Curricular Activity
June 25th, 2007 by FiddledeedeeI tackle many subjects here at “It Coulda’ Been Worse.” Everything from the mundane to the truly disgusting. It isn’t a spiritual blog, an organizing blog, a cooking blog, a parenting blog, or a homeschooling blog. But I cover all those things because they are a big part of who I am.
Oh yes, I’m multifaceted.
Today, I’m going to talk about homeschool curriculum. Because it’s foremost on my mind right now. And some of my blogging homeschool friends have been asking what I’m going to be using. And I’ve been asking them as well. So, if you’re not a homeschooling reader, I’ll try not to make your eyes glaze over. AND if you stick with me to the end of this post, I’ll have a little something special just for you.
We are on an adjusted year round homeschooling schedule. Ten weeks on, followed by two weeks off, taking June and December off. Which gives me just enough time to stop twitching. We begin again on July 2. Which is why homeschooling is front and center in my cerebral cortex. It coulda’ been worse. I could be writing about the pimple in the middle of my forehead. But until it goes away, it’s still on the table. Just a warning.
I keep a weekly journal of all our school activities. From curriculum to field trips. You can purchase these pre-made, but I go to a terrific website (click here) and download the pages that I want for free. Because I’m controlling like that. And cheap. I print out the type of pages that I want and put them in a 3 ring binder. I buy a ton of binders each year for special projects, etc. and have found that Wal Mart has by far the best price. Wal-Mart is my friend.
Emme is going to be in Second grade, and Cailey will be an official Kindergartner. Jensen will, by all accounts, still be two and practicing his writing skills using markers on the curtains, and doing Science experiments in the toilet. It will be an interesting year. Homeschooling two, while trying to keep him off the ceiling fan. I’ve stocked some extra Excedrin just for me.
Cailey will be doing the basic 3’s. Reading, Writing, and ‘rithmetic. I’m using A Beka Kindergarten to teach her phonics. It worked very well for Emme. She can now read my blog. Darn that A Beka. For writing, she’ll be learning manuscript using “A Reason For Handwriting – A”. This is a great curriculum that is scripture based. And for math, Cailey will be starting with Saxon Math Level 1. I think Saxon Kindergarten would be a little too slow for her since she’s picked up so much from Emme. And since she hears me count to 10 so often.
Emme is going to be doing Saxon Math this year as well. We’ve been using Math U See, but, I think she needs a different format. I’m a huge Math U See fan, but Saxon offers a more hands on approach, and covers the fundamentals of measurement, time, and currency too. And the manipulatives are really cool. The cool factor is an important facet of our curricular decisions. She will be continuing with her cursive writing also using “A Reason For Handwriting.” I’m also adding “A Reason For Spelling Level B” and “Easy Grammar Level 2”. I’ll be paying close attention to that grammar business. So that I will know my semicolon from my dangling participle. That sounds so naughty.
Starting back up in August is a wonderful website called “Spelling Time” which is an on-line spelling guide using games as a reward. Emme LOVES it. And you can adjust it to your own weekly spelling list.
For the all important Bible study, we’ll be reading from, well, The Bible. And each girl has her own “Devotions for Girls, God and Me” workbook from Legacy Press. This is a daily devotion aimed at teaching kids life lessons from a Biblical perspective, and includes a fun activity after each story.
For Science, History, and Geography, we’ll be using the Unit Study approach. I will do two different subjects for each 10 week period. For example, our first unit study is on “Insects” (can’t wait for that one), and then we’ll do a study of Space Travel. I utilize the library for books relating to each subject. And for the “Insect” study we’re going to acquire an ant farm and butterfly sanctuary. Emme will finally get a “pet.” Although the actual “petting” of the pet will be dissuaded.
As a bonus, we’re also going to be attending 3 classes, one day a week with our local homeschool co-op. I look forward to that as I will actually be able to carry on conversation with other moms. If I remember how.
And one last thing. I can’t stress this enough. Attend used curriculum sales. Armed with a list of what you want to buy, and what it would cost new. The best on-line site that I’ve ever found for both buying and selling used curriculum is VegSource.com. You can find them here.
