Curriculum Choices for the New Year

H

heartsathome

New Member
I haven't been on in a while because I have been super busy. I browsed back to the beginning of July and did not see a related post, so I thought I would start one.

What are you doing for each subject for the new year? I love putting it down in writing. It helps me get all excited and pumped up (or overwhelemd at times)...lol! In case you see something in my list you are not familiar with, I linked it up to either a review or the actual product. I always read about something new and then I go Google it. Thought I'd save you some time! :lol:

Here's mine:

Bible: Continue Picture Smart Bible (We LOVE this)

Math: Teaching Textbooks

Grammar: Easy Grammar

Writing: A Poetry workbook I found on Amazon

Spelling: Spelling Power (the big orange book)

Geography: Trail Guide to World Geography by Geo Matters

Science: Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space & Great Science Adventures Combined

History: Mystery of History Vol 2

Spanish: Spanish for Children by Classical Academic Press

Other: Young Scholars Guide to Composers by Bright Ideas Press

Worldview: A Young Historian's Introduction to Worldview by Brimwood Press

I plan on using the Illuminations Guide for Year Two. We got a lot of use out of Year One. Even though we didn't do all the subjects that it included, it was so worth it for all the extras for Mystery of History, Geography, and Science!

I am going to organize this all in my Well Planned Day Planner! Click here for a flip book preview.

I have no idea how I am going to do this all. We plan on following the Sabbath Schooling Schedule, which worked GREAT for us this year! Poetry and Worldview are only one semester long.
 
Last edited:
Still finalizing everything, but it will look something like this:

DS1:

Bible: Reading through the Bible. Doing a study I put together on the Fruit of the Spirit and we are reading biographies of missionaries in Asia.

Language Arts: Finish current CLE then do free workbook from here http://www.glencoe.com/sites/alabama/teacher/languageart/assets/workbooks.html along with Grammar library videos and diagramming sentences by Mark Twain Media, Excavating English, Caesar's English 1, Jump In, Killgallon Sentence Combining for Elementary and Story Grammar for Elementary, StartWrite handwriting/copywork, finish current R&S Spelling and move on to Spelling Workout and a informal rule-based study, and Figuratively Speaking with lots of classic literature added.

Math: Singapore with CWP and IP. Life of Fred Fractions Road Rally Race living math books

Foreign Language: Continue with Arabian Sinbad, Alif Baa, My First Chinese Reader, and Pinyin for Everyone. Start NT Greek class here http://www.inthebeginning.org/ntgreek/index.htm and Sinhala later in the school year (resources tbd).

Logic: Grid Perplexors, Logic Liftoff, Logic Countdown, Chess

History/Geography:
Basic Not Boring US History, United States Past and Present Map Skills, United States and Its Neighbors Map Skills, Canada: A People's History DVD series,
Studies I put together on ancient history and we are looking in depth at Thailand and Sri Lanka for geography.

Science:
Studies I put together on Zoology and Physics. I'm using Sciencewise Book 2 and Developing Thinking Skills through Science for our physics study. I'm also using an awesome free video course on the mechanical universe here http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html

Art/Music:
Look at a couple different artists and musicians and examine their work.
Music Ace Deluxe
Guitar lessons


DS2:

Bible: Old Testament stories. We are also doing a study I put together on the Fruit of the Spirit and reading biographies of missionaries in Asia.

Language Arts:
Operation English Grammar Lapbook, Grammar Rock videos, Grammar workbook from here http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghbgrd3.html#, Vocabulary cartoons, Rummy Roots, Experiences with Writing Styles, Rod and Staff Spelling and informal rule-based study, StartWrite for handwriting/copywork, and classics for reading and read alouds.

Math:
Singapore Math with CWP and IP, Road Rally Race, Double Tangoes, living math books

Foreign Language: Continue with Arabian Sinbad, Alif Baa, My First Chinese Reader, Pinyin for Everyone, and Hey Andrew. Start Sinhala later in the school year (resources tbd).

Logic:
Grid Perplexors, Mazes, Chess

History/Geography:
Basic Not Boring US History, United States Past and Present Map Skills, United States and Its Neighbors Map Skills, Canada: A People's History DVD series,
Studies I put together on ancient history and we are looking in depth at Thailand and Sri Lanka for geography.

Science:
Studies I put together on Zoology and Physics. I'm using Sciencewise Book 2 and Developing Thinking Skills through Science for our physics study. I'm also using an awesome free video course on the mechanical universe here http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html

Art/Music:
Look at a couple different artists and musicians and examine their work.
Music Ace Deluxe
Lots of creative art time

Some things they do together, but it was easier to list each child because there were some slight variations on different subjects. Okay, before you think I'm a crazy lady please read here:p
 
Mine is definitely still a work in progress as well.

So far it's...


