Wrap Up for the 2017-2018 school year

So I posted back in September our curriculum choices for the current school year.  I wanted to do a follow up for that post before I post our new plan for next school year.

I find we are often making changes to things here and there as time goes one, and this year was not an exception to that.

So for 6th grade, we finished one book of diagramming sentences through critical thinking, and started on book 2.... but it just was not sticking.  Grammar has been a real struggle for him, not sure why.  But we ended up trying MCT Grammar, and while we do like it, it still does not seem to be sticking!  So we are trying something new next year. 

For copywork we used some stuff I had saved from online sometime ago, but when those ran out I remembered we had Brookdale review for cursive in the Middle Ages and picked it back up.

We also ended up dropping Piano last month, it became a huge frustration for us both, and while I don't like 'quitting' things, I also don't like wasting my money on something that he isn't enjoying any longer.  His teacher also agreed it was a good time to move on to something else.

We picked up several classes throughout the year with Outschool also which have been great, classes included Medieval Engineering, Lego Engineering, Organization class, Healthy eating class.  All of my school age kids have taken at least one class, and we have been happy with all of them.  My 3rd grader too a Harry Potter class, and my 1st grader a Lego class.

For 3rd grade, Dyslexia Gold has been very successful, I have recommended it to many people asking for Dyslexia help.  He also started OT for Dysgraphia, and went back to HWT for first graders.  The copywork was just too painful (for both of us).  We also did not start IEW as planned, but hope to next year.  He opted not to participate in the History Odyssey lessons, which is fine since he does Veritas Press online.   For science we picked up Mystery Science and A to Z Science, b/c the REAL Science Odyssey was not working for him.  We've determined that he is one of my kids that needs mostly hands of from me, because we bump heads too much.  I have found that with his OT and some other counseling though the frustrations have been greatly minimized, and I'm so grateful!
In an attempt to save money for the pending adoption, I also cancelled monthly subscription boxes and we picked up Visualize Geography (an online program), which the kids love.  We have been pretty laxed with the readers this year, but plan to be a bit more structured next year.

For 1st grade, he loved the looks of the science that his brother was doing, so he also picked up Mystery Science and A to Z Science and is also doing Visualize Geography.  These are the only changes we have made to his program this year.

One of my favorite things about homeschooling is that we can change things up as we see the need, my 2nd son (3rd grader) has by far been the one who gets the most mid year changes, but this year has been very successful, we are happy with his course load and he has improved by leaps and bounds this year!

New School Year 2017-2018–Our curriculum

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged, I’m still happily working for VIPKID, but I often refer to my “Our curriculum” posts from previous  years, so I thought I would go ahead and make one for this year too! 
We ended that last school year with some ice cream at Menchies

and then kicked off the new year with a trip to Assateague Island!

We don’t have a lot of ‘school’ planned this month, we have a LOT of field trips and other funning learning adventures though.  We will dive into the ‘books’ next month.

This is what we are using this coming school year:

6th grade

History – Pandia Press History Odyssey Middle Ages 2
Grammar – we are taking a short break from IEW Fix-It Grammar, but plan to circle back around to it.  We are currently doing sentence diagramming from The Critical Thinking Company.  I felt that sentence diagramming will give my son more of a visual to better identify the parts of speech. 
Writing – IEW themed based writing – Medieval History
Science – Real Science 4 Kids – Geology and Astronomy
Spelling – Phonetic Zoo, still trucking along at level A
Handwriting – Cursive copywork
Math – CTC Math and Life of Fred (for review)
Chinese – LingoBus
Critical Thinking from The Critical Thinking Company
Art – variety
Music – piano and church choir

3rd Grade

Geography – Highlights Top Secret Adventures
Spelling/Phonics – Dyslexia Gold and Explode the Code online
Writing – copywork and we will start IEW this year
Reading – Readers from the Sonlight list at my sons level (about 2nd grade)
Math – CTC Math
History – Pandia Press History Odyssey Middle Ages I  and Veritas Press (finish New Testament and Rome, then start Middle Ages)
Science – Pandia Press REAL Science Odyssey Earth Science/Astronomy
Critical Thinking from The Critical Thinking Company
Art – variety
Music – church choir and music appreciation

1st Grade

Geography – Little Passports
Handwriting – Handwriting without Tears
Critical Thinking from The Critical Thinking Company
Math – CTC Math
Reading – Readers from Sonlight list at my sons grade level (Kindergarten)
History – Pandia Press History Odyssey Middle Ages I
Science – Pandia Press REAL Science Odyssey Earth Science/Astronomy
Art – variety
Music – church choir and music appreciation

Circle Time

Scripture study
The Friend magazine
Sassafras Science
The Etiquette Factory
What Would You Do?  Moral Dilemmas
and Red Herring Mysteries (both from The Critical Thinking Co)
IEW Poetry Memorization
I wish you all an awesome school year! 

