Homeschool curriculum 2012 - 2013

As our start date quickly approaches I feel the same as when I was 9 months pregnant and the nesting feeling kicks in. It has consumed my thoughts and actions!  I am constantly planning and organizing and then planning some more!

I plan on significantly dropping down my (outside of the home) working hours and starting our homeschooling adventure immediately after labor day weekend. I know that this is later that what is done here in Texas. But it is a typical start date in Canada. And I figure it can work for me as well.

I thought it would be nice to share with you what curriculum choices that I am planning on introducing Renae to and also explain what I plan to do with Dakota during school time.

For Dakota, I am planning on starting some Montessori activities. I have been reading Montessori At Home by John Bowman, which is chalked full of ideas.  As school officially launches I plan on doing a post that will go into more details of the trays that I will start with.  I also have been following 3 blogs that have a ton of information and ideas for Montessori teaching style: they are 1+1+1=1, counting coconuts, and chasingcherrios. If you are interested in learning more about Montessori, these are great places to start!

OK, so for Renae.....I have read, and been told that, especially for Kindergarten, to relax, focus on playing, don't over book your time, and read read read read to your child.

So, I plan on trying to do our schooling (bible, reading, language, math, art, music) in the morning with a break in there to play. And then reading and playing in the afternoon. I hope that I haven't put on too much. But I kind of have a feel for how much attention and focus that Renae has during last years dabble in preschool at home.

Bible (Daily)

We will continue Beginning with God - book 2
I will be adding on We Choose Virtues - to be done during circle time

Language (Daily)

Five in a Row (FIAR) - Book 1 (I have read a lot of great reviews for this program and I am excited to introduce this to Renae. It also, introduces her to topics like geography, science and Art

Reading (Daily)

All About Reading - Level 1 (this is also a program that I have read a lot about. It gets really great reviews and has a lot of hands on materials, so I think Renae will love it!)

Math (Daily)

Math U See - Primer - For some of this I think it will be review for Renae, other areas will be completely new to her. But, since this really explains the concept of the manipulative's that they use, I think this is the best place for her to start. Then, if it is too easy for her we can adjust the pace accordingly.

Music (Weekly)

Plan on setting up a Music area with a featured composer that will change monthly and I will play the music quietly during school time. I got the idea from here. And then once a week, play with our musical instruments do different children Cd's each week.

Art (Weekly)

For now, I just plan on doing the Art activities laid out in the FIAR program.

Daily Skills (Daily)

I plan on picking a skill (IE/folding cloths, tying shoes, etc.) that she will practice everyday until she masters the skill or loses interest in it. Then I plan on making a basket with Nomenclature Cards, which she can choose to do at any time.

Spanish (On hold)

I plan on introducing Renae to this in the near future but want to get the rest of the routine down first before adding this on.

PE (Daily)

Will come of with a weekly skill that I will teach her on Monday's and then she will practice it everyday for the week.

I will be linking this post at iHomeschool Network.  Be sure to hop on over there to see what others are planning for their homeschool year.