We started school on Monday! I always find curriculum plans interesting, so I thought I would post ours for this school year.
Claire {4th grade}
Math: Saxon Math 5/4 I find it slightly crazy that Claire has moved into "middle grades" math {she's not that old, is she?!}. We did Saxon for grades K-2, and we tried Math-U-See last year. While I really enjoyed how simple MUS was to navigate last year, I continually felt like it wasn't a good fit for our family.
Saxon is an extremely facts-based program. Sometimes I think it's slightly overbearing when it comes to math facts, but after using MUS last year, there really wasn't any continual facts practice written into the curriculum. I know as the parent/teacher, I could have/should have pushed it myself while using MUS, but looking back, I really liked it being a part of the daily program. I also like that at the 4th grade level, DIVE CDs can be purchased and used for daily instruction with Saxon. It's definitely not a curriculum that fits everyone's style, but I'm a fan...for now. :)
Reading: We have used Sonlight's reading program since 1st grade, and I have been nothing but impressed with it. She will be reading the 4th-5th grade readers for this school year!
Language Arts: Harcourt Language Grade 4 I've been really disappointed with the language arts options that I've seen {maybe I'm not seeing the right ones!!}. Last year, after I felt like my head was going to explode, I decided to purchase a classroom-style language arts book. I still don't feel like it's the perfect solution to our language arts goals, but I really like the set up of the lessons and that it has reviews and tests. And, it only cost about $5 {including shipping} for a used text book. Love that.
We're also going to give Easy Grammar a try. We'll see if it lives up to it's name. :)
History/Geography/Read Alouds: We'll be using Sonlight's Core C this year. It is Intro to World History, Year 2 of 2. We did year 1 a couple of years ago and took a little break. I love, love, love Sonlight's choice of history books and read alouds. The read alouds have become some of our very favorite books. If you're ever looking for great reads for your kids, Sonlight's website is a great resource even if you don't use their curriculum.
Science: Apologia Botany We did Apologia Astronomy last year and the girls really seemed to like it. We're going to try botany this year and work through a lapbook. I haven't done any lapbooks in the past, but I think the girls will enjoy doing one!
Handwriting: We've done A Reason for Handwriting in the past. I've decided that I still think handwriting is important, and I want my kiddos to keep practicing! Claire will be doing level D.
Typing: Typing is obviously not going anywhere anytime soon. Typing Instructor was recommended to us by several people.
Art: Claire is taking an art class at our local elementary school once a week along with a regular 4th grade class. She loves art, and we're excited to offer her a weekly class to challenge her!
Gym: The girls will be participating in the gym class that is offered in conjunction with our weekly co-op. They will also be taking swim lessons this fall.
Co-op: This year in their co-op classes, the girls will be studying space, art appreciation through literature, critical thinking, and performance. Should be a fun year!
Meredith {2nd grade}
Math: Meredith will be using Saxon's math program as well. We'll be skimming through Saxon Math 1 and moving into Saxon Math 2 once we're finished with level 1. I decided to go ahead and do the parts of 1 that I thought would benefit her since math isn't her strongest subject.
Reading: While math isn't Meredith's best subject, reading is. Meredith will be finishing up the Sonlight 3rd grade readers during the first half of the year, and she'll begin the same curriculum that Claire is reading now.
Language Arts: Harcourt Grade 2.
History/Geography/Read Alouds: Same as Claire.
Science: Same as Claire.
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting, Level B.
Gym/Co-op: Same as Claire.
Hope you've enjoyed a peek into our school year!
We're also going to give Easy Grammar a try. We'll see if it lives up to it's name. :)
History/Geography/Read Alouds: We'll be using Sonlight's Core C this year. It is Intro to World History, Year 2 of 2. We did year 1 a couple of years ago and took a little break. I love, love, love Sonlight's choice of history books and read alouds. The read alouds have become some of our very favorite books. If you're ever looking for great reads for your kids, Sonlight's website is a great resource even if you don't use their curriculum.
Science: Apologia Botany We did Apologia Astronomy last year and the girls really seemed to like it. We're going to try botany this year and work through a lapbook. I haven't done any lapbooks in the past, but I think the girls will enjoy doing one!
Handwriting: We've done A Reason for Handwriting in the past. I've decided that I still think handwriting is important, and I want my kiddos to keep practicing! Claire will be doing level D.
Typing: Typing is obviously not going anywhere anytime soon. Typing Instructor was recommended to us by several people.
Art: Claire is taking an art class at our local elementary school once a week along with a regular 4th grade class. She loves art, and we're excited to offer her a weekly class to challenge her!
Gym: The girls will be participating in the gym class that is offered in conjunction with our weekly co-op. They will also be taking swim lessons this fall.
Co-op: This year in their co-op classes, the girls will be studying space, art appreciation through literature, critical thinking, and performance. Should be a fun year!
Meredith {2nd grade}
Math: Meredith will be using Saxon's math program as well. We'll be skimming through Saxon Math 1 and moving into Saxon Math 2 once we're finished with level 1. I decided to go ahead and do the parts of 1 that I thought would benefit her since math isn't her strongest subject.
Reading: While math isn't Meredith's best subject, reading is. Meredith will be finishing up the Sonlight 3rd grade readers during the first half of the year, and she'll begin the same curriculum that Claire is reading now.
Language Arts: Harcourt Grade 2.
History/Geography/Read Alouds: Same as Claire.
Science: Same as Claire.
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting, Level B.
Gym/Co-op: Same as Claire.
Hope you've enjoyed a peek into our school year!
2 comments:
Elijah will gladly give you his opinion of "Easy Grammar" . . . ha!
Sounds like a fabulous year!! :)
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