Our #Homeschool #Curriculum–2016-2017, 5th Grade, 2nd Grade, Kindergarten & Preschool

5th Grade

History – History Odyssey Ancients Level 2
and
Veritas Press Old Testament and Ancient Egypt (with 2nd grader)

Math – CTC Math and Life of Fred

Language Arts – IEW
Themed Based Writing, Ancient History
Fix Grammar Level 2
Phonetic Zoo Level A

Chinese – Rosetta Stone

Science – REAL Science 4 Kids, Biology, Middle School Level
Notebook Pages (for human body and more specific animal work)

Handwriting & Art  – Draw & Write through History, Volume 1 and Volume 2

Tinker Crate and other STEM activities

Piano

2nd Grade

History – Ancients – History Odyssey Level 1 (with Kinder)
and
Veritas Press Old Testament and Ancient Egypt (with 5th grader)

Math – CTC Math and Life of Fred

Handwriting & Art – Draw, Write, Now Book 1

Geography – Highlights Top Secret Adventures

Spelling – All About Spelling Level 1

Reading – Life of Fred and other beginning reader books

Science – R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey by Pandia Press, Life Science (with Kinder)

Piano

Kindergarten

Science – R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey by Pandia Press, Life Science (with 2nd)

History - Ancients – History Odyssey Level 1 (with 2nd)

Math – CTC Math with additional hands on activity

Handwriting – Handwriting Without Tears

Geography - Little Passports

ABC Mouse

Reading – we are working on reviews for a variety of reading programs and have not picked which one to stick with just yet!

Preschool

ABC Mouse

Preschool Life Science Themed Workboxes

Koala Crate

Family

IEW Poetry Memorization

CHSH Character Traits (review on CHSH-Teach.com coming soon!)

Scripture Study and Monthly Friend Magazine

Sassafras Science, Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3

Co-op (one day, every other week)

Swimming

Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr

Flexibility in the Curriculum (5 Days of Tips for Homeschool Parents)

So, I totally jumped the gun last week and forgot that this series was coming up and posted Choosing Your Curriculum last week. 

One great thing about Homeschooling Year Round that was briefly mentioned in my last two posts is that you don’t have to be a SLAVE to your curriculum.  There is more Flexibility and Less Stress when you have a year round schedule. 

For my own sanity, I need somewhat of an outline, but I find that with a year round schedule I can allow for them to explore areas that interest them more, and fly through topics that don’t. 

As previously mentioned, I can allowed for a bit more of an unschooling, relaxed approach, because I don’t feel tied down to the time line. 

THIS is the type of stuff that can happen when you let go and aren’t a slave to your curriculum!

I’m not perfect at it, but I have learned to let go a lot more!  It’s amazing what can happen, when you allow it too.  Honestly, our best homeschool days have been the days I let go, and let learning happen more naturally! 

Check out some of my crew friends at their blogs!

Melissa @ Grace Christian School
Michele @ Family, Faith and Fridays
Missica @ Through the Open Window
Monique @ Mountain of Grace Homeschooling
Rebekah @ There Will Be A $5 Charge For Whining
Renita @ Krazy Kuehner Days
Sarah @ Renaissance Mama
Sasha @ Such a Time as This
Tawnee @ Adventures in Homeschooling
Tiffany @ The Crafty Home
Tina @ Desperate Homeschoolers

For a more comprehensive list that includes all participating bloggers click on the image below!

Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016: Exploring Our World, How We Do Social Studies and Life/Earth Science

Social Studies and Science are typically done together as a family, with a few small exceptions.

I’ll start with the exceptions:

C (my 4th grader) does some online history each morning with Veritas Press Self Paced History, which (by the way) is on sale right now for 50% off and it can be deferred to start as late as September 1st!  This is our 2nd year using Veritas Press, he LOVES it!  We are using Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation this year and will be using Ancient History next year (probably New Testament, Greece and Rome because I don’t think we can fit both into one year). 

