Our Curriculum 2013-2014: Kindergarten

coloring in the lines at VBS

My 8th born child is 4 years old. Although we did work on phonics some last year, this will be his first "official" year of school. My philosophy is to start early and keep it fun. Kids absorb so much at this age, and when all their older siblings are learning, they want to participate. 

His younger sister (the "baby") just turned 2, but I'm sure she will do her best to keep up with him. The two of them are inseparable. She already wants to do phonics every time he does, even though she can't pronounce half of the sounds. 

*This post contains affiliate links.

BIBLE

• Questions with Answers Volume 1 from Songs For Saplings* with free printables  from 1plus1plus1equals1. 
• Songs For Saplings: ABC from Songs For Saplings* with freeprintables  from 1plus1plus1equals1. 
• Gopher Buddies Quiet Time from Word of Life

SCIENCE 

Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the 5th Day  Zoology 3: Land Animals of the 6th Day (He will be listening in on his older siblings lessons and participating as able.)

HISTORY

• The Mystery of History, Volume 1 

(He will be listening in on his older siblings lessons and participating as able.)

LANGUAGE ARTS

• Preschool Phonics 
• Draw Write Now, Book 1  with free printables from 1plus1plus1equals1.
• Paper Cutting Practice Strips (to strengthen muscles used for writing.) 
• ABC Pattern Block Designs 

COUNTING & NUMBER SKILLS

• Pom Pom Number Flashcards (adding stickers instead of pom poms)  
• Numbered Punch Strips (using a hole punch)
• How Many Fingerprints booklet

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

counting & cutting

I'm not sure yet what else we will do. We will probably do some cooking together too, since he is anxious to learn this skill. 

See my Pinterest board for Activities Bags/Quiet Books

9th Grade {course plans}

These are the plans I have put together for my children's freshman year. The classes were chosen based on the guidelines for graduation in the state of Virginia but may be varied based on each child's personal needs.  * This post contains affiliate links.

Algebra 1
Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra
Grade Level: 9
Credit: 1

Option #1: 
This course provides a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem solving. It offers a substantial review of pre-algebra fundamentals while also offering a basic overview of geometry concepts of area, volume, angles, Pythagorean Theorem, and perimeter of geometric figures. Major topics include evaluation of algebraic equations, thorough coverage of exponents, polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, complex fractions, solving systems of equations, radicals, word problems, solving and graphing quadratic equations, solving systems of equations, and solving equations by factoring. With Algebra 1, students begin developing the understanding required for entrance into Algebra 2 or Geometry courses and will solve problems with practical applications for use in carpentry, construction, consumer economics, investing, and more.

Curriculum List

• Algebra 1, Saxon
• Mastering Algebra John Saxon's Way: Algebra 1

Notes: As a homeschool student, I hated Saxon math and vowed to never use it with my children. However, my children began looking through my old books and decided that they enjoyed the Saxon approach. My 2nd born son is really good at math, and was able to get himself through algebra, as well as answering any questions his brothers and sisters might have. But since he is now working full time, I decided I needed something extra to help the next set of children to make it through. In my search, I found three different sets of teaching videos for the Saxon series: DIVE, Mastering Algebra John Saxon's Way (by Art Reed), and Saxon's own DVD's. After reading numerous reviews, I decided that the Art Reed set would be a better fit for our family.                                     

Option #2: 
This course introduces students to the language through which we describe patterns. It provides students with the foundation needed to understand higher-level math subjects. Some of the topics include linear equations, linear inequalities, linear functions, systems of equations, factoring expressions, quadratic expressions, exponents, functions, and ratios.

Website  

• Khan Academy (free self-paced course)

• Practice Exercises
• Instructional Videos
• Personal Learning Dashboard

Notes: My fifth born son has not done well using Saxon. As a result, he has needed to do some remedial math to strengthen areas where he struggles. We began using Khan's academy out of desperation but will continue using it because it makes my job so much easier. The whole program is based on mastery, so he doesn't move on until he knows the material. And since everything is graded by the computer, I can just look at his dashboard to see how he is doing, rather than trying to find time to grade all his lessons. The best part is that he LOVES doing his math lessons this way. 

