Curricula?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jennifer O'Gorman Flippen on May 1, 2010 at 3:56pm

I've heard a friend suggest Writing Without Tears. You can find them on the web. I just use the writing included in our phonics program. It is Veritas Phonics. WARNING - NOT CATHOLIC - I think its Episcopal or non-denominational Christian. I like it b/c its readers are based on history and they use fine art in their materials. It is a way to introduce some history and art appreciation. I do have to re-explain things from time to time that are either erroneous or just questionable in terms of the Church's view of history vs. the protestant view. But - I am getting off topic - handwriting. I also use Elizabeth Foss's technique of just using a marble notebook. You read a story and the child tells it back to you in their own words. You write their words (with perhaps some grammar corrections which you can point out) into the book in GOOD pennmanship lightly and the child copies over your writing. I like it b/c it encompasses a few subjects. It covers story-time, discussion, comprehension and listening skills, pennmanship, speech improvement, sentence structure and even art. I use the marble notebooks with a space at the top so the child can illustrate the story or topic they heard. Once we read about hummingbirds. My son and even my younger daughter drew pictures of hummingbirds. So, it encompasses so many studies. All it costs is a marble notebook. Also, you aren't locked into someone else's opinion of what the story will be about. You can read a story pertinent to the child or the time of year. Also, I have a book for all my kids even my 3 year old that I made for her when she was 2! She can scribble in it but stills feels involved. Younger children can do their best to tell the story back and you can write a few sentences for them to do. Who cares if they can't do it very well as it's just a marble notebook. I also decorated their books with a picture and Modgepodge. So, it's personalized. I guess I should stop here - I think I've said enough LOL :) Good luck with your search!

Permalink Reply by Therese Madden on May 3, 2010 at 5:28am

Hi: It is funny you should ask. A friend who has her kids in traditional school was quizzing me this weekend on the same subject. I gave her the low down of various schools of thought about curricula and tried to explain how we apply different techniques to different things. Mish mash is most accurate; let's think of a high falutin' name for it! :-)

For math, I'm currently downloading worksheets, but leaning toward Living Math and/or Singapore math.
For science, we do a lot of nature study and general experiments, slowly introducing chemistry while exploring different types of animals through a combination of ranger-led nature walks, observation, and library books.
For history, we do what interests us at the moment with a combination of library books and various projects/field trips; I lean toward the Well Trained Mind as a curriculum plan for the future.
Same with reading/literature: some poetry, whatever books they want to read, supplemented with a book club with friends.
Religion? CCD, service projects, Saint books, and the bible.
Art, music, etc. are more haphazard but frequent, with home resources plus field trips to museums, symphony, ballet, etc.
Language: weekly Spanish immersion classes and daily Mandarin tapes over breakfast.
Handwriting? Nothing formal; daily journal and other projects such as writing thank you notes, things that are useful and not just for the sake of practice. I also get my K-daughter to help our 2.5yo to learn her letters by writing them all out; she doesn't then realize that she's also getting handwriting practice; it is more of a practical exercise in teaching/sharing her knowledge.

I'm always exploring more and different ideas, so appreciate the discussion and look forward to hearing what has worked for others.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer O'Gorman Flippen on May 4, 2010 at 12:31pm

You sound like me. We joined a Science Museum around here as well as a yearly zoo membership. I think exposure to things is very important for little ones. They soak up experiences like a sponge! Also, sometimes I use DVD's from SONLIGHT curriculum. They have fun ones on science experiments called Discovery Kids and math called Mathtacular. If my baby needs me or "stuff" comes up I can let them watch these and know that they are learning something. This is not the only Math we do - they do Right Start Mathematics (like Singapore Math) officially - but it is good fill-in.

Permalink Reply by Amber Snipes on February 5, 2011 at 11:03pm

Therese,

i am so happy to have read your post, because the way you described HS is the way I want to do it.  I am a novice and am still trying to figure it out for a pre-k and future kindergartner.  I am very creative but am intimated by all the curriculum out there.  I'm not sure which to start with for pre-K and K, do you have any advice?  You sound very knowledgeable.

 

Thanks, amber

Permalink Reply by Tracey Desrochers on June 8, 2010 at 9:41am

Hi there ~ We also use a "mish mash" of all kinds of things that work best for my boys abilities and strengths. We use Teaching Textbooks, Math on the Level for Math~ LLATL for LA ( Learning Language Arts Through Literature) and new to us this year Grammar Revolution for my 13 yo. For Science we use Apologia ( General Science) and REAL Science Odyssey for my 11yo along with lapbooking and living books~ for history we use living books along with Oak Meadow Syllabus 5 ( American History) and Oak Meadow 6 ( Ancient Civilizations) and also Time Travelers CD's by Amy Pak and many living books here too~ and new to us this year TruthQuest study guides. The handwriting program we started off with was actually Handwriting Without Tears~ because both boys had struggles in this area it gave them the confidence they needed and now we use for my 11yo Zaner Bolser methods from LLATL and he is doing great. My 13yo no longer does handwriting as he now has replaced it with typing. The Learning Page has free downloadable handwriting sheets you can try out~ :) tracey

Permalink Reply by Michelle Ouellette on June 11, 2010 at 6:39am

We currently use Seton. I started it with my oldest for a K program and just finished using it for his 1 st grade curriculum. We plan on enrolling our next oldest in the K program while ordering the 2nd grade curriculum. Having 5 (soon to be 6) children under the age of 7, I've found it VERY helpful in keeping me organized enough to give him the lessons he needs. I am able to follow the lesson plans how I see fit to teach him the way he needs to be taught. I still find myself adding in different things depending on his interests at the time as well as his strengths. For instance he loves art, so in addition to the Seton art projects which all deal with the religious celebrations throughout the year...I find many other ways to help give him more projects. Because he loves math I constantly seek out other ways to help him apply his knoweldge in a fun way. But for someone like me who needs to have a structured, organized means of getting through each day...as much as possible...Seton provides exactly what we all need right now. I recognize that may change as the kids get older....what doesn't? :)

Permalink Reply by leanne maree osullivan on July 1, 2010 at 8:42am

Hi just joined this thread. We use a Reason for Handwriting. Its been a great builder, and it is not something we use every year. my DD12 wanted to review her handwriting and improve her writing, so she pulled it out earlier this year.
Maths Saxon maths
IEW
Science normally Apologia science- although there is the new catholic science I have seen advertised coming out soon!!, but we are taking a back seat and we are nature study Australian Wildflower study- lovely old book.
Faith- Bible history and saint readers
Geography- we are studying rivers of the world - my own made up program
history- history links -rome, we are on book 3 and I am reassessing it
cultures- catholic world culture- only once a week
music- the Gift of music - book of composers thru the timelines of music ; piano
art- we have a lovely homeschool mum teaches us art every friday this year
dd reads extensively and we don't do formal english anymore, IEW works well.

thats it, It will change next year.

leanne

Permalink Reply by Elisa on July 24, 2010 at 12:21pm

I have not used it personally, but my friend, who dosen't rave about Seton generally, LOVES their Kindergarten Handwriting book. It's in my shopping cart at adoremusbooks.com (free shipping til Monday midnight on orders over $25 w/ code: SHIP10)