*You can get it on sale at the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op (and earn 500 Smart Points) or at the Veritas Website until the 21st.  It’ good for one year from start date.  (Though I’m not sure you can defer the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op purchase).

Z (1st grade) receives a subscription box to Little Passports (World Edition) each month, and is also taking an Around the World in 8 days class at co-op. 

c (PreK) receives a subscription box to Little Passports also, but he receives the Early Explorer's Edition.

My kids also enjoy Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr!  These are also available for a discount at Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op. They include social studies and science videos, as well as other subjects.  My kids have honestly learned so much from these! 

History:

Together we use Pandia Press History Odyssey Middle Ages Level 1 for History, we will also be using the same next year, except Ancient History and my oldest will be using Level 2.  We supplement a little with videos we find that correspond to the lessons.  We listen to SOTW in the car a lot, it’s great for schooling on the go!

Earth and Life Science:

Last year we did Earth Science and Astronomy, we used Elemental Science, but we decided it wasn’t really for us.  It’s a great program, lots of experiments, it just didn’t work for us.   When we visit it again next year we will use Pandia Press  R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey.  We are using them next year for Life Science (we have used it previously too).  It’s a great program!  We will use it in conjunction with Visual Learning Systems Digital Online Science this time though, which will help raise it up a level for C, who will be in 5th grade.

Pandia Press is also having a sale this month 25% off everything in store, no codes needed!

We also utilize You Tube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Steaming and Hulu a lot into our studies.  My kids are audio and visual learners, so these types of programs, plus lots of books helps them learn a lot! 

History and Science are our 2 favorite subjects, and I think the curriculum is a lot of the reason WHY! 

Linking up at the Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016

This year the Virtual Curriculum Fair is hosted by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World, Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses and Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset.

Yvie @ Gypsy Road - Bringing It to Life! History, Geography, & Science

Jen Altman @ Chestnut Grove Academy - Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016: Exploring Our World, How We Do Social Studies and Life/Earth Science

Laura @ Day by Day in Our World - Learning About the World Around Us

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Social Studies a Science of Relations

Lisa @ GoldenGrasses - Exploring & Discovering Around the World

Annette @ A Net In Time - Science and Culture Around the World and at Home

Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break - Exploring History and Geography

Laura @ Four Little Penguins - Going Around the World at Our Kitchen Table

Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory - Our Tackling of the Social Studies and Science

Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset - Encouraging Curiosity about the World

Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016: Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science

We have tried a variety of Math and Science programs throughout our 5 years of homeschooling.  I’ll share a bit about what we have used, why we changed and what we are using now! 

Math In the beginning

We started with Saxon Math K when we first started this homeschooling journey.  I really wanted something hands on, with lots of manipulatives, and Saxon hit the mark.  However, we found that it was TOO repetitive, and TOO easy for my son at the time.  We skipped ahead A LOT and we moved onto Saxon Math 1.  After the first few chapters we were feeling the same way as we did with the K version and began to look elsewhere.  I feel like Saxon is a solid program, but I have learned since then that Saxon uses a spiral approach to math.  It circles back and around and reviews past concepts frequently.  This is great for someone who is struggling in math or needs the constant review, but this was NOT my son.  So it just didn’t work.  We decided to look for a program that uses a mastery approach.  We discovered Math U See, and LOVED it!  It was perfect match for my son, We started with Alpha, used Beta and Gamma.  Math U See got a bit complicated for us in Gamma, their method of multiplication was not working for my son, so we still used their workbooks, and I taught him alternatives ways to do multiplication. 
After completely Gamma, we had the opportunity to review CTC Math Online. More on that in a bit.

I also need to add that memorizing multiplication facts was quite a trial!  We used Times Tales and it was a LIFE SAVER!  I highly recommend it!  (There is also a downloadable version available or find it on Amazon)

MATH NOW

4th grade

CTC Math has been a great program for my oldest, it required little to no help from me, and he could do it independently (something I was really needing as my other children were getting older and entering ‘school’).  We are still using CTC Math a year later. 

We have recently, however, revisited Math U See as part of an upcoming review of their digital packs, and have been using Delta.  I still like Math U See and think it’s a great program (review coming soon).  I highly recommend! 

The only thing about CTC Math is that although they have drill exercises, they don’t really revisit past learned concepts at all (until the next grade, when they are expounded on).  For this reason I supplement with some math workbooks for my son to practice past concepts (or else he forgets!).

