Oh my gracious! I already feel like this school year is going by so fast. Nic has started this year with great confidence and a bit of 'tude'... attitude, that is. I'm thinking it's the 10.5 year old in him... and a little bit of a button-pushing gene... not really sure where that came from;)
Fifth grade has proven, thus far, to be pretty good... and relaxed. We are in our third year of home schooling, and I think we're finding our groove. It feels good to KNOW that you're doing the absolute best for your kiddos. They all learn differently, and we must adjust accordingly. That being said, I still have two in the public school system, and Nic at home. We will continue this way until it doesn't work anymore... or the Lord calls for a change.
I wanted to share the things we will be using this school year. I will try to add links where they are available. Just motion over the name of the curriculum, and it should highlight. Click, and it will direct you to the appropriate website.
Bible: At the beginning of the school year Nic chose the above bible verse for our 'school motto'. I gave him several to choose from, and this is the one that spoke to him. In addition to our daily reading, we also discuss a Psalm and a Proverb per day. I think it's important for kiddos to learn what the Lord says in regards to knowledge, and gaining wisdom; as well as how to live daily for Him. Next week, we will begin a weekly memory verse, and prayer lists. This will be compiled into a notebook that he can reference as desired.
Spelling: This is our third year to use Natural Speller. I really enjoy the flexibility of this program. The words are grouped together in lists according to (you guessed it...) spelling. For those who like to change things up from week to week, this is an awesome, flexible way to 'do spelling'. And to be honest... we need free-choice and a variety of activities for some subjects. Keeps it from getting old.
Grammar: We don't spend a lot of workbook time on this. We generally play games, and do hands-on activities (games and such). When we feel workbooky (is that even a word?) we do Easy Grammar 5. This program teaches grammar by learning prepositions, and removing them from sentences before picking out other verbiage.
Handwriting: This is the year for cursive. ~sigh~ I'm procrastinating a bit with this one, but plan to use Handwriting Without Tears... beginning Monday. So far, he can sign his name. THIS, I consider progress.
Vocabulary: I have always been under the impression that vocab can, and should, be taken from daily reading. With that being said, Nic is having a great time journaling the 'Word of the Day'... on a semi-regular basis. He frequently asks what words mean, and is curious about word origin. I have purchased, but have yet to start Wordly Wise. I'll let ya know if I decide to use this. I don't want there to be a vocab-overkill.
Reading: This happens daily and has, thus far, been on-level, Nic's choice. Beginning soon, I will be choosing literature for him (shhhh... keep this our lil secret). In addition to structured reading, he will have multiple opportunities daily for silent reading.
Math: Saxon Math has been our friend for the past three years, and we are currently in the 6/5 book. The beginning of this book is review... a lot of review, so I will be sitting down sometime soon to get to the challenging math. The math that is calling to be worked... the new to Nic math. Once I get that settled, then I will form a plan that we will follow weekly. This plan will include several days from the main textbook, a day or two of Living Math, and logic.
Geography: I know the local school system is learning something at this time of year. I'm good with this. Nic has been asking about the geography of the states. Where are they located? What is the capital? Shape of the state? We have played some games while working into a program that, I think, I will write myself. Very exciting! Post more on the later.
Science: Oh Science, how we love you. This may be one of the favorite things in our day. We are using Sonlight Science for 5th grade, and so far, so good :). This year we will be learning about health, medicine, and human anatomy. And i have been known to throw an experiment or two in there, as well.
Writing: I want to give Nic an easy transition into writing, or composition, as some say. With keeping that in mind I chose a curriculum that fit our family and the way we work and learn. Writing Strands has been a great fit so far. And until it shows itself in a different light, we will continue to use it.
History: History, in our home, is taught by unit studies. We will begin with Story of the World Vol. 1 Ancient Civilization... also next week. Cannot wait to jump right into this. We will only be using this as a spine, and will pull other activities from other sources such as, Mystery of History. Notebooking will be a large part of learning our history material. As soon as our units on the ancients in complete, we will move on to Greek Mythology, and wrap it up with American History (1607-1800).
Artist study/picture study, art, and nature study will be implemented within the next few weeks. These things will be done on Fridays, and will be a great way to wrap up the week.
If you should have any questions, or comments, please feel free to ask.
Next in line... scheduling.
cw
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