2010-2011 Homeschool Curriculum

We are about 6 weeks away from starting our 4th year of homeschooling! I can't believe it! These past few years have been alot of fun but alot of work too. We've done so much and been through so much together. I've learned just as much as the kids! Every year I do something a little bit different- sometimes it even changes throughout the year! But through it all, God has given us the strength and freedom to continue and I am so grateful to be able to do this with and for my children.

Here's the plan for this year's curriculum and activities:

Zachary, 7 yrs old-
Math, Language, Spelling, Reading, Penmanship- Abeka 3rd grade
Science, History, Health- Abeka 2nd grade
Bible- Bob Jones Press 1st grade
Art- Abeka 2nd grade
Sign Language- Signing Time DVDs
Creative Writing- Spectrum Little Critter Writing workbook 2nd grade, journaling


Katelyn, 5 yrs old-
Math, Phonics, Language, Spelling, Reading, Penmanship- Abeka K (will start 1st grade sometime in November or December)
Science, History, Health- Abeka 2nd grade (with Zach)
Bible- Bob Jones Press 1st grade (with Zach)
Art- Abeka 2nd grade (with Zach)
Sign Language- Signing Time DVDs

We use Abeka pretty much "by the book", but I try to include other supplemental activities that go along with the topics in their books. These are some of the resources I use or will be using:

Mailbox Magazine and teacher idea books
Family Fun Magazine
Science Experiment books
File Folder games
Lapbooks
Brain Quest
Hot Dots
Spellingcity.com
Starfall.com
Various computer software games
Tons of fiction and non-fiction books from the library
Ideas from the blogs I follow (see sidebar for list of some of them)

We are also registered for the fall semester of our homeschooling group. Zachary will be taking Character First (learning about Godly character traits), Science experiments, and P.E. Katelyn will be in the K/1 class and they do learning centers and P.E. There will also be reading programs, field trips and class parties that we will participate in.

Last year we didn't do too many field trips and I hope to do more this year. Some places I'd like us to visit include the apple orchard/pumpkin patch, a florist/greenhouse, the children's museum, the planetarium, a nature center and our state's historical museum and science center. I'm sure we will also participate in several of our library's reading programs/clubs.

Whew! It seems like alot when I type it all out! My plan is not to get overbooked or overwhelmed. Just to have fun but not go crazy. It is hard not to want to do everything, but I have to remember I don't have to do everything this year! Either way, I am sure it will be a great year! Please pray for us and may God bless your coming school year!!