1st grade

Last year we tried Touch Math (for PreK and K) and Math U See with my 2nd child, as well as just other hands on activities that I found or created to supplement learning.   I felt that Touch Math was too easy for him, and Math U See was not clicking with him.  He had been using an online program MathSeeds.com, and that was working, but I wanted more hands on. 

He really likes books and learns well from listening to books, so we decided to try Life of Fred and are really enjoying that.

ABC Mouse, mentioned in my Language Arts post and he just recently decided he was interested in doing, also dabbles in math. 

More recently I have also had him doing CTC Math, to see how it would work for him and it’s going well.

He gets a VERY eclectic exposure to Math, but it is going well for now. 

OTHER MATH PROGRAMS WE’VE USED

We have reviewed A LOT of Math programs, it’s impossible to use them all, and though something might not have been the perfect fit for us, these are still high quality programs.  You can find them under REVIEWS

LOGIC

We have used a few different programs for logic as reviews, many of which we dabble in occasionally after the review period.

The Critical Thinking Co., Math Analogies Level I

The Basics of Critical Thinking from The Critical Thinking Co.

SCIENCE

For Everyone

We have used a few different Science products.  We started off first grade with Life Science R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey from Pandia Press.  LOVED this curriculum!  For 2nd grade, well… life happened, we basically did our own thing, a lot of astronomy and some earth science, I had a baby, we moved across country… so that’s how it goes sometimes.  For 3rd grade we decided to really study Astronomy and Earth Science more, and we got a curriculum from Elemental Science.  I was not that happy with it and I supplemented A LOT.  This year (4th and 1st) we are doing Chemistry and Physics.  We are mostly using a program we reviewed last year, Visual Learning Systems:  Digital Online Science and are supplementing a bit with documentaries and  scientists studies.  Right now we are doing The Periodic Table of Elements, and VLS does not have a lot on that for Elementary, so we are doing our own thing for now and will pick up with VLS again once we start Physics.  I also got these great physic kits from K’NEX that I know my oldest is going to LOVE!

My oldest also receives the Tinker Crate, which is filled with science things each month! 

OTHER SCIENCE PROGRAMS WE’VE USED

We have reviewed A LOT of science programs, it’s impossible to use them all, and though something might not have been the perfect fit for us, these are still high quality programs.  You can find them under REVIEWS

LOOKING AHEAD

My plan for now is to continue with CTC Math and Life of Fred, using them for both kids.  The CTC Math as our core, and Life of Fred as a review supplement. 

I’ll have a Kindergartener next year and I’m not sure for him….I may just use ABC Mouse and then do hands on supplemental math with him.  (If you read my last curriculum post, I stated that we take a VERY lax approach to Kindergarten).

For Science next year, we will be doing Life Science again.  We will use Pandia Press again, but I think we will work it in with VLS as well.  I have plans to sign the kids up for classes at our local zoo and aquarium (they are going to LOVE it!).  I am trying to decide if I should buy the Pandia Press Biology Level 1 for my my 5th grader, or just kick up the Life Science a notch for him (have him do extra reading and reports, etc..).  My kindergartener LOVES animals, so this is going to be a great first year of ‘school’ for him.  Animal Trackers Club is suppose to launch an ocean series this summer, so we will definitely subscribe to that!  (We recently finished their African Safari series). I’m looking forward to next year, Science (and History) is always so fun to plan and teach each year!

Linking up at the Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016

This year the Virtual Curriculum Fair is hosted by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World, Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses and Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset.

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Thoughts on Math and Science
Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset  - From Counting to Calculus
Laura @ Day by Day in Our World  - How We Approach Math in This Homeschool Year
Annette @ A Net In Time - Struggling with Math, Loving Science
Annette @ A Net In Time  - Lego Pulleys and Levers
Yvie @ Gypsy Road Hands - On Math with Special Needs Learners
Chelli @ The Planted Trees  - Chemistry Using Living Books
Lisa @ GoldenGrasses  - An Appalling Lack of Curiosity
Edie @ Carter Chaos  - Our Favorite Ways to Study Numbers
Tracey @ A Learning Journey  - Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project
Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life  - Math and Standardized Tests
Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy  - Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science
Sarah @ DeliveringGrace  - Learning Multiplication Tables
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom  - Multisensory Multiplication
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break  - Science and Stuff
Kemi Quinn @ Homemaking Organized  - Math in Our Homeschool for a Later Elementary Organized Reader
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory  - Math and Logic - Our Steady Path
Laura @ Four Little Penguins  - Math and Science Love

Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016: Playing with Words–Language Arts and Foreign Language

I have 4 kids, but only 2 are ‘school age’.  My oldest 2 are ages 6 and 9 (or 1st and 4th grade).  I wanted to take this opportunity to share what we use for Language Arts and Foreign Language studies in our homeschool.

