At your request, here is an idea of some of the books we’re using this year for school:
Bible: We’re starting off the year reading through the book of Luke together in the mornings during breakfast. Matt does scripture memorization with us all during lunch and dinner (I can share more about this if you want). Also, two days a week I’m using Proverbs for Parenting to teach the boys more about studying the Bible (and hopefully we’ll all gain a little more Godly wisdom while we’re at it).
History: We’re studying American History this year, reading most of these books from Sonlight.
Geography: Since we are learning American History this year, I felt it appropriate to do a unit on US Geography. I put together a portfolio packet of activities and lessons for the boys with things I found at the library. They’ll also do special projects and maybe write a paper featuring a state of their choice.
Also, I was SO excited to find a States and Postal Abbreviations ebook from Joy at Five J’s which goes right along with what we’re studying this year. It includes writing activities and flash cards so the boys can practice and learn easily.
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Science: We’re doing a unit on weather based on this book. Then we’ll try to get through several of these books to learn about how things work.
Reading and Read Alouds: We’re reading a TON of great books this year either individually, or out loud. To list them all would take up a lot of space here, but I pieced together packs of books for each of the boys based on what I felt they were ready for. Check out Sonlight’s book lists if you ever want anything awesome for your kids to read, or to read to your kids. You can not go wrong with Sonlight book recommendations.
Spelling: I’m using Spelling Power for Asa (age 12). This year we’re starting something new for Justus and Elias (ages 9 and 7): Sequential Spelling. I think this program is just what they need at this point. So far they are both doing well with it.
Two other things we do for spelling: Matt has a really great bedtime tradition he started with the boys several years ago. It’s a great spelling tool. Also, I’ll be using SpellQuizzer for fun extra practice for the boys.
Math: This year is a little different as we’re doing three different math programs for three different boys. Asa is using Teaching Textbook Math 7. Justus is using Saxon 54. Elias is using Miquon. We decided to use Teaching Textbooks for the older grades because it is so wonderful…but it’s also pricey (which is why we didn’t buy a program for both Asa and Justus this year). Justus graduated out of Miquon last year so we’re borrowing Saxon for now until he can use the Teaching Textbooks Math 6 we previously bought for Asa. Elias is in the Miquon blue book (and will hopefully get through the green book this year too). Miquon teaches math in a different and “backward” way…but it’s worked well for our family and we really like it.
Handwriting: Justus and Elias are using Italic Handwriting. I like this method of writing because the cursive is so much like the printing…just hooked together. Plus, it just looks so nice. Asa doesn’t do handwriting practice from a book anymore. He has nice handwriting and I just have him practice by writing letters to people or copying Bible verses.
Typing: I bought this computer program this year to help teach the boys to type. They each spend about 15 minutes, four days a week practicing with this software.
Pre K: I’m using a few Rod and Staff books for Malachi this year. Plus, I’m feverishly trying to finish a complete preschool curriculum which I will put into ebook form. It’s not complete enough to offer for sale yet, but I’m using the concepts and ideas with Malachi this year. Hopefully we can fine tune it while we use it before we put it into the shop!
What are some of your favorite books?
