Our Homeschooling Curriculum Choices {2012-2013}

“Any unknown territory is always a risk, but greatness cannot be known without it.”

Last year was my very first year homeschooling, a journey into the unknown. Full of risk but also so much hope. And we made it through!

I have written before about how I never thought I’d EVER homeschool my children. And not only did we make it through, but we fell into a rhythm that met our needs.

I must admit it was life-changing–for my children, who were used to public school … and for me, who had been looking forward to more free time to myself as they all went off to school. Because after having 4 children in 5 1/2 years, a mama longs for free time … you know what I mean?

And we spent time together–learning and exploring and creating–growing in our relationships with one another as well as with God. Because we were free to incorporate Him into everything we learned.

And I won’t lie, I have missed my free time. And some days my plate is so full I’m living hour to hour.  And the kids missed their public school too. But when I asked them why, the answer was almost always … RECESS. It was the play and connection they missed.

And so we worked hard to accommodate. We found independent activities for some mama “down time” and accepted lots of help from Grandma. We were active in our co-op, memorized scripture together and learned about the countries and cultures of the world. And we enjoyed lots of extra-curricular activities and field trips because we had time experience them. So much so, that my kindergartener kept begging to come home to join us. And since we’ll be homeschooling again and he will!

So one year at a time, month by month, here is our homeschooling plan…

Our Curriculum Choices for 2012-2013…

• 5th grade

Bible/History: My Father’s World: Creation to the Greeks

Math: Math-U-See Epsilon

Grammar: Rod & Staff English 4, Building with Diligence

Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing, All Things Fun & Fascinating

Science: Apologia: Land Animals of the Sixth Day

Foreign Language: Prima Latina

Typing: Typing Instructor For Kids

• 3rd grade

Bible/History: My Father’s World: Creation to the Greeks

Math: Teaching Textbooks Math 4

Grammar: Rod & Staff English 3, Beginning Wisely

Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing, All Things Fun & Fascinating

Science: Apologia: Land Animals of the Sixth Day

Foreign Language: Prima Latina

Typing: Typing Instructor For Kids

• 1st Grade

Bible/History/Reading/Writing: My Father’s World: 1st Grade

Phonics: Explode the Code Book 2

Math: Math-U-See Alpha

Science: Apologia: Land Animals of the Sixth Day

 

Typing: Typing Instructor For Kids

• Transitional-Kindergarten

Todd Elementary School, Transitional Kindergarten Program

Reading/Phonics:

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Cuisenaire Rods

Cuisenaire Rods Alphabet Book

As you enter this new school year, may it be all you’ve dreamed it to be, and may it be filled with much learning, laughter, and fun!

What grade are your children in this year?

If you homeschool, what curriculum will you be using?

 *Linking with Women Living Well, Educating Laytons,

A Holy Experience & Denise in Bloom

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