Homeschool 2015-2016 Curriculum

We've begun a new school year in our little classroom.  God had put it on our hearts during our oldest son's Kindergarten year that we needed to make changes regarding our family's education plans.  Just a few weeks after getting this impression, our middle son began having headaches, and things drastically changed for us.  It is clear now that though we thought we were making changes for our first born, God was leading us to do what was best for us all.  

We are now homeschooling, and though the days are not always easy, we fully believe the Lord has given us the direction we need for now.  With that in mind, here are the curriculum choices we have prayerfully made for our 2015-2016 year:

Daniel (Age 6) - 1st Grade

 

He excels in critical thinking, fine motor skills, and math.  We will focus on his reading and phonics this year because he does not enjoy them as much.  He is extremely energetic, active, and social!

Bible:  The Big Picture Interactive Story Bible

Math:  Saxon 1

Handwriting:  A Reason for Handwriting A

Reading:  The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading (Lesson 50 and on)

Phonics:  Explode the Code 1 1/2, 2, and 2 1/2 (we did book 1 1/2 this through the summer; he's quickly finishing it up)

Spelling:  A Reason for Spelling A

Geography:  Evan-Moor Beginning Geography (Tuesday and Thursday)

Homeschool Notebook*:  Sight Words

Samuel (Age 5) - Kindergarten

He loves learning and asks every morning for us to hurry up to get to the classroom.  We will focus on his math and phonics this year.  He is extremely eager to learn and finishes his subjects in 2 hours despite how much I teach or extra I give him to work on!

Bible:  The Big Picture Interactive Story Bible

Math:  Saxon K

Handwriting:  A Reason for Handwriting K

Reading:  The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading (Lesson 15 and on)

Phonics:  Explode the Code 1 and 1 1/2

Geography:  Evan-Moor Beginning Geography (Tuesday and Thursday)

Homeschool Notebook*:  Sight Words

Elias (Age 3) - Tot School

He excels in being busy and making messes.  We will focus on his fine motor skills, ability to sit, shapes, colors, writing his name, and starting to see and recognize some of the letters (mainly in his name).  He loves to cut, use markers, and all things involving paint!

Bible:  The Big Picture Interactive Story Bible

Math:  Shapes, Colors

Reading:  Alphabet

Handwriting:  His Name 

Homeschool Notebook*: Includes Shape, Color, and Letter Work in ONE PLACE

*I will explain this in a different post!

Daniel is SIX!

I cannot believe I am even typing those words... he has been such an amazing joy and work of grace in our lives, and it feels like only yesterday that Daniel was born! He has had a HUGE year, and God has done great things for him in it.

Because our three boys have birthdays so close together, we usually combine them and celebrate with one large party. We, however, take special care in creating a day for each boy on his actual birthday where he chooses, within reason, where we eat and what dessert we are having. It is fun!

Daniel was pretty adamant about his April 20th birthday this year. He wanted Cracker Barrel for supper and frozen yogurt for dessert. However, we have no frozen yogurt places in our town, and I knew he would love cake just as much.

I walked into Walmart after eating supper and found the perfect cake for Daniel! He will tell you he doesn't really have a favorite color... because he loves them all. Sometimes, he will say his favorite color is a rainbow color. :) Walmart had a rainbow blast cake premade, and the excitement on his face when we cut into it was precious!

I think my favorite moments from his 6th birthday were when he actually prayed over his own birthday dinner at Cracker Barrel and the joyful expressions on his face as he opened his gifts! He is just so excited and happy about most things... it is contagious.

We are so blessed by this rambunctious ball of energy! I am thankful God has entrusted us with him for a season. I couldn't be more excited to see what is in store for Daniel.

We've Only Just Begun (Curriculum and Choices)

The first week of homeschooling was probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. No, really. It was extremely challenging and I wanted to raise my voice numerous times, but God supplied grace for my every need. I watched my children as they settled into our new environment, and they smiled each morning when it was time to go to the classroom.

Each boy has his own curriculum or set schedule to do each day, and although they range in age, we are at a point where some subjects can be learned together. I love sitting in the floor with them and helping sound out words or count out manipulatives and coins.

Daniel (Age 5, Kindergarten):

Daniel is a little over halfway through his Kindergarten year. At age 5, choosing curriculum for him was not difficult because after attending public school for 6 months I realized what might help him learn more efficiently. He is a kinesthetic, creative, hands-on learner who needs the opportunity to move, build, and touch almost everything. We are using lots of manipulatives  (magnets, tiles, dry erase boards, etc.) in addition to his curriculum.