LANGUAGE ARTS

4th Grade

It was quite the struggle to find a program that worked well for my oldest son, who HATES to write.  We were very lucky to review a few products that really clicked with him, and we are still using them!

Institute for Excellence in Writing, is my number one recommended curriculum for resistant writers! 

You can read our review of their Writing, Grammar and Spelling programs, all of which we love and continue to use!

Institute for Excellence in Writing - Fix It!  Grammar
IEW - Deluxe Combo Level A
IEW - Phonetic Zoo Level A

I can’t say that these programs have gotten him to LOVE writing (I wish I could), but they have certainly made it a lot less painful (for both of us!).  The spelling program still frustrates him sometimes (he hates to get them wrong), but he is retaining the words, which is GREAT, because previous spelling programs were not sticking.  The Grammar he never complains about, he really enjoys the story that he is writing as he goes along each day (and I often catch him reading ahead!). 

1st Grade

For my first grader, we actually do not spend a lot of time on Language Arts.  He uses ABC Mouse and that touches base on it. 

Some other fun programs that both my kids enjoy for Language Arts are

Grammaropolis and IXL.com

LITERATURE

Literature generally goes along with our science or history studies.  I also allow a lot of free choice reading.  Currently my oldest is participating in The Battle of the Books program, so he has been reading a lot of books for that.  Z is still learning to read.  He uses Reading Eggs and Reading Kingdom (a program we reviewed).  He also really enjoys these Star Wars Phonics Set.

OTHER PROGRAMS WE’VE USED

We have reviewed A LOT of Language Arts programs, it’s impossible to use them all, and though something might not have been the perfect fit for us, these are still high quality programs.  You can find them under REVIEWS

Foreign Language

4th Grade

My oldest son takes Mandarin Chinese using Rosetta Stone.

We have reviewed a few other Chinese programs, but Rosetta seems to work best for us thus far.  There are not a lot of choices when it comes to Mandarin Chinese language learning.

I started making worksheets to go along with the programs, but got so far behind!  You can see what I have made and get them free:

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

We have not started language learning for my 1st grader yet.  We started Rosetta with C when he was 3rd grade, and I think we will do the same with Z.

LOOKING AHEAD

Our plans for next year

I plan to continue with IEW for 5th grade for C.  We will use Ancient History Based Writing Lessons to go with our history studies, but continue with Phonetic Zoo and Fix It Grammar.  We will also continue with Rosetta Stone.

For 2nd grade, I’m considering The Primary Arts of Language from IEW for both Writing and Reading, but I didn’t push writing a lot with C until 3rd grade, so I’m thinking I’ll take the same approach with Z, but follow his lead, of course.  We may also start All About Spelling with him (which is also part of the Reading program from IEW). 

I’ll also have a Kindergartener next year.  He will be using ABC Mouse as well (he does now for PreK) and IF I get IEW Primary Arts of Language, I may try it out on him too (I think he will like the farm theme, he LOVES animals).  I take a very lax approach to Kindergarten though, so I don’t have a lot of BIG plans.  (This is a HUGE difference from when my oldest started Kindergarten!).  We take much more of an unschooling approach in the younger years.

Linking up at the Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016

This year the Virtual Curriculum Fair is hosted by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World, Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses and Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset.

Language Arts: Words Make the World Go Round by  Laura @ Day by Day in Our World
The Language Arts in Our Homeschool and Everything Relating to it   by Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
Teaching Elementary Latin by Yvie @ Gypsy Road
How to Learn ASL & Spanish in 20 Minutes a Day by Rochelle @ RochelleBarlow Classical Word Study by Lisa @ GoldenGrasses
Language Arts Means and Methods by Laura @ Four Little Penguins
Sprechen Sie.... by Jennifer King @ A Peace of Mind
The Art of Eloquence  by Jennifer King @ A Peace of Mind
Love Languages by Jennifer King @ A Peace of Mind
3 Reasons You Don't Have To Be Afraid To Grade That Essay - And It's Free @ LJSkool
High School Language Arts by Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Words, Words, and More Words by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses
Finishing Strong - Starting Gently by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset

Our Curriculum Choices for 2015-2016 #Homeschool #TOSReviewCrew #HSConnect

So this coming school year we will have PreK (5 in November), 1st grade and 4th grade, and a tiny tot! 

