2011-2012 Curriculum Choices

Here it is - our curriculum list for this year.

I will start with Norah:

My Father's World for History, Geography, Bible and Science

First Language Lessons for grammar

Spelling Power - spelling, obviously:)

Singapore Math

Beginning Cursive Writing

Writing will consist of a little bit from Writing with Ease and Games for Writing

Art - A little from here and a little from an Art textbook a friend gave me (this same friend is an art teacher and she often blesses the girls by giving them art lessons!)

Read alouds - many of them are recommended here and here (a list of 1000 - that really narrows it down for me, right?)

Lucy:

My Father's World for reading and Bible. We are also using this to help with sight words.

Singapore Math

Handwriting without Tears

Lucy will also do a few activities suggested in Games for Writing.

Lucy is joining Norah for history, art, and science.

Her read alouds come mostly from this list.

I think that about sums it up - although, I keep thinking I am forgetting something. Our history this year is American history - the girls are excited about it. They can't wait to learn about the pioneers!

I will save Daphne's plans for a post of its own.

School Planning on the Brain

Wow. After blogging every day in June - I have really slacked off in July. Oops. We have had a lot going on - playing with friends, painting, swim lessons, gymnastics, curriculum ordering and planning. Planning for first grade seems much more time consuming than kindergarten - more subjects, more time on each subject, etc. Plus, I am homeschooling Lucy for pre-k this year - so that is planning for an extra child. AND, I am taking over for Heather babysitting baby C (although, part time for me) so I would like to have some Tot School plans put in place for him and Daphne. I feel like all I am thinking about right now is school stuff.

Here is a quick overview of my curriculum choices for Norah:

History/Georgraphy - Sonlight Core 1

Spelling/LA - Sonlight

Readers - Sonlight

Grammar - First Language Lessons

Math - Singapore Level 1A (we actually started this in late summer - so we will be finished with it about 8 weeks into our new school year)

Science - Christian Kids Explore Biology

Handwriting - Rod and Staff (Rod and Staff is a curriculum written by Mennonites - therefore, they do not have a website)

Character Training and Life Skills - Little Keepers at Home and a little bit of this.

I also have to decide on art and music, and I need to have Norah decide whether she wants to do gymnastics, soccer, or dance.

Hmm. Looking at my list typed out - this looks like a lot! The good thing is that we won't do every subject every day - so maybe it won't seem so bad.

Oh, I should also add that I am doing my planning and record keeping online this year. I am excited to try it - not sure how it will go because I am so used to having my paper plans in front of my.