I began this blog to create an on going yearbook of our homeschool chronicling our highs & lows with photo's and journaling. Through the past few months I have really enjoyed getting to know so many homeschool moms and their families. Being a Homeschoolblogger has been both fun and encouraging. Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy getting to know us and how we learn at home!
Can't believe my little Jesse is a THIRD GRADER next year! He's a joy to home school! Here is what I have planned for him in '08-'09:
Math - Saxon Math 3
I know, I know, some of you read "Saxon" and just cringe but Jesse has used Saxon all along and is doing very well with it. I use this with the older kids too and can see how the curriculum really builds upon itself year after year.
Language Arts - Alpha and Omega Lifepacs for Grade 3
This is the only one I'm not sure about - I used it for Jordan and he did fine and since I still have the teacher's manual I think we are going to use it for Jesse. I think he'll like the satisfaction of completing the workbooks every month and getting a new one. Plus, it's all inclusive so that easy for me. If something jumps out at me at the convention this year, I may change my mind.
Handwriting - He's excited about learning cursive this year, which is integrated in the Lifepacs too!
History - Mystery of History Volume 2
I LOVE this curriculum and am looking forward to studying the Early Church and Middle Ages with the boys next year. Crusades, Castles, Kings & Queens - all from a biblical viewpoint. I will be reading the lessons to Jordan and Jesse and they will do age appropriate activities as time permits. We will continue with our timeline too.
Science - Apologia Young Explorers - Botany
This was a no brainer. Apologia is a perfect fit for our family and I really adore all Jeannie Fulbright's books which utilize a Charlotte Mason approach. This will be our 4th book from the series and this time we are doing a mini co-op with a total of 4 children. Instead of making our usual notebooks to go along with the curriculum we are using a lap book type project from Love to Learn. I'll be posting more about this in the fall.
Reading - Bob Jones Reader for Grade 3
I was able to pick up the Grade 2 Readers from Bob Jones at a used curriculum sale for dirt cheap and Jesse liked the stories very much. It's often the first subject he does on school days. I purchased the Grade 3 readers from a garage sale for only a dollar! I like that I don't have to worry about the content of the stories. He just reads one chapter per day. I was thinking about getting the workbooks that go along but his reading comprehension scores are great so I'm going to skip the "busywork".
Extracurricular activities will look something like this:
Phys. Ed - Soccor in the fall with local homeschoolers. Archery in the winter with local homeschoolers. Open Gym time at co-op.
Music - Co-op music classes or possibly continue with Piano lessons
Art - Jesse enjoys arts and crafts so I'll try to get him in some co-op Art classes (but they fill up so quickly!!). I am also planning to purchase an art book through Rainbow Resource.
Chess - He was in the chess club at co-op this past year and I would like to continue it - but not sure if it's going to fit in our schedule (or our budget). I found a computer game called "Learn to play Chess with Fritz & Chester" that he uses to develop his skill and I'm going to purchase a LEGO chess game for the computer that I know he'll enjoy.
Your plans sound great!
(I will have a 3rd grader next year, too!) :-)
Blessings,
MIchelle
My Students
"Kayla" 10th Grade
Saxon Algebra 2
Streams of Civilization I
Apologia Chemistry
CLE Language Arts 10
Bible
Artistic Pursuits
Spanish I
Currently Reading:
The Wolves of Whilloughby Chase
Cheaper By The Dozen
"Jordan" 7th Grade
Teaching Textbooks Math 7
MOH - Early Church History
Science - Botany
Winston Grammar
Creative Writing
Bible
Typing
Soccor
Currently Reading: Star Wars
"Jesse" 3rd Grade
Saxon Math 3
CLE Language Arts 3
MOH - Early Church History
Science - Botany
Bible
BJU Readers
Piano
Currently Reading:
A to Z Mysteries
"Joshua" Age Three.
ABC's & 123's
Sharing
Manners
Using Scissors
Listening skills
puzzles
