Looks like we're actually going to start school tomorrow.  I've spent much of today preparing and organizing and am looking forward to getting back to a routine.  Only for a couple of days though as the kids and I will join dh in Tucson on Wednesday.  He's teaching a class there, so we'll go and play tourist while he's working.  I think it's the closest thing we're going to get to a vacation this year.  I, of course, plan to throw in a couple of educational activities or stops. The kids are simply looking forward to enjoying the hotel's swimming pool.

We still have a few things straggling from last spring that we didn't finish, so we'll start with those and a fairly light load.  We need to finish up a lapbook on the book of Numbers, and K needs to complete his last 5 lessons in Saxon Math 3 before we move on to the next level. We will be attempting to implement the Workbox system that's all the rage these days.  (As a non-conformist, it's difficult to accept doing what everyone else is doing!)  I think it will help me with scheduling, making sure those once a week areas of study actually get included, rather than left out.  And I'm hoping it will increase self-motivation/independence in the kiddos.

While nothing is set in stone, these are the curriculum choices we're currently anticipating:

K-3rd grade

Bible, science and social studies - Weaver Vol 3 - American Revolution through the Civil War

Math - Saxon 5/4 with DIVE instruction.  I'm concerned this will be too much for K. While he will "get" the concepts, I think the computer presentation and expected work level may be too much for him.  We'll slow it down though and take it at his level.  He's working a year ahead of grade, but of course, his organizational and concentrational skills aren't a year ahead! - (Yes, I know concentrational isn't a word. Couldn't think of one more appropriate.)

Language Arts - a combination of First Language Lessons 3, Wordly Wise, Spelling Workout D by Modern Curriculum Press, Writing Strands and Wisdom Words. My concern here would be with Writing Strands. We've not used it before and writing is K's weakness. We'll supplement with other things as needed,

Spanish - various workbooks, games, etc, but I'm really hoping to get he and C into a local Spanish class for children. Waiting on a call back.

Life Skills - Contenders for the Faith

Other items will be added from time to time, including art, keyboarding, karate and piano.

C's curriculum - 1st grade

Bible, science and social studies - Weaver along with her brother

Math - MUS, finishing up Alpha and planning to start Beta within 2 weeks.

Language Arts - Again, a variety. AOP for phonics, Spectrum Spelling and whatever on-hand resources I have to strengthen skills.

Life Skills - Keepers of the Faith. Also planning some regular craft time with Goggy (my mom) since she will be living nearby in a few weeks.

C will also be involved in Spanish and art, and probably piano.

Listing it out it all seems pretty simple and easy to implement. So why is my dining table covered with additional programs and resources?!! Ah, one of the joys of homeschooling - adjusting to meet the needs of my children as individuals.

Hoping your school year is off to a great start! And if you haven't started yet, I hope you are looking forward with anticipation!