We just started our 5th week of school this year.  I thought it was about time that I posted our curriculum.  First of all, this is not at all what I thought we'd be doing just a couple of months ago.  I had my mind (and heart) set on doing the Prairie Primer.  We're still doing the Little House books, but not using the Primer as our total curriculum.  A couple of my friends introduced me to www.amblesideonline.org and I quickly was addicted.  My girls have commented that "this is the best school year ever".  Because they are so close in age, I've put both of them in Year 4.  We do a lot of reading out loud.  Daily, I find them arguing over who gets to read what out loud.  This is how school should be.  To top it all off, I'm enjoying the topics and reading just as much as they are.  Here's what we're doing (subject to change at any time!  LOL!):

Musicial Instruments-violin and piano

Penmanship/copywork- Bible verses and famous quotes

Music Appreciation-Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin

Artist Appreciation-Van Gogh/Rembrandt

Foreign language-Rosetta Stone French

Handicrafts-Keepers at Home

Nature Study-Secrets of the Woods, The Handbook of Nature Study, Keeping a Nature Journal

Science-The Story of Inventions, Madame How and Lady Why

Religion-Polished Cornerstones, Trial and Triumph

Geography-Kon Tiki, Minn of the Mississippi

Literature-Robinson Crusoe/The Incredible Journey/Rip Van Winkle

Poetry-Tennyson/Dickinson/Wordsworth

Shakespeare-Romeo and Juliet

Grammar-English For the Thoughtful Child 2

History-This Country of Ours, Prairie Primer

Math-we're still undecided.  We've always done Singapore and actually have the new books.  I have one child who dreads math.  I'm trying to come up with something that will make it more fun and something she looks forward to.  So far we've been playing a math game called Count Down.  The girls love it.  I'll keep you updated on what we come up with.

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Posted by

It's such a good feeling when they really enjoy what you have chosen for them to study. I thought we would have a tough time with Erin this year but she has been eager to read her new books & seems to enjoy everything we have read so far. She didn't want me to stop reading Marco Polo today. On the other hand, Abby seems to think everything is boring this year, even her poet this term, Emily Dickinson, seems to be getting the yawn from her. I am hoping this is just an adjustment period until we get back in the swing of things. Hopefully our nature excursions will help liven things back up for her. I'm so glad your girls enjoy their studies this year, maybe their excitement will rub off on Abbs. We should get the girls together for some math games.
Samantha

Edited by momma2aejsk on Sep. 12, 2006 at 6:32 PM

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Posted by 5atkins

I have never even heard of Charlotte Mason until this year. I have enjoyed the classical style and she seems to be very similar in many ways. I have gone to ambleside, but I admit I haven't found it very easy to use. Your list was very userfriendly! :) Do you live near a large city library? A friend of mine is using Konos and she is having a hard time finding the books at our small library and even using the county borrowing system. I like the idea of using living books and such but find it hard to find most of the books free. My friend just purchased Karen Andreola's Charlotte Mason Companion. Have you read this? She highly recommends it! Hope you are able to find a math program you like. Thanks for sharing your curriculum and the posts about your trip to the esturary. I pray you have a safe and wonderful trip to France! I would say bonjour but I have no idea how to spell it! :) LOL Oh wait maybe it is bon voyage? As you can see I don't know much!
Godspeed! In Him, Eva

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