Finch and Wren at work
In trying to avoid a rookie mistake by buying tons of curriculum, I've bought almost nothing. Well, that's not entirely true. We do have Math Mammoth, a new dictionary, some Spelling Workout
books, Learning Grammar Through Writing, and You Can Teach Your Child Successfully: Grades 4-8
. And honestly, I think we could do without the last two! There are a couple more practical items (like a detailed world map) that I'd like, but I'm sure we could do without them if necessary. I'm finding that we already have most everything we need to successfully go about our days. Just like in other areas of our life, I'm realizing that we don't need more "stuff" to have a better experience. I am using Lesson Pathways as a guide for Language Arts. We already have most of the books used for the reading selections and those we don't have, we'll get from the library. I just couldn't decide on a formal language arts curriculum and now, I'm glad I couldn't! I love being able to choose what will work best for each child and that there are so many options available without me spending a dime.
A friend told me about this cool notebooking thing her kids are doing for science and we're going to try it...whenever we get around to science! We haven't done that or history yet, but I bet we could get by with the "educational material" that we've collected over time. Art plays a huge part in our lives, so I also bought The Usborne Art Treasury
which I thought would be a cute way to re/introduce famous works of art to the kids while incorporating something they know and love. So far, the only downside I can see to piecing things together like this is lesson planning! I'm going to have to start doing that soon so that things run more smoothly. Already, I feel like I'm trying to play catch up when it comes to planning. I've already said "let me just get through this week and then..." a couple of times. And it's not that I want the week to be over, it's just that we are so busy living that I haven't had the time. But I will. Just let me get through this week...
Love those paint brushes. We've been doing more workbook type things. Kiah is asking for it. As long as I keep it light and fun she's happy.
ReplyDeleteOh Dee,
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh at towards the end of your post. I won't tell you how many times I've been thankful for the next week; the one where I'll REALLY be organized due to lesson planning. I'm there now as I already look for next week to start and be more organized.
You made a good decision to not buy any curriculum, which I hear is a big mistake of many homeschoolers. I only have one curriculum that I purchased, in our early years, that I know we'll never use. I finally found a language arts I love (First Language Lessons), Spell to Write & Read (phonics), and a math curriculum (RightStart), but have been using bits and pieces from everywhere for all of the other subjects. Lesson planning has been a challenge, like you say, when putting everything together, but once you get a plan, it’s not so bad.
I love the art you’re doing w/your children. I’m looking forward including more in our school.
Hmm! Girlfriend! That is you. I just matched your photostream after looking at your children's name's on the post. I like the new blog. I'm soooooo glad you're back!