It’s hard to believe this will be my 5th ‘official’ year of homeschooling!  Time flies!

So we’ve decided on the following: (*indicates it will be done together, all ages)

4th Grade:

Writing:  IEW we will finish with the current program and also begin using Medieval Based Writing Lessons

Grammar: Continuing with Fix It Grammar by IEW and IXL (See our review)

*History:  Pandia Press History Odyssey Middle Ages Level 1 and Veritas Press online self-paced history Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation

Math: CTC Online Math, I really needed him to have something more independent this year.  See our review

*I’m also go off of the Middle Ages theme and using some Sir Cumference living math books!

*Science:  Visual Learning Systems Digital Online Science (focus on Physics and Chemistry).  We will also be using K’NEX Education Simple Machine Kits

Spelling:  All About Spelling, but we are hoping to land a review with Phonetic Zoo from IEW (fingers crossed). 

Chinese:  Rosetta Stone

Handwriting:  Memoria Press New American Cursive (finish up) as well as Draw and Write Through History: The Vikings, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance

*PE:  Mixed Martial Arts, Swimming, Soccer (Fall)

*Music:  We will listen to a wide variety of Music, focusing on the Renaissance Era.  We will also be using Hands On History Activity Pak: Composers

C will read (as part of Music):

*Art:  Completing projects associated with history lessons, focus on Renaissance period artists and architecture. 

*Religion:  C is working on the New Testament.  As a family we have devotional each morning, we sing a Primary song, read from the scriptures (currently Book of Mormon) and we read from The Friend magazine. 

1st Grade:

Math:  Life of Fred, Math Seeds

Reading:  Reading Eggs, Early Readers and Supplemental Activities

Handwriting:   Horizons 1st Grade Penmanship Set (Review coming soon), though he is also asking about Cursive, so we may try Memoria Press New American Cursive

Spelling:  I may start spelling this year (but later on) and will use All About Spelling

PRE-K:

Animal Trackers with supplemental activities (get a coupon by downloading my Safari Printable Pack)

He really likes animals, and we need more ABC practice, so I’m also considering Animal ABCs from 1+1+1=1, I think my 2yo would like this as well.  So it would definitely be worth the $10!

Star Wars workbooks for fun

ABC Mouse

AND SOME FUN FOR ALL

Also linking to

Real Life at Chestnut Grove Academy–Curriculum

At the beginning of the school year I posted our curriculum list and then a mid-year evaluation and I have to say things have still changed since January! 

Part of this is because of the amazing opportunity we have to be on The Schoolhouse Review Crew.  We are always bringing in new curriculum to try, and many we keep using, some we put aside to use later more thoroughly.  Unfortunately there is not enough time in the day to all the amazing things we try out!

One of my key bits of advice to other homeschoolers is to not be afraid to change things if they aren’t working!  I know it’s hard (especially when money is invested), but it’s so worth it!

So what are we using right now? (not counting review items…these are programs that have stuck!)

Third Grade

US History – Yes, Veritas Press is still going strong!  I even purchased from the earlier sale for next year!  We love Veritas Press!   Additionally I am doing some unit studies from various sources, based on subject availability.  This is working well for us. Although Veritas Press is a full curriculum, I like to be more involved with History and I like to have the other kids more involved as well.  This is the only reason I add to Veritas Press, otherwise it stands alone!  (Makes more work for me, but it works for us).  That and it is all of our favorite subjects, so we enjoy it!  We are using a Homeschool Legacy, Lewis and Clark Unit right now (for review) and will also be using Homeschool in the Woods Civil War unit after that

Math – We are just about done with MATH U SEE Gamma.  Only a few more pages left to go, then on to Delta! 

Science – We completely switched over to Visual Learning Systems Digital Online Science, and plan to continue it for next year as well.  I supplement some reading materials to go along with the lessons and other worksheet activities for the younger kids, if none are available. Science is probably second favorite for the kids, but the projects can stress me out, I’ll admit it.  I try though, I really try!

Spelling – Still using All About Spelling (and loving it!)

Language Arts – IXL.com is what we use most regularly.  We still love Fix-It Grammar by IEW, but when we have a full plate with reviews it gets put to the side for a bit.

Writing – We are not using a formal writing curriculum right now, we do a few things here and there, but try to just work it into what we are studying.  For HANDWRITING we are using Memoria Press New American Cursive.  It is going well and we will be sticking with it after the review.

