2011-2012 Curriculum

I always enjoy sharing what curriculum we're using in our homeschool each year and hearing what others are using, as well.  Below is what we've got in the line-up for next school year.  I may be changing things up a bit as we go along, so check back throughout the year. Rebecca will be in seventh grade and Emily will be in fourth grade.  Just saying that overwhelms me with a multitude of emotions!

Bible:   After years of using Bible curricula, we are going to focus on reading the scriptures throughout the year.  As a family, we believe that story telling is a great way to learn Bible stories, however, now we need to focus more on the scriptures in an indepth study.  We are using the questions from this website to dig a little deeper into understanding the scriptures.  Along with daily reading, the girls will continue their studies in Awana.
Rebecca will be in her second year of Trek  and Emily will begin her second year of Truth and Training.  Sept. through April, they will focus on Scripture memorization and studying the Bible necessary to complete their sections.  AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed using the verse 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

Math: Both girls are switching from their current Math programs to Saxon.  Rebecca will use Saxon 8/7 and Emily will use Saxon 5/4.  I was told that it will be a challenge for the children as they make the change from a mastery learning style to spiral.  They will also not be able to write in their books and that will be the first hurdle to jump over.  I'm up for the challenge, but are they?
"Saxon mathematics for grades K–12 is based on the teaching principles of incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessment."
"Saxon Math for middle grades transitions students from manipulatives and worksheets to a textbook approach. The emphasis in the middle grades is on developing algebraic reasoning as well as geometric concepts. Lessons include a new concept plus a review of previous concepts, and Investigations give students a more in-depth treatment of math concepts."

Grammar: Both Rebecca and Emily are going to use BJU for Grammar this year.  It has a writing program in it, but we will ignore that section.  I have heard fantastic reviews and is highly recommended.  I also found it quite cheap (and new) which made the decision even easier. 





Writing: We will be splurging and learning the proper way to write.  This is a dying art that I'm embarrassed to say, has slipped past me.  I'm excited and overwhelmed in researching Andrew Pudewa's IEW.  I think once I get it in my hands, a lot of my questions will be answered.  Both girls will start with TWSS/SWI Level A.  It is a completely different style of writing that I am unfamiliar with, but hope that through the writing process, the girls will become proficient writers.

"IEW teaches you how to teach your students to write well by using models of good writing.  First, students learn to take notes, then, they learn to summarize their notes in their own words.  From there, they learn tools to "dress-up" their writing and make it more interesting."

Literature:  I will get back with this one as I am currently putting the list together of what will be read throughout the school year.  It will be a combination of classics, science and history. 

Spelling: I have come to the full realization that not everyone can

spell.  My children have a weakness (yes, shockingly) and that is spelling correctly.  We have used Spelling Power for a couple of years now and I love the simplistic way that it lays everything out.  It is a book for children ages 8-adult and uses the 5000 most used words.  They are broken up into 11 levels- not grades.  The children work at their own pace on a level until it is mastered.  If there is word that they can spell, they move on.  There is not a weekly list making it fun and not something to be dreaded.  "Spelling Power’s spiral curriculum approach of repeated, spaced review assures your students will master every word they study."

Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000 for both 4th and 7th grade

Science:  Picking a science for Emily was easy.  I had bought the 4th grade A Beka Science, Understanding God's World, used last year.  All I need are the consumables which are fairly inexpensive. 

This science text teaches students how to recognize plants, observe matter, interpret weather, study insects and birds, and identify rock formations. Students will also study plant germination, oceanography, and astronomy.  I am planning on taking a Charlotte Mason approach using the textbook as a springboard, and make it fun. 

For Rebecca's science for the seventh grade, she will be using Exploring Creation with General Science.  It will be a systematic study of the scientific method, analyzing and interpreting experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, the fossil record, the nature and origin of life, and the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

For both of them, I am planning on getting a membership to our local Science Museum. It is my plan to reinforce what they are learning throughout the school year.

History: Emily is going to have some fun with History next year!  She is going to do a unit study using the Kaya and Felicity.  I am excited to see the 8 time periods she will be studying come to life. 

Rebecca is studying creation to the Crucifixion.  We are using the A Beka 7 History book as a springboard but will fill our history notebook with notebooking pages and  lapbooking projects, while bringing ancient history into the 21st century.  

Geography:  Trail Guides to US Geography for both. 

Music: Piano

Music Appreciation: 12 Famous Composers and the stories behind 101 hymns

Art: projects using nature