Jul. 18, 2008 - Curriculum Quandry
I'm sure I'm the only homeschool mom who has been in a quandry over curriculum choice, right? Ha!
I reviewed so many different things, and much of it appealed to me in one way or another, but after much consideration, I decided that, at least for another year, we will continue to put our own things together rather than use a set curriculum. Then next year we can reevaluate again. 
I like the philosophy of integrated studies, such as unit studies, and I like the idea of “real” books, rather than textbooks for the core of learning. So, we will continue on the track of Charlotte Mason and Ruth Beechick, having also learned much from Robin Sampson and Jennifer Steward, and having been given confidence by guides such as those by Kathryn Stout, Diane Lopez and Cathy Duffy. (see resources at the bottom.)
Therefore, the main theme for this year is to be “mini” unit studies based on history (early American history), and nature studies (science). Into these we will weave our reading, writing, geography, some Bible, and other topics as we go. I am especially excited about our history plans, so I plan to post more about that later...
Daily we will do math separately, as well as a separate Bible curriculum (which I already posted about).
I think we will try to have two days a week based on our history topic and two days based on our science topic.
That gives us one “extra” day to either wrap up what we were doing in science and history, take some time off, or work in other elective studies.
The only other “curriculum” will be those certain electives when we can fit them in, such as critical thinking activities, and artist and composer studies, which don’t take much time or preparation and, I feel, greatly enhance the educational experience. J Last year we did one artist and one composer for each three month period, which left us a lot of “slack” so we could enjoy it when we were able to fit it in, and not stress about it when we couldn’t.
So, our year may look something like this:
Daily: Bible and Math
Monday and Wednesday: History and related activities
Tuesday and Thursday: Science and related activities
Friday: “Other” (artist, composer, field trip, review, other electives)
Our School's Theme Verses
Isaiah 54:13-14 “All your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression….”
Main Learning Goals:
*Teach my children the fear of the Lord and work on molding their character according to Scripture
*Impart to my children a love of learning
*Have FUN in the journey!!
My Favorite Resources:
*The Three R’s by Ruth Beechick
*Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach by Robin Sampson
*Everything you need to know about Homeschool Unit Studies by Jennifer Steward
*Design-A-Study Guides by Kathryn Stout. I think I have them all now:
Maximum Math
Science Scope
Guides to History Plus!
Natural Speller
Critical Conditioning
Creative Composition
*Teaching Children by Diana Lopez (K-6 scope and sequence especially geared to those using a Charlotte Mason approach.)
*100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy
*How to Create Your Own Unit Studies by Valerie Bendt
So, that is our plan for this coming school year, which we are currently in our third week of now. So far, so good! 
Comments
Jul. 18, 2008 - Sounds great
Posted by momofsix
That sounds like a lot of fun for the children. There are some free unit studies on currclick, a new one every Monday. There is also a free unit study on handsofachild website every couple of months. There is also a fun unit studies where moms share that I just posted about two posts ago....just incase it makes the ride a little easier for research on your end. It looks like a really fun year for you and the children.
Jul. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by familymgrkendra
Great plan!! There are a few sites where you can get some FREE unit studies. Momofsix mentioned a few already and then there is also HomeschoolShare.com and HomeschoolLaunch.com
Unit Studies are a great learning tool!! Good luck with your coming year. Sounds like a fun year.
Jul. 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by momofsix
I am so glad that the links are helpful. Here is one I thought you might enjoy, Nim's Island (about a girl whose mother had died and lives on an island alone with her dad...then dad has a plane crash in the ocean and she writes to her favorite author for help). Here is the unit study.
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/nims_island.php
Here is a general link for the other novels from that website that might be interesting:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/what'snew.php
I love Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson. Is that the bible curriculum that you were refering to?
