Thursday, August 5, 2010

Our School

When I was in elementary school, I really wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.  I don't think that desire ever left me.  Maybe that's why I love the idea of teaching my kids.  I also love the 'act' of teaching them, but sometimes it's a bit more difficult to enjoy than the 'idea'! 

We're going to be working in 3rd and 1st grade this year (with Mason tagging along in Tot School).  In our first year I was so sure that everything had to be perfect and from the same curriculum.  I quickly learned that wasn't going to work and was thankful for an adviser who encouraged me to find what worked for my kids.

I have also learned just how differently kids can learn.  I expected my kids to both do and learn the exact same ways, so it was a bit difficult for me this past year when Natalie (K) was not learning things as quickly as I thought she should.  Apparently she's not the logical thinker that Wyatt is, so I had to change things up.  She's very artsy, so allowing her to incorporate this into learning helped to pick things up a bit!
We've dabbled in a few different things:
Sing, Spell, Read, and Write (I didn't love it)
Hooked on Phonics/Math (again, not for us)
Kumon (cute books for preschoolers)

This year what we'll most likely be using:
*Explode The Code (didn't like it at first, now I love it) both kids
*Misc Abeka readers for Wyatt
 *History and Social Studies--i'm still deciding.  We may go with Sonlight, but we'll start out with 2 Abeka books that I have, as well as some History Pockets (these are SO fun!).
*Science--still deciding on this one, too.  I think i'd like to try Christian Kids Explore.  I looked at these a while back at the educational store and liked them.
*Spelling--Evan Moor Spell and Write.  These are fun, short units that the kids really like. 

I also like to download unit studies and lapbooks from the web.  
One of my big goals for the year is to include more literature and outside learning.  Charlotte Mason is where i'll be finding encouragement and ideas for that!

I'm linking this post at the Not Back To School Blog Hop and Angie's blog!

4 comments:

  1. Hi! I found you through the blog hop! Finding the perfect fit for our children is so challenging- isn't it!? I hope you have a wonderful year!!
    (What a cute family you have!!)
    Blessings,
    Jessica

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  2. We have used Sonlight for years and LOVE it! I think literature based learning is "the bomb":)I love that you acknowledge that you are still deciding and that you are willing to be flexible -- that's the key IMO. I have been homeschooling for a long time and I am still deciding too! Have a great year!

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  3. If you like Charlotte Mason, you can check out www.simplycharlottemson.com and they have reading plans for history and literature. We have really enjoyed reading books from their lists to fill in our curriculum and for free reading. I hope you have a great year.

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  4. I love Charlotte Mason philosophy! We'll be using Teaching Texbooks (and Math U See) this year too :)

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