days you can spend on writing tasks of your own choosing. I also like Rod & Staff quite a lot, which has composition included in the lessons. I'd also recommend using the 8th grade Reading with the LightUnits. The TM has suggested "writing opportunities" you can choose to use (like for those two or three days in LA). It's built for only half a year, so you could choose novel guides or something else for the second half.
So, if I get the complete set, I'd have everything besides reading right? I think the 8th grade CLE includes some writing. I know one unit has them do a research paper. We did a lot of writing last year (with the amazing Jensen's Format Writing- LOVE) so I'm not as concerned about in-depth coverage of writing skills. I'll have her practice what we learned last year and assign her tasks but I don't feel the need to find a heavily writing-focused curriculum. I do want her to do a lot more reading this year though--both from books of my choosing (How To Win Friends is one I really want her to read) and of the classics I remember reading in school. I actually can't recall when I read certain books like Animal Farm, To Kill A Mockingbird, etc. Looks like an internet search is in order.
CLE LA would have 10 lightunits, a TM, and 2 AK, and it covers grammar, mechanics, spelling, and penmanship, and composition. It's not actually "tied" to the Reading, so it's easy to use other things.
I just ordered the 10 lightunits and the AK's and a reference chart. I skipped the TM. =) Now to pick the first book to have her read...
Here are some I'm thinking of. I know Narnia is a bit easy/younger, but I love them. LOL. And I want to break it up and make it interesting for her. So, besides that one, what comments do you have on these? (as far as difficulty. It's been a long time for me!) Where the Red Fern Grows, To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, Anne Frank, Narnia, Little Women, Huck Finn Thanks!
I love "Where the Red Fern Grows"!!! Another I really think is under-rated is Black Beauty. I like your list.
Thanks! I'm not sure we'll get through ALL of those. But I want to do as many as we can. I liked Black Beauty too! I should add that to the list! =)
You know, I read Black Beauty to the girls quite a while ago. Maybe I'll have Phillip read it this year....
I do have to do health I found out. I have an art book if we need that and will just squeeze it in. Anyone have a good, and simple (i.e. won't take much time) health curriculum?
