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Choosing a Curriculum Part 2 |
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I also like hands-on projects. We make lots of models, sew the clothes that the people we're studying about would have worn and then dress-up (only in the "manly" costumes, of course), and do messy experiments. We even mummified a chicken once. I wouldn't recommend it. The point is... I look for unusual books to teach out of. It's like a treasure hunt.
Thank God for creative teachers that share their knowledge and talents in books! They inspire me. Mary Ann Kohl, Peggy Kaye, Karyn Henley, etc.
I have found some books that I like that we continue to use over and over. Singapore Math and Math-U-See. Completely different approaches, but both great programs in my opinion. There's also Writing Strands. If you want your child to communicate effectively in writing, this step-by-step method is not only thorough but fun. I love it. If we're tackling something new I usually research different options on the internet, read reviews online, and then take my questions and ideas to the other families in our homeschool support group. They have years of knowledge and experience. That, coupled with knowing my children (lots of worksheets won't fly with these boys), will usually point me in the right direction. I often check books out at the library if they're available and preview them before I buy or go to Barnes and Noble and flip through them over a latte. Then, when I'm satisfied with my selections, if I can't find them used, I order them from Amazon and wait for the UPS driver to show up. There's nothing better than shopping from home! (well, almost nothing)
Here are the resources that made the cut for the trip.
A History of US: Vol 2-6 and teachers guides
Kids learn America: Bringing Geography to Life with People, Places and History
NY Public Library: Amazing US Geography
The Natural Speller
Writing Strands 2 & 3
Typer Island for Windows
Singapore Math 4A/B
Math-U-See Beta
1001 Ways to Introduce Your Child to the Bible
What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers
Turning Back the Pages of Time
US History through Children's Literature
Childhood of Famous Americans series
You'll notice that not every subject has a text. The teachers guides for A History of US offer suggestions for things to do in other subjects that apply to the lessons being studied. Fabulous! We'll use those for art (along with making a travel scrapbook) and music and science. And then there are the many, wonderful websites that I've found. We'll put a list of links up soon.
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