This updates the post 2010 codeword: simplify
We be using the following materials for this year:
6y-son: My Father's World 1st Grade
4y-daughter: My Father's World Kindergarten
(We'll do the science from the K program together instead of doing 1st grade science.)
I decided not to purchase the Little Pim DVD's because I want the kids to learn Spanish verbally before trying to read the words. (Little Pim shows the word as it is being said.) I think that showing the kids the words can really throw a kink in their pronunciation. I found and like Professor Parrot. The kids just get to practice saying the words and singing in Spanish.
I also decided to wait on implementing the Five-in-a-Row program. If we see that we need something more, I will add it in later. Instead of buying the FIAR books, I will probably use the resources at Homeschool Share. I have already sketched out a few weeks of activities and I really like the free lapbook materials provided at HSS. I think this would be very helpful in teaching some history and geography.
I attended the local homeschool expo last weekend and it was VERY helpful to talk to the representatives from My Father's World and sit in on their classes. I'm excited about using their curriculum this year and for year's to come. So much of their philosophy of education completely meshes with mine. It's nice to find something already put together that is really something I want to use as-is. Just click the checkbox and a nice box of everything arrives at your door. Very cool indeed.
Showing posts with label education plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education plan. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
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
O
ur 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?
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
O
ur 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?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
officially "educating"
On July 6, 2009, my K5-son officially started kindergarten. In our state, we have the option of associating with a church-related school, often referred to as an "umbrella school". Therefore, legally, my K5-son is enrolled in a private school and I am a private school teacher - not a homeschooler. This has its advantages and the umbrella school we decided to go with, Home Life Academy, makes things so easy. I am grateful that they share much of my philosophy of education as I see many of the same books I'd recommend on their website and agree with many of the articles I read on their site about education and child development.
Unlike other umbrella schools in our area, Home Life Academy does not require a set list of subjects to be taught or require us to use the traditional A-F grading scale. They do require grades be submitted twice a year, but using Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, etc. is sufficient through the eighth grade. Another "perk" in my opinion is that HLA does not require standardized testing (except in rare circumstances regarding high school graduation). HLA uses a great online reporting system allowing me to update our attendance records regularly and also submit grades online.
HLA does require that we submit an educational plan for the year, which appears to be a listing of the books you want to use and subjects you want to teach - as individualized as you want it to be. Also, our state requires instruction for 180 days of the school year, 4 hours per day.
As of July, here is our "Educational Plan" for Kindergarten 2009/2010.
Unlike other umbrella schools in our area, Home Life Academy does not require a set list of subjects to be taught or require us to use the traditional A-F grading scale. They do require grades be submitted twice a year, but using Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, etc. is sufficient through the eighth grade. Another "perk" in my opinion is that HLA does not require standardized testing (except in rare circumstances regarding high school graduation). HLA uses a great online reporting system allowing me to update our attendance records regularly and also submit grades online.
HLA does require that we submit an educational plan for the year, which appears to be a listing of the books you want to use and subjects you want to teach - as individualized as you want it to be. Also, our state requires instruction for 180 days of the school year, 4 hours per day.
As of July, here is our "Educational Plan" for Kindergarten 2009/2010.
| Reading | Pathway Readers Series – Grades 2 & 3 |
| Literature | poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson Seasonal Poetry Anthologies Listen to reading of classic, living books |
| Penmanship | Handwriting without Tears - K |
| Memorization | Truth & Grace Memory Book Book 1 Selections from Robert Louis Stevenson |
| Nature Study (Science) | Observe and Record in Journal (Home Garden, Nature Walks) Read living science books |
| Fine Art | Little Einsteins Simply Charlotte Mason Module 2 Picture Study |
| History & Geography | Fifty Famous Stories Retold Family Book of History (Timeline book) |
| Music | Learn new hymn every month Practice basic music skills (rhythm, tone) |
| Physical Education | Informal outside play at home & parks |
| Bible | Joshua – Malachi |
| Math | Miquon Math - Orange and Red Book |