Bible: The Interactive Story Bible
Math: Saxon K
Reading: The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Phonics: Explode the Code 1
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting

Samuel (Age 4, Pre-K):

I wasn't as prepared for Samuel as I should have been because at age 4, he has an abundant love for learning. He would sit in our classroom all day! He is a visual learner and needs lots of pictures, graphics, art, and videos to help him grow. He thrives on drawing and writing in journals and loves to do pages in workbooks... page after page after page. However, I didn't realize that and didn't have enough! We're starting where we left off at Mother's Day Out and continuing the alphabet, phonics, handwriting, and math.

Bible: The Interactive Story Bible
Math: Evan Moor Pre-K Math Skills and SOME Saxon K
Phonics: Get Ready for the Code A
Alphabet/Handwriting: "My Self Made Curriculum" that focuses on the letter of the week

Elias (Age 2, Tot School):

Now, this little buddy threw me for a loop the first day because he didn't really care a thing about the busy bags I had made (spent hours, lost sleep) for him. I knew I needed a new plan, but it had to keep him occupied and be beneficial and safe. That's when Elias kept mentioning glue sticks to me. I handed him one on the 2nd day with a piece of construction paper and a bowl of construction paper cut into 1 inch squares. He spent 1 hour gluing. He was happy, quiet, AND using his fine motor skills.

Bible: The Interactive Story Bible
Skills: Fine Motor (cutting, gluing, etc.), Behavior (sitting, obeying, kindness), and Identifying (colors, counting, saying ABCs)

I realize the newness will wear off in time, and they might not be as overjoyed as they get older. However, in this moment, I feel as though I am where God called me.

This is Big. Daniel is 5.

Daniel is 5.

I just cannot wrap my mind around that fact, not one bit.

In his 5th year, Daniel:
Weighed 44 lbs.
Wore a size 12 1/2 shoe.
Was in size 4T, 4, and 5T clothes.
Was in 50th percentile in height and weight.

In May:
Went to West TN to visit family.
Celebrated his cousin Karlee's birthday.
Played in Mema's big Jacuzzi tub.
Was in his Mother's Day Out closing program.
Was dressed in a cowboy hat and bandana.
Had his last day of Mother's Day Out.
Loved watching our 1st family garden grow.
He was VERY interested in it!
Was a big helper when his baby brother...
    had to have a GI probe placed for 24 hrs.
Painted a spring painting for Mimi on Mother's Day.
Celebrated Elias' 1st birthday!
Liked being in the backyard.
Sometimes, we'd find him naked out there playing.
Loved when it rained, leaving a mud pit in the yard.
He could always be found splashing through it!
Went bowling for the 1st time for Samuel's bday.
Went strawberry picking with friends and family.

In June:
Went to Touch a Truck Day in Goodlettsville.
Really enjoyed the John Deere Gator and police car.
Got his very 1st bike with training wheels.
It was a green and black Hot Wheels bike.
Was the first to try something from our garden.
It was a beet.
He didn't like it at all.
Loved all things water.
Attended Victory's Running the Race VBS.
He adored it!
Had his 1st dental visit.  Did great!

In July:
Cousin James Evan came to stay with us!
Played with James in the backyard water pit!
Went to his 1st carnival.
Went swimming in the Ball's pool!
Tried swimming on his own.
Dressed up as a cow for Chick Fil A Day!
His sign said, "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner,"
   and he says that all the time.
Went fishing with Grandpa.
Caught his 1st fish.
Traveled to Missouri for a youth weekend.
Went to a minor league Cardinals game.
Came home with a game ball!
Loved playing with Lincoln
   and holding Mikaylen.
Enjoyed catching the rolls at Lambert's.
Was in AWE at Bass Pro Shops.
Got an ice cream cone at Andy's.  YUM.
Jumped into a pool all by himself
   at a youth event in Missouri...
   without anyone knowing it.
Said goodbye to Lincoln.
Went to Dyersburg to drop James off,
   and saw Aunts Pattie and Dina.
Cried when we had to leave James.
Called James before we got on the interstate...
   because "I miss you so much."

In August:
Started Pre-K at Temple MDO.
Mrs. Jenna (mom) was his teacher!

In September:
Traveled to Indiana to stay with the Shives.
Loved Celeste and family!
Went to a petting zoo and touched a goat.
Rode a horse.  Looked at chickens and llamas.
Sang "10,000 Reasons" in front of a roomful
   while Mrs. Celeste playing piano.
Was an amazing little singer.
Celebrated Mimi's 55th birthday!
Took Dad to Donuts with Dad at MDO.
Had a BLAST at Addy's carnival party!
Won his 1st pet, a goldfish he named Josh,
   after my friend and state rep, Joshua Evans.
Got his very own bunk bed!
Sleeps at the top!
Was so excited to have Brother James visit.
Brother James brought Mary with him!
Daniel loved her!
They brought Daniel a stuffed sled dog,
   and he still sleeps with "Balto."

