**This page is still under construction, we began our new academic year in early July and are still evaluating some of our available resources**
2012-2013 is our third year as a homeschooling family.
Our previous two academic years have not gone smoothly (our first year was full of transition and our second year was defined by our loss of Miranda), but we have learned an enormous amount about ourselves and our purpose for homeschooling. Academics are an important part of schooling our children, but our purpose for homeschooling goes much further. We desire to guide their hearts towards Christ and build them up as the men and women He desires them to be. We want to embrace the gifts God has given each of them and look towards how their specific gifts can be used to build their futures. We don’t want to raise good students, we want to raise young men and women that love to learn and seek education from each of their experiences.
I am happy to answer any questions you have about how we “do school”. You can email me with your questions, I’m happy to share our experiences.
I know the usual question is: “Which curriculum you use?” We do have a core curriculum that outlines our studies but we have lots of resources that we use all together. You do not need a specific curriculum to help you succeed at homeschooling. I needed the guidance that a scheduled curriculum offered and chose one that fits family goals as well as incorporating books from trusted publishers.
What we are using this year:
Heart of Dakota (HoD) Levels being used: LHfHG, BeyondLHfHG, and PreparingHfHG We are continuing in the guides we started last year. I appreciate the open-and-go nature of HoD, it requires very little planning from me. We use most of the recommended resources and follow the along with the directions in the guides.
Handbook of Nature Study, Outdoor Hour Challenges (OHC) Nature study is an important aspect in a Charlotte Mason education, it exercises my children in writing, drawing, and science. The OHC gives us a chance to work on something as a family that doesn’t hinge on their academic levels.
Math Mammoth (MM) I have been really satisfied with our use of Math Mammoth. It is very straightforward and doesn’t require much prep from me. The teaching portion is written into the lesson, so it does not require a separate text of instructor’s guide. We use the Light Blue series and I am able to match it up well with the hands-on math in the younger guides of HoD. This math resource could be an excellent reinforcement at home for children schooled outside the home, the author offers books by topic that are not grade specific.
Life of Fred (LoF) This year we added this unique math to our supplies. I am using it for our 5th grader who has aged and leveled out of the hands-on “fun” math in HoD. He isn’t fond of a lot of writing or repetitive drill and LoF is bringing some fun and the sense of “why we learn this” back to the math portion of our day. I’ll admit the rest of the children listen into the Fred stories too and can’t wait until they move into the LoF books.
Tracey Tutor (TT) At the HEAV convention this spring I was introduced to Tracey Tutor, a phonics based reading and spelling program. We are using the Pre-Reader program for my 3 year old and kindergartener. Learning to read and listen well to instruction is my main goal for the kindergarten year and this fits well into that goal with the addition of the LotW materials for some extra reinforcement. My three older children are using the TT Early Reader program. My 2nd and 3rd graders are still emerging readers so this will help to continue to build a solid foundation and begin to excel at reading and spelling. My 5th grader reads very well but was taught to read from the whole language approach (he attended a local public school through 2nd grade) and his spelling has suffered greatly, TT will fill in the gaps that he missed by not having solid phonics instruction.
Letter of the Week (LotW) For my 3 year old and my kindergartener I am using LotW to help with their introduction to phonics and early learning skills. While I don’t feel the need to start formal schooling with my 3 year old I do need to keep him constructively occupied while the others are working and the LotW printables fill that need. They are just enough writing exercise for my new Kindergartener too, and a good use of our time before she begins LHfHG.
We Choose Virtues (WCV) We have added WCV as part of character development. We use the poster and the faith-based flash cards. The WCV cards are part of our morning together before everyone begins their individual instruction.
The Child Training Bible (CTB) We use the CTB together with our WCV cards as well as for addressing wrong behavior.
Rod and Staff Workbooks I love these simple activity books for my preschooler and Kindergartener. The ABC series really helps with early instruction of how to work neatly and carefully.
Artistic Pursuits Yes, I was an art major through my schooling, but teaching art to children is different. I like many of the activities provided by Artistic Pursuits and we use the K-3 Book 1 and 4-6 Book 1 and we use it loosely for studio art as well as art appreciation. My preference is to follow a little closer to CM methods by introducing one artist per term and allowing the children to become familiar with that artist’s work and method.
**If you would like to know more about why we chose Heart of Dakota please read my post at So You Call Yourself a Homeschooler. I was blessed to participate in her summer series on homeschooling methods.**