It will be a fun-filled year. Now, for you non-homeschoolers, I wanted to include this for you. Whether or not you homeschool, everyone is interested in their children becoming better readers. Well, I was poking around on the internet, and I came across a list of children’s books that are to be avoided. I thought it might come in handy.
Because I’m inexplicably drawn to humor that is in poor taste.
Children’s Books To Avoid
1. You’re Different — And That’s Bad
2. The Boy Who Died from Eating All His Vegetables
3. Robert: Dad’s New Wife
4. Fun Four-Letter Words to Know and Share
5. The Kids’ Guide to Hitchhiking
6. Kathy Was So Bad That her Mom Stopped Loving Her
7. Curious George and the High-Voltage Fence
8. All Cats Go to Hell
9. The Little Sissy That Snitched
10. Why Can’t Mr. Fork and Mrs. Electrical Outlet be Friends?
11. Grandpa Gets a Casket
12. Controlling the Playground: Respect Through Fear
13. The Pop-Up Book of Human Anatomy
14. Strangers Have the Best Candy
15. Whining, Kicking and Crying to Get Your Way
16. Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will
17. Daddy Drinks Because You Cry
18. Your Nightmares Are Real
19. You’ve Got Hepatitis B, Charlie Brown
20. Valuable Protein and Other Nutritional Benefits of Things from Your Nose
And if you can come up with any additional titles, please feel free to leave them in the comments section. Keeping in mind, as always, that this is a family friendly blog. 
Posted in Homeschooling | 43 Comments »
June 25th, 2007 at 4:03 am
Even though I don’t home school, I was still interested to read what you do ~but then, I am a teacher.
Are those titles “for real”?????? Hmmmmm.
June 25th, 2007 at 5:05 am
I actually have a pop-up book of human anatomy. I am not kidding. It’s pretty good. It could be very helpful one day.
June 25th, 2007 at 5:34 am
I’m not a homeschooling mom – I’m so old that school wasn’t even invented when I had kids – but I’m interested in how you moms do it. I’ve wondered if you work in groups of families with each mom teaching her area of expertise to the group. I guess that would apply more to upper grades. Anyway, I applaud all of the homeschool moms. And good luck keeping that little one off the ceiling fans!
June 25th, 2007 at 6:17 am
My husband and I were cracking up about the book titles! Thanks!
Don’t forget these classics:
Fluffy Meets the Dishwasher
Mommy DOES Love Your Sister Better
and
The Little Girls’ Diet Book
June 25th, 2007 at 6:30 am
As a fellow homeschooler I am always interested in what others do for their curriculum and scheduling! However I was definitely more entertained by the book list this time!The tears are still streaming down my face! Would you mind if I posted it on my blog as well?
June 25th, 2007 at 7:15 am
I am using Little hearts for his glory by http://www.heartofdakota.com They use some of what you are using. But, it sounds like you’ve got it all together. I need some help for my first year to put it all together in lesson plans for me.
June 25th, 2007 at 8:02 am
CRACKING UP at the book list- and at Tara’s additions.
Too funny.
June 25th, 2007 at 8:10 am
we used A Reason For Spelling & Handwriting just this past year and really liked it…hope you do too! And the book list……FUNNY STUFF!!!
June 25th, 2007 at 8:40 am
I’ve read those book titles before, and they still make me laugh! I love the ones Tara added as well.
Looks like we’re all thinking of curriculum these days. I’ve had such conviction lately and wrote it out today.
http://mrsjlw5.blogspot.com/2007/06/disciple-or-pharisee.html
Please delete if posting links offends you!
June 25th, 2007 at 8:46 am
I love the book list, too! How about “All Mommy wanted was a backrub”? They actually have that and WORSE on t-shirts for babies at tshirthell dot com. Along with that drinking one.
I loved the Handwriting curric you are using, it was nice to have them writing Bible verses for practice.
I wish I had used Saxon math, that is my biggest homeschooling regret, besides being lazy, but you know…..
June 25th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Oh, and I’ve used Math U See all the way through Algebra and Geometry! I was surprised that you didn’t think it was “hands on.”
