Friday, September 5, 2014

What We're Learning This Year


I considered skipping my annual back-to-school books and curriculum post.  In fact, I didn't give it much thought at all this year, but when I put out the question on my Facebook page, the overwhelming response was, "Yes, please write it!"

So here goes.


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As much as possible, I've tried to establish a group learning environment where we all learn alongside each other.  The kids range in age from Gavin who is almost 12 and in 7th grade to Alaine who is 4 and not formally in school so it can be a challenge, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

These are the subjects we learn together and the books or resources we use:


Music (weekly): Alfred's Basic Piano Course Theory, Level 1A

The three oldest are also working independently through Typing Instructor for Kids Platinum 5.


Either before or after our together work, each child has a list of  subjects to accomplish alone. For the first time this year, I gave each child a copy of their schedule so instead of me telling them what to do next, they can look at it and manage their own time.  I did not expect them to like that approach so much and I'm more than pleased at how they are showing initiative to finish their work ahead of schedule!

Gavin (7th grade, almost 12 years old)
Art supplement (weekly, starting after winter break): Let's Make Some Great Art


Maddie (5th grade, 10 years old)
Math (daily): Saxon Math 54
Health (weekly): Period.: A Girl's Guide
Art supplement (weekly, starting after winter break): Draw Me A House: A Book of Colouring In, Ideas and Architectural Inspiration


Owen (3rd grade, 8 years old)
Math (daily): Saxon Math 54
Health with Ben (summer): unit on the human body using various library books such as this oneand this one
Art supplement (weekly, starting after winter break): Let's Make Some Great Art


Ben (1st grade, almost 6 years old)
English (daily): Explode the Code series
Health with Owen (summer): unit on the human body using various library books such as this oneand this one
Music (summer): unit on Mozart using various library books such as this one


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(I did not include a section for Alaine who is 4 years old and will not start kindergarten until next year. She comes to the table every day, though, with her pencils and crayons and asks to do several pages in her workbook. If anyone is interested in a list of workbooks, busy bags, books, and ideas of how I keep her engaged during school hours, I will be happy to write a post about that, too.)





2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing! I love learning about choices for the future.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is interesting for me. Here in the Netherlands, almost all children go to school. The education is subsidized by the authorities. Including the Christian schools.

    Lots of blessings with your important job!

    ReplyDelete

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