This is the year I typically begin to implement my preferred methodology of 4r'ing (research, reason, relate,record) into my children's home school program. By 4th grade they can usually compose well-crafted thought and enjoy reading enough to engage in it. Here is where learning becomes more fun and less about getting the foundation established.
In the beginning I start with Abeka, not because it is the best -- but because it works. I've used it in a variety of classroom and home settings enough to know. I've used it with very bright children and those who struggle. It still works. Every year when I purchase their curriculum I wonder if I'm stuck in a rut and missing something else that could be of great value. I usually know when I'm ready to move on. This year was no exception. I do not like 'fill-in-the-blank' education and this is a lot what you get from Abeka, however, the phonics program works. So now that we are reading well, on our own and aggressively. Now that there is a good grammer/language foundation. We are ready to progress.
This year we will move completely away from workbook language and grammer. I've gone to my stash of books and pulled out a couple that I think we can easily develop a good grammer core with. Well begin with parts of speech and move in to sentences, punctuating, agreements, clauses, etc. I will begin the little basic drills in Daily Grams. Its a good language starter. They are short lessons and give structure. I can have the student start on this while I get a lesson set up. It is incremental and doesn't interfere with more invovled lessons I will be doing in the basic year's course.
Our history will change significantly this year too. In fact, this is a new book that I haven't used, but have spent a lot of time reviewing. The basic text: A Child's History of the World. I like the basic structure of this book. I think the author's feeling that there is a need to super simplify is not as crucial as he believes. Some of his tone seem's a little too immature for the age level. I'll work with that as well as the Christian concepts that are not in keeping with the restored doctrins of the LDS faith.
I'm still searching for someting that will work for me for science. This would be my difficult area. With only having one day at home, Monday. This is our 'weekend.' We homeschool on Saturday because we are at our shop that day. I need a curriculum that isn't too lab-driven. This is a bit difficult considering the subject itself. I will continue to pray and search. It will work out.
Math: Math-U-See Gamma. Yes! On to multiplication! My kids have loved the change to this curriculum and while I am sur there are others out there that work and maybe even better. This one does too. So why rock the boat. We enjoy the DVD classes with Mr. Demme too.
We have a solid piano course working for us now that I am excited about. Music is a very important part of education and I can already tell this is helping tremendously
Art was successfully implemented via classes at my store. Corrinne has done well there. I'm going to look for some of my drawing programs I have in my supply area to add to this year's course of study. It might work well for days when she needs a de-stressor or I'm a little of course for whatever reason. They do happen and its good to have something light - but productive.
Now I am on to find me a good reading list for the year.
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