In October:
Took a lot of bike rides.
Went to Baby Josie's party.
Helped open all of her gifts.
Went to the circus with Jessica and family.
Really liked the clown, Cabbage,
   and got his autograph.
Had fire safety day at MDO.
LOVED the fire truck to no end.
Celebrated Grandpa's birthday.
Then went for Aunt Cathy's 50th birthday...
   Party at Kabuto!
He loved the fire and watching them cook.
Hugged all over Cathy.
Was all about pumpkins.
Was excited when Mom made him a pumpkin shirt.
Decided he wanted to dress up like the Tin Man...
   we got on a Wizard of Oz kick, all thanks to
   McDonald's happy meals.
(We aren't fans of Halloween, but we do allow
them to go to their MDO's church's Trunk or Treat.)
Mom was Dorothy, Daniel was Tin Man,
   Samuel was the Scarecrow, and Elias the Lion.

In November:
Took our family trip to Pigeon Forge.
Loved our cabin with lots of stairs and games.
Rode the Skywheel with Samuel and Mom.
Had MDO Thanksgiving with Pop and GranJu.
Went back to Pigeon Forge for Called Out singing.
LOVED being with the crazy girls.
Saw the first bit of snow for the season.
Celebrated Thanksgiving at Mimi's.
Helped Mommy make Turkey Cookies.

In December:
Always dressed up in Mom's boots.
Was fascinated by Christmas lights.
Got his Ninja Turtle van with turtles.
Mimi got him the Thomas track he'd wanted:
   Quest for the Crown.  He loves it!
Enjoyed time with family.

In January:
Liked listening to Daddy read bibles.
Had Muffins with Mom at MDO.
Loved dancing in the living room.
Always wanted Daddy to hook his computer
   up to the t.v. and play worship songs.
Celebrated Mommy's 31st birthday!
Made his own grocery store out of
   cardboard boxes.  Hilarious.
Adored going to church.
Started liking olives.
His Oo week MDO journal had an
   octopus, oatmeal, and black olives.

In February:
Was all about tickling people.
Helped with Addy's Crafts for Cuties.
Dyed a LOT of noodles for necklaces.
Did NOT want to wear his pjs on Pajama Day.
Loved riding in the sled.
Fell with Mommy in Sam's parking lot.
Wrote his name perfectly!
Got all dressed up for Valentine's Day.
Asked specifically to go on a date...
   to none other than Cracker Barrel.
Asked to sing a song by himself at MDO
   during chapel.  Sang "Not for a Moment",
   a worship song by Meredith Andrews.
Signed up for soccer.
Had his first COLD practice.

In March:
Got our big snow/ice of the season.
Had his first soccer game!
Scored his first goal for the team!
Next game, he scored again.
Third game, he scored AGAIN!
Saw his first theater movie, Frozen.
Likes all things tractors and ninja turtles.
Is a big fan of playdoh and bubble gum.
Loved his green and yellow bday countdown.
Tells everyone his birthday is months away,
   although it's only days.
Likes to give lots of details.
Loves to tell stories and be heard.
Wants to be in control.
Cannot be still.
Fights a nap, but still needs one.
Is having a joint John Deere party with brothers.
Wants ninja turtle cupcakes for his class party.
Is busy all the time.

In April:
Started his 5th birthday countdown!
Played a lot of soccer and scored a lot of goals.
Won a game!
Did a LOT of egg hunting.
Turned 5 on Easter!
Celebrated at Mimi's house.
Opened presents and Easter baskets.
Got a My Spy Birdhouse and Ninja Turtle stuff.
Had his 5th year well check up/visit.
Had to get his finger poked for blood.
Celebrated his 5th birthday at MDO with friends.
Chose a BLUE #5 for his number from Mom.
Asked specifically for Ninja Turtle cupcakes for school.
Was amazed when Mom made them herself!

His favorites are:
Color:  Blue and Rainbow (all of them)
Food:  Apples, Blueberries, Raspberries
Restaurant:  Taco Bell, Chick fil A, Cracker Barrel
Toy:  Transformers Rescue Bots, John Deere, and Ninja Turtles (TMNT)
TV Show:  Rescue Bots and TMNT
Movie:  Frozen
Person:  Grandpa
Song:  Not for a Moment by Meredith Andrews (he calls it After All)
Thing to Do:  Playing in the Dirt, Soccer, Backyard Baseball, Riding His Bike, Going Outside, Blowing Bubbles, Running, Staying Up Late, Having One-on-One Attention
Birthday Gift:  Play-Doh, TMNT Master Splinter, Boulder the Rescue Bot, My Spy Birdhouse