June 25th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I happened upon your blog yesterday. (after happening upon a blog that had a link to yours…don’t ask me which one! a mommy’s memory can only stretch so far!) Anyway, I just love reading all you have written! I’m also a HS’ing mom. AND we also will be starting 2nd & K this year. I’m looking forward to reading more of what you have planned for the coming school year…and how you hold it all together. I’m pretty certain my little guy will be hanging from the chandelier during school lessons!
Thanks for creating a refreshingly fun & witty blog to read. (aka escape from my 5 children) That book list is TOO funny!
June 25th, 2007 at 9:15 am
I am using the same handwritting with my Things. I will have to look into Saxon. I was SO OVERWHELEMED at the homeschool fai I went to… We are splitting K and 1st this year for my 6 and almost 5 (!!!!!)year old.
June 25th, 2007 at 9:23 am
That “no read” list of kids books is a hoot! It took me to “Curious George and the High Voltage Fence before I relaxed and realized it was tongue in cheek. I have, sadly, seen books lik the ones before George in circulation. Whew! What IS this world coming to???
Great advice on curriculum. I have used most of those either home schooling or in the Christian classroom 3rd grade. Can’t go wrong with Saxon Math and I love the idea of an online spelling program. That DOES sound like fun.
Happy New Year!
June 25th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Too funny! And Tara’s additions are great, also.
You all are too clever.
June 25th, 2007 at 11:01 am
i homeschool so i enjoyed reading about what you’re doing. i’m going to check out those links too. and you always find the best books! when are you going to actually put them in print for us. imagine how funny the whole book would be if the title alone has us laughing outloud. kids books for mommies.
June 25th, 2007 at 11:12 am
The book list was the best thing I’ve read all day. I wish I could think of something to add, but I think you covered it all.
June 25th, 2007 at 11:13 am
LOVE the No Read List!!
We have been on break from homeschooling as well. We will start back tomorrow. We were supposed to start back today, but today is DN birthday. He said, “Aren’t you going to give me my birthday off? Isn’t that why we homeschool, so we can have our birthdays off?” LOL.. Well, that’s not WHY we homeschool, but it is a benefit.
So, he got his birthday off.
June 25th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Thanks for posting about your curriculum. It was very helpful! I’m new at homeschooling and hope that you continue to post about it.
June 25th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Good for you on adopting a year around schedule from the beginning! This is one of my biggest regrets in our little hs’ing adventures. This fall will be our 7th year.
June 25th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Your book list is why I love you so!
June 25th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Funny!
June 25th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Thanks for the laugh! We began our school year today, trying to get through some of our social studies and ahead of the game on Math, reading and writing before other classes and activities start up. After much debate about how “everybody else” is on vacation, we started and discovered SHOCKINGLY it wasn’t that bad and HISTORY is fun!
June 25th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
SNORT!!! You are so wicked with that list. At least I knew enough to put the tea down before I clicked on your link today.
June 25th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Oh, how I wish “Curious George and the High-Voltage Fence” were a real book. Or better yet, made for TV! My kids love that show, and it seriously makes me want to put my head through a wall. Or drink. Or something.
June 25th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Thanks, DeeDee. I am interested in seeing what other homeschoolers use so I can get ideas – I’m still a rookie at this. Your links are very helpful. I’m curious about your “daily schedule”, since my kids are the same ages as yours.
Good luck with Jensen and the ceiling fans. He’ll probably love the insect study! (and right after the butterflies come out, you CAN pet them and let them crawl around on you! It’s really fun!)
June 25th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
lol…..charlie brown
June 25th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Check this out. This is what we use for history. They even have the CDs of the chapters so you don’t have to read. Or you can be anal like us and make the girlies listen to them all night long. LOL
We do a similar schedule. We take off mid-November through January 1 and we take July off. (I have July and November birthdays.)
Right now it’s just too stinkin’ hot to think…
June 25th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Oh hey and the link above it for second grade. They have the curriculum for grades 1-4. That covers history from ancients (think almost cavemen) through the modern day.
It is written from a Christian point-of-view but it is not “preachy” or overt. Evolution is not taught, creation isn’t either but it is kind of assumed you know about creation.
June 25th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
The homeschooling info was really helpful. I’m just beginning to homeschool pre-K stuff so I’m really new to all of this. It’s pretty overwhelming. We’ve started Handwriting Without Tears because even at 4 1/2 my son cries about how his letters aren’t “right” and I’ve never been on his case about how he writes. So I had to get some help! And it has helped tremendously.
