Our Homeschool : Year 3

About a month ago, I spent two days at CHAP (Pennsylvania's Homeschool Convention). It was a fun time away with a few friends. And then there was all the book shopping, which may be one of my *favorite* things to do. I'm such a nerd.

Next year, Hannah will be in 3rd, Will in 1st, and Peter in Pre-K.
And almost daily, I beg them to stop growing.

I did a lot of research before I arrived, so I had my choices narrowed down. There is just so much out there I would love to do with the kids.

Here's the plan so far...


Hannah : 3rd grade

Math:

• Saxon 5/4. This works well for us, despite the dryness. She is excited about doing it more independently next year.

Language Arts:

• Grammar: First Language Lessons 3
• Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing. This was a big decision. I camped out at their booth and asked a zillion questions. Very excited to get started with this!
• Spelling: Sequential Spelling 3. This is a change for us. It just makes sense to me... more so than other spelling programs we have used.
• Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3
• Poetry: pulling from many beautiful books on our shelf.
• Cursive: A Reason for Handwriting D

Latin:

• Hannah will continue to meet with her Latin class weekly (taught by a homeschooling mom/former high school Latin teacher).

Will : 1st grade

Math

• Saxon 2. I already had it, so I went with it. If it's not a good fit, we'll go back to Horizons.

Language Arts:

• Grammar: First Language Lessons 1
• Explode the Code: starting with Book 2 1/2
• Spelling: I am going to wait on buying something separate for spelling. We will use his Explode the Code words to start.
• Copywork/Poetry
• Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting B

Character through Literature: Beautiful Feet Books (we have all the books, I only bought the study guide)


Everyone

History/Geography:

• Sonlight World History (1+2)
• Geography thorough Literature, Beautiful Feet Books.

Science/Nature Study:

• Apologia's Exploring Creation : Botany
• Hikes, Nature Center programs, and exploring in the afternoons.
  

Bible:

• Bible Study: I'm not settled on what we will be studying.
• Scripture Memory
• Catechism

Music:

• Composer studies starting with these books on Brahms / Schubert and then continuing on in this series.
• Hymn studies
• Piano lessons
• Choir at church
• Kennedy Center field trips
  

Art:

• I will put together a schedule of artist studies and projects before the year begins. And hopefully I will stick to it.
• Homeschool co-op art class.

Still thinking about... how to incorporate Shakespeare. And maybe Spanish....


Peter : Pre-K

This was a hard decision, but Peter will be going to a morning preschool program next year. It is a wonderful school with two fantastic Pre-K teachers. A couple of his buddies will be in his class. He is thrilled!