The Fall Curriculum

Note: This is the bare bones of our initial curriculum. We started in August 2010. We have already made some major changes...

So, for year one, this is where we are starting out. I realize that there will be some trial and error as we go. There will be some things that work, and some that don't. I like researching and planning, so I am sure I will always be on the lookout for something better.

That said...

Math was my easiest choice. Our charter school has been using Saxon Math, and Saxon has a homeschool program. And there are accompanying CD-ROMs (another company, DIVE) that teach the lesson alongside the books (for grade 4 and up). I already know which levels to buy, so we're sticking with it. #1 will be Saxon 7/6, 2 will be Saxon 5/4 and 3 will be Saxon 2. (The charter school starts them at grade 1 in kindergarten, so they're ahead of schedule.) I got the CD-ROMs for #1 and 2, but 3 and I will get to do his math together.

I've decided to use Spelling Power. I like that it has one manual that works the whole way through (about age 8 through high school). One of the many educational books I have acquired over time is a Hooked on Phonics 1st grade spelling workbook, so I will probably use that for 3 this year, until I feel like he's ready to start Spelling Power.

I will be doing history with all of us together. I've decided to try The Story of the World, starting with Ancient Times. We'll be using the Activity Book to flesh things out, and be sure to pull in supplemental material to keep the older kids involved. (In my "practice run" this summer, I will be teaching the kids some American History--specifically the Revolutionary War and why our freedoms are worth fighting for. In looking into materials for this, I discovered History Pockets and they look SO FUN! I may subscribe to teacherfilebox.com, because it looks like most of these books are available there--and then I don't have to find shelf space for, or scan and copy, all the History Pockets books I would want to buy!)

For science, we're doing R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey, Life Science, Level 1. This isn't academic enough to cover #1, in 5th grade. So we will be supplementing with Real Science 4 Kids Biology Level 1 (which covers grades 4-6).

For writing, the boys will be using Writing With Ease, levels 1 and 2. #1 will start with Writing Strands Level 3--but she enjoys writing so I anticipate we will move through this quickly.