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Curriculum Ideas

I know this is not the most interesting post, but I am writing it for my own reference more than anything else.

Here are my curriculum ideas as of right now:

Anthony needs/enjoys being challenged in math and reading. So, I want to make sure our curriculum has strong math and gives him lots of reading practice.

Math U See - after some research, I think this program will be perfect for my smart and wiggly worms. I really like how the guy on the video explains the concepts, and I know that Anthony will too. I also believe Luke will do well with this program as well, when his time comes :)

Five In A Row I also want to make sure that our curriculum can easily be adjusted to include my younger 2 children. This curriculum seems PERFECT for that purpose. Also, it has tons of reading (of GOOD children's literature) and seems easy on me as far as prep time/materials/ etc. goes. At the same time though, there seems to be a lot of room to create fun activities and be inspired by the books themselves. I need that freedom and flexibility to do as much or as little as I want, without compromising the quality of the curriculum... if that makes sense. I have been looking through the teacher's manual, and am loving what I am seeing so far.

As I have been researching, and really thinking about my own philosophy of teaching, and our purpose behind homeschooling, I have really come to identify with the Charlotte Mason Method. Read more about it, here: What is the Charlotte Mason Method?

I also want to do some Bible every day as well, but am not sure if I will get something structured like the Bible Notebook and Reader from My Father's World or if something more relaxed would fit the bill nicely as well.  I have a feeling the latter may be true. We could do a story weekly, and can work on writing through that. Who knows. I really don't want to over-think this.

Anyway, those are my thoughts so far. I do know that I do not want my children to be sitting doing busywork for hours a day. I want them to get outside and learn by living. I want to teach them how to observe their environment, and draw conclusions. I want to teach them to think critically, and how to find (and enjoy the process of finding) the answers to their questions. I also want them to continue to love books, and being transported to the world the author writes about.

I know that this upcoming year is going to be far from perfect, and am trying not to put too much pressure on myself. But I also know that it takes way more effort for me to plan something than it takes other people. So while it may seem like I am over-thinking, I need to do this so I can be prepared somewhat. I am so excited to start this!!!

 I am also thankful to have some good friends who are going on this homeschooling journey with me. One of my best friends is starting this year as well!


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