Loved the book list! I laughed really hard.
My husband gave me a couple to add, “See Where I Can Hide a Marble” and “Mommy, why does the plunger taste funny?”
June 25th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Loved the list!! How about ‘Doesn’t Play Well with Others and Proud of It’; ‘101 Yummy Cat Recipes’; ‘Bombs for Dummies’ AND ‘My Doggy’s 10 Favorite Flavors of Butt Paste’.
June 25th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Your curriculum list is just what the doctor ordered! I’ll be homeschooling my kindergartener this year, and I have no idea what I’m doing or how to find out what I’m doing! This is at least a step in the right direction.
June 25th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
DeeDee, I tried so hard to come up with some funny ones, but they all had a bit of a naughty tone to it. So I am behaving! I didn’t realize how bad I can really be. I’m actually blushing ;o) I feel like I need to go to confession.
June 25th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Thanks for sharing! I am in the same boat as you, a 2nd grader, kindergardner and my crazy almost 3 year old boy who likes to dig in the garbage and fly off the furniture! I can’t believe, are those really real books???
June 25th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
i did saxon for alg 1-3 and geometry
it took me well thru college trig
i think they are one of the best math curriculums(sp) out there.
i would do fine w/ history to teach but the rest of it id have to hang it up…but i need the time away from my lil ones most of the time….LOL
June 26th, 2007 at 1:26 am
thanks for the homeschool links…and the laugh!!!
blessings, mamabright
June 26th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Oh my….I think I bought about half of those children’s books. Oh well, we learn through trial and error, right?
Thanks for the good laugh this morning! I had to share those titles with my workmates.
June 26th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Great post, as I love reading other homeschoolers’ curriculum choices and wondering “should I have got that instead?!”
It can be overwhelming and I’m thankful the Lord so clearly guided me. Hilarious titles in your list…how about “The Comprehensive List of All Closet-Dwelling Monsters”, “Andrew Crossed His Eyes And Never Saw Straight Again”, and “They All Jumped Off A Cliff So We Should Follow”.
Totally aside: I tagged you!
June 26th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
We’re going to do the opposite – my boys HATED Saxon Math K so I’m gonna try Math-U-See. Or Miquon Math. I haven’t decided yet.
I thought Curious George and the High Voltage Fence actually WAS a real book. I mean, he huffs, steals, and hitches rides in other books…
I’ll be watchful for these titles too:
Clothes are for Sissies
Killer Bees – A Do-it-Yourself kit
The Brave Little Toaster Takes a Bath
June 26th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
I enjoyed reading how your family homeschools, fun! Sounds like it is going great-insects sound fun! I love unit studies-one year we studied horses and made a papermache horse, couldn’t stand, poor thing. The next unit was Native Americans, so we buried the horse after the Natives found him laying on his side (in a nice mound).
We have been homeschooling 10 years now (hmm, maybe 11 I lost count) This coming year we are “family homeschooling” (except for my oldest who will continue her normal studies-16 yo) I am calling it “family homeschool” because that word “unschooling” just makes me upset. We had a very chaotic school year, due to the fact that we adopted a sibling group of 3 (ages 5, 4 and 3-through foster care) who were neglected and abused. They joined us right when school began, the oldest was mandated to kindergarten until adoption happened (March) and the youngest was mandated to preschool. Trying to homeschool my other 3 (4 counting the 3 yo) was challenging with me keeping everyone elses schedule…think I was in my car more than not.
Well, God has released us to a year of “family schooling” to help us all adjust and so he can Bless our socks off! (at first I was nervous. but now I am past it). God will guide our year this school year, not curriculum… indeed we have so much to learn!
Kimmie
mama to 6 (with one or two on the way through a Guatemalan adoption)
one homemade and 5 adopted
June 26th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
That is a GREAT list! I would like to add:
I left my foot in the lawnmower,
10 things your mom hates about you, and
Fun with Sharpies and Scissors
June 26th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Stop. laughing. now. must. breathe.
That list was hilarious!
~Heather
June 27th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I love Saxon math and A Reason for Handwriting.
Enjoyed reading about your choices.
~Leslie