Math- continuing with Spectrum. Ds is continuing in third, dd in 2nd. Have it scheduled to go super slow, but may need to move both forward a book before the end of the year, we'll see. Supplimented with web print-offs for speed drills and review. (not sure why the spectrum books aren't more popular, but I have to say they are rocking for my kids)

LA- spelling power for ds and maybe dd, phonics from WJCR continues for dd. Mostly a year of using references for ds (i.e. newspaper, encyclopedia). Not sure yet on dd for other grammar, will depend on how far she gets. Copywork of famous quotes continues.

Science- doing chapters in the Sci text we purchased last year that we missed, a nature study with journals this fall, an eclectic mix offline for most of the other stuff.

Social Studies- eclectic mix to begin from internet resources, then continuing our "T-shirts around the World" that we began in the spring. Complete with t-shirts this time :oops:

Health- Much of the year will be spent studying the human body. Internet resources to start, may buy a reference book if needed

Gym- wii fit, treadmill, jump-ropes, may buy a book of games

Art- Need to buy a resource.

Music- ditto on a resource.
 
For dd who is 3rd/4th grade

History: Sonlight D

Reading: Sonlight D advanced readers

LA: Sonlight LA D, Easy Grammar 4, Wordly Wise 3000 3

Spelling: Sequential Spelling

Science: Sonlight Science D, Apologia Swimming Creatures

Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting C

Math: Saxon 65

Latin: Latin For Children Primer A

Bible: Sonlight Core D, BJU Bible Truths 3

Art: Artistic Pursuits k-3 book 3

Music: Simply Music 1, CLE Music 1

Health: Health, Nutrion adn P.E. by Steck Vaughn

Gym: swimming, soccer, gymnastics
 
I am doing the happy dance because we have one confirmed student for next year and we're still talking to two more...

I won't know until I give her some placement tests, but I'll plan on using with this 8th grade girl:
CLE Reading, Math, and LA
R&S Science or possibly Apologia General
Louisiana History (using a collection of older ps texts I've picked up through the years)
Not sure what for Bible - may ask her parents about their opinion on this. I have quite a few choices that would be appropriate.

IF we get the 3rd grade girl whose mom I'm talking to, I'll still plan on CLE Bible, Reading, Math, and LA, R&S 3 Science (or maybe Considering God's Creation), and R&S 3 Social Studies (communities) with an elementary state history.

IF we get the K/1st grade boy whose dad I'm talking to, I'll plan on R&S ABC Readiness series which includes Bible; CLE Learn to Read, LA, and Reading; CLE Math; and various little units of science and social studies I've put together over the years or get from the internet.
 
We are using Learning Adventures unit study (includes grammar, spelling, writing, literature, social studies, science and fine arts), Mastering Mathematics, SOS elementary Spanish, a piano curriculum from Amazon, Pfeiffer House music, some mics. art books, and our HS group will be doing a monthly science co-op as well as a PE co-op.
 
Mine is all in my signature. Minus Art I am still trying to figure out if we are going to do ARTistic pursuits or not.
 
We're doing MFW 1st grade curriculum with my DS which includes MFW Bible, Phonics/Handwriting, a classical music study and hands-on math along with Usborne Science, Mona Brook's Drawing with Children, and "Come Look with Me" art books. I'm doing my own P.E. at home (focusing on developing motor skills) and, of course, lots of reading aloud. We're reading through Thornton W. Burgess and Beatrix Potter's series of books together and my DS is working through the Now I'm Reading! phonics books. We also supplement with computer games like those on starfall.com and coolmath-games.com.

My DD is at a pre-k level so we're using Language Lessons for Little One's #1 and #2, Handwriting without Tears K, and various alphabet and early math workbooks that I pick up here and there. She also loves starfall.com and ABCya.com. She'll be sitting in with big brother for Bible, music, science and art.

So far that's the plan :)
 
Last edited:
Meant to say that we'll also be doing Penship 3 for cursive writing, and the occasional brainteaser/logic sheets from a book I have.
 
We will be using MFW EXP-1850 as our core.

My two 13yo's will use:

Math-U-See
Hake Grammar and Writing
IEW- Student Writing Intensive B
ABeka science & health
guitar lessons
art lessons
PE: treadmill, Total Gym, swimming

My 9yo will use:
LLATL & Primary Language Lessons
Rod & Staff spelling
Rod & Staff Arithmetic 3
piano lessons
PE: treadmill, swimming, biking

The kids also participate in Boy Scouts, 4-H, and youth group for group games.
 
My 15 (almost 16 yr old) will stick with Switched on Schoolhouse. It's working very well for her and she works completely on her own. She will be using SOS LA, Bible, Science, History, plus adding Consumer Math. She will be using Teaching Textbooks for Geometry.

