2017/2018

Here we are at the beginning of a new school year and a new dimension in home schooling……HIGH SCHOOL!  Overall, we will have fifth, seventh and ninth graders.

Grade 5

Parks begins fifth grade.  Throughout the year, he plans to learn about the ancient cultures, botany, anatomy and astronomy.  He also wants to work on his spelling and writing.  He made tremendous gains in his handwriting last year which means that he can focus a little more on content.  In years past, he narrated, I scribed, and he copied.  He will also continue with playing the drums in his band (The Beat Keepers), riding bmx bikes and riding horses.

 

Grade 7

Sawyer jumps into seventh grade studying the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, botany, anatomy and astronomy with Parks, and creative writing.  Sawyer also plans to continue sewing, singing in her band (5 Lives), riding horses and climbing.

Grade 9

Sims transitions this year into high school.  I am still not exactly sure why, but this makes me slightly anxious.  He has quite a load of academic studies, but he is excited about getting started.  He will study Algebra, Biology, World History (the early years including ancient cultures and the Middle Ages), World Geography, English 1 (he will be tying in English with history), and Forestry.  He will continue rock climbing throughout the year and is going to try out a local sailing team as well.

We are moving to a more traditional approach to schooling in response to the kids’ requests.  I love the Waldorf approach using stories and art to bring concepts to life.  Thus, I am trying to do a bit of traditional, Waldorf and Montessori.  For the younger kids, we are trying out Shiller math (a Montessori-based).  So far, they are both LOVING it.  The lessons are short and to the point.  They are hands on too.  The younger kids are also using Growing with Grammar, Soaring with Spelling, and Oak Meadow for the rest of their work.  The first two books are pretty straight forward and to the point.  I am splitting up the grade 6 Oak Meadow curriculum.  Parks will work through the first half of the book starting with the Stone Age and working through the Ancient Greeks.  Sawyer will start off with the Romans (a quick review) and work through the Age of Exploration.  Sims is using Thinkwell for Algebra, Oak Meadow for geography and world history, various sources for biology, English writing with mom, and forestry using 4-H materials.