We are a few weeks into our third year of homeschooling and things are going well so far. We are in a good rhythm and excited about a fresh, new school year.
Here are the basics we are starting out with this year. We also spend a good deal of time exploring the girls’ ever-changing interests, so who knows where this year will take us!
Math and Literacy
Delaney (age 7, second grade)
- Singapore Math 2A & 2B
- Math games & manipulatives
- Explode the Code Books 3, 4, and 5
- Daybook of Critical Reading & Writing (Grade 2)
Natalie (age 9, third grade)
- Singapore Math 3A & 3B
- Math games & manipulatives
- Spelling Power (we’re starting at Level C)
- Daybook of Critical Reading & Writing (Grades 3 and 4)
Both Girls
- Copy work for handwriting practice
- Reading chapter books – independently and aloud
- Poetry – reading & writing
- Journal writing
- Real-life writing: letters, lists, signs, etc.
- Writing projects of their choice – stories, family newspaper, joke books, etc.
Science
R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Earth & Space Level 1 (Pandia Press) – We are loving this so far! After creating my own units for two years, I am enjoying having things all laid out for me. There are lots of great hands-on activities, which we can supplement with books, further research, etc.
Ongoing:
Nature journals, outdoor photography
Exploring personal interests
Lots of nonfiction books, field guides, etc.
History and Geography
History Odyssey Middle Ages Level 1 (Pandia Press) – I’m going for a year-long history curriculum this year. This one pulls from various reading sources (including Story of the World) and activity books, along with providing extensive book lists for each lesson. We’ve only done one week of this, but so far the girls are enjoying it.
Ongoing:
Geography terms notebook
Reading picture book biographies
Map skills activities
We are using our weekly checklist system again this year, which seems to be the perfect amount of control for all of us. They set a goal to take Fridays off, and seem to be determined to make it happen. They are getting some great time management practice!
Hope your school year is off to a great start!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for posting the checklist! I am printing them now. I have a question about the Science odyssey. Do the student pages come in the book and then you buy extra or do they have to be purchased separately?
I purchased the ebook version and just print out multiple copies of the student pages for my girls. Hope that helps!
Love your list – especially the math and literacy area! I actually just shared the link to this on the Homeschool Classroom Facebook page.
Thank you, Angie!
I loved reading your core list. I’m also a homeschooling mom to three boys. I look forward to reading more here on your blog. Hope your school year is fantastic!
Here is the link for my curriculum list for 2011-2012:
http://ginawithlove.blogspot.com/2011/08/lets-get-started.html
Gina :]
http://ginawithlove.blogspot.com/
I absolutely love your weekly checklist sheet ~ this just might be exactly what I have been needing, for my 8 and 13 yr old ~ can’t wait to try them! I have a question about the Daybooks; I have never heard of them but they look very interesting and am wondering if you suggest the teachers manual along with the student book? Thanks so much!
I don’t have the teacher’s manuals and it’s working fine for us – the books have plenty of age-appropriate instructional info, in my opinion. Hope that helps!
hi, i was curious about singapore math. it’s our first year of homeschooling 3 kids (gr 1, 3, 4) and we randomly chose abeka because a friend uses it. what do you like about singapore? thanks!
I like the emphasis on mathematical thinking, problem solving skills, and mental math techniques. There is not a lot of drill-type practice, but that is easy to supplement as needed. My girls are getting a good foundation in understanding place value, deciding how to solve a problem, and how to do simple calculations in their heads.
The teacher’s manual also has simple games and hands-on activities for reinforcement. Hope that helps!
Looking forward to hearing how you like History Odyssey. I am strongly considering this, beginning with Ancients, after we go through American history this year and part of next. Right now we are using their R.E.A.L Science Odyssey: Chemistry and love it. We plan to get the Earth & Space soon. And are crossing our fingers that they come out with Physics soon. Not sure if we will tackle the Life – I think we have covered the topics plenty on our own already. Anyway, looking forward to hearing about your year
Just curious how things are going at Early Bird Homeschool
Hope you guys are having lots and lots of fun with your curriculum choices!!!
I just stumbled upon your website through Pintrest.. and I must tell you I love it!
We use both the history and science curriculum you are on, and my kids love it! I do too… Both are great!
Can’t wait to read more!
Amy,
I’ve been reading and enjoying this blog as well as your letsexplore blog as well. I am preparing to homeschool my now kindergartener and first grader next year and wondered about your homeschool schedule. What does a typical day look like? I am asking because I really value what you do with your kids and believe we have similar philosophies of education and playing with our kids! I’d appreciate any pointers as we get started.
Thanks
Michelle