Back to School Week #1

We started back to school last week with a few of our subjects. I found a few years back that it was always easier on the kids and myself if we started back slowly. We focused on some core subjects like English, Math, Science and History. I will add the other "elective" type subjects this coming week. Here is a basic run down of the kids and their courses for study.

Gabrielle is in her first year of highschool. She is doing the following:
Biology and lab
English
Algebra 1
Tapestry of Grace for history
Literature and writing currently reading Pride and Prejudice
Music appreciation from Harmony Fine Arts - to include listening selections and a report on each musician covered, plus an opinion piece
Art appreciation from Harmony Fine arts
Artistic Pursuits for hands on art
gym class (at home for now)

Arianna is in 7th grade and doing the following:
Pre-algebra
English and spelling
Biology with Gabrielle
Tapestry of Grace for history, literature and writing
Artistic Pursuits
Young Scholar's guide to Composers

Natania is in 5th grade and doing the following:
Math
English and spelling
Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space
Tapestry of Grace for history, some literature and some writing
Artistic Pursuits
Young scholar's guide to Composers

Annaliese is in 3rd grade and doing the following:
Math
English and spelling
Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space
Tapestry of Grace for history, some literature and some writing
Artistic Pursuits
Young Scholar's Guide to Composers

Micah is in 1st grade (approx) and is doing the following:
Math
Reading - using Alpha Phonics
Literature - lapbook projects based on a book
Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space
Artistic Pursuits
Young Scholar's Guide to Composers

The younger three also have some workbooks for handwriting and phonics practice.

In addition to some of these classes I like to incorporate unit studies for geography and famous artists this year. We have started with Van Gogh for our artist and the countries in Europe for geography. We find it much more interesting than the regular "textbook" method of schooling. It gives an opportunity to explore other areas of study with books, listening to music, nature walks or nature journals. Less of sitting at a "desk" and more of actual learning through observation and discussion.

Micah started his first lapbook with a unit on Pirates. He was having so much fun that it prompted Annaliese and Natania to work on lapbooks too using the American Girl series. Natania started with the books on Kirsten and Annaliese is using the Molly books. I will post some pictures of these when they are done. Our lapbook templates are from Homeschoolshare.com a wonderful website that provides everything you need to get your lapbooks done.


Check back often and see what our family is learning. I will post pictures on a regular basis.