We have endured our first month of homeschooling, and have high hopes for our first year of homeschooling.
It’s been quite an experience, and we are already seeing a vast improvement in our 4th grader. He’s been more attentive, assertive and enthusiastic about learning. We haven’t seen him this involved since the beginning of 2nd grade. What an amazing thing to witness, especially after wondering should we homeschool at all.
Since we are now into our routine, I figured this was a great time to share with you the curriculum that we’ve put together for our first year of homeschooling. It’s a hodgepodge of classes and curriculums that we like, and some ideas that we put together on our own.
Science
Our son has been enthusiastic about science since he turned 2. Liberty Science Center was one of his favorite places to visit and learn and has been for the past 7 years. With a dad that equally enjoys science, and a great-uncle who is a chemist, we’ve decided to really focus on building his scientific knowledge.
My husband is the sole teacher for this one and purchased the science book and workbook from Harcourt School. He will be supplementing with this website: Harcourt School Grade 4. They work on science vocabulary, assignments and projects before and after dinner. He’s already aced 1 quiz from dad.
Math
We decided to use McRuffy Math for his 4th grade curriculum. Since these lessons should be done daily, I have been his math teacher for the past month. I suck at math, but this curriculum is made for those parents that look at math with their heads tilted to the side.
While I do love the curriculum, there are few pet peeves I have. I plan on doing a review of the curriculum once we get through it. We both love that it’s colorful and fun. My son is a visual learner (so am I), so this curriculum is perfect for him.
Language Arts
This class was something that took me quite a while to decide on. We actually just started his language arts class 2 weeks ago. Sonny actually has been doing morning writing prompts since the start of the school year, but we didn’t have a concrete curriculum. Now, after his prompts, he signs into Time 4 Learning.
The lessons are very detailed, entertaining, and actually kind of funny! I love to hear a kid giggling while they are learning. There is a monthly fee for using the website, but it was within our budget so I had no issue with paying for it. So far, it’s worth the money since he asks to use the math and science sections during his free study time.
History
After lots of research, we decided on the All American History Set Volume 1 from Bright Ideas Press. I kind of regret purchasing this curriculum. It’s very dry and we are both relieved that History is only done twice a week.
So, we’ve been creating our own supplements from the reading that are more interesting. So far, he’s researched Marco Polo, done a project on Columbus, and is now in the middle of creating a power point presentation about the colonies.
Food Science and Safety
When we asked Sonny if he was OK with being homeschooled this year, he replied “Yes ma’am, but can can I learn recipes too? I want to learn to cook.” Um, heck yes we can! So each Friday we have food science and safety class.
I’ve basically put together this curriculum on my own, and I’m documenting what we are doing each week to share at thens of the year. We’ve now added Potstickers Club to our class, and it’s phenomenal. If you’re looking to get your kids excited about cooking and food from around the world, check them out.
Extra-curriculars
Sonny is now signed up for the New Jersey Orators. My sister was in Orators for quite a few years, and won competitions, so we wanted to give Sonny a chance to see if this would be something he would like. So far, he loves it and shows promise.
He will also be starting music lessons soon. We still haven’t decided between piano or drums.
We missed soccer registration, so now we are on the lookout for a physical activity for him to do. He’s going to re-join the track team in spring, so we just need a fall and winter activity.
Our Daily Schedule
- Breakfast
- Daily chores
- complete writing prompt for the day
- (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) read one lesson from History book with Mom
- sign into Time 4 Learning and do 2 language arts lessons
- (on Wednesdays and Fridays) free study time on Time 4 Learning
- Lunch
- do at least one math lesson with Mom
- work on current month’s project(s) by researching on the computer
- (on Fridays) food science with Mom
This new life of ours is definitely creating a bigger bond within our whole family. Would you like for me to continue these updates on our first year of homeschooling, maybe with a monthly post? Let me know in the comments below.
Also, if you are a “veteran homeschooler,” feel free to leave any tips you may have for us. I can’t wait to read them.
This is so very awesome. Love how you are showing the good and the bad. I know he is enjoying having your full attention. Good job. And yes, keep us posted.
Thanks Val!
Awesome and sounds like he is thriving! Keep the updates coming!
Thanks Mom! We’re all enjoying it so far.
Just came across your blog and I loved reading this post! Your first year sounds like it’s going much better than mine. I spent most of my first year crying in a closet or in the shower, lol.
Time4Learning was a life saver when we found it, because textbooks and workbooks simply weren’t working for us. We are still using it today, almost 8 years later!
I love what you’re doing with food science! My oldest (now 15) has known he wanted to be a chef since he was 5. Food, both the science of and the cooking of, has been a huge part of our homeschool over the years! 🙂
Looking forward to reading more of your blog…
Katie
I enjoyed reading your review of all your curriculum choices. We are also a time4learning family. We have used it for 6 years now as our complete curriculum. It’s affirming to hear from other moms who love it as much as we do. We also love Liberty Science Center and their homeschool classes.
How exciting for you both, your first year of homeschooling. And 4th grade is a great time to start. It’s still early enough to help him develop a new love for learning…and for reading.
I wanted to post a quick comment to say that we use Time4Learning, also. My daughter is a visual learner and it’s been a wonderful program for her. I can totally relate to your comment on hearing him giggle while he’s doing ‘school’. Same here. I love that she is loving her T4L lessons! We use it for all subjects and supplement science and social studies a little. Since starting on T4L, she’s also become an avid reader, so she reads a lot.
Best wishes to you with your homeschool! 🙂
This sounds great. We have used Time4learning for homeschooling for the last 5 years. It’s worked great for us! I love the cooking and food safety course, I might have to try putting something together for my kiddos too!
Thanks Jamie! We are having a great experience with it all. My goal is to have a curriculum of sorts put together by April for food science and safety. I can’t wait to share it.
So great to hear of the progress. Love the Liberty Science Center, too! 🙂
Thanks Preston!
Amiyrah, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experiences! For someone like me who is considering taking the leap into homeschooling, but being almost panicked with fear of the unknown, your experiences help immensely to give me hope and encouragement.
You are so welcome, Roma! A few friends asked if I would please do monthly updates on how we are getting along in our first year, so please be sure to come back. Also, please don’t panic! 😀
We just began homeschool in the middle of an already public school year… Im happy i started although it is taking me a while to get adjusted whereas my son is loving the casual time of being home and learning. He tends to want to be a little lazy at times but i feel the more invilved we become with school and consistent he will really enjoy it. im glad you posted this it gives me great hope!
GOOD EVENING!
I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE STILL HOMESCHOOLING AND IF SO HOW IS IT GOING?
Yes, we are! We’re posting an update soon, with our plan for this year. Thanks for checking on us 🙂