Last year, picking curriculum was a breeze. I just needed to find one set of all-inclusive preschool curriculum for Gardner, then buy extra student books for Rainey so she could join in. We ended up using Horizon Preschool by Alpha Omega Publications and liked it….for the most part.
(Aside: What we’re learning is that every curriculum has its faults. The only “perfect curriculum,” I suppose, is one you write yourself for your own children! But who has time for that?! :)
This year, our decision to let G advance to 1st grade work didn’t necessarily mean we should rush R into kindergarten work, so I knew I’d have to buy a lot more. G is also a very hands-on, kinesthetic learner, so I knew I’d supplement some science for him. Here’s what we ended up with, and I have to say, from what I’ve seen of it so far (not actually having taught it yet), I’m pleased with our decisions:
1) The main curriculum “base” will be My Father’s World, a classical homeschooling curriculum that’s Charlotte Mason-based. It’s very hands on and seems to be very comprehensive. We will mainly use it for topic guidelines as well as for G’s handwriting, both kids’ history and both kids’ Bible.
2) Science for G will be supplemented by a book recommended by my adviser at our homeschooling association, a book by Janice Van Cleave, Teaching the Fun of Science to Young Learners.
3) Math-U-See will be our math curriculum. R will be starting with the Primer level and G with the Alpha level. LOVE what I’ve heard about them so far, and impressed by the materials. Hoping it will even make ME less wary of math as we go along. (And Math-U-See is excellent for hands-on learners.)
4) Depending on how well MFW does for G’s phonics and reading, we may venture into “Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons” book I’ve had stowed away. Rainey will be working independently on phonics in the three introductory books in the Explode the Code series: Get Ready for the Code, Get Set for the Code, and Go for the Code.
5) We will also be doing art projects from other books I’ve tucked away for later….and will be following MFW’s guidelines for introducing the kids to both art and classical music. (Can’t wait for this!)
Behind the scenes of this big decision has been a giant mountain of curriculum catalogs, questions asked to The Homeschool Lounge’s forums and the weighing of experienced mom’s recommendations, and lots of prayer and begged-for discernment.
Curriculum is not a small investment – - and it’s not something we want to change mid-year because we’re unsatisfied with it. Part of the beauty of homeschooling is being able to have such great control over what curriculum you use to teach your children….but with great power comes great responsibility. It IS a tough decision.
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