I have never had the problem of choosing curriculum for the year like I did this year. In April I was sure I knew exactly what everyone needed, but then through the summer I began to have some serious doubts. I hemmed and hawed and finally got everything ordered in August.
As homeschooling moms know-the great thing about homeschool curriculum is all the choices-and the worst thing about curriculum is all the choices! :)
This year I have a 9th grader, a 7th and 6th grader, and a K5er.
9th Grade
Science-Apologia Biology I-we love Apologia around here
Math-Algebra I. Tyler is finishing up his Rod and Staff Intro to Algebra and when he is through with that he will start on Teaching Textbooks Algebra I.
Bible-Sonlight's Bible Study Sampler recommended for 9th grade. I wanted something where he was in the Bible each day and this fits the bill, but I think it is a little light for high school. Sonlight also recommends several theology books to read throughout the year such as The Case for Christ. He does Scripture memory with the family each morning and is involved in a once a week Discipleship group and Sunday School.
Language Arts-Sonlight (literature and creative writing, He will also be memorizing several Scripture passages and famous speeches throughout the year)
Elective-Robotics. He joined a Robotics club at a local high school this year and this will count as a 1/2 elective credit (70 hours).
History-Sonlight's American History.
He is also involved heavily with Boys Scouts.
7th Grade
Science-Abeka Physical Science
Math-Abeka
Bible-Memoria Press Christian Studies I. We also do Scripture memorization in the morning and he will be involved in a Discipleship group and is involved in Sunday School. Again, I believe the Christian Studies I is light for his age group, but I am probably going to think that across the board because I think that is the most important thing I can be teaching them. I am trying to think slow and steady though. Matt, Abbie, and I meet on Friday mornings to discuss this past week's work in their book.
Language Arts-Chrisitian Light Education - this is new to us and so far so good. Straightforward and to the point and no extra stuff that Matt hates. This also includes his spelling which is a special focus for him this year. (oh my) He is also going to be doing lots more writing this year. I put together a little writing curriculum myself that he will be working on. He is still working on cursive, and he practices in the Classically Cursive book by Veritas Press.
History-Story of the World Book 4-The Modern Age. We read together every morning and I check out several books from the library on the subject we are discussing. Some they read themselves and some I read out loud to them. Right now we are just starting the Civil War and I think it is all so interesting about states rights vs the slavery question. The kids-not so much. We also do map work once or twice a week and play Geography Quiz almost every morning. The competition can be fierce some days and other days they just stare blankly.
He is also involved in Boy Scouts and Animal Care. He takes his Animal Care very seriously and I would put him up against just about anyone for animal care knowledge. He reads voraciously about it. If you have an animal question-just ask Matt.
6th Grade
Science-Christian Light Education Light Unit
Math-She is doing Khan Academy right now, but at the end of this month she is switching to Rod and Staff math.
Bible-Memoria Press Christian Studies I (see above).
Language Arts-Christian Light Education. This includes grammar and spelling. She will also be doing the writing curriculum I put together after she finishes The American Girl Writing Workshop book I found for FREE at 2cd and Charles. She loves it! She is also doing Classically Cursive by Veritas Press.
History-Same as the 7th grader
Abbie is also involved heavily with American Heritage Girls, and children's choir at church.
K5
History-he listens in on Story of the World 4
Reading/Writing/Phonics-Abeka
Math-Rod and Staff (love their early years stuff!)
Extra units-We just finished an Ocean Unit I made up a long time ago for the older kids, and we just started a Weather unit. We read books and do little activities to go along with what we are learning. Ten years ago Rebekah, my friend Corla, and I made all these up ourselves. Now they are everywhere on the internet and you can just print out whole units at one time. Wow, that sounds like I am a really old women,doesn't it?
Some units we will be doing are Pilgrims/Indians/Thanksgiving, The 6 Days of Creation, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Christmas Around the World, etc... Just fun Kindergarten stuff.
Bible-we are reading through An Illustrated Children's Bible and doing ABC Scripture memory. This has gone over much better than I ever thought it would. He reminds me to do this and yesterday he begged for one more Bible Story. Of course I obliged, but it might have just have been a ruse to get out of phonics. So far this has been a big waste of his playtime. Although yesterday he blended two letters on his own and those little eyes just lit up when he realized what he had done! I called all the other kids in and they cheered him on and we visited Granny upstairs to tell her. Unfortunately he will most likely expect that kind of response whenever he does anything new from now on. He loves attention.
So there ya go. Now I will go take a nap after typing all this. :)
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