Curriculum

Our curriculum choices are fluid, frequently changing or adapted to fit our needs and here is why:

I think that the important thing to remember is that if something is not working for your child, blame the approach, not the child. The child either is not ready for it, or the approach is wrong for the child. So you keep looking until you find what works! That is the beauty of homeschooling.   ~Stephanie Elms, Throwing Marshmallows

Thus, this page changes from time to time as I update what we are using.

August, 2011 to Spring, 2012

Firefly, age 7
–Math: Singapore 1A review (completed), now on 1B (Standards Edition).
–Language Arts:  Growing with Grammar,  Explode the Code 3,  tons of read alouds (currently working our way through the Harry Potter series).
–Music-Piano Lessons.
–Extra Curriculars- Lego Club, Basketball.

The Queen Bee, age 5
–Math:  Counting to 100, simple addition with manipulatives, writing numbers, making calendars, etc.
–Reading:  Reading Eggs, Bob Books, tons of read-alouds,  our own Learning with Literature books and activities.
–Extras:  Starfall, PBS Kids websites. Dance class.

Together
–History:  Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancients with Activity Guide as well as lots of other supplemental books, activities, websites, museum exhibits and more.
–Science- Continuing with R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey-Life  (co-op class), our own Astronomy unit, and Janice VanCleave’s 200 Gooey, Slippery, Slimy, Weird and Fun Experiments, which includes activities for biology, astronomy, earth science, chemistry and physics.

Love Bug, age 2.5
Colors, shapes, letters, numbers. Play, play, play.

Past Curriculum
Our First Homeschooling Year, Fall 2010 to Spring 2011
Firefly, age 6
–RightStart Math, Level B.
–Progressive Phonics , Beginner and Intermediate Level.
–Handwriting Without Tears (Kindergarden review, followed by First Grade), copywork for more practice.
–Five in a Row, Volume 1. , one or two books per month.
–Lots of read-a-louds.
–Weekly art class.
–Nature Journaling class at our local Nature Sanctuary
–Our own Science/History unit on Pre-history, Dinosaurs and Evolution.
–Brain Pop Jr., various topics.
–R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey, Life Program and Science in the Kitchen (Usborne).
The Queen Bee, age 4
The Queen Bee attended a wonderful home-based preschool in our neighborhood until December, 2010. After the winter break, she joined us at home full time.
–Five in a Row.
–Starfall and PBS Kids.
–R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey and Science in the Kitchen (see above).
–Lots of read-alouds, counting, maps, fun printables, art and craft projects.
–Gymnastics, art and nature journaling classes.
Love Bug, toddler
Love Bug mastered
–Climbing, Level 1
–Destruction, Level 2