Past Curriculum

In case any readers are curious as to what we are using this school year, here it is.  Keep in mind that things are always work in progress at our house.  Between TOS Homeschool Crew reviews and just needing to meet a child’s needs, we have been known to try something new and set something else aside for a while.

2010-2011

Core Classes

Language Arts (Grammar, Phonics, Reading and Spelling)

All boys ~ read titles for appropriate grade level in the Alaskan Battle of the Books. P and R will ‘compete’ in January at the local IDEA office; Reading Comprehension ‘worksheets’ from ABC Teach and other resources; Write a novel during November through NaNoWriMo

P and R ~ Complete Student Writing Intensive A and possibly move into the continuation course (level B)

P ~ Analytical Grammar; novel analysis using Teaching the Classics methodology; Stories of the Saints Vol. 4 from Catholic Heritage Curricula; Spelling program from Illuminations 1 utilizing Natural Speller.

R ~ Junior Analytical Grammar; Stories of the Saints Vol. 1 and King of the Golden City from Catholic Heritage Curricula 5th grade lesson plans; All About Spelling

D ~ Houghton Mifflin’s Reading books for second grade; First Language Lessons; All About Spelling.

Math

All boys ~ ALEKS, Mathletics, Quarter Mile Math and other resources to supplement learning

P ~ Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra
R ~ Math U See Delta
D ~ Math U See Beta and then Gamma

Religion

All boys work through grade level appropriate Faith & Life textbook as well as bible reading as a family.

P ~ Church History and Vocation Discernment following Catholic Heritage Curricula’s lesson plans for 8th grade

R ~ Exploring the Mass

D ~ Sacramental Preparation following Catholic Heritage Curricula’s lesson plans for 2nd grade, supplementing as desired.

Science

All boys ~ Supercharged Science (kit and eScience materials) for physical science studies; Zoology studies for younger boys using Apologia’s Exploring Creation series, library resources and lapbooks.  Also, learning about electricity with Snap Circuits.

Social Studies (History and Geography)

P and R ~ Story of the World Vol. 4 (modern history) adjusted to fit each child with outside reading, reports, and projects.

D ~ mixture of continent study and reading through ancient history (Story of the World and Mystery of History)

Supplemental Classes

Art

Artistic Pursuits book for appropriate grade level.  Also, Atlier Level 1 for younger boys.

Music

Music Theory and Piano instruction from mom with supplementation with handbells at times.

Physical Education

All boys will participate in family activities (e.g. hikes) and co-op classes. Additionally, they can take Kenpo karate lessons as long as mom is willing to drive them. Possibly ice skating and skiing during the winter, too.