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

Homeschool; Curriculum

The countdown has begun and our preschool year is quickly approaching. Rhi could not be more excited, she reminds me daily that I need to change the number on the chalkboard. I on the other hand could not be more nervous. This is her education. What if I mess up? What if I fall short? What if I fail her causing her to fail at everything? AH!

I know I am over doing it a bit. I know I am freaking out a little too much. This is important stuff though. And I want to do the best I can to provide my children the best education possible.

I did a ton of research on what curriculum to use. We wanted a bible centered curriculum for sure. Something that was structured enough for me but fun enough for the kids. There were so many options. So many reviews. So many things to read and look at and touch.

We finally decided to go with SonLight. I know many of you had questions about what we chose and what we think of it. I can't say too much at this point, as we haven't dove in yet. What I can say is that it eases my mind and my racing heart. My days are laid out for me but because there is so much included that is not "required", I have the freedom to pick and chose what will work best for us and what will meet our needs.

Biggest negative so far? The price. I saw it and saw dollar signs instantly. We are on a budget. A very strict budget. $300 plus did not please me. In fact, it made me nauseous. We are working around it though. We purchased the teachers guide and activity books first, figuring if we couldn't work out the finances we could always hit up the library...a lot. But God provides. This week we purchased the books for Week 1 - Week 15. When the time comes we will see where we stand on the next set of books. If we can't do it we will pull out our handy dandy library card.

We are all excited about starting up with SonLight and adding in field trips to match up with what we are learning. We have a long road ahead of us but I am starting to feel like we are on the right path.