Friday, May 1, 2015

Beginning of the End

It's that time of year! The school year is winding down, field trips are happening, and field day is just around the corner. I love this time of year and am counting down the days until summer along with my children. I can't wait for days spent by the pool and lazy movie nights.




However, I am also in full planning mode for this summer! So far I've nailed down:

History - I've decided to use Story of the World: Ancients by Susan Wise Bauer this summer. I'm assuming we will make it through the first 8-10 chapters only, but it is an easy read aloud that we can continue throughout the next school year.

Bible - The kids have fallen in love with "What's in the Bible" and I am trying to look for ways to flesh it out over the summer. Right now we just watch the videos, usually once a week or so, and then discuss what they've learned. I would like to include some activities, memory verses, or tie in daily Bible reading.

Math - Monkey is going to work through Singapore 1A (already started) and 1B Intensive Practice this summer. He seems to do better with fewer, more difficult problems than a page of drill. He will also continue working on his math facts through XTra Math. I have no idea what Boots will be doing this summer... sigh.... She loves worksheets, but hates for me to actively teach her. She is my highly independent child. Both kids will continue working through Life of Fred.

Handwriting - Both kids will be learning cursive this summer!! I don't know if they share my extreme enthusiasm for cursive, but Monkey and Boots have shown a lot of interest. I've taught them each to write their first and last names, but we will use New American Cursive from Memoria Press to work through cursive in a more systematic fashion.

I'm still contemplating adding back in a phonics/spelling curriculum, but I haven't decided if it will be worth the time. I also want to add in a writing curriculum or start copywork and narration work. Monkey also needs a grammar review as that is emphasized at his school.

Now I just need a spiffy new planner to write it all in!

6 comments:

  1. Wow-that is organised. The Story of the World is an enjoyable read aloud. If you are interested in UK history, then the Great History of Britain is another easy book for young children. I had requests to have it as a bedtime story.

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    1. Thank you! I love organization so this is my fun time. I will keep the Great History of Britain in mind for future reading.

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  2. Wow, I'm impressed! Looks like a well-planned out summer! This is my first year homeschooling, and I just found this simple planner on Amazon that works really great... and it's only about 6 or 7 bucks. Thanks for sharing your wrap-up!

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    1. Thank you! We don't do much work at home the rest of the year as my children are in public school, so we try to make the most of our summers.

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  3. Thanks for the links to your resources! I might also use some of the "Story of the World" books for my kids!

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    1. Your welcome!! I hope you guys enjoy them.

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