Because of not knowing when we are going back overseas, I decided to take more of a "module" approach this year. Some subjects, like Bible, Math, and Spelling will go through the year. I have a 10th grader and a 7th grader! 1st semester: Bible Language Arts Spelling and Vocabulary Algebra/Math Typing Literature 2nd semester: Bible Algebra/Math Spelling/Vocabulary History Science Typing or other elective I ordered Teaching Textbooks for algebra 2 and math 7. We have been using Saxon the past few years, and figured it was time to make a change. Typing is Mavis Beacon, which I've wanted to order for the past few years. All the other subjects are either Abeka or Bob Jones curriculum. The History and Science we've ordered DVD's from Abeka in the past, but not sure if we are going with them or BJU this year. So what are your plans and schedule for this year?
I got Mavis Beacon for Samantha last Christmas and we really like it. I can see her progress. Samantha will be a a 6th grader and Grace will be pre k next year. I am actually working on our daily schedules right now. I'll post them when I'm done.
Sounds good Karen! I haven't got my schedule all set either, since we just got back from vacation, and are working on getting ds16 ready to head to school! I have a general idea, but it's not set in stone yet...
I am clueless for next year so your plan looks awesome to me. LOL. Hopefully, I will get it together before Aug. 27th...our first day of school. Oh...so much for schooling through the summer...didn't work! LOL. If I ever have that plan again..someone slap me! LOL.
Ava, I thought about schooling thru the summer, but someone slapped me, LOL. We are doing the A Beka DVD for 7th grade, only I am going to be in control of how much we do. When we did the DVD's before, I tried to do it all, and it was way too much. Someone slap me if I try and do all the work. LOL
Ohio G'Ma - my friend began hs'ing her three kids (dd13, ds11, dd7) three years ago by using Abeka DVD. She was so overwhelmed. I thought the DVD would be easy but she said it was too much to keep up with and to repetitive for the older child. They still use the full Abeka program just not DVD. Okay I actually sat down today and made a detailed schedule for the school year! Last year was our first year and I only hs'ed Samantha formally. Now it is my second year and I will be hs'ing two girls 6th grade and pre k! I am excited and nervous about it. So I made a schedule that includes our morning routine, school work for both girls, snack and lunch time, story time at library, & extra curricular activities for Samantha.
It look great! I am still working on the layout for history. I purchased the books I plan on using but none are actually school texts, so I need to make up some tests and activities to go along with them. Patty
we've started already 7th grader: Videotext Algebra Module B and C Latina Christiana Apologia General Science Joy Hakim - Story of Science Daily journal Daily free writing/editing Vocabulary cartoons II Weekly passage memorization and recitation 4th grader: Horizon's 5 Apologia Botany Vocabulary Cartoons I Daily journal Daily copywork Daily dictation/editing 3rd grader Horizon's 4 Apologia Botany Vocab Cartoons I Daily journal Daily copywork Daily dictation/editing Everyone Canadian History Study using a wonderful Sonlight style study guide that was given to me. Native crafts Drama class Field trips w/usual group Finish Artistic Pursuits from last year Meet the Masters Typing I think that's the end of it but things change quickly around here. In two months we might be off in a different direction and that's okay. Michelle
Ds is only 3, so we are starting small. I am leaving our mornings for our errands and outside activities and in the afternoons we will do our "work." Mostly letters and sounds, household skills, crafts to practice cutting, etc.
I'm glad to hear that Mavis Beacon typing is a good choice. We had a different typing program, typing tutor, which the kids just played around on when they were younger. We no longer have the cd, however. It was stolen out of our luggage on a trip.
I'm surprised myself, that I am already organized. I think we will start school in Sept, though I'm not clear on what day. Sometime in the first two weeks of Sept, that much I know!
Wow, Aug 27 seems like it is just around the corner! We've not tried to hs through the summer. About the closest we got to it was ending the school year in June, and starting the new one in August. I enjoy a break.
I've not done the whole grade through Abeka DVD, but just certain subjects. We usually don't do everything they assign either. We do know others who do the DVD program for the whole grade and try to do everything that is assigned. It does have alot of busywork, for sure!
Michelle, Good set up! How long have you been going? I like what you said at the end about maybe being off in a diff. direction, and that's okay! Cuz it happens! Sometimes we need to just go with it, because that's how the kids will learn best!
WOW Michelle in BC, I like your set up! I am impressed that you are doing Horizon Math a grade ahead too! Math is so important for kids to enjoy as they learn it, IMHO. I was looking at the teacher books, and the lessons for the Horizon 5, which is what I am doing for my soon to be 10 yr old.. ( I will be a mom of preteen and two teens! PrAY FOR ME!) I will list my plan in a couple days though as I am settling onn a couple choices still pretty much certain though then will make lessons set in ink heheh
We've been at it all summer! However we are still taking a few breaks, here and there. The kids belong to the Young Naturalist Club and the last two outings relate directly to the First Nations Peoples in the beginnings of our Canadian History study. We were actually guided by a Native Elder through a protected area and learned the many uses for the plants we saw. I love the sidetrips that life brings the kids in their learning life. One of the many joys of homeschooling! Teachermom: The kids just go along at their own pace! Whatever works! I had never thought of Horizons before last year. I'm not even sure why I avoided it but am glad I've picked it up. I think the TM's are great and full of fun ideas for reinforcement and to bring more interest/joy to learning. A house full of teens and a tween for you?!! Keep calm, don't sweat the small stuff and remember how confusing it can be through those pubescent years! My 12yr old is in full blown puberty already. He has so many physical changes happening at once! Looking forward to sharing the year with everyone here. Michelle
I think I'm close now to what we're going to do. Let's see: 6th grader: Math: Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra Science: Christian Kids Explore Chemistry English: Rod & Staff 5 Handwriting: Getty & Dubay Italic Series, Level F Languages: Sign Language--"Getting Started in Signing" DVD series Friday Journaling 9th grader: Math: I'm going to try him in VideoText Algebra, since we already have that, though I'd really like to get TT Algebra, I think! Science: Apologia Biology English: Rod & Staff 6 or 7 (My friend is giving us 7 and 8! I need to check what's in them to see where to for sure put him) Languages: Greek ( from www.greeknstuff.com ) Friday Journaling Together: Geography: Hands-On Geography: Easy & Fun Activities for Exploring God's World **If that's too easy for my older one, I have the Geography Bee book that we will work through. We'll use parts of it along with the other book anyway. History: All-American History....plus supplemental stuff I think. Just not sure what all I'll use yet. Do I need anything else? Another thing thing they're doing: Our pastor has asked our dd10 to help with the Power Point set-ups and running for church and to be assistant fellowship leader, and asked our 13yo ds (who says he may want to be a pastor) to be assistant pastor! 2 weeks from today my ds and the pastor will be doing a sermon together, and he will work on those and other things with the pastor also! I LOVE my church! They get the kids involved in stuff and keep them so interested in church stuff, and include them in important things so they feel useful, learn about how a church operates, and feel loved and accepted!
I also like the fact that your kids will be involved in your church's activities. Sounds like a great church!
