2010 codeword: simplify

Our education plan for the 2010-2011 is going to look much different than the 2009-2010 school year. Mama needs to simplify. I feel like I need more guidance and more of 'packaged' program instead of coming up with all the lesson plans myself. I still firmly hold to a Charlotte Mason philosophy and I "think" I've found something to fit my plans.

My Father's World
First Grade is affordable ($239 for deluxe set - cheaper than I can scrounge for the individual items), together (just buy the package and they send it to you - wow) and (time-will-tell) looks like a lot of fun. Once I got past the hokey graphics (though they are very age appropriate and will probably make my 6yoB feel more at home with his own drawings), it looks really good. Though he's already much past the reading level, I will use the phonics instruction as spelling practice instead. The math looks fun - hands-on, slow-paced - just like I like it. Subsequent years in MFW looks much light Sonlight but MUCH cheaper. I'm really excited about using this.


Little Pim
For a little treat and intro into foreign language, I'm planning to purchase the Little Pim DVD's for use during drive time (which there is not much of lately) and for a morning break. My 6yoB is very interested in learning Spanish and we have new neighbors across the road who are Hispanic - so gives us an opportunity to practice!


Five in a Row
Our little 4yoG is needing something extra and I'm thinking about Five in a Row. I hope to continue teaching her how to read, but I also want to have more mommy-time with her. I checked the FIAR book last night and it looks great. Basically, you take one children's book (like Madeline) per week and read it every day. The FIAR book contains different "projects" to go along with the children's book in the areas of Social Studies, Art, Applied Math, Language Arts and Science. The goal is to do one project per day for each content area. FIAR also has a cookbook providing recipes from different regions of the world to go along with the children's book of the week - french recipes for Madeline, s'il vous plait.

I've also considered the Language Arts section of Lesson Pathways to fill this need (and to supplement the First Grade curriculum as well), but I need to look into this more and make sure I'm not creating more work for myself.

Physical Education
My plan is to take the kids to fitness classes at our local athletic club beginning in October - when my then 1yoG can go to child care (and mama can go swimming!). We might also start ballet for the 4yoG and soccer or baseball for the 6yoB.

Sounds good to me! Any thoughts from anyone?