My 6 yr old will be starting 1st grade. We school year round and she has already been working on most of the 1st grade books for about 3 or 4 months now. I have changed her science from CLE to R.E.A.L Science Odyssey for this year. About a month ago we started using Horizons for Spelling and Penmanship instead of A Reason for Handwriting. Language Arts, Bible and Math are all CLE 100, and we will continue with it. We will be doing unit studies on the States for History. This is stuff I have pulled from SchoolExpress.com and a free 300+ page download that someone had posted.
 
My preschooler will be doing:

Daily Calendar and Weather

Preschool Program from Preschool Palace

Bible Memory Verses

Here is some extra stuff we will do from time to time as we have time:

Stuart J Murphy’s MathStart books from Library, any order
Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science books from library
Educational preschool shows like Sid the Science Kid and Leapfrog
Preschool Packs from Homeschool Creations
Lapbooks from HomeschoolShare
Phonics and K4 stuff from Confessions of a Homeschooler
 
Well, I haven't chosen it all yet, but here's what I've picked so far (for 8th grade):

Mavis Beacon for typing
Apologia Physical Science
Math U See for Geometry
A Beka History of the World/TruthQuest guides
Wii Fit (or maybe Just Dance 2) for "getting sweaty"

Some planned reading: How To Win Friends And Influence People, and Thinking Like A Christian.

Will be adding Bible (maybe CLE or Lifepacs), LA (CLE or LLATL), and probably taking some "fun" classes through the charter school. She might want to take French if we can fit it into our day.
 
I highly recommend CLE - it is such a thorough but to the point program. Not a lot of busy work, justa well-balanced curriculum.
I don't know why I haven't thought of using our Wii for PE! Great idea!
 
I will be using:

DS3:

Saxon 5/4
Abeka science (found this cheap at a used curriculum sale; may change, definitely supplement)
Mystery of History Vol. 1
CLE Language Arts 3 (for grammar and spelling)
A Reason for Handwriting C
Memoria Press Christian Studies Book 1
Memoria Press Literature Guides (Farmer Boy, Charlotte's Web, The Moffats)
Memoria Press Prima Latina

DD9:

Saxon Alg. 1
Apologia Biology
Mystery of History
Switched On Schoolhouse Spanish II
CLE Language Arts 7
Progeny Press Lit. guides (Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter)

Both kids play community sports and will be taking music lessons! I think I might need to supplement with some heavier composition for dd but haven't decided what to use yet! Can't wait to get started....13 days and counting!
 
Emily said:
I think I might need to supplement with some heavier composition for dd but haven't decided what to use yet!
Click to expand...

Maybe not so much, Emily. Progeny Press guides sometimes have writing assignments (don't know which ones). CLE LA 7 includes writing within several of the lightunits, and allows two to three days' time per unit for "outside" writing as well. The unit that is a novel study has lots of opportunities for writing, too!

703 conducting an interview for a news article
writing questions for an interview
contact; first interview; second interview
first draft; editing and revising; sharing the article
705 using precise and vivid verbs
706 outlines
writing exposition; rough; revising and editing
707 NOVEL STUDY But Not Forsaken
There are only a few specific assignments for writing in this unit, including writing a description of a character and an evaluation of a character. There are, however, many “writing opportunities” within the unit, if you choose to take them, including writing about the characters’ feelings; research topics about WWII, rationing, the SS, and so on; interview a refugee, war survivor, or emigre; explain what a character meant by what was said, including references to Scripture; summarizing events; research Paraguay, immigration standards for US or Canada; research the Mennonite Central Committee and how it is different now than in the novel. Interview parents, teachers, pastor about views on drama, Christmas decorations, aid to people. What does the Bible say about these things? Write a different ending to the novel.
 
In the eighth grade, the whole of unit 807 is a research paper. Unit 805 is preparing and giving a speech. 808 includes using vivid verbs. 810 goes over sentences (again!). And, of course, the whole idea of grammar is to be able to express oneself in writing fluently and accurately to convey meaning, right? So actually the whole thing (in a sense) is aimed at better composition.

The "time allowed for writing" in each unit (two or three days each unit, from 3rd grade on up) is for you to have them write whatever YOU want or whatever THEY want, either creative writing or (what I call) "utility" writing (reports, essays, writing up science experiments, or whatever). If you need help with "inspiration" for creative writings, CLE has a small book called On Teaching Writing that you should read in its entirety before or during unit 301.
 
DD age 6

Horizons Math
McRuffy Press Phonics
McRuffy Press Science
Map workbook/other social studies-undecided
Meet the Masters Art
Gymnastics for PE

DS age 13

Write Shop (concentrating on writing this year so no typical language arts program)
Read and discuss stories from an anthology book
SoS Science
TT or Key to Algebra for math (depends if I find a TT that I can afford)
History-undecided (maybe finish up SOTW book 4)
Computer Programming
Piano
Meet the Masters Art

DD14 Using Charter school this year

Pre-algebra
Biology
World History
English 10
CAHSEE test prep (for graduation)
Art
Homeschool PE
Yearbook committee
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top