This year marks a couple firsts for our family–One, we now have two in the school room and two, we will be using a prepared curriculum this year instead of creating our own since there are several excellent options available once children get to the Pre-K and Kindergarten levels.
Pre-K with Peanut
Peanut is definitely looking forward to her year as a Pre-K student as she gets to set the example for little sis. She also likes the idea of having “big girl books” to do her school work and getting to learn to read.
For her core studies, Peanut will be using My Father’s World Kindergarten (a curriculum that many consider a gentle Kindergarten curriculum or a tweener Pre-K/Kindergarten program). It has great Bible, Science, and Reading elements in every single unit which I love as a slightly Charlotte Mason newbie. Although some phonics and math are also provided, we have chosen to supplement those subjects a little more in depth with a few other resources as mentioned below. Finally, we will continue using our morning board as I’ve created a new set of morning board cards to go in conjunction with My Father’s World Kindergarten Curriculum as reinforcement of skills learned last year as well as a structure for continued learning this year.
It should be noted that although it looks like we are going a little bit overboard with our phonics emphasis, we are actually engaging in an experiment. I originally purchased Phonics Pathways a few months ago after reading several high reviews of the curriculum online thinking that it would be our exclusive phonics/reading program for the next year or two. As we got started, I was immediately drawn to the fact that the pages were clean and not full of distracting instructions for a new learner with I thought Peanut would enjoy. However, while initially excited, after a couple of weeks she hit a wall and did not want to contiue. Thus, when I saw Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons at a used bookstore for $2.25, I decided it might be worth a try. After a few lessons, Peanut quickly commented, “Mommy, I like this so much better.” So for now we are using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons instead and may again return to Phonics Pathways at a later date which is why I still included it here. All that to say, just because a curriculum is ranked among the top on one person’s website, it may not be the best curriculum for your child. Thank goodness we homeschool and can adjust accordingly.
My Father’s World Kindergarten
Singapore Math Essential Math Kindergarten Books A & B
Phonics Pathways
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Big Preschool Workbook*
*Including the Big Preschool Workbook was definitely not necessary to include this year with the other curriculum resources we are using, but since we were so close to finishing it last year in our Encompass Preschool Curriculum, we decided to go ahead and finish it along this year as extra reinforcement.
Tot School with Teacup
Teacup definitely does not want to be left out of anything this year so we are incorporating her in our school day by including a reading time as guided by Before Five in a Row and a developmental activity as guided by Slow and Steady Get Me Ready. Other than that, it’s just another day of play while sissy does her “shkool” with an occasional joint project of painting or other craft.
Before Five in a Row
Slow and Steady Get Me Ready
What is your homeschool curriculum plan this year?
Any recommendations for us? Share in the comments.
**By the way, while you’re here, click on over to enter in the Maestro Classics: Carnival of the Animals Giveaway going on right now here on Cornerstone Confessions! I’d love for you to have the opportunity to win this award winning educational classical music CD.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:13
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links such that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission. However, this link should not affect your purchase price and as such, is provided primarily for your convenience. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own; I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my readers and my family. For more information on Cornerstone Confessions affiliates, please see my full disclosure policy.
If you enjoyed your visit, have Cornerstone Confessions delivered right to your inbox!
Your email:
Linking up to:
Freebie for Subscribers:
2013 Goal Planning Tools
Be sure to link up every Tuesday as Cornerstone Confessions presents the Titus 2 Tuesday linky party--an encouraging linky party for today's woman.
© 2011-2013 Cornerstone Confessions | All Rights Reserved.
The post Our 2013-2014 Homeschool Curriculum Plan appeared first on Cornerstone Confessions.