As most of you are aware, I will be homeschooling Elizabeth for kindergarten beginning this fall. I have reached curriculum decisions after talking with several of my friends who have been homeschooling for much longer than I have. Kindergarten - stick to "the three Rs" - reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic.
For reading, I will be using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. I was able to land a free copy of the book, too! Yay! (thank you, so much, Patty! I'll pay it forward) Since Nin wants to learn to read, too, I will probably start teaching them both once the book arrives - in about a week.
For writing, I will be using A Reason for Handwriting. We are going to the first-grade level as Elizabeth has already mastered what is in their kindergarten books. The initial plan was to use Handwriting Without Tears; however, I asked for Elizabeth's input between the two workbooks and she liked A Reason... better. I think she was drawn to the pages they have that she can write on and color. I don't plan on always letting my kids pick their own curriculum - but it's handwriting, not physics, you know? I like the idea of using Scripture to teach her to write. My friend, Kim, says that when her older girls went through this book they would color the border page, write that week's Bible verse on it and give it to someone (friend, grandparent, grocery store clerk, etc). I love that idea. Her daughter who is Elizabeth's age will be using this handwriting curriculum, too.
For math, I will be using Saxon Math One. Again, we're going to first grade curriculum since E has mastered what is in their kindergarten level book. We'll see how this goes. I'm pretty much clueless on what all is involved here and will find out next week when I actually buy the curriculum. I look forward to sitting down with all of it and planning our year!
By the way, Mardel is having their Education Celebration sale on Thursday (July 17). The sale is twenty percent off all education and school supplies, homeschool and kids products. This would be why I'm buying curriculum next week.
I'm also on the lookout for crafts we can do during September and early October. Ideas and suggestions gladly accepted!
3 comments:
The biggest problem with learning to write is learning to hold the pen or pencil properly. The pencil should rest against the thrid finger with the thumb holding the pencil on the opposite side. The first finger rests on top and if done peoperly you can slide the pencil up or down by moving the top finger in either direction and then sliding the thumb and third finger together in the same direction. Very hard to explain but if you can hold the pencil this way there is no excess pressure on hand, fingers or wrist. The most that should happen is a callous developing on the third finger from the pencil. No fingers sore from gripping the pencil, no wrists sore from holding it or writing at the wrong angle, etc.
Sounds challenging but wonderful! I wish you luck!
I am so excited for you guys. We used HWOT because in true boy fashion he doesn't like to color. Horizons math and Five In a Row. Our co-op group projects and fieldtrips were the best. I used www.enchantedlearning.com for monthly craft and art projects.
Azzia (jitterbug 01)
Post a Comment