Second Port: Curriculum

I can hardly believe that July is here. The summer is just flying by us. After much prayer, we have decided to traditionally homeschool both boys and implement Tiny Tots for the girls. With that decision, I have spent the past few days evaluating our options for curriculum. I have heeded the advice of worrying about a perfect curriculum. Instead I hope to find one that fits and is adaptable. Sir Wallace is way ahead in reading and through most of first grade math, but there are some concepts he needs to revisit. While Sir Lionheart is PK4.5, I hope to be able to use some of the same materials brought to his level (i.e. science history/geography). I have at least five catalogs on file, and there are strengths and weaknesses to all of them. For me, though, it is hard to pick something sight unseen. Thus, I have read numerous reviews and the philosophies behind different systems and here is what my picks are so far...

Language Arts/Reading/Spelling:
1. First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind
2. All About Spelling

History/Geography:
1. Galloping the Globe
2. ???
Our History section is the only area I am not sure of right now. Galloping the Globe is highly recommended, so I'm not sure if we will just pick it up and keep it for next year or actually begin using it. Sir Wallace is a big reader, so I really like the idea of Sonlight or WinterPromise. However, it is a big investment and very hard to buy without actually seeing it. Any experience or advice is welcome here. *smile*

Math:
1. Math Mammoth, Light Blue Series
2. Mathematical Reasoning, Critical Thinking Co.
We will use Math Mammoth as our primary resource and supplement some activities with MR. Sir Wallace really likes the Critical Thinking series, so we will supplement with it in many areas.

Science
1. A Beka Discovering God's World
Sir MMH Hubby is a science teacher, and we use it often in everyday situations. I picked up the A Beka book secondhand and hope to use it as a guide for science. I plan on using our local library and hubby for most of what we do.

Handwriting
1. Undecided
We'll pick up one of three: Handwriting Without Tears, A Reason For..., or the Getty-Dubay system. Sir Wallace is not fond of writing, so if there is advice you have I welcome it.

Other
As I said earlier, our boys are fond of the Critical Thinking series, so I plan on restocking the Mind Benders and some other books. We will use Keys for Kids and Adventures in Odyssey for Bible time.

For Sir Lionheart's Preschool, we will be using many resources from my friends and their blogs on the web. I have some File Folder books coming with easy to assemble games in them so I can begin preparing. My hopes are to have a new laptop with working printer soon, and then I can make many of my own resources. I did follow the leads from Homeschool Creations and 1+1+1 and purchased my new laminating machine that should be here next week (yay!). There are still many things to do, like setup the homeschool area, assemble workboxes, and finish cleaning out my storage area...but I am really enjoying our family time this summer as well. Bike rides, library, ice cream, movies, fireworks, and lots of outdoor play. We are truly blessed!

First Port: Workboxes

One topic popped up over and over again as I sought out blogs and websites to help me with our Homeschool Adventure...Workboxes. Sue Patrick and her Workbox System. A few weeks ago, I downloaded her book to my computer and also mentioned that I would be interested in a webinar if she offered one. In many ways I feel like we missed the boat already as seasoned homeschoolers have been to convention or are headed there shortly, and we will not be attending one this year. There are two offered around here: one is over, and one is scheduled during the same week we will be at Family Camp. How nice it was to discover that she would be offering a web conference that I could attend! So, at 2 pm today, I grabbed my laptop, my notebook, and my earbuds (in case of strategic distractions by those 6 and under) and headed into my room to soak it up.

Even after reading the book, it was so much more information and a personal explanation of her philosophy behind workboxes. She explained the system, how to use it, and spent a good amount of time discussing centers, file folders, and posters. While it would have been easy to be overwhelmed, I chose to notice how really anything can be turned into an enrichment activity or lesson. She answered questions, even mine about how in the world to keep the Twin Tots busy while their brothers are in school. There is no question that it will take commitment and creativity, but Sue Patrick gave me two things today:

1. A structure for homeschool. I mean bare bones, here is the framework, you add the building materials type of structure. No matter what curriculum or what activities we develop, it will fit into the structure. And structure means routine. And routine means less chaos at home. And less chaos means a Mama who may be able to think and speak clearly after 2pm., and
2. Open eyes. If I just choose to open my eyes and see what my kids see, notice their likes and dislikes and use those to our advantage in activities and lessons, there will always be something or some way to make it through.

Before you think I am bedazzled and think this is going to be such a perfect and beautiful experience, believe me. I know my kids and I know me. It will be homeschool for all of us.