Our 2009 Curriculum!

I used to say that I schooled year-round, but now that is only half true. Yes, we continue to read--bible, devotions, read-alouds, even science and history books (because they love them!), but I have decided that once they have finished their levels of math and reading and other grade-based subjects, it's good to take a break for the summer. The children enjoy not having school, while at the same time also start looking forward to starting back! And the BEST part??? I get to plan a new school year!!! We are using My Father's World this year and I am so excited. I have had so much fun planning for it and ordering all our books. I tried to find whatever I could used and have done pretty well. So here it is--our 2009-2010 second grade/kindergarten/preschool curriculum! (Not linking these things, so either ask me or google for more info ;-)

Bible, History, Geography, Science, Read-alouds and more are all included in MFW. All other subjects are also scheduled in the teacher's manual.

Adventures In My Father's World, the AMAZING teacher's manual
American Pioneers and Patriots
New International Reader's Version Discoverer's Bible for early readers
Exploring American History
Science with Air
Birds, Nests, and Eggs
North American Indians
The 4th of July Story
The Thanksgiving Story
Science in the Kitchen
First Encylopedia of Science
Red, White, and Blue
Celebrate America (CD of patriotic songs)
Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims
The Courage of Sarah Noble
Sarah Whitcher's Story
In Grandma's Attic
Mountain Born
Farmer Boy
By the Shores of Silver Lake

Math:
Justin--Horizons Math 2
David--Horizons Math K
Isaiah--Ultimate Skill Builders PreK
Zachary and Cara--number puzzles and cards

English/Phonics:
Justin--A Beka Language 2
David--Explode the Code
Isaiah--Ultimate Skill Builders PreK
Zachary and Cara--Letter puzzles and cards, Dr. Seuss ABC Book (I teach letters and phonics with this book!!)

Reading:
Justin--Beautiful Stories for Children, Robinson Crusoe Reader, Nature Readers (All from CLP)
David--Kindergarten Phonics Readers (CLP)
I, Z, and C--listening!

Spelling:
Justin--Building Spelling Skills (CLP)
David--Explode the Code

Handwriting:
Justin--A Reason for Handwriting A
David--A Reason for Handwriting K
Art:
Baby Lambs (from How Great Thou ART)

Music:
A study of Tchaikovsky and The Nutcracker (included in MFW)

Foreign Language:
First Thousand Words in French sticker book (I took French in high school and college, so it is the only foreign language I know how to pronounce!)

One of the things I love about My Father's World is the Book Basket. You know I love books and I'm always adding them to my homeschool. With the book basket, you can supplement MFW with your own selections. They even give suggestions for what to put in the basket. There is a scheduled time every day to read from the book basket.

I also love that it is literature based, uses the Charlotte Mason approach, and most of all is centered on the bible! Those are only a few things that sold me. I am so looking forward to August!

Our Favorite Read-Alouds

Reading aloud is our favorite time of the day. We always read two books at a time--one at rest time and one at bed time. The good thing about this arrangement is that usually the littlest ones fall asleep. I am convinced that we learn the most simply from reading good books. And in addition to all the knowledge we're obtaining, the kids are also learning how to listen and how to sit still, even if they don't understand everything being read. But don't underestimate how young children can retain reading seemingly far above their age level. I find they start retaining at least some of most of what we're reading at around 3 years old. And even before that, imagine all the language they're soaking in.

Here are a few of our favorite read-alouds--the ones that qualify for a definite re-read in the future.

The Bible. Of course I must start there. I started reading very large portions of the bible to my children after reading 10 P's in a Pod. It has been VERY rewarding for all of us. Which naturally brings me to...

10 P's in a Pod. This book really revolutionized our life. Reading the bible 3 times a day is not the only thing we gleaned from this wonderful book.

The Little House Series. We're currently on book five in the series. The history and even science we learn from these dear stories couldn't come close to reading a dry textbook. We'll be re-reading two of the books in our upcoming year of My Father's World and I'm so glad--they're my two favorites.

The Millers Series. These are ultra conservative, at times even beyond our family, but we just love the simple wholesome stories and came to feel like we knew this family. We have read the whole series and definitely plan to read it again.

My ABC Bible Verses and Big Truths for Little Kids. These are my top picks for bible/devotional books. The first one teaches verses with stories and application for each one. The second teaches the Kid's Catechism with stories to go along with it. They are absolutely wonderful. I am looking forward to reading the next book Discovering Jesus in Genesis and after that Discovering Jesus in Exodus.

The Chronicles of Narnia. We are only three books into this series. I didn't even understand the movies till I read the books. I just learn that way :-) I am really hoping they make a movie out of the first book which is my favorite.

Christian Heroes Then and Now. This is a collection of many biographies. There is nothing more inspiring than reading about the lives of great Christians of the past.

Hymns for a Kid's Heart. I have always wanted to make sure my children learned hymns. The way these books present them with the story behind them and even little devotionals makes these books treasures.

There are so many more books we look forward to reading in the future. I am so thankful to have this time with my children every day.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... a storm is brewing. The sky is dark and thunder is rumbling in the distance. Love it!

I am thinking... that today has been a wonderful productive day here with my children. I love Mondays!

From the learning rooms... Justin finished his math book today. When he finishes his reading and language, we'll be done with book work for the summer I think. Of course bible and lots and lots of reading continues all year long!

I am thankful for... being a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to many. This is the best life.

From the kitchen... tonight we're having all natural hot dogs, potato salad, and hmmmm I don't know what else.

I am wearing... gray yoga pants and a blue Old Navy T-shirt. My "mom uniform" :-)

I am reading... Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas. Wow--so far one of the best books on marriage I have read, especially if you're in a situation similar to mine. But applicable to every wife. Really really good.

I am hoping... I can get to blogging more often. But I'm not pushing it. Life is so crazy right now.

I am creating... wish lists for next year's school year. SOOO fun!

I am praying... that God would give my husband wisdom about big decisions he's making now and will make in the future.

Around the house... right now I am blogging while sweet Cara is nursing to sleep with her blankie. Zachary just came pitter pattering down the hall fresh from an impromptu bath. And Justin is reading to David and Isaiah, complete with silly voices and sound effects.

One of my favorite things... cute girly summer pajamas like Cara is wearing right now. I could just eat her up.

A few plans for the rest of the week... possibly park tomorrow with homeschoolers and possibly a babywearing meeting on Thursday. Other than that, home sweet home until this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... I still don't know how to put photos on with our new computer. (We got a Mac.) I don't think that our pictures are even on here now. So that is my excuse now. Blame the Mac :-)