2009-2010 Curriculum Plans: Revised Version

So, what's that saying about mice and men and their plans?

I didn't even realize that I had posted already about plans for next school year. At this point, my plans are much more solidified, and materials have been purchased...for the most part. I have mulled some things over and made a few changes.

History

I decided on My Father's World Rome to the Reformation (MFW R2R). I have since wavered on this choice, but for now I am holding strong. I considered putting together my own American history program...but I finally made the choice to continue with the next chronological step in our history studies. I still have to study these materials to see just how much of the program we will use (it includes science and Bible also) and how we will use it.

Here are some of the books we will be reading:

• Augustus Caesar's World
  
• Galen and the Gateway to Medicine
• Trial and Triumph
• Dangerous Journey (Illustrated Pilgrim's Progress for Children)
• Twice Freed
• Bronze Bow
• The Door in the Wall

We will be using The Story of the World 2 as a spine. As I study the LCC philosophy more, I may again change my mind about this much history. For now though, I am content.

Language

Grammar was my second hardest decision. I had decided to combine Primary Language Lessons with Shurley 2. There are things about each of those programs that I really like, and things about each that I am not crazy about. At some point I began to reevaluate that choice and started searching through other materials. I finally found one that I really liked--Junior Analytical Grammar. However, it is recommended for 4th or 5th grade. So, I revisited our current choice--Growing with Grammar. Ultimately I decided that GWG is a solid program, and that there was no need to fix what wasn't broken. We will continue with Growing with Grammar 3. Also, we will continue using Spelling Workout.

For writing, I purchased Writing Tales 1 after much deliberation, and I am very pleased. I was worried that it might be too much for Riley, but after seeing it I am convinced it will be a good fit.

Math

This is the one subject that I never wavered on. We have thoroughly enjoyed progressing through Bob Jones Math. Next year we will be covering BJU Math 3.

Bible

My plan at this time is to continue the Rod and Staff Bible Nurture and Reader series. We started this program late in this school year, so Riley would finish level 2 and begin level 3 in the next year. I really like the thoroughness of this program...as I have stated often before. However, Riley has begun to complain about the amount of work it requires. I want to teach her to perservere and be diligent, but at the same time I don't want Bible to be a dreaded subject in the day. Consequently, I will continue to review this material and look further into the one I mentioned here.

Science

We will be evaluating this further after I peruse MFW further. MFW R2R covers the human body and astronomy. It also weaves the lessons in with the history and the Bible...so, this might be the direction we take. I had planned to focus on nature study, but another good thing about the set up of MFW is that it includes a weekly nature study/journal day. For nature study I love following this blog: Handbook of Nature Study. I am also looking at My Nature Journal.

Independent Reading

The Sonlight readers have been a hit...though some of the books were more captivating than others. The biggest plus of using this schedule, though, has been the reading confidence that it has built in Riley. We started these late in this year as well, so, if she doesn't finish them this summer, she will continue reading them into the next school year.

Here are some of the titles she has coming up:

• Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill
• Emily's Runaway Imagination
• Henry and Ribsy
• Encyclopedia Brown
• Misty of Chincoteague
• Marco Polo
• McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm

Latin

I am still planning to purchase Lively Latin for next year. I have heard very positive things about it. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I plan to.

Electives

Logic--Mind Benders
Music--Themes To Remember and Classical Kids
Art--Atelier