Next Fall's Agenda

This coming week I meet with our academic advisor for the final time this year. We will be handing in our last work samples of the year and choosing curriculum for next year. For first grade we are looking at:

1. Reading: We will continue with our phonics-based reading program (we will probably finish this by Christmas break), The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading

2. Spelling: Spelling Workout

3. Penmanship: Handwriting Without Tears (we will probably finish the second grade book by Christmas break)

4. Vocabulary: Wordly Wise (second grade book)

5. Grammar: First Language Lessons (We currently use this book and are about half way through "first grade". It has 100 second grade lessons as well. If we keep at our current pace we might be able to finish this book by the end of the school year.)

6. Math: We will use both ShillerMath and the boring-ish (but much easier to get her to do it) Houghton-Mifflin

7. History: We will continue with The Story of the World: Ancient Times. We are about half way through this book and when we finish in the middle of the year we will pick up the next level: Medival Times

8. Science: We are going to try a new program called Read, Explore, Absorb, and Learn Science (REAL Science). We will do the Life Science level. It will repeat some of what we have done this year with the addition of plants and human body, but it is a hands-on observation, experimental approach (and one that I don't have to create on my own!)

9. Art: We may try Artisitic Pursuits again. I also think Julia will take drawing class again next year.

10. Music: Julia definitely wants to take her Music Appreciation class again next year, and she will continue to take piano lessons.

11. Spanish? She may take this again at school.

12. PE: I think she will continue with gymnastics and group fitness classes at the gym when it fits into her schedule.

13. First Grade Writing Class. I believe she will want to take this class at school too.


I'm also starting to think about preparing Karley for Kindergarten. She and I will start working on her penmanship skills and her pre-reading skills too. We may also do some fun crafty, seasonal things with other younger siblings at school when the older siblings are busy in their classes. I sure hope this is a restful and rejuvenating summer!