HomeSchool Week: What She is Learning

Ahhh...curriculum.

Choosing what your child will learn and how they will learn it is such a challenge.

Research. A lot.

Sit down and do practice lessons with your kids. Figure out their learning style. And your teaching style for that matter.

Look at the teachers guides. Not just the books. Do you need them? Are the workbooks self explanatory? Do the teaching guides give you enough guidance? Enough structure? Too much structure? Can you incorporate your own lessons and activities? Do you want to?

It can all be so overwhelming. We have so many resources and options these days. Maybe too much.

Last year, we used SonLight for Preschool. We loved it but Rhiannon is still very easily distracted and had a hard time focusing on ALL the reading. Once she is reading on her own and can sit for longer we will likely go back to SonLight with some added manipulitives, as she is a very hands on learner.

This year, I wasn't sold on any one curriculum. We loved the math is some but the English was lacking. Some had the perfect amounts of reading but we didn't like the choices of books. Then their were perfect curriculums but they were too pricey and we still needed to add in manipulatives.

I was feeling defeated when hubby stepped in and suggested I put together our own curriculum with pieces from different ones. He's a genius I tell you, why isn't he educating our kids? Sheesh.

So here is what we went with:


Bible: 

• Leading Little Ones to God: A Child's Book of Bible Teachings

English:

• Reading/Phonics- 
• Explode the Code 3 book series
• Get Ready for the Code, Get Set for the Code and Go for the Code
• Bi-monthly library trips for reading books
• Spelling and Penmanship-
• Handwriting without Tears 
• Book, Wood letter pieces and molding clay

Math:

• Singapore Math
• Textbooks and Activity books
• Pattern Block Set
• Magnetic Base Ten Set

Social Studies:

• History
• Rhiannon is enrolled in a History class at a Satellite school
• Geography
• Beginning Geography Activity book
• Maps and Globe

Science:

• Rhiannon is enrolled in a Science class at a Satellite School

Physical Education:

• Ballet
• Fun activities at home

Art:  

• We are part of a co-op who will alternate homes and art projects