Homeschool Curriculum Plans

I'm beginning to research various curriculums that will be useful in our eclectic homeschool setting. Since the beginning of my decision to homeschool, I've been using various resources and techniques to give Justice a basic learning foundation. I'm so happy with the progress that she is making, at 4 years old she is reading very fluid and can read 1st grade level reading materials.

Because of this success I've decided to continue making my language materials and utilizing library reading materials to supplement our language learning. To help the transition from preschool to formalized homeschool instruction I've come across a few resources that I believe will help direct us in this process. My plan is to begin this formalized instruction at the age of 5.

To summarize the focus of our homeschool instruction I have 9 subjects, with a core emphasis on the first 5 that we will do daily, 6-9 will be sprinkled throughout the week:

1. Worship
2. Language (Reading &Writing/Comprehension, etc...)
3. Math
4. Memory/Recitation
5. Art/Music (Alternate)
6. Science
7. History
8. Models
9. Play

This will be an outline of my vision for how these 9 subjects will successfully be achieved.

Worship:
Bible Stories/Topics
Praise
Prayer
Mission focus on Fridays

Language:
Phonics (National Right to Read Foundation)
Reading (Controlled Vocabulary and Read-a-louds)
Writing
Reading Comprehension in Words/Speech
Spelling
Vocabulary (Children's dictionary)
Grammar Curriculum (Shurley Method)


Math:
Math U See Curriculum

Memory/Recitation:
Various Subjects (Bible verses, Spanish, English subjects, etc...)

Science:
Subject Books (Pick a topic find free resources to study further)
Memory
Experiments

History:
History of the World (Susan Wise Bauer)
A Child's History of the World (Virgil Hillyer)
Various Supplemental materials

Models:
History Models that we will create from craft materials (lap books, dioramas, etc...)

Art:
Simple Drawings
Coloring/Painting
Crafts
See the Light Shine Curriculum (Down the line)

Music:
CD's
Piano

Play:
Involvement in a Sport or group activity (Basketball, Tennis, Football, Dance, Karate, etc... Just one for each child)


An example schedule:
Monday- Worship, Reading, Writing, Comprehension, Math, Memory/Recite, Science Memory, Science Learning, Art/Music

Tuesday- Worship, Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar, Math, Memory/Recite, Science Memory, Science Learning, Science Experiment, Art/Music

Wednesday- Worship, Reading, Writing, Comprehension, Math, Memory/Recite, History Curriculum, American History Memory, Geography with Sociology/Biography, Art/Music

Thursday-Worship, Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar, Math, Memory/Recite, History Curriculum, American History Memory, Geography with Sociology/Biography, Art/Music

Friday-Worship, Reading, Writing, Comprehension, Math, Memory/Recite, Missions, Model, Art/Music


*I will alternate daily between Art and Music, and weekly between geography with sociology and Biography


My plan is to fully utilize the public library for free resources, and discount stores for supplemental materials, the following is a list of things I will eventually purchase at discount or retail price:

1. Supplies for Science Experiments (new)
2. Science Experiment book
3. History Curriculum (new)
4. Math U See Curriculum (new)
5. Math Measurement Tools (new)
6. Shurley English Grammar Curriculum (new)
7. Materials for Weekly models (cheap, $1 stores and the like)
8. Praise book/cd (new)
9. Mission children's book
10. Bible topic workbook (new)
11. Speech tips book/print materials

(7 new)

*Note to self: Writing with Ease and Institute for Excellence in Writing (Materials for 3rd and up)
*Note to self: Look into Prima Latina for Latin Education (Materials for 2nd grade and up)

My YouTube Account!

So I've finally built up the courage to join the YouTube world!

Here's my account:



Lady of the House Diaries YouTube

My channel is an extension of my blog, it's main focus is my homeschool journey, hope you guys enjoy!

:) :) :)

Puzzles and Audiobooks

We're focusing on concentration and patience. To do this we have introduced puzzles to the mix of our activities! It encourages her to persevere and focus until the project is finished.
I went to the dollar store this week and had a great time buying 16 piece and 24 piece puzzles. Today we finished two puzzles together, a 24 piece Winnie the pooh and 16 piece Disney princess puzzle. I probably should have bought more 16 piece sets because she is having a blast with those.
My goal is to have her piece familiar puzzles together while listening to an audiobook. This week we checked out a Winnie the Pooh unabridged audiobook, so I'm going to let her listen to that while she does her activity.
I'm really looking forward to this strengthening her patience skills, she tends to get frustrated very quickly, and I want to see her break this habit by encouraging her to do more orderly activities, in an organized way.
I think with my son I'm going to encourage this type attitude earlier with a Montessori style approach, thankfully I'm learning new methods as I go along. I can't turn back the hands of time, so with my three year old I'm incorporating Montessori type methods with her where I can so she can develop her concentration and patience skills.
I'm excited!