2008-2009 Curriculum Plan, part 1
For those who are interested, I'm going to post my curriculum plans in several stages, to make it easier on both the writer and the reader. If you are not interested in curriculum in the least, I won't be offended if you skip this post altogether!
I'm still ironing out much of this and expect a few things will change (other than math & science) through the year. Budget has been a big issue in planning this year, so I'm hoping to add some things second semester that I just couldn't afford right now.
First up, Big Brother, S (almost 14):
8th Grade
Bible - finishing Old Testament Survey from Logos School Materials
Catechism - memorizing Shorter Catechism
Spelling - Apples 2
Grammar - S is still finishing some random lessons we missed in A Beka's Grammar and Comp. I from 7th grade. He's doing this because 1. I want him to focus more on writing than grammar this semester; and 2. I'm still thinking about/saving $$ for grammar for him. I'm considering A Beka G & C II and also Mother Tongue.
Writing - Writing Strands, Write Source 2000, and Imitation in Writing Poetry Primer
These are resources we're using, but I'm really making it up as I go along. He's a reluctant writer and I'm focusing on improving his work ethic along with his writing skills. :)
I've just this week heard about a writing program from Peace Hill Press (thanks, Kate!) and I'm VERY interested in that. The middle grades book is not out until next year, but I may explore the Year Four exercises in the first book for some fine-tuning...we'll see.
Vocabulary - Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Literature - various, incl. Fellowship of the Ring, The Once and Future King by T.H.White (or another version of King Arthur), and Beowulf.
Math - Saxon Algebra I
History - Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation - Veritas Press History Cards, Story of the World vol. 2, Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and lots of library books; narrations; essays; outlines.
Government - Electoral Process - outside class based on a Konos unit. Great class discussions, research project on a President, and participation in national mock election
Science - Apologia Physical Science - * I purchased daily lesson plans for this from Rainbow Resource. We don't do science every single day, but the plans help know how much of each module to do per lesson.
Nature Study - various books, field guides, internet and lots and lots and lots of observation and journaling.
Latin & Logic - I own Prima Latina, but have never used it. Even though it's way below his level, I'm hoping to work through it with all 3 kids. Something is better than nothing! For Logic, I hope to use various things like the Ridgewood Analogies and Fallacy Detective until I can afford a formal logic text. (When I do, I'm seriously considering Introductory Logic.)
Art - Picture studies for Middle Ages artists; using books from library to fine-tuning drawing and sketching skills
Music - composer study; beginning piano with Mom; beginning group guitar class
I'm still ironing out much of this and expect a few things will change (other than math & science) through the year. Budget has been a big issue in planning this year, so I'm hoping to add some things second semester that I just couldn't afford right now.
First up, Big Brother, S (almost 14):
8th Grade
Bible - finishing Old Testament Survey from Logos School Materials
Catechism - memorizing Shorter Catechism
Spelling - Apples 2
Grammar - S is still finishing some random lessons we missed in A Beka's Grammar and Comp. I from 7th grade. He's doing this because 1. I want him to focus more on writing than grammar this semester; and 2. I'm still thinking about/saving $$ for grammar for him. I'm considering A Beka G & C II and also Mother Tongue.
Writing - Writing Strands, Write Source 2000, and Imitation in Writing Poetry Primer
These are resources we're using, but I'm really making it up as I go along. He's a reluctant writer and I'm focusing on improving his work ethic along with his writing skills. :)
I've just this week heard about a writing program from Peace Hill Press (thanks, Kate!) and I'm VERY interested in that. The middle grades book is not out until next year, but I may explore the Year Four exercises in the first book for some fine-tuning...we'll see.
Vocabulary - Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Literature - various, incl. Fellowship of the Ring, The Once and Future King by T.H.White (or another version of King Arthur), and Beowulf.
Math - Saxon Algebra I
History - Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation - Veritas Press History Cards, Story of the World vol. 2, Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and lots of library books; narrations; essays; outlines.
Government - Electoral Process - outside class based on a Konos unit. Great class discussions, research project on a President, and participation in national mock election
Science - Apologia Physical Science - * I purchased daily lesson plans for this from Rainbow Resource. We don't do science every single day, but the plans help know how much of each module to do per lesson.
Nature Study - various books, field guides, internet and lots and lots and lots of observation and journaling.
Latin & Logic - I own Prima Latina, but have never used it. Even though it's way below his level, I'm hoping to work through it with all 3 kids. Something is better than nothing! For Logic, I hope to use various things like the Ridgewood Analogies and Fallacy Detective until I can afford a formal logic text. (When I do, I'm seriously considering Introductory Logic.)
Art - Picture studies for Middle Ages artists; using books from library to fine-tuning drawing and sketching skills
Music - composer study; beginning piano with Mom; beginning group guitar class
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