Chinese – Rosetta Stone with the worksheets I have made for supplementation.  I’m behind though and need to get Lesson 3 done!

Skrafty Minecraft Classes – We do one lesson a week based on how the week goes.  This is our reward class.  I have found Minecraft to be behavior altering, so we limit it A LOT for this reason.  I noticed a huge difference when he doesn’t use it as often.  The classes are great though! 

New Testament – I am indecisive at this time on what to use for this.  I need to pray about it.  We just reviewed a great program, we were using a great program and I’m looking at another great program right now.  So lots of decisions to be made.   We do family study in the morning, but I really want him to have a personal study too. 

Computer school each day consists of – Chinese, A+ Interactive Math(for Review) or IXL Math, and IXL Language Arts.  On T, Th and F he also does Star Toaster (for Review), Veritas Press,   Additionally we do workboxes on ‘school’ days; These are 3-4 days a week (see yesterday’s post).

C has also started a once a month cooking class he loves! 

Kindergarten

Reading Eggs and Math Seeds for Computer School 2- 3 days a week.

We also use MATH U SEE Alpha, I use lots of supplemental reading worksheets for CVC and sight words.  I have lots of Pin Boards with activities and worksheets on my Pinterest page.  We use Star Fall and other early readers like BOB Books.  I have him pick and read one a day.  Typically the activities I have printed for him coincide with the books I have for him to choose from. 

We also use Star Wars workbooks.  Mostly for interest factor, but he now uses these for letter and number writing.  We use the manipulatives from Handwriting without Tears go along with them.

For science and history he either sits in with my 3rd grader or I make him age appropriate related activities. 

I just made his workbox list a little more structured, as to HOW MUCH I wanted him to do each school day.  The first day went well.  We will see how it continues.

Preschool

He misses the cut off for K next year as his birthday is the end of November.  I am super relaxed with him.  He has ABC Mouse, and then I make themed boxes, typically related around Animal Trackers Club or the science or history lessons my 3rd grader is doing.  He also has Star Wars workbooks.

OTHER

All of my kids are in Swimming and Mixed Martial Arts.  They also have access to Brain Pop Jr and Brain Pop, as well as other educational apps that they use during their designated free time. 

All 3 boys also attend a local history class at the historical society once a month.  C is aging out so this will be his last year attending.

Music and Art is hit or miss – we use History through Music when it relates, we are doing some art curriculum reviews right now too.  We play classical during our school days. 

You can find the WORBOX Activities each week on Workbox Wednesday!

NEXT YEAR

I have already started planning for next year.

History - As mentioned we have Veritas Press – Middle Ages – It’s for 2nd grade+ and Z will be 1st, (C will be 4th)…I plan to Chromecast the video and have C do the activities.  They like watching over his shoulder anyways…so this way they can just sit and watch it.  We will also be returning to Pandia Press History Odyssey for Middle Ages.  We really enjoyed their Ancients Curriculum. 

Science – We will be doing Physics and Chemistry with Visual Learning Systems Digital Science Online.  We will supplement with some real life books.

Math –We like Math U See, but I may change it.  I’m leaning towards a computer based program for C….not positive yet (We are doing a trial with A+ Interactive Math right now).  I may wait to fully switchover until after we finish Math U See Delta. I am thinking of Life of Fred for Z for first grade, it’s still up in the air.

Spelling – We will continue with All About Spelling. I won’t start Z on formal spelling until 2nd grade though. 

I’m planning to start a journaling program each day for writing.  Now that C is writing more (and complaining less), I’d like to work on his structure and content.

I might start Kinder with c (though he isn’t 5 until November), but time will tell, and it will be very informal, basically I’ll just keep doing what we are doing, but encourage him to ‘work’ a little more.

The rest is still in planning.  I’ll definitely put a  Our Curriculum post up over the summer, once it’s finalized!

This is part of a School House Review Crew Blog Hop, click the graphic above to see Real Life Homeschool with other Crew members.

Part 1 – Schedule
Part 2 – Curriculum
Part 3 – Our Day in Photos (Wordless Wednesday)
Part 4 – Homeschooling with a Toddler
Part 5 – Week in Review

Here are a few more of the 52 participating!
For This Season Unexpected Homeschool
For Him and My Family
As We Walk Along the Road
Growing in His Glory
Homeschool Coffee Break
Daily Life
There Will Be A $5 Charge For Whining
Proverbial Homemaker
ElCloud Homeschool

Mid-Year Evaluation–What’s Working and What’s Not!

