Math (2 pages of a workbook a day)
We used a 1st grade math book this past year. We didn't complete it and although I planned for us to continue using it this summer...that hasn't happened so far. We still need to cover adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers. So we'll do that in the fall and then review before we "switch" to 2nd grade after Christmas.
Reading
#1 reads to herself from her level and also aloud to me in some of her "textbooks"
For #2, I've used both Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons & Alpha-phonics--both available at the Library--the latter is what we're doing the most. We also start her "computer time" with Starfall.com--this has interactive Flash Player "movies" for them to click through and learn the sounds of the letters--they also have items you can purchase on there which I didn't know until someone had books that looked like the characters, so it's not heavy on advertisements for their products. We also played ABC Bingo when she was learning letter sounds.
In additon: I do a read aloud like "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" together during/after lunch.
English
We just started this in January and we're using the Well Trained Mind authors' First Language Lessons for the Classical Child. One short lesson a day (the first 30+ lessons were over types of nouns) It covers two years of English lessons with 100 lessons per year. And the thinking is all done for you...just follow the teacher's manual.
History
We use Story of the World by the Wise/Bauer duo. I like the projects...sometimes it's a little imposing, but we always love this hands-on part of the curriculum. Mostly #1 is doing this, but #2 always hears a little and absorbs more than I expect. Like the English book mentioned above, teacher manual is quite easy to follow. Also you can expand with additional books & materials and do as much (or as little) as you time allows.
Science
I found a Science Workbook and we have done some of the sections of it (not my favorite subject) Found in many subjects, these are about 1 1/4 in thick and you can find them at Meijer or WalMart...just check in the books/magazines sections and look for the learning books. It's probably $7 -$12 or so. I think it's worth it because you can pick a topic and follow the instructions (experiments from household items).
Music
Because I'm a musical person...I teach them a little piano (age appropriate) as they show interest. I have a degree in music so I'm passionate about it, but I don't want to force my kids to do what I love...prayerfully they'll find their own passion.
Extras
We get the Children's Zoo and Science Central passes and visit about once a week during the school year as well as 2-3 library trips a week.
IN Requirements & a little more
The requirement for IN HSs is that we have 180 school days. This has opened up a whole world of opportunity for my girls. Since daddy sometimes works away from home, we are free to travel with him or visit with family and friends. I've even heard of people who've packed up their school and headed on cross-country trips...oh yeah, that's us!
We've traveled to Miami Beach (SoBe), Atlanta GA x2, Charleston & Asheville NC, Knoxville TN, Northern Minnesota, throughout lower Michigan, Columbus OH, Norfolk VA, & Washington, DC.
If you go on the Indiana Dept of Ed website you can download the "standards" for each grade level. http://www.doe.state.in.us/standards/welcome.html This is what the schools are teaching toward and it gives you a good idea of where to start off. (I find that these lists are helpful, but not all-incompassing, meaning there are other things I want to teach...e.g. bible, orals, & values...and those aren't covered in the requirements.) Another thought on standards, we don't wait until 4th grade to teach Indiana History...we learn it every year at the Johnny Appleseed Festival!)
This freedom also means that my kid can learn to read at 3 or 10 and it doesn't mean that for the former they need "extra help" to stay with the crowd that's his age or for the latter she is bored and getting into trouble. This also means that my kid can learn more about topics that interest her and we can come back to things that don't. I truly feel that they will learn what they need to learn...just give them time.
We've traveled to Miami Beach (SoBe), Atlanta GA x2, Charleston & Asheville NC, Knoxville TN, Northern Minnesota, throughout lower Michigan, Columbus OH, Norfolk VA, & Washington, DC.
If you go on the Indiana Dept of Ed website you can download the "standards" for each grade level. http://www.doe.state.in.us/standards/welcome.html This is what the schools are teaching toward and it gives you a good idea of where to start off. (I find that these lists are helpful, but not all-incompassing, meaning there are other things I want to teach...e.g. bible, orals, & values...and those aren't covered in the requirements.) Another thought on standards, we don't wait until 4th grade to teach Indiana History...we learn it every year at the Johnny Appleseed Festival!)
This freedom also means that my kid can learn to read at 3 or 10 and it doesn't mean that for the former they need "extra help" to stay with the crowd that's his age or for the latter she is bored and getting into trouble. This also means that my kid can learn more about topics that interest her and we can come back to things that don't. I truly feel that they will learn what they need to learn...just give them time.