Physical Science
Prerequisites: none (Pre-Algebra recommended)
Grade Level: 8-9
Credit: 1

This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology. It discusses such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, and astrophysics. Students will participate in weekly laboratory  experiments.



Curriculum List

• Exploring Creation With Physical Science, Apologia
• Apologia Physical Science 2nd Edition Lapbook Journal

Notes: I don't see any of my children pursuing a career path which involves science, so I have decided to follow Apologia's slower track for science. If you plan to take Physical Science during high school, keep in mind that it must be completed in 9th grade to count for credit.  

English 9
Prerequisites: English 8
Grade Level: 9
Credit: 1

Option #1:

This course focuses on further developing basic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking. In addition to a review of basic grammar concepts, several new concepts will be introduced. Additional topics include lessons on outlining, poetry, letter writing, and practice in the five essay formats used in high school writing. Research and editing skills will also be taught and practiced.



Curriculum List

• English 9 & 10, book 1, Rod & Staff
• Essay Styles For High School, Train Up A Child Publishing

Option #2:
Students will focus this year on analyzing literature including poetry, short stories, novels, and plays. Students will develop their understanding of literary devices and terminology to be able to express researched critiques of literature. Students will produce a number of literary analysis papers as well as other essays. Additionally, students will be engaged creatively in writing short stories and poetry. Students will use the complete writing process and submit work for peer editing. Students will also read a variety of nonfiction and will be expected to produce a newspaper, newsletter and podcast as part of their nonfiction studies. To improve in their writing, students will study spelling, vocabulary, grammar, suspense, irony, metaphor, theme, mood and foreshadowing.   


Website  

• Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschool  (free self-paced course using online resources)

History & Social Sciences (1/2 or full credit of choice)

Option #1:  
Geography: Map Skills
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: .5

In this course students will learn the basics of reading maps, the history of cartography, and how to draw maps of the places they study. After completing all of the mapping activities, the student will have drawn practically every area of the world, including many of the Pacific islands and Antarctica. Additional skills covered include using a compass, reading latitude and longitude lines, drawing map symbols, using time zone maps, and understanding political, physical, road, city, weather, and product maps. The five themes of geography will also be covered. 

Curriculum List

• Mighty Maps!
• International Geography Quest Note Pack
• Mapping The World With Art

Option #2:
Virginia State History
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: .5


This course covers state government and leaders, historical events, growth and population, natural resources, economics and business, tourism, and cultural distinctions. Students will reinforce research skills as they prepare essays, employ math skills, enhance their writing, and learn about business. 



Curriculum List

• Switched On Schoolhouse State History: Virginia

Keyboarding 
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9-11
Credit: .5




See my Keyboarding {course plan} for more details.


Foods
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: .5

See my Foods {course plan} for more details.


Health: Safety & Personal Care
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: 1


(I haven't finished planning this class yet.)


Additional Activities

• homeschool co-op classes on Fridays
• Bible copywork: beginning to copy the book of Genesis
• Penmanship using Writing for Your Future
• reading from assigned book list, as able

Chore Charts For Large Families

Since the chore chart I used as an illustration on my post about why kids need chores has been so popular, I thought it deserved a post of its own. My first attempts at coming up with a way for my children to keep track of their chores were a disaster. They consisted of separate lists for each child (worked for them, but hard for me if I needed to find who was responsible for a specific chore) and complicated lists with names scribbled all over them. Finally, through a lot of trial and error I came up with a simple system that used color coding. Because I had color coded everything else already (hangers, cups, etc.), my children had no trouble identifying which chores they were responsible for. And it allowed me to have different children doing the same chore on different days, without needing to clutter up the chart with a bunch of names. 



