I guess you could consider us an "eclectic" Homeschool style. We do not use a "box" curriculum instead we piece together the different subjects from different providers to make what we feel as the "perfect fit" for that year. Here's how we figure out what curriculum to use; For the "core subjects" (math, english, reading, writing) I sit down and go through many different curriculums to find just the right one that fits her skill set, lets be honest, this is where the convention vendor fair comes in handy! Then for her more "elective" subjects ( such as history, science, music, etc.) I sit down with here and we go over muliitple different subject/curriculum options and we decide together what we should do. All in all it takes about a month or more for me to get a solid plan for our next school year. Now lets dive into what we are using this year!
Math-
We started out this year using Saxon math, and I thought it would be awesome! Alas, it is just way to repetitive, and honestly Little Miss was way bored! So we decided to switch.
I was first introduced to this program through convention but I thought it was to far advanced for my little 2nd grader. I went over to a friends house who's son is using this program and we took a look at it and decided it was just far enough advanced to challenge her but still covered a few basic math skills she needed. This set comes with a Student workbook, answer key, and instructional CD's. We did not get the CD's Little Miss thrives on book work and just zones out when she has screen time. So, I thought the CD's would be a waste of our time.
English-
Time for Grammar this year! One of my favorite subjects! So far we are loving this program. It has short and sweet lessons but it sticks! There is no workbook but they are required to copy answers into a blank notebook.
Teach your child to read in 20 easy lessons-
Ok, Here is where we get off course with the 2nd grade work, Little miss is a tad reading challenged. She can read basic books, but at the first sign of a hiccup in her reading ability and she loses all confidence in herself. I am hoping by adding this book in and just solidifying her phonics ability she will over come whatever obstacle she is facing with her reading confidence.
Writing-
Once again we regress outside of 2nd grade material. Outside of all the writing she does with her other subjects we are doing "basic" penmanship, her handwriting isn't horrible but it could use some improvement. We plan to start cursive next year so her print handwriting needs to be on point.
History
Adventures in America-
Little Miss elected to do US History this year, when I was searching for a good program I wanted one that didn't require reading straight from a text book because I knew she would be bored with that... This program has some short stories to go with the lesson and a hands on activity every week! Plus it throws in some knowledge and lessons about the states every week too! Remember to purchase the book Smart About the Fifty States, it is a book required to complete the state lessons once a week. So far we really enjoy this program. I have high hopes for the rest of the year
Science
Another elective by Little Miss, she wanted to learn about the stars. The Apologia Astronomy course was well adaptive for younger kids as well as for older kids so we could keep it and revisit it as the Little's get older. The book is colorful and very eye catching! What I failed to realize is all the activites you have to do require the *additional* Science kit. We have this course on a temporary hold until our kit comes in.
Well there you have it! Our 2018 School year curriculum! We are quite excited for this year and are looking forward to all we learn this year! We will definatly be making some field trips to the Mesuem of Natural science to see the planetarium and several other fun trips as well! Thanks for reading!
**NOTE: ALL LINKS ARE TO HELP FIND THE PRODUCTS. THERE ARE NO AFFILIATE LINKS. THESE ARE JUST THE SITES WE PURCHASED OFF OF. ALL CURRICULUM WAS PURCHASED BY US.**