Research
Before we made this decision...I agonized over it for months...maybe even a year. It's a hard one and a BIG one, but then I realized that even if it "doesn't work out" we could re-choose school! There's no law (in IN) that says you have to make the decision one time and then sink or swim. You can change your mind each year if you want...although that would probably do some damage to their psyche. I was most concerned about their learning styles and my teaching/learning style. I wanted to do well by them and be able to adapt my teaching to their needs.
I read: Talkers, Watchers & Doers by Cheri Fuller (I have a watcher/talker and a doer/talker. I'm a talker...bet you guessed it!)
And I read/heard about: The Well Trained Mind by Jesse Wise & Susan Wise Bauer (which I will post more about later.)
I just recently read: Better Late than Early by Raymond & Dorothy Moore (encouragement for dealing with my doer/talker)
I read: Talkers, Watchers & Doers by Cheri Fuller (I have a watcher/talker and a doer/talker. I'm a talker...bet you guessed it!)
And I read/heard about: The Well Trained Mind by Jesse Wise & Susan Wise Bauer (which I will post more about later.)
I just recently read: Better Late than Early by Raymond & Dorothy Moore (encouragement for dealing with my doer/talker)
Hanging out on the Farm
Today was spent at Grandma's...getting ready for "the cousins" to arrive. We had a great time except H fell HARD off the swing...pretty much my fault for a hard push (although she wasn't holding on).
C kept asking, "How long 'til the cousins get here?" (You thought I made up that "the cousins" thing, didn't you?) Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until Friday to spend time with them. It's a long drive from VA and they'll be plenty tired. We'll give them a day to rest and relax before we join them for 2 parties to celebrate our newest "cousin" bundle.
Some fun news though--we ran into the TX crew on the way home...engaged in some roadside hugging. Had to give the little one a kiss. H & C were glad to meet him.
C kept asking, "How long 'til the cousins get here?" (You thought I made up that "the cousins" thing, didn't you?) Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until Friday to spend time with them. It's a long drive from VA and they'll be plenty tired. We'll give them a day to rest and relax before we join them for 2 parties to celebrate our newest "cousin" bundle.
Some fun news though--we ran into the TX crew on the way home...engaged in some roadside hugging. Had to give the little one a kiss. H & C were glad to meet him.
It's Summer "Break?"
A neighbor recently suggested that our older daughter stop doing "school" for the summer. I informed her that we will continue with our schooling...even while enjoying our summer break.
Just to be clear...we don't observe Summer Break at our house...is that wrong? Should I feel guilty? Should I relax a little? NO! NO! NO! I'm determined to keep our kids on the path of learning...throughout this fabulous, be it early, summer weather.
Besides, if I were to stop asking them questions, taking them places, and generally having fun with them...people would say that I wasn't doing my job as a parent. Well, I say "pooh" to summer "break/vacation" or whatever you want to call it.
What shall we learn today? How about a little reading...out loud and short "a" words on our own! (Go little one!) Drawing our lines that show movement and emotion. (But, mom...please NO MATH TODAY!)
Just to be clear...we don't observe Summer Break at our house...is that wrong? Should I feel guilty? Should I relax a little? NO! NO! NO! I'm determined to keep our kids on the path of learning...throughout this fabulous, be it early, summer weather.
Besides, if I were to stop asking them questions, taking them places, and generally having fun with them...people would say that I wasn't doing my job as a parent. Well, I say "pooh" to summer "break/vacation" or whatever you want to call it.
What shall we learn today? How about a little reading...out loud and short "a" words on our own! (Go little one!) Drawing our lines that show movement and emotion. (But, mom...please NO MATH TODAY!)
Starting the dreaded BLOG!
Well, I've been blogging (under an assumed name) for a couple years. The posting is inconsistent, but a great place for me to "get things off my chest" so to speak. This isn't intended to replace that blog...it is meant to be a place I can post our schooling stuff and eventually look back at the things we've done.
Hannah is 6 and in 1st grade. She is a great reader and loves to draw. She is somewhat shy unless you take the time to get on her level and then she opens up and is a darling! She loves to hear stories from our childhood and you can tell she's putting those into her memory for...someday! She used to to look just like her daddy, but she's starting to favor me.
Claire is 4 and an offical preschooler. She wants to be a "bid tid" (read: big kid) and pushes her older sister to do the same. She loves to color and is quite good at the details. She has a zest for life that makes me aspire equal her sense of adventure! As my mini- me...she is all girl (dress-up and all)!
Hope you'll stop by often and check out what we're up to...make sure you leave a comment (LOL)!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)