We got our curriculum this past week - how fun!! What with the Kid's Musical this past Sunday, and doing the "single momma" thing while my dh was at a conference this week, well...I haven't even had time to go through everything yet.
Here's an overview:
We are using a Unit Study curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications called The Weaver. We used their preschool/K curriculum "Interlock" and really liked it. So now we are moving on to Volume 1:
Volume 1
The core of The Weaver Curriculum, the "Volume", is one year's study in Bible, Language Arts, History, Geography, Science, Art, and Health. Designed for Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Volume I references Genesis, Chapters 11 through 50.
Each Volume lasts approximately 1 year (I think Volume 4 & 5 last for 1 1/2 yrs on average) so you end up with 6 years - then you repeat the Volumes, with supplements, for grades 7-12. Who knows if we will go that far with this particular curriculum, but it's where we're starting at.
We already have their phonics program, 1-2-3 Read!, so we will just continue working through that. Both my older two are at the point where they are sounding out 3 & 4 letter words, all with the short vowel sounds. I am slowly teaching them about a few sight words, about vowels & consonants, and how certain consonants sound together (sh, th, st....etc.). I'm feeling really good about how they are learning, that they are *enjoying* the process and that we aren't rushing through it. In this particular area, I truly believe slow and steady will win the race (well, it will help them form a sturdy foundation at least).
In addition to a phonics program, we purchased Wisdom Words, a grammar & composition teaching guide, plus Penmanship to Praise (manuscript).
For math, we will be using Math-U-See, we just haven't bought it yet (it's on the list). I'm excited to get started, using Primer (maybe Alpha, not sure yet - just want to make sure we don't miss anything).
So that's:
Bible
Language
History
Geography
Science
Art
Health
Phonics/Grammar
Handwriting
Math
I will be giving the kids music lessons as I can - so basic theory to start, going through basic piano books, instrumental or vocal lessons as they get older, whatever I can. When they need/want additional lessons, we will do that too.
And lastly: civics? It's on the list for MI requirements, but how do you teach that to a 1st grader? Hmmm....
Anyways, I know not everyone likes Unit Studies, or all-in-one type curriculums - but for us, for now, it sounds great! Within four years, I'll be teaching four small children (well, Isaac will be 10 - WOW - 10!!) and possibly have more preschoolers on top of that. I've heard great things about this program and can't wait!!
Lastly, I recommend you head on over to Holly's blog, Seeking Faithfulness, and read her posts on Kindergarten (check out my sidebar "Seeking Faithfulness"). Very thought provoking - what do you think about teaching young children??
3 comments:
Hey, I just wanted to comment on your math choice. We use Math-U-see and LOVE IT!!! I think you should start on the Alpha. We totally skipped the Primer and my son (just turned 6 and has been in Kin. this past year) went straight to the alpha with no problems. In the beginning he and I did practice writing the numbers but he picked that up quickly. We've been taking it slow, doing lots of oral drill to help memorize the addition facts. But I can't imagine why you would really "need" the primer. Just my opinion. Also, as an added bonus, all my kiddies like to watch the video - we usually watch it twice cause it's so short. My next daughter who'll be in kin. in the fall pretty much knows as much as her brother just by observing and listening in - it's really a cool bonus. Like you, we have lots of littles (5, my oldest being 6) and we tried a couple of other math programs (saxon, singapore) but they just took too much time and I thought were a little over kill. MUS is highly recommended, gets the job done, and isn't so parent intensive! Good luck!
Anna
Anna, I wonder about a few of the things talked about in Primer - such as skip counting. My son does NOT know how to do that. I really enjoyed math in school, and I'm hoping my children will enjoy math as well.
Then again, you are the second person to advise me on starting with Alpha - I should listen to those one step ahead of me - at the very worst, I would have to stop and order the Primer, I guess. Most likely, he'll be fine.
Thanks for your thoughts! God Bless you with five small ones - they are *such* a blessing, yet lots of hard work too. Soooooooo tired at the end of the day - but in a good way, IYKWIM!?!
~Lori
Hi Lori,
Skip counting is covered in the Alpha, although maybe they go through it more completely in the Primer. My son knew how to do it - just from us doing it while I swing the little ones out back. But the cool thing about homeschooling is if you have to stop and take some time with something you just do - no stress - no one's behind. You just do what you have to do.
I totally know what you mean about being tired. I'm exhausted at the end of the day. Especially being a pastor's wife, too, we're on our own a lot! But they are a blessing - I wouldn't trade any of it!
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