Are you in the process of getting ready to start back to school for the year? I have a lot of variables to consider when I am picking out our curriculum. I have 5 children who are school age this year, the youngest of whom is kindergarten age and the oldest is a senior in high school. I also have 5 boys, so I need something that will keep wiggly boys engaged in their work. I also do not have all day long to do school with my children, since I spend my afternoons at my bookstore.
I thought you might like a peek into what I have picked out for our school year. I do not have a particular Bible program that we use. We feel it is best for our family to just read the Bible together and discuss it, so you will notice that I do not have any Bible curriculum items listed.
I’ll start with the kindergartener and work my way up. He is actually on the young side, since he will not be 5 until the end of this month. He is using Math-U-See Primer, because he wanted a math book to work in. He is also using Explode the Code Online and Teach Your Child to Read in 100 EZ Lessons for phonics. And he is finishing up Handwriting Without Tears Get Set for School. I am also reading to him daily from Five in a Row selections or other classic books.
Our 2nd grader is using Saxon Math 2; Explode the Code Online and ETC Book 2; HWT Printing Power; phonetically-based readers; and KONOS for history and science with older siblings.
Our 4th grader is using Saxon Math 5/4; HWT Cursive Success; Abeka reading books; Easy Grammar Grade 4; Sequential Spelling; KONOS (covers science and math).
Our 8th grader is finishing up a Math-U-See textbook, and then he is moving up to Pre-Algebra from VideoText Algebra. He is also using an 8th grade Upton math book to hone his mathematical skills. He is also using Sequential Spelling; Easy Grammar; He is also using Apologia General Science. At some point, we will work on his writing skills. I am just not sure that he is ready for WriteShop.
Our 12th grader is doing things a bit differently this year. We are currently in the process of setting up dual enrollment with a community college. So her class schedule at home is going to be lighter this year. She is going to be working on History of the World by KONOS, which covers history, language arts, art, and Bible. She is also using Apologia’s Chemistry book. If we are able to get her in the classes she wants at the community college, that will be all that she takes at home. She is in good shape on her credits for high school. I worked on her transcript this week, and it looks very well-rounded.
If I were just starting our on our homeschool journey, a few books would be on my list to buy. I would want a copy of The Homeschooler’s Book of Lists; Homeschool Methods; and a subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. These would be in my “teacher’s arsenol.”
I carry many of these books on my website. If you have any questions or comments, I welcome them at orders@dhss.com.
