Curriculum is Here!

I am so excited I could cry.  All of our curriculum for Merrick's kindergarten year (or at least the first semester) has finally arrived.  I feel like I have been planning and researching and dreaming about homeschooling Merrick for three and a half years, and now all that hard work and dreaming is finally coming into fruition.

Here are all our books laid out on the new table made just for Merrick's schoolroom:

We had our first reading lesson on the table two nights ago.  Merrick was thrilled to learning at his table instead of on his bed, as we normally do.  After our reading lesson, I showed him all the curriculum books.  He wanted to go over every page of every book.  I loved seeing his curiosity which, ultimately, translates into a very natural love of learning.

So here is our curriculum line up for kindergarten:

1.  Singapore Math - we got the workbook and activity book.  They both look a bit too easy for Merrick even though we've never formally done any mathematics.  My guess is that we'll go through these books for 2 - 3 months and then move onto the the 1B books.  After this year, I anticipate switching to Math Mammoth.

2. Explode the Code (Phonics) - I'm very excited about these books (we got books 1 and 1 1/2).  I was concerned this would also be too easy for Merrick since he is already reading, but they are right on course.

3.  Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons - We bought this book at a HalfPrice Bookstore a couple of years ago for around $10.  Best 10 bucks I've ever spent.  Merrick is reading well (I think on about a 1st or 2nd grade level).  He's on lesson 65 now and may even be finished with the book by the time we officially start our school year.  He's pretty motivated since I told him I'd get him a Hot Wheels Trick Track once he finished the book.

4.  Evan-Moore Geography - I'm pretty excited about this workbook.  We'll probably go over 1 -2 lessons a week.  In addition to this book, I plan on ordering a couple of elementary maps from National Geographic (hmmm...note to self: order those stinkin' maps!)

5. Artistic Pursuits - This is what I am most excited about by far.  This book looks a-ma-zing.  The lessons are very well planned.  Part of each lesson (from what I can tell thus far) is examining a piece of artwork.  The book asks questions which will help the student (and parent!) to learn about art and life during the time period in which the art was painted/created.  Then, you get to create your own art using the methods that artist used.  I'll do a more thorough review of the book once we've had a chance to get into it.

6. Bible - In addition to these books, we will have a bible lesson each morning based on this free online curriculum here.  

Other things I'm considering adding to our curriculum once we get established in our schedule is Elementary Spanish, Meet the Masters (more art!), and a simple science project here and there (perhaps using Magnets to Mudpies).  We'll also be enjoying read-a-loud books and making lapbooks and having fun with some unit studies.  Merrick will also be learning piano from his Daddy and possibly taking karate lessons.  

Several people have asked me how I decided on which curriculum to use.  Honestly, I've been researching all this for a few years (!), but the two most helpful resources for me are the Well Trained Mind Forums and the Satori Smiles blog.  

Can't wait to get started (but, actually, I can wait since I have a bit more planning to do not to mention finishing out the schoolroom)!!!

Curriculum Ideas

I've been doing a lot of research and getting pretty overwhelmed by all the curriculum choices.  Initially, I thought I would just make Merrick's kindergarten year about reading, math, and writing, and then do some unit studies for some fun learning.  Now, the more I learn about what other people are doing, I feel concerned that Merrick has the potential (and probably the desire) to learn much more. 

Here are some of the curriculum options I really like for kindergarten through first grade:

Math - Sinapore Math - this is an activity based math program.  I like the idea of using an Asian math program since every single one of my math TA's in college were Asian. 

Right Start Math - another option to check out.

Science - R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey - meant for 1st - 4th graders.  Also hands-on projects to learn science.  The 3 books (which provide studies for a year) are Life, Earth & Science, and Chemistry.

Reading - Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons - we already started this but have not gotten very far.  We haven't been consistent because Merrick gets easily distracted when we go through a lesson.  It bores him a little, I think, because we started at the beginning and he is already beyond that level of reading.  I'm going to give a little while longer to see if he gets more into it as it gets more challenging.  I really like this book because all you have to do is read through the lessons with your child.  It's all right in front of you. 

The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading - this is my backup plan.  Written by Jessie Wise, who is considered the mother of classical education.

Explode the Code - another option to check out.

Handwriting - Handwriting Without Tears

Spelling - All About Spelling - something to check out.  Apparently, it's good to start working on spelling as soon as you start learning to read.

History - The Story of the World, CC timeline?

Art - Artistic Pursuits - this book looks really cool!

Bible - TBD - I want to have a daily bible study with Merrick, preferrably first thing in the morning.  The book I just bought him might be a good option for now (it has a short bible story and even an activity to do with each lesson).  Eventually, however, I'd like to make sure I'm not just teaching him good things from the Bible, but teaching him to memorize the order of the books, the storylines, etc.

Geography - TBD...Gotta look up more resources on this.  If we went the Classical Conversations route, this would be included.  I'd like Merrick to be able to write out the names of all 50 states on a blank map, as well as the major countries in Europe, etc.

I feel like I've made some headway these past couple of days in deciding what direction we should take.  It still feels a little overwhelming and confusing, however.  I've prayed that God would make the direction we take clear, and I feel like I'm waiting for a big gong to go off once I stumble across the answer.

I'd like to be able to make a decision soon so that I can have a schedule and lesson plans in order way before we begin.  I don't want to be deciding what to do the day before and running out to the store to buy supplies. 

Despite the confusion and being slightly overwhelmed, this is all extremely exciting.  I am so grateful and thrilled that I have the option to teach my own child.