homeschooling for the curious - what curriculum we use

There is a ton of stuff out there and some of it is really good.  Plus, there are gobs of resources.  These are the curricula materials that we have decided on for now, but it doesn't mean we won't switch if something else will suit us better or take advantage of other materials alongside of these.  So far, we have been happy with our choices.

First, just as a side note and an addendum to the last homeschooling post where I mentioned approach - it might be helpful to know that we have chosen a Classical approach to learning in our home.  We are therefore enrolled in a supplementary program, Classical Conversations, that meets in age-group classes once a week.  Here, the girls get to engage with their peers in various science experiments, art projects, memory work, etc... But it is only a supplemental program and we work through several subjects at home.  We do follow a schedule and use specific curriculum. Here is what we are using this year:

Math - Math U See (both Hope and Maddie use this curriculum)

Science - A Reason for Science (Hope uses the curriculum, though Maddie participates in the observations/experiments)

Spelling - All About Spelling (Hope uses the curriculum, though Maddie works on the phonograms too)

Handwriting - Maddie is using A Reason for Handwriting, Hope is journaling each day with a writing prompt to further practice writing skills and refine handwriting in preparation for cursive.

History - We are reading through The Story of the World

Reading - Maddie works through Bob Books and beginner readers, Hope reads chapter books to herself and sometimes aloud to mom and occasionally prepares a book report, Mom reads to the girls everyday. Last year, Hope also used some reading comprehension workbooks.

Memory work - through Classical Conversations and the accompanying resources, both Maddie and Hope will memorize 600 facts spanning subjects of math, science, history, geography, Latin grammar, and English grammar as well as a history timeline.  Believe it or not, this is actually one of their favorite things - this will be Hope's 3rd year and Maddie's 1st, though Maddie has enjoyed memorizing with Hope in the past years. 

Additional learning - our family will participate in a variety of learning experiences or "field trips" including visiting the library, historical sites, farms, and museums, taking nature walks/hikes, cooking, exercise, culture and tradition and whatever else catches our fancy or incites further interest.  I try to work in crafts/art here and there and encourage their creativity.  They are also afforded plenty of time for play.  

Comments

[Kirsten]

Thanks for doing these posts, Tricia!