After much research and prayer, we finally decided on curriculum for the 2012-2013 school year. Let me tell you, if you've never tried to choose homeschool curriculum, just Google it. The options are OVERWHELMING!
So here we go! Our first grade line-up:
Our Bible curriculum is from BJU Press. It's a nice curriculum, but after starting it I came across something I like better. We won't switch this year, but there will be a change next year. We are also using the Hide 'Em in Your Heart cd. Love it!
This is our first year using Math-U-See. So far, Adeline and I both really like it. I didn't take a picture of it, but the program comes with a large box of manipulative blocks. It's a very hands-on program that makes math tangible. There is also a short video that goes with each step. We are doing 1-2 steps a week right now. We watch the video one day, then the subsequent days we practice what we learned. Once Adeline has mastered that step, then we move on to the next.
This is also our first year using All About Spelling. If you aren't familiar with the program, it's similar to Math-U-See in that it's very hands-on, one step at a time at the pace of the child. With this program, we are currently doing about 3 steps a week. I anticipate slowing down, though, as the skills get more challenging. It's a pretty intense phonics program - I have been learning things right along with Adeline!!
We are using Amanda Bennett's Unit Studies this year - beginning with Chocolate Challenge! We will have a different unit each week. Up next is Goofy Geckos! Stay tuned for posts about our unit studies. You won't believe how much Amanda packs into each unit!
We are continuing this year with BJU Press Reading. I am really happy with this program and Adeline is doing well with it.
After much debate, we chose A Reason for Handwriting. I love this handwriting program because each week the student practices writing a different Bible verse. At the end of the week, a "pretty" paper is chosen and colored. Then the verse is written on the paper and it's mailed to someone special. Adeline has requested we send verses to "people without a home." The city mission, maybe?
We started BJU Press Spanish this year. This is definitely a subject where EVERYONE is learning! It is taught by DVD (hooray!) by a really neat teacher. All the kids love Spanish class!
To meet our health requirement, we are using The Human Body from Answers in Genesis, as well as some free materials I picked up at our local health fair this spring and plenty of real life experiences (like meal planning, trips to the grocery store, visits to the dentist and fire station, etc).
Last but certainly not least, we started Write Shop Primary this year. This is an excellent program for building writing skills. The lessons are short (usually under 10 minutes a day/4 days a week). Adeline loves these lessons and looks forward to writing with Mom.
That wraps up first grade! Adeline will do a couple co-op classes during MOPS this year and will participate in a co-op PE class through the local college. She will be in AWANA once that gets going in September, and started dance class last week - which she really enjoys! And as if our schedule isn't full enough, she will take piano lessons and join 4H this year. WHEW!!
Now on to preschool! Braxton began our "official" preschool curriculum this year. There couldn't be a kid more excited to start school! He is so proud to be "4 years old and in school." We are using the same BJU Press K4 material that we used with Adeline - but modified a little since Braxton already participates in part of Adeline's day. We have lots of hands-on activities that both Braxton and Sadie can work on together. One new thing I got this year is a set of preschool activity cards and the games that go with them. Braxton, Sadie and I use 1-2 cards each day. Lately we've been working on colors, counting and fine motor skills.
Braxton will be in AWANA and Library Story Time again this year.
Sadie is along for the ride! She does lots of coloring, Do-A-Dot painting, Play-Doh, mini marker board and anything else she can get her hands on!
So how do we arrange all this? Stay tuned! :)
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