update for 2010-2011

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.

kindergarten graduation

We had a fun time at my 6yo's kindergarten graduation. We threw a party at home and invited those families that really played a key role in his life this year. He was so excited to have both sets of grandparents in for the occasion as well. I made a video presentation highlighting his accomplishments in each area.

His dad and I presented him with a diploma and a Bible for which he had been asking.

Lots of fun! I can't believe that our first year in official homeschool is over!

a few blogs I'm enjoying at the moment

Confessions of a Homeschooler - good info about workboxes, preschool and a very cool "Letter of the Week" preschool curriculum

1+1+1=1 - lots of good stuff about Tot Trays, Preschool and elementary homeschool.

I really like her hands-on approach and her recommendations for good toys. Plus, the graphic design and layout is excellent!

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?

currclick freebies

Good stuff available for free in the CurrClick Easter Egg Hunt - including Miquon Math Orange Book and Inside My Body Lapbook with Study Guide. Check out the details

irish blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

notebooking resources

Some very cool stuff available at NotebookingPages.com! I'm thinking about using their 50 States set when we study American History next year.