“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
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
So neat to see what you are doing! My oldest is 4 1/2 so we are just starting to do something a little more ‘official’ this year. Excited and nervous all at the same time! Love seeing what others are doing!
Congrats on your second year…I love seeing what your doing…brings back sweet memories…100 easy lessons…seems like yesterday..but wow..it’s been years. I love IEW…God landed that in my lap with a son who could not get his words on a paper…transformed him…I would have loved for My Father’s world to have been around for my older ones…I just really heard about it a couple of years ago…I have 4 down…one to go…I promise you…it will be worth the sacrifice…frustrations…tears…because through it all…you will connect to your kids heart…pour into them as you walk along the way…as you rise up…lay down. I am so thankful to have had this wonderful gift of walking with my kids so closely. Blessings as you pour yourself out for a greater good:)
I like those science books, which one would you recommend for starting with for a first grader and preschooler?
I see you decided to go wtih Explode the Code for 1st grade. We’ve loved it…hope you do too!
We are using some of the same curriculum – TT, Apologia, ETC, Prima Latin.
Looks like you have a great year planned!
If you are interested in connecting with other Apologia users, check out the Apologia Blog Roll that I host here:
http://myjoy-filledlife.blogspot.com/2012/07/apologia-blog-role-2012-2013.html
Blessings!
Jacque,
Thank you for sharing your curriculum. It looks like a very exciting year!
I love your honesty in this post. Especially this paragraph…
“… 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.”
I could have written this! Living hour by hour on those crazy days – yep! If asked what they liked best when they were in school (one year public, one year private) the answer?…. “RECESS!!!!”
We still take it month by month, year by year. But we KNOW that for now, what they are getting by being at home for school is the best thing ever.
Warmly,
Laura