So I’m a little late with this post. Most homeschool moms share their curriculum choices in August or September. I always seem to be lagging behind… The good thing is, though, I can tell you what we’re liking and what we’re not liking, since we’re already over a month into everything!
My son is in the 5th grade this year and my little girlie is already in preschool. Cry!!! Where does the time go? Anyway, here’s what we’re doing this year in our homeschool.
*affiliate links used
5th Grade
Math: Saxon Math 65
This year we made the switch from Math-U-See to Saxon Math 65.
Math-U-See worked well for us in the beginning but I was really frustrated with how behind grade level it was in many areas. I was always having to supplement it. Fractions, money, telling time…these things and many more just weren’t being covered.
Saxon is a complete curriculum and I don’t have to worry about supplementing it. I actually use it in conjunction with CTC Math and together I think we’ve got a very happy match.
Writing: IEW Student Writing Intensive
We are continuing to use IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) for our writing program this year. Ever since I reviewed this program last summer, my son and I have loved it. You can read my review of it to get an idea of why we love this program so much!
Language: BJU English 5
We’re trying out English 5 from Bob Jones this year instead of our usual Abeka Language book. My son was not a fan of Abeka and I had heard that kids who didn’t like Abeka did like Bob Jones. So we’ll see! So far, it has been an improvement for sure!
Spelling: Phonetic Zoo
I think I need to start working for IEW because I’m loving everything they create. Their spelling program, Phonetic Zoo, is no exception. We’re currently using level A and loving it.
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting F
My son has already learned how to write in cursive but I use this book to keep refreshing his skills. I love that the text uses Bible verses for handwriting practice.
History: America the Beautiful from Notgrass
I heard so many wonderful things about this curriculum but I just don’t think it’s living up to all the hype. Honestly, the text is boring and we’re flying through so much information at such an intense pace that I’m not sure anything is sticking. I think I’m going to slow this down and supplement with some historical fiction. Actually, for a change of pace, I started reading The Light and the Glory for Children and we’re enjoying that so much better.
Science: Apologia
I’ve outsourced science this year. <grins> My mom is taking over this subject for me, bless her heart! She’s doing Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Botany with her grandson right now. When they finish that up they’ll be tackling Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology. (I’m not sure if my mom knows that yet…)
Music: Piano Lessons
My son is loving his piano lessons this year. He has a very sweet teacher and he’s learning hymns. I love it!
Physical Education: Soccer
In the spring and fall my son plays soccer and I think it’s a great way for him to get exercise and have fun all at the same time. Other times of the year we go walking, hiking, and bicycling.
Morning Time:
When I started my own little morning time, I had no idea it was a “thing”. After I saw what other homeschool moms were doing during their morning time, I made some changes to our morning time. Over the years it’s grown and changed for the better. Currently, during our morning time, we read aloud, have devotions and songs, and poem and Bible verse recitation. We also study geography, nature, and pictures. More on our morning time to come!
Pre-K
Main Curriculum: Rod and Staff Preschool
These gentle workbook are the perfect introduction to school for my daughter. She always wants to “do school” like her big brother does, so these workbooks give her that opportunity. I purchased the ABC series set of seven. We’re liking these a lot!
Educational Hands-On Crafts and Activites: Ivy Kids Boxes
I learned about Ivy Kids boxes from another homeschool mom and believe me, these are the best. Ivy Kids is a monthly educational subscription box for kids ages 3-8. Each month, we receive a book and a bunch of fun learning activities based on the book. We LOVE this! Our first box came with the book Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin. And as you can see, below, the box was jam packed with awesome activities. More on this to come!
Physical Education: Soccer and Dance
We’re trying out different activities this year to see what my daughter likes. My girlie took dance classes over the summer and now she’s doing soccer. She’s liking dance a lot better. Being aggressive and fighting for that soccer ball just isn’t her thing. I don’t blame her. It’s not my thing either.
So there you go! That’s what we’re up to this school year. And, due in part to a wonderful book that changed my way of thinking and teaching, we’re actually enjoying each other’s company this year and we’re having fun learning together. A huge and much needed improvement from previous years!
Related posts:
