It’s getting to be the time of year when we start thinking and making plans for next year.  So I thought I’d share how I go about coming up with curriculum for next year.  The first thing I do is see what I already have on the bookshelves and computer for the child.  See if I see something that is being offered for free I usually download it even if I don’t need it at the time.  I then save all this downloaded stuff onto a computer disk so it’s not eating up my hard-drive. 

Next I look to see what I can find for free online.  The math, grammar, and spelling are only accessible online.  So I make a note of the site on my planning page.  I’ll print those all out later after my shipment of ink comes in. ;o) 

After I’m done compiling my list of stuff I can get for free, I look to see what I still need to cover.  If it is something like history or science, I’ll usually make those lessons up myself.  I’ll start writing up my units for these and see what books I have on the shelf that I can use and which ones I’ll need to buy.  I personally don’t like history or science text so I tend to gravitate towards living books.  I’ll make a list of the books and see if I can either borrow them from the library or get them from a thrift store, yard sale, or library book sale during the summer.  I can usually find books for very cheap this way.  I do like to try and buy them if at all possible so I don’t have a time limit and I can use them for the other kids later. 

Keep in mind when planning for the coming year what you’ve covered this year and the typical scope and sequence. 

Now if you must buy curriculum I’d recommend trying to find it for sale used.  Also if you watch during this time of year you’ll see some good sales for new stuff.  I usually get my stuff off of Ebay or Amazon.  If you know of any other sites that sell used curriculum please share them with the rest of us. 

Here is a sample of the list I’ve put together for my middle son.  He’ll be in around 4^th grade next year.  I say around because some things are above, some below, and some on that level.  Remember to do what’s best for your child.  Also don’t be afraid to only use bits of a curriculum.  I’ve pieced together my own before by using some of several different resources.

I don’t think I’ll be buying much this year if anything.  If you’d like I’ll share my list of stuff that I come up with for my kids after I’m done compiling it.

PeeWee 2008-2009 School Year Curriculum plan

Math

CIMP Math

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/primary/default.htm

Grammar/Writing

Cursive Handwriting

http://www.homeeducationresources.com/FREEhandwriting.htm

Words of the Gospel copybook (on computer)

Scott Foresman

http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghbgrd4.html

Reading/literature

James and the Giant Peach literature study (on computer)

Rabbit Hill literature study (on computer)

Ramona Quimby, age 8 (on computer)

McGuffey fourth level reader (on computer)

Where the Red Fern Grows (on computer)

The Red Badge of Courage (book and lesson on computer )

Junior Classics (on bookshelf)

Phonics

Spelling

Zaner-Bloser Spelling

http://www.zaner-bloser.com/spellingconnections/grade4.html

Games to go with list

http://www.spellingconnectionsonline.com/

Vocabulary

http://syndicate.com/

Science

Alligators (on computer)

Animal homes (on computer)

Cats (on computer)

Beavers (on computer)

Living Organisms lapbook (on computer)

Mammal unit (on computer)

Birds lapbook (on computer)

Caves (on computer)

Spiders lapbook (on computer)

Dolphins (on computer)

Moon lapbook (on computer) use with The complete book of Our Solar System (on bookshelf)

Automobiles lapbook (on computer)

Social Studies/Holidays

Aztecs unit and activity pages (on computer)

California lapbook (on computer)

Health/Safety

Bible/Character Studies

Art

P.E.

P.E. co-op classes