Well all, I officially have a high schooler this next year who has been homeschooled from the beginning. So, after many years and many kids (8 presently), I've decided to compile my list of tried and true curriculum. These are not your run of the mill curriculum nor are they the most popular or well known. I like to think outside the box and choose what works best even if no one has ever heard of it AND most importantly what works best for my children. This is going to be a series of posts starting with Kindergarten through Second Grade. So, without further ado, here's my list:
(PS. I find the best prices through Christian Book or Rainbow Resource)
Kindergarten:
This is still an age for kids to just be kids. There is no need to overload them with an overabundance of curriculum or even for that matter, extracurricular activities. Let them play in the mud, color, slide down the banister. Let them have fun. They're 5 and not meant to be little adults, they're meant to be children.
Leap Frog Letter Factory DVD
Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Code
M&M's Counting Book and/or Math-U-See Primer
FIRST GRADE:
Again, let your kids be kids. Simple, without fluff, is by far the most effective. There is no need for a 6-8 hour school day. We're homeschooling, not public schooling. They cannot be compared. I have a friend who once told me that in the early years, whatever grade they are in, is how many hours they should spend. So, try to limit yourself to around an hour for this grade.
Explode the Code 1-2 (maybe 3 depending on skill)
Innovative Kids Readers
Math U See Alpha
Abeka Numbers Writing Tablet- I am not an Abeka fan, at all, but this is one resource they have that I find very helpful in teaching children to write their numbers.
SECOND GRADE:
This is where we want to solidify their knowledge of phonics rules. Don't worry too much if your child has not quite "gotten" reading yet. Most children could start school at age 8 and learn in one year everything their peers have learned in school all the previous years. Hence why Pennsylvania's compulsory school age is 8. A child in second grade is typically 7 or 8. If they don't get it this year, they will get it next. Don't stress about it. There is no such thing as normal for any one child. Each is unique with different skill sets.
Explode the Code Books 3-5 or 4-6 (again, dependent on skill)
Innovative Kids Readers- level 2 and 3, maybe 4 (base on skill)
Math-U-See Beta
In third grade, I tend to change it up a bit and go a different direction. I always aim for student-led and for little fluff. Stay tuned for my next post concerning grades 3-5. And remember, at this age, let the kids have fun!
(PS. I find the best prices through Christian Book or Rainbow Resource)
Kindergarten:
This is still an age for kids to just be kids. There is no need to overload them with an overabundance of curriculum or even for that matter, extracurricular activities. Let them play in the mud, color, slide down the banister. Let them have fun. They're 5 and not meant to be little adults, they're meant to be children.
Leap Frog Letter Factory DVD
Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Code
FIRST GRADE:
Again, let your kids be kids. Simple, without fluff, is by far the most effective. There is no need for a 6-8 hour school day. We're homeschooling, not public schooling. They cannot be compared. I have a friend who once told me that in the early years, whatever grade they are in, is how many hours they should spend. So, try to limit yourself to around an hour for this grade.
Explode the Code 1-2 (maybe 3 depending on skill)
Math U See Alpha
Abeka Numbers Writing Tablet- I am not an Abeka fan, at all, but this is one resource they have that I find very helpful in teaching children to write their numbers.
SECOND GRADE:
This is where we want to solidify their knowledge of phonics rules. Don't worry too much if your child has not quite "gotten" reading yet. Most children could start school at age 8 and learn in one year everything their peers have learned in school all the previous years. Hence why Pennsylvania's compulsory school age is 8. A child in second grade is typically 7 or 8. If they don't get it this year, they will get it next. Don't stress about it. There is no such thing as normal for any one child. Each is unique with different skill sets.
Explode the Code Books 3-5 or 4-6 (again, dependent on skill)
Innovative Kids Readers- level 2 and 3, maybe 4 (base on skill)
Math-U-See Beta
In third grade, I tend to change it up a bit and go a different direction. I always aim for student-led and for little fluff. Stay tuned for my next post concerning grades 3-5. And remember, at this age, let the kids have fun!
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