Curriculum

Part of what I'd like to do with this blog is to talk about our homeschool adventure. First, let's talk curriculum. A friend recently blogged about her curriculum choices, and I realized I like to know what others are doing, and why they have chosen what they've chosen. Another friend, who is considering homeschooling, asked me "how do you know what curriculum to choose?" And my answer was "Trial and Error!" At least that's been true for me. We started out with Sonlight 100% , but I quickly found out that some of it didn't work for us. So each year, right around January, I start thinking about the following year's curriculum. It's a process that I enjoy (mostly) since I am really able to reflect on what worked for us, what didn't work, and what we need to tweak to work better. Homeschooling is a learning experience for me as much as it is for the children.

So, all that to lead into what we are using and why :)

Each girl is going to continue with piano lessons. They have enjoyed learning from Miss Amanda, who is great with them!

For art, we have been using Artistic Pursuits and taking art classes with Miss Nicki. Love this combo!!

In math we will continue to use Math-U-See, because it just works well for us.

For the past several years, I have been using Sonlight for History/Geography and Read-Alouds. I will continue to use this curriculum, however, the girls will be *combined* and using one core. This will be a big change, but one that is necessary for my sanity. I think it will give us a chance to get deeper into the material if we choose to and time in our school day to learn other things.

We are looking forward to using Apologia's Zoology for science this year. I like that it is all encompassing, and easy for me to pick up and teach. It's also written to the child, so the girls can pick it up and read it themselves.

Language Arts currently is a smorgasbord of workbooks. This is the area where I struggle to find a balance. I don't want them doing busy work, I want them to be challenged and learning, and I definitely don't want tears each day over what we are doing! I am still considering and researching our options for next year.

One new goal is to devote more time to teaching E and R homemaking skills. Not only will these skills be necessary for the future, but once the girls have some of the skills "mastered", they will be a great help to me in keeping up the house!