Third Grade

US History – We are still going strong and LOVING Veritas Press! I’m so thankful for that review!  Otherwise I’ve just been piecing my own things for History.  It’s a great way for us to review what he’s already learned on Veritas Press (b/c he is way ahead on that program from where we are during the week!)

I am still posting what we do on the blog as part of the US History Series, and I’m also doing some Guest Posts in the coming months for ABCs of American History.

Math – Still Math U See..and still on Gamma…we took lots of time getting those Multiplication facts memorized, we tried lots of methods…but what finally worked was Times Tales.  So grateful!!  After that we jumped back in where we had stopped and are trucking along nicely.  I still have hopes that we will start Delta this school year.  We have added in IXL and do some supplementing in areas that are not covered by MUS as of yet, such as geometric shapes, using a ruler and roman numerals. 

Science – So, Elemental Science pretty much went out the window.  I was supplementing so much that it was pointless.  We are still following their outline and use the main Usborne text some, but otherwise we are just doing our own thing.  I post what we do on the blog along with the Preschool Science Stuff.  I’m looking at Focus on Elementary Science for next year (former Real Science 4 Kids).

Spelling – All About Spelling – we are almost done with level 1…almost….level 2 will be starting up soon.  We still like it. We take the lessons slow, breaking the parts up over a few days.

Language Arts – we are still using Essential Skills Advantage, we also use IXL.  We are using Fix It! Grammar by IEW as our core.  This also works as handwriting because of the copywork!

Writing –this has always been a struggle for us, I need to reimplement Essentials in Writing to get him actually writing.  I will soon. 

Chinese – We used Middlebury Interactive for the review period and now that we are finished with that have started with Rosetta Stone as originally planned.

Skrafty Minecraft Classes – We are doing Water and US History right now with Skrafty, I will probably add in Geology later.  I’ll admit I have a love/hate relationship with Minecraft.  The Skrafty lessons are great, but my son does have an addictive personality, I really have to watch and limit his use.  He also tends to easily stray from the lesson assignment, which is a frustration for me.  We are working on these things, and Minecraft is considered a privilege/reward; therefore it can (and is) taken away in some circumstances.

Newly Added – We recently started using Clever Dragons as a review and are staring an Architecture class also for review!  Excited about both!  The IEW Fix It Grammar and IXL were also new additions. 

Scripture Study – Since C is studying the New Testament this year in his Sunday School class, I incorporated a New Testament Workbook I found online years ago and saved (luckily, b/c I couldn’t find it again).  It coincides with the Senior Primary New Testament Manual.  I will continue to try and find it or the creator on line to see if I can share it with others. 

Kindergarten

Z finished what Mathseeds lessons that are available, apparently it’s still a work in progress.  I was also using Touch Math K, but that wasn’t really working for us.  I started him in MUS Alpha and it’s going great!

I started using All About Reading Level 1 with him a few weeks ago in addition to his Reading Eggs.  It’s going well, but I feel like it needs more (I think this is a sickness of mine!)  He is not grasping how to blend words, so I am adding in additional activities before moving onto the next lesson of AAR.  You can find these on my new board for CVC short a words!

And we are still using Handwriting without Tears also. 

I continue to make themed workboxes for him and the younger kids too.

Preschool

Pretty much the same!  He also uses MathSeeds and Reading Eggs sometimes. Mostly he enjoys his workboxes!

Extra Curricular

Health/PE – I have not been using Fitness for Families as I planned, but hope to work it in on Tuesdays, that is the ONE day we don’t have much else going on.  They continue with Swimming and they are also enrolled in a Mixed Martial Arts for Fitness class.

Music – Well…I ended up not subscribing to either Kinderbach or Adventus…we will be staring with History through Music and hoping maybe we will get a good music review this year.

Art – I ended up putting them in Art classes, they were going great, but as of lately we have had to stop going.  I have several curriculums, it’s just a matter of doing them!  ugh!

Nature Study – yeah this hasn’t happened either :/  I am teaching a Nature Study at co-op this coming semester for Z’s class, and C will also have a Nature class…so there ya go! 

The kids still love News-O-Matic and it’s been great for current events!

Circle Time

Circle Time never really got back in gear.  Things have been going well though the way we’ve been doing things, so I’m just going to keep it that way.  It’s a little less structured, but it works. 

Here is our original plan.  I’ve already started planning for next school year, check out my board!