Jul. 17, 2008 - Our curriculum choice for the upcoming school year.
We have used ACE for the past two years. It went very well. The kids gained some structure and discipline for next year.
We have decided to change our curriculum for the 2008-2009 year. After much prayer we believe that we should focus on more writing and grammar and math. So we will continue to use ALEKS math, we had much success with it this past year so we will continue with that.
We are going to use Total Language Plus as our core for the year. We have chosen some that we will do together and some we will do seperately.
The choices for completing together will be:
 |
The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon |
|
A displaced cricket befriends a mouse, a cat and a little boy whose family runs a newsstand in a subway station. The cricket brings fame and fortune to the struggling family business before returning to his country home in Connecticut. |
|
|
Book Summary |
Study Highlights |
||
| Reading Level: | 4th - 6th | Spelling/Vocabulary: | Medium to difficult |
| Category: | Fantasy | Comprehension: | Light |
| Setting: | New York subway station | Critical Thinking: | Light |
| Theme: | Friendship | Biblical Focus: | Trust in God |
| Paperback Novel: | 151 pages | Study Guide: | 6 units |
Related Studies: Music, Chinese culture, family-run business, relocating
Barbara's Note: A great story for those new to this curriculum, it moves right along and is wonderfully believable. The study guide is not as intensive or heavy as the more advanced books, providing a non-threatening introduction to the TLP system. One of the favorites among both boys and girls.
 |
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George |
|
This is an account of Sam's adventures as he lives alone on his grandfather's mountain for a year. Sam lives in the trunk of a tree, catches and trains a falcon and makes his own clothing. |
|
|
Book Summary |
Study Highlights |
||
| Reading Level: | 4th - 8th | Spelling/Vocabulary: | Medium to difficult |
| Category: | Adventure/Fiction | Comprehension: | Light |
| Setting: | Catskill Mountains | Critical Thinking: | Light |
| Theme: | Companionship | Biblical Focus: | God's creation |
| Paperback Novel: | 177 pages | Study Guide: | 7 units |
Related Studies: Nature, survival
Barbara's Note: This has been our best seller for 5 years. Boys and girls alike enjoy the story and it is a good "starter" study for those unfamiliar with Total Language Plus.
And to complete individually:
Haleigh
 |
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink |
|
Caddie is an adventurer, a tomboy, imaginative and brave. She'd rather plow a field than help in the kitchen and is the proud owner of an Indian scalp belt! What will she do when the settlement is threatened with a massacre? |
|
|
Book Summary |
Study Highlights |
||
| Reading Level: | 4th - 6th | Spelling/Vocabulary: | Light to medium |
| Category: | Adventure | Comprehension: | Light |
| Setting: | Wisconsin, 1860 | Critical Thinking: | Medium |
| Theme: | Growing up | Biblical Focus: | Obedience |
| Paperback Novel: | 275 pages | Study Guide: | 7 units |
Related Studies: American history, American Indians
Barbara's Note: Caddie Woodlawn is based on a real character and real events. The family focus and humorous adventures give it broad appeal for both boys and girls. It is an excellent choice for those just beginning TLP.
 |
King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry |
|
Will Sham’s great speed ever earn him the honor he deserves? If the stable boy Agba has his way, Sham will be known as the greatest horse ever. |
|
|
Book Summary |
Study Highlights |
||
| Reading Level: | 4th - 7th | Spelling/Vocabulary: | Med. to Difficult |
| Category: | Historical Fiction | Comprehension: | Light |
| Setting: | Morocco, France, England | Critical Thinking: | Difficult |
| Theme: | Perseverance, Loyalty | Biblical Focus: | Service |
| Paperback Novel: | 174 pages | Study Guide: | 6 units |
Related Studies: Horses, the Muslim religion, King Louis XV, horse racing, geography of Morocco, France and England
Barbara's Note: Even readers who are not "horse-crazy" will get caught up in this high adventure tale, with strong appeal for both girl and boy readers. Warning: Animal cruelty.
Jacob
 |
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray |
|
Adam loves the life of the minstrel, wandering the open roads of the thirteenth-century England with his talented dog and highly respected father. But when Adam's beloved dog is stolen and he becomes separated from his father, his life takes a desperate turn and he must rely on his wits to survive. |
|
|
Book Summary |
Study Highlights |
||
| Reading Level: | 5th - 8th | Spelling/Vocabulary: | Medium |
| Category: | Historical fiction | Comprehension: | Medium |
| Setting: | England, 1292 | Critical Thinking: | Medium |
| Theme: | Confidence in self, overcoming | Biblical Focus: | God's watchful care; integrity |
| Paperback Novel: | 317 pages | Study Guide: | 7 units |
Related Studies: Medieval England, music, fairs, castles, roads, story-telling, law enforcement
Barbara's Note: Adam matures as he proceeds on his journey and we are entertained and inspired as we accompany him on his adventures. A great addition to your studies of thirteenth century England, or included in your literature program as an easy to follow adventure tale. |
Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith |
|
Sixteen year old Jeff can't wait to join the Kansas volunteers and teach those Missouri bushwhackers a lesson. Loyal to the Union cause, he thinks the rebels deserve what they get--until he is trapped behind enemy lines. Now Jeff must choose between a woman he loves and his political values. Will he turn traitor to the North? |
|
|
Book Summary |
Study Highlights |
||
| Reading Level: | 5th - 11th | Spelling/Vocabulary: | Medium |
| Category: | Historical Fiction | Comprehension: | Medium |
| Setting: | Kansas, 1860's | Critical Thinking: | Medium to difficult |
| Theme: | Seeing two sides to an issue | Biblical Focus: | Christian perseverance |
| Paperback Novel: | 332 pages | Study Guide: | 8 units |
Related Studies: Civil War, Cherokee Indians
Barbara's Note: Many customers have asked for a study based on the Civil War. I like this one best because it depicts several viewpoints, exposing us to varied issues surrounding the war. The author interviewed Civil War participants from both sides and compiled their stories into the fictional main character, however, most of the events described really happenedWe are also going to use Exploring Creation with General Science.
This looks like a fun science program.
We will be reading the Story of the Middle Ages for History from Christian Liberty Press.
Along with the Story of the Middle Ages we will be doing a Middle Ages lapbook from Hands of a Child.Middle Ages Lapbook Project Pack
To top it off we are doing a Maine State lapbook for our Maine studies this year.
Again from Hands of a Child
Maine State Lapbook Project Pack
You can get the Lapbooks in ebook format so you can receive them right away.
I think we will have a great year.
