So here we go ... starting with my little man in Tot School!
Tot School:
It's important for me to explain my philosophy on "Tot School". At 3 years old, it's important for me that Ben be a part of the family's activities, spending time with us - doing what we're doing - as much as possible. He should enjoy exploring and playing, being creative and active, visiting the library, riding his bike, and playing at the park. I don't think it's necessary for him to know his numbers or letters, be able to name the first 10 Presidents in the U.S., or recite any poetry. He's 3 ... just turned 3, in fact. I want him to love being a little guy. 'Organized learning' through curriculums and such can come later ... much later. In the meantime, he'll be loud and dirty and cute and happy.
With that being said, I do try to have some activities that he can play with and enjoy. Other than the usual Plah-doh, painting, blocks, trains/cars, stickers, etc that he enjoys, I have gathered or made many toddler-appropriate activities for B to use during our school days. I even have a tentative "schedule" of activities for him to do each day so that I'm not scrambling for something to engage him with each day. A few of the websites that have been very helpful in collecting new tot activities and ideas include:
Other: He'll just blend in and do whatever we're doing (Bible, P.E., Art, read alouds, etc). This, of course, is where great patience on my part is needed! So that's Tot School in a nutshell :)
Before I break down what each of the girls will study at their instructional level, I'll share what we will investigate and study together:
Bible:
-We'll start with 10 Days of Character Studies (which is actually 10 weeks of study)
-They also have their AWANA books to study and work on Scripture memory throughout the year.
P.E.: Family Time Fitness - because we MUST have some regular movement and fitness!
Literature:
-Classic Literature Unit Studies from Confessions of a Homeschooler
-Independent reading selections and response journals
-Lots and lots and lots of library books! We have some awesome librarians here at the Beulah library and they take very good care of us : )
Science & Art: Animal Habitats! Learning about North American animals and plants through art, science, and creative play
Geography: Expedition Earth by Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler
*I'm going to tell you all right now that if we get into the school year and find that we've tried to bite off too much, this is the first curriculum to be put on pause! But man - I'm so excited to have this curriculum! We're excited to learn about 30 different countries and cultures with this world geography curriculum!
Also - I'll return to using My Father's World history and geography curriculum next year when Ellie's in 2nd grade. We loved using "Adventures" of MFW last year for Abbie!
Music: World's Greatest Composers by Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler
Foreign Language: Rosetta Stone Spanish - twice a week during center time.
Ellie - 1st grade
Subjects listed above: Bible, P.E., Literature, Science/Art, Geography, Music
Phonics/Spelling: Explode the Code and also working on High Frequency Words / Phrases
*This is new for Ellie this year as last year she finished her "100 Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read" (excellent Kinder reading curriculum!).
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting
Writing: WriteShop Primary
Math: Singapore Math
Extras: AWANA, gymnastics, seasonal sports, and Girl Scouts
Abbie: 3rd grade
Subjects listed above: Bible, P.E., Literature, Science/Art, Geography, Music
*Change from last year when we tried Spelling Workout, which, well ... didn't work out.
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting (cursive)
*Honestly, she's not a big fan of handwriting practice. So we'll use this sparingly ... but she does need to practice!
Composition/Grammar: Shurley English along with her own journal writing for stories, poetry, illustrating, freewriting, brainstorming and drafting, etc.
Math: Singapore Math
Music: Abbie is excited to participate in the 3rd grade choir at Beulah Elementary school which meets every Wednesday from 8:00-8:25a.m. She'll also continue in piano lessons this fall.
Extras: AWANA, ballet, seasonal sports, and Girl Scouts
So there you have it folks! It's a load of learning, and we're totally ready! I think...
From our family to yours ... much grace and love in the school year ahead!
