Our Curriculum 2010-11

I have to be honest.  I originally named this...

"the post in which my non-homeschooling friends glaze over"

but opted to get straight to the point. ;)

This year, I'm eating my words. {I know.  You're shocked, right?  Ha!} I've always said that I wasn't in favor of curriculum hopping, as it leaves us vulnerable to learning gaps.  Guess what?  I'm learning to embrace the gaps.  {Embrace the gaps, HMama.  Embrace the gaps.}  Of course, I thought there should be no learning gaps, because I experienced N-O-N-E in my public-schooled education {she says, tongue-in-cheek}.

So, what changed this train of thought? 

"The Well-Trained Mind" 

I think I just heard my veteran HSing friends *gasp*  {she's. just. now. reading. the. homeschool. bible?}  I wish I had a better explanation for not reading this book sooner... other than, it seemed like an overwhelming book when we were just starting our journey of home educating 5 years ago.  A packaged curriculum was my security blanket for making sure I was crossing all of my t's and dotting all of my i's.

The light-bulb is glowing a bit brighter now.  ;) 

Having said that, there really is no 'right way' to do this.  The structure and learning style of every family and child is different.  We all do what is best for our families at the time, right? 

I want our girls to enjoy this learning journey {this season of life comes but once}, so this year, I'm diving in the deep end with both feet {actually, it probably looks more like a graceful belly flop.  just sayin'}.  We are leaning toward a more classical approach.  Less talk of tests, and more on actual 'learning', with a side of fun.

I'm feeling giddy, but overwhelmed.  We have already eased into some of our subjects and I'm trying to figure out how to balance the rest of life with this.  I'm predicting that you may want to give a 2 week notice before stopping by our home, as housework will not be on the top of our list.

You will find us here...

History and Geography:  Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times, Activity Book, The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, National Geographic World Atlas, Globe, wall map, and A Timeline for All Time

(I also caved and bought the book on CD.  I told Gracie that my throat hurt from reading aloud so much.  She replied in the sweetest lil' 8 year old voice, "You could write everything down, and if you get upset, you could use exclamation points."  Too cute, yes?)

Science:  Apologia, Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy, and Notebook journal.  We also bought this guy...

Gracie wanted to name him Walter, but eventually... Nator swayed her sister's vote to 'Elvis Pelvis'.  Creative, yes? ;)

{Upon completion, we'll ease right into the next one, Zoology I, unless the girls change their mind.  ;)

 Writing:  Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
Gracie says that Mr. Andrew talks funny, but I can honestly say that starting this program has encouraged excitement in writing, instead of tears.  I finally feel like we have the proper 'tools'.  Yay!  We plan to weave our writing throughout all of our subjects.

Grammer:  Growing with Grammar  (Gracie: 3rd, Nator: 4th-5th), we also have Fix-It (IEW)

Spelling: Sequential Spelling

Literature: Teaching the Classics {a host of library trips in our future!}

Latin: Getting Started with Latin, English from the Roots Up Flashcards

Math: Teaching Textbooks  (Gracie: 3-4th, Nator: 6th)

Art: Studying various artists using library resources, How to Teach Art to Children, Art is Fundamental, and our occasional canvas. ;)

Also:
 Nator:  Piano lessons, Theater class, ballet pre-pointe, and tap classes.
Gracie:  Guitar or violin lessons (she hasn't decided yet), Theater class, ballet pre-pointe, jazz, tap and hip-hop classes. 
We will be working on cursive handwriting and cooking with Mama, too.  Prayers are appreciated. ;)

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Have you heard of the Heart of the Matter online conference, Aug. 9-13th?  Great speakers are lined up.  I'm especially looking forward to Susan Wise Bauer and Jeannie Fulbright!  It costs $19.99, and includes lots-a-goodies.  For more info, visit their website.

I'll be there, hopefully in my pj's! :)