We are in the second year of homeschooling and really enjoying it. From the get-go, we knew we would have to take this one year at a time, discerning how our children were learning and seeing if it was a strain on us as a family. We absolutely enjoyed it last year and have seen much fruit from our choice. Taylor Joy and I have bonded through homeschooling and I am so grateful. She is a "quality time" girl and she knows that when we sit down for school it's her time to soak it in.
A part of knowing which curriculum to pick and how to continue on is determined by the goals that we have for our children. Of utmost importance for our family is teaching our children a biblical worldview and having a firm foundation in the Word of God so that they will be able to discern between the truth of the Word and the lies of this world. We also desire to foster a love of learning within our children that will continue in them for the rest of their lives.
Having been to the Texas Homeschool Conference the past two years, we thoroughly enjoyed it and have come back encouraged and exhorted to home educate our children, whether that means homeschool or not (because certainly you can have the same or similar goals as us without homeschooling). We have also been very excited about our curriculum choices and ready to get a jump start on planning for the year. So...all that to say... Without further ado, here are our curriculum choices for the upcoming year:
Taylor Joy (5 years old):
* Phonics, Math, History, Bible History, Handwriting - My Father's World 1st Grade
* Reading - Explode the Code
* Bible - He Has Spoken By His Son (Desiring God), Get Wisdom! (Ruth Younts)
* Science - Science with Water, Air and Plants (Usborne Books)
* Read Alouds - Little House on the Prairie
* Spanish - Flip Flop Spanish
* Fine Arts - Look With Me Art, Drawing with Children
* Spelling - Wordly Wise
* Math Drills - Fact Monster
* Geography - US States/Capitals
* P.E. - Ballet, Tap and Jazz @ Suzanne's; PE Cards for learning breaks
Beckett (3 years old):
* Handwriting - Handwriting Without Tears
* Math - Cuisenaire Rods/Book
* Read Alouds, Science, History, Bible History, Fine Arts, Bible, Spanish, Geography - Learning with Taylor Joy (see above)
* P.E. - PE Cards for learning breaks
Some other great reading that I came across and read in the past year are these free downloads:
Getting Started in Homeschooling
Masterly Inactivity
Smooth and Easy Dasy
Hi! I am stopping by from the MFW Blogroll and co-hosting the My Father's World Homeschool Highlights this school year with Kathi @ A Heart Like Water. This is where MFW families connect weekly, or as often as you like, to share what we are doing in our schools. The first one is Aug 25, the info is on my blog. I hope you join us!
ReplyDeleteKattie
http://2ladybugsandalizard.blogspot.com/
ps: We did MFW First last year and really enjoyed it. I blogged about it weekly and added some crafts too. I hope you have a great school year!!
thank you so much Kendra!!
ReplyDeleteEven though Abigail is only 1, we are thinking ahead about home schooling, and already going to start basic "tot school" with her. It seems all so overwhelming, and I love seeing what other moms I know are doing!