My color code, in order of age: 

• Blue (son)
• Red (son)
• Yellow (daughter)
• Green (son)
• Orange (son)
• Purple (daughter)
• Pink (daughter)
• Light Blue (son)
• Peach (daughter)
• Brown (all)

Some of the chores that have been on our list at different times, depending on what needed to be done and who was available to help:

• Make Papa’s breakfast & coffee/ pack lunch (Back when I was in the midst of raising toddlers and nursing babies, my husband started paying our oldest daughter to get up early and fix his breakfast so that I could sleep in. Our 2nd oldest daughter, age 9, now does it for him. It is the only job on the chore list that earns  pay. 
• Make bed/Straighten bedroom
• Get dressed/do devotions
• Help younger sibling dress
• Exercise
• Place bedding in the wash
• Set table for breakfast/ clean up after
• Make breakfast
• AM dishes
• Feed animals
• Sweep & mop
• Check garbage and compost- empty as needed
• Clean  bathroom (wipe counters, fresh towel, etc.)
• Clean bathroom (toilet and all)
• Vacuum
• Dust/wipe walls clean
• Wash & dry laundry
• Fold own laundry & put it away
• Make lunch
• Lunch clean up
• Lunch dishes
• Set table for supper
• Help with supper
• Make supper
• PM clean up
• PM dishes

Large Family Chore Chart {free printable}

Amy Pak's Time Travelers Series {review}

Lets face it, hands-on interactive education is not always easy. But there are several fantastic products out there that do a good job of lightening the load. The Time Travelers series on CD by Amy Pak is one of them. 

This is the curriculum I have dreamed of creating. It has all the elements I would include, plus a heavy dose of Amy Pak's amazing artistic ability. Each of these studies is made up of 25 lessons of American history which include lapbooking, notebooking, file folder games, projects, food, mapping, penmanship practice, timelines, and a party to top it all off. All the printables are included and they are high quality. Teachers keys are given for all the maps and instructions are complete (down to the type of paper to print on) and easy to follow. The CD is organized according to lesson, which is great if you print as you go. This was the one thing I found slightly annoying since I would prefer to print everything at once, from a single file. But it is a minor inconvenience.

Lessons are short, but informational. However, I did find the pace with all the activities a little hard to keep up. In the future I plan to use these as a supplement to our regular histories which would add more meat to the lessons and spread the activities out more. There are seven titles in the series, and I personally own four of them. 

The Uncle Eric Series {review}

The eleven volume Uncle Eric series provides a great, in-depth introduction to economic, history, and government as you've never seen them taught before. They are fascinating. I found them hard to put down!

These books are written by Richard Maybury aka "Uncle Eric" as a series of letters to his nephew Chris and deal with the topics of economics and government. But there is so much more you can learn from them. For instance, in the first volume Mr. Maybury also touches on educational theory, ethics, and history. Volume 2, Whatever Happened To Penny Candy, contains almost everything I learned in two college level economics classes plus a few things I didn't, explained in a simple and interesting way that even a younger child could understand.

In his first book, Personal, Career, and Financial Security, Mr. Maybury introduces the concept of models as "the way we think and understand the world." I really enjoyed what he said in chapter five about how to learn or teach models. I think it sums up pretty well the way I prefer to teach my children and why it works so well.

"Experience creates models automatically . . .This is why classroom instruction via lecture is the least effective way to teach and hands-on learning by doing is the most effective. We are made in such a way that we build models automatically by doing. Typically, classroom instruction is like teaching someone to play Monopoly just by making him memorize the rules and then giving him a test on those rules. . . Unfortunately, some models are impossible to learn using hands-on process, so one method humans use to substitute for real world experience is telling stories. Stories are used to demonstrate and illustrate ideas."

There is much more wisdom packed between the pages of these books, but I will leave that for you to discover. I can't quote the whole thing here.

There were a couple of things I disagreed with, but I see them as opportunities for additional discussion. For instance, at one point, Mr. Maybury states, "Beware of certainty. Certainty stops inquiry. " In another place he warns to always be open minded because we are humans who make mistakes and we can never be 100% certain of anything. While I understand what he is saying and agree UP TO A POINT, as a Christian I do believe that some things ARE 100% certain. I will be sure to point this out to the children.

* This post contains affiliate links.