Our Curriculum 2013-2014

It's April 2014 so our school year is almost complete. It's just in time to document the major curriculum we've used this year.   My approach has been rather simple. Not simple as in "easy" ~ not at all actually.  It's been simple as in "not complicated".   Maybe I could say "straight-forward", but you get the drift.  My focus has been on the things I know are most important and that we can do well and consistently.  The rest of the activities just fall into place as we have time or opportunity.   It's been a great year!

Turbo: Age 6  (1st Grade)
This boy thrives on a challenge. He's quick, funny, determined and has a terrific attitude about learning. He is such a joy to teach and learn alongside.  He loves to listen to stories and to read to his sister. It's the most darling thing to see him choosing his free reading books based on what Sweetie will like.  I treasure these special years.  It is my greatest joy to spend my days with these children and couldn't imagine a better way to spend my time.  

DAILY - These are the things that comprised our CORE school day.  

Bible: Reading Bible stories and narrating

Math: RightStart Math B (1st edition) ~ already finished. Math Mammoth Worksheets as supplemental until we begin Math C.

Reading:  Various Library Books

Memory Work ~ Classical Conversations (CC) Cycle 2

Handwriting: Handwriting without tears & various worksheets

Morning Binder: Daily Drawing, calendar, days of school chart, math practice sheets etc. 

NOT DAILY   These didn't comprise our CORE school day, but were done with various regularity thought the year. 

Literature: Various Books (read by me)  (Most Days)

Language Arts ~ First Language Lessons (probably weekly as this wasn't a high priority for me)

Science / Fine Art ~ CC weekly science & fine art; other impromptu things at home

Field Trips ~ Various (Nutcracker, Aquarium, Farm, Disneyland, Legoland, Beach & more)

Presentations ~ Prepare for and give weekly presentations in front of CC class

Handicrafts ~ Beading, Weaving, Household chores, Sewing

We certainly have done plenty of other things, but these are the main ones on the schedule. 

GROUPS

Classical Conversations (weekly for 24 weeks)

Enrichment Program for Science, Health/PE and History (weekly for 12 weeks)

Nature Study (weekly for 6 weeks)

Science / Activity Co-op (weekly for 4 weeks)

Sweetie: Age 4  (Pre-K)

This joyous child loves to play, imagine, dance, sing and more.  While she didn't desire 1:1 lessons in the 3Rs, she loved to do family learning and group activities.   So she participated in everything we did!  In addition, she loves to write and practically taught herself how to form all her letters. Great Job Sweetie!  She's kind, funny, sporty, girly, crafty, entertaining and more...She's truly my sweet joy. 

DAILY (she participated in these lessons each day)

Bible: Reading Bible stories and adding to Turbo's narration

Memory Work ~ Classical Conversations (CC) Cycle 2 ~ shortened review time

NOT DAILY   (While these were not required for her, she always participated.)

These didn't comprise our CORE school day, but were done with various regularity thought the year.   

Literature: Various Books (read by me)  (Most Days)

Science / Fine Art ~ CC weekly science & fine art; other impromptu things at home

Presentations ~ Weekly Presentations given in front of CC class

Field Trips ~ Various (Nutcracker, Aquarium, Farm, Disneyland, Legoland, Beach & more)

Handicrafts ~ Beading, Weaving, Household chores

Lots of coloring, drawing, worksheets and creative crafty activities

GROUPS  (These are required for her and she loved them!)

Classical Conversations (weekly for 24 weeks)

Nature Study (6 weeks)

Science / Activity Co-op (4 weeks)

This week, I promoted her to Kindergarten so we could lay a foundation of doing school together between now and the fall.  She's SO excited to be in Kindergarten and has been doing her daily Math and Reading lessons happily!  It's exciting to see her ready for some light lessons. I love teaching her!

Well, that's all I have time for right now.  

HAPPY EASTER!