Yeah, I know. The school year started a month and a half ago. It's okay. Now you know you are getting what really works for us this year.
Religion - We are using Discover the Scriptures: Old Testament this year. I also do special unit studies for Easter, General Conference, and Christmas. This study is written from an LDS perspective and uses the Old Testament Children's Stories as a spine. We also work on scripture memorization every day. I'm excited to hopefully, one day, try out the older grades.
Handwriting and Writing Curriculum - For handwriting, we are working through a bunch of sheets I found on the web that just copies the Creation story. Since we are studying zoology and anatomy in science and the Old Testament in religion, I felt that was the best fit. I like that it has the kids trace the scripture and then write it independently. Our writing curriculum is the only place that I am still feeling unsure of. I decided to go with WriteShop Primary B for both Turtle and Chicklette, knowing I could make Chicklette's harder, if necessary, and Turtle's as low-key as he needed it to be this year. It's an okay curriculum, but I'm not sure I love the organization. They both really love it though, so that's a good intro to independent writing projects.
Grammar - We are going with the old stand-by of First Language Lessons, put out by Peace Hill Press. It may not be the most inspiring or exciting program in the world for grammar, but it is thorough. I like how it breaks the concepts into small chunks.
Spelling - We are continuing using All About Spelling. Chicklette is in level 3 and is moving through it quickly because it is a little bit of a review for her still. Turtle is working through level 1. We have gotten stuck on the step where you learn about doubling F, L and S at the end of one syllable words, but we will move on soon. I'm glad I have the flexibility to stay on the step he needs until he gets it.
History - Our history spine is Story of the World, also put out by Peace Hill Press. I love the chronological approach of it. I also love how it tells the stories of many different cultures so it is not so American-centric. There is a world and history outside of the United States.
Math - Although I liked the way Singapore Math helped the kids to think mathematically and to play with numbers, I did not like the textbooks. There was no explanatory text that they could go back to for review or extra help. I have been wanting to try out Math Mammoth for a couple years and finally did it this year. I am really liking it so far. The explanations are good and they help the kids to see not only how to do the problems, but why it works. We also do our Xtramath.com every day to review basic math facts and make them automatic in our brains.
UPSTART - Sunshine gets his own program this year. He is doing an online preschool program called UPSTART that is funded by the state. The promised results look great and so far he loves doing his Rusty and Rosie. Cheez-it and Bubbers #2 love to watch as well and I'm sure they are picking up on the numbers and counting as Sunshine does his program.
UPSTART - Sunshine gets his own program this year. He is doing an online preschool program called UPSTART that is funded by the state. The promised results look great and so far he loves doing his Rusty and Rosie. Cheez-it and Bubbers #2 love to watch as well and I'm sure they are picking up on the numbers and counting as Sunshine does his program.
Science - Save the best for last! I am so excited about this new curriculum. Turtle and Chicklette both beg to do science every day and they get so excited when I pull this out. I have purchased from this company in the past and although their materials were well-organized and thorough, the kids did not enjoy it. There was too much writing and not enough to capture their imaginations. This year, enter the Sassafras Twins! I know, the whole house is twins. Anyways, these books tell about Blaine and Tracey Sassafras who use invisible zip-lines to travel the world and record data in their SCIDAT app. It seems to be along the same lines as Wild Kratts, if your kids like that show. Mine love it. The story is pretty fun with lots of adventures all over the world. The kids can't wait to read each new section and find out what happens next. I also highly recommend the Encyclopedia of Animals book that is a support resource. It has great pictures that we love to just look at.
Whew! If you're still with me, thanks for reading. We are off to a good start this year and hope you are too!
Affiliate links included.
Whew! If you're still with me, thanks for reading. We are off to a good start this year and hope you are too!
Affiliate links included.