Aug. 25, 2008
School Year Planning
I'm anxiously patiently waiting for the school books for the coming year to arrive so I can finalize the lesson plans and assignments. D is entering "3rd grade" and J is entering "5th grade." Much of what we have done in the past has worked well, but Latin has been a struggle. J and I have worked very hard together with very little success. I came to the conclusion about a month ago that it was a bad fit between us and the curriculum we have been using. I don't think that Memoria Press is a bad program to use, it just isn't the best one for us.
After searching and reviewing various programs for Latin. We have decided to try Latin In The Christian Trivium. The appealing features are the use of stories, a variety of Bible verses to memorize, and the activities. It will allow for using a variety of learning styles. We are going to use it for both boys and allow them to be completely self-paced.
Here is a summary of our plans for the year.
Together the boys will study:
Nature Study will include trees, insects, weather, and flowers.
Bible will continue to be Bible Study For All Ages. We really like using it. We've had many thoughtful studies.
Copywork will continue to be our memory verse in English, Spanish, and Latin.
For Spanish, we will start using an old college text, Foundations In Spanish. It has good explanations, good dialog practice, a good glossary, and lectures on different Spanish speaking countries.
Sign Language will utilize a 4 CD-ROM set from Instant Immersion. It includes video tutorials, a dictionary, and games.
Physical Education will continue to include cross country, rollerblading, bicycling, pilates, and various games such as basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.
Composer Study, and Artist Study will follow the rotations from Ambleside Online.
They will continue to study the Cello for Music. D may switch to the violin as he really wants to learn to play the violin.
Handicrafts will include a stamped cross-stitch ornament, a stamped embroidered hand towel, a sewn artist case and mini quilt, and a latch hook rug.
Art will be How Great Thou Art Book 1.
Hymn Study still needs to be decided. I'm waiting for the principal to give direction here. The songs will be studied in English and Spanish.
Folk Song Study still needs to be decided as well, see above regarding the principal.
Year 3 for D:
History, Geography, Biography, Literature, Shakespeare, and Poetry, will follow the Year 3 plan from Ambleside Online.
Math will follow Math Made Meaningful Level 3.
Science will be Apologia Press Botany.
Year 5 for J:
History, Biography, Literature, Shakespeare, Plutarch and Poetry will follow the Year 5 plan from Ambleside Online.
Math will be Math Made Meaningful Level 5.
Science will follow Apologia Press Swimming Creatures.
The boys take great pride in their learning. They are very self-motivated and have a lot of fun. Whenever I think a week is getting too busy and challenging they surprise me by exceeding my expectations.
After searching and reviewing various programs for Latin. We have decided to try Latin In The Christian Trivium. The appealing features are the use of stories, a variety of Bible verses to memorize, and the activities. It will allow for using a variety of learning styles. We are going to use it for both boys and allow them to be completely self-paced.
Here is a summary of our plans for the year.
Together the boys will study:
Nature Study will include trees, insects, weather, and flowers.
Bible will continue to be Bible Study For All Ages. We really like using it. We've had many thoughtful studies.
Copywork will continue to be our memory verse in English, Spanish, and Latin.
For Spanish, we will start using an old college text, Foundations In Spanish. It has good explanations, good dialog practice, a good glossary, and lectures on different Spanish speaking countries.
Sign Language will utilize a 4 CD-ROM set from Instant Immersion. It includes video tutorials, a dictionary, and games.
Physical Education will continue to include cross country, rollerblading, bicycling, pilates, and various games such as basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.
Composer Study, and Artist Study will follow the rotations from Ambleside Online.
They will continue to study the Cello for Music. D may switch to the violin as he really wants to learn to play the violin.
Handicrafts will include a stamped cross-stitch ornament, a stamped embroidered hand towel, a sewn artist case and mini quilt, and a latch hook rug.
Art will be How Great Thou Art Book 1.
Hymn Study still needs to be decided. I'm waiting for the principal to give direction here. The songs will be studied in English and Spanish.
Folk Song Study still needs to be decided as well, see above regarding the principal.
Year 3 for D:
History, Geography, Biography, Literature, Shakespeare, and Poetry, will follow the Year 3 plan from Ambleside Online.
Math will follow Math Made Meaningful Level 3.
Science will be Apologia Press Botany.
Year 5 for J:
History, Biography, Literature, Shakespeare, Plutarch and Poetry will follow the Year 5 plan from Ambleside Online.
Math will be Math Made Meaningful Level 5.
Science will follow Apologia Press Swimming Creatures.
The boys take great pride in their learning. They are very self-motivated and have a lot of fun. Whenever I think a week is getting too busy and challenging they surprise me by exceeding my expectations.