The 2013-14 School Year

A lot of people have been asking what materials we are using for school this year.  For reporting purposes, our schoolwork is divided into six disciplines: English, Math, Science, History, Life Skills, and Special Interest. Below is what we are using for each child for each discipline.

Mary--2nd grade
English:

• Spell to Write and Read (Fall)
• Vocabulary from Classical Roots 4 (Spring)
• Writing with Ease Level 2
• First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind Level 3 
• McCall Crabbs Test Lessons in Reading
• Handwriting Without Tears Cursive Handwriting

Math: Saxon Intermediate 4

History: Story of the World Volume 3: Early Modern Times

Science: Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals

Special Interest:

• English from the Roots Up Volume II
• Draw Write Now Books 2 and 3
• Reformation Heroes
• Maps Charts Graphs Book B
• Critical Thinking Level D
• Atelier Art Level 1

Maggie--Kindergarten

English:

• Spell to Write and Read
• Handwriting without Tears Letters and Numbers for Me

Math: Saxon 1

History: Story of the World Volume 3: Early Modern Times

Science: Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals

Special Interest:

• Draw Write Now Books 2 and 3
• Reformation Heroes
• Maps Charts Graphs Book A
• Critical Thinking Level A
• Atelier Art Level 1

Additionally, the girls are taking a physical fitness class that meets once a week (on Thursdays) in Santa Ana.  There is a Target close-by, so I usually take the three boys shopping while the girls are in class.  I am enjoying being able to leisurely shop the clearance at Target.  So far, I've found a new towel for Mary, a clock for the boys' room, super-soakers to go around, items for our next car trip, butterfly nets, and a parachute!  Yep, before long, David is definitely going to have to pull on the reins!

The girls also practice their computer skills by doing math and reading lessons at i-Ready.com.  Maggie also practices math on IXL.

Additionally, we spend quite a bit of time reading books together.  This year, I am taking a new approach to read-alouds and am reading the girls the books which correspond with Mary's writing lessons.

I know it sounds like an awful lot, but it's totally manageable and fun.  There is even still time left over for soccer, riding bikes and scooters, going for walks, flying kites, knitting and sewing, piano lessons, princess school, fencing and chores!