2011-2012 Curriculum Picks

For the 2011-2012 school year, Robert will be in the second grade and Andrew will be in Kindergarten. Here's what we have planned for our core curriculum:

Bible - Developing Godly Character in Children

Science - Apologia Exploring Creation through Human Anatomy and Physiology

History/Geography - Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times

Math - Math-U-See Beta/Gama (Robert), Singapore Math (Robert), Math-U-See Primer (Andrew)

Penmanship - Handwriting Without Tears (Andrew - K, Robert - 2)

Spelling - All About Spelling Level 2/3 (Robert), All About Spelling Level 1 (Andrew 2nd semester)

English Grammar - Shurley English Level 2 (Robert)

Reading - Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (Andrew), Bob Books (Andrew), Great Illustrated Classics (Robert)

Five in a Row (Andrew Kindergarten core)

Memory Work - We will attend Classical Conversations on Thursdays and the boys will be assigned Memory Work each week in the following subjects: English, Latin, Math, Science, Histoy/Timeline and Geography. In addition to the memory work, the kids will participate in a fine arts activity/lesson, a science project and will have an opportunity to practice their oral presentation skills each week.

"What about extra-curriculars?" you might ask. We'll, I'm glad you did!

The boys participate in soccer, basketball and baseball throughout the year. They attend a kids fitness class each week (P.E.), play the piano and tin whistle. They have an opportunity each day to use the computer and the iPad as we feel that technology is important (after all, I am married to a computer programmer). They love arts and crafts and spend a time each day drawing or creating something related to what we are learning or something they've chosen for fun. The boys keep a journal that they write/draw in a couple times each week. They also enjoy cycling with our family and going swimming at the local gym where we are members. The boys will attend two classes each week with other children who are home-educated. On Tuesdays, we will attend a Co-Op with other families and on Thursdays we will attend Classical Conversations. These classes provide a time of learning and participating in a larger class setting. Homeschooling has given our children a variety of activities to participate in and they are certainly not "missing out" on any opportunities they would have in a typical school setting. We love homeschooling because it gives us the freedom to choose what curriculums best fits our family and we can focus on areas where our children are interested.