I often get asked what my favorite curriculum is for different ages. I have to say that the list changes yearly, because let's face it, each year we are bound to find something new and improved- and yes, sometimes those things make it on my list. There are also a handful of items that have graced my favorites list for YEARS! After all, I have been homeschooling for over 23 years!
My two daughters have graduated from college, my oldest son starts this year and already has all but one of his general college courses completed, and our youngest beings 8th grade next month. Point being- we have done all the grades multiple times!
I know there are many out there that are new to homeschooling or still trying to decide if this is something you can do until the current COVID situation calms down. I would love to give you a few words of wisdom from an OLD homeschooling mom...
YOU CAN DO THIS! You are smart, and you are able! And no one knows or loves your kids as much as you do.
NOT EVERY DAY IS EASY! But every day is worth it. You will build relationships with your kids and maybe even heal a few.
YOU ARE NOT RUNNING A MINI VERSION OF SCHOOL! Homeschooling and schooling at home are two different beasts. If you are going this on your own, outside the school system, you get to call the shots. Check out your state's legal requirements and then jump in!
IT DOES NOT TAKE ALL DAY! Really, it doesn't. It is dependent on how many kiddos you are teaching, their ages, your pace, and a million other details. But you will not have the distraction of 20 other students, bath room breaks, fire drills, recess and so on!
DON'T MAKE IT COMPLICATED! If you are just trying to fill in for a year, there are many programs online as well as "all in one" programs to choose for. They not only offer discounts for an entire level, but will have lesson plans that you can follow day to day. Ones I would recommend you look at are-
- Timberdoodle Company
- Christian Liberty Press
- ABeka (online programs available)
- Sonlight (quite an investment and not the best choice probably if you are in this just for a year!)
When we began homeschooling, and for several years afterwards, we used "all in one" curriculum. It was an easy way to get started and did not feel so intimidating. Through the years I started finding other courses I loved and would add them to our program, sometimes doubling up subjects just to fit it all in. After wearing myself and my kids out, I began to streamline and pick and choose with more deliberation. Add in my years of reviewing homeschool curriculum, and I have been exposed to A LOT of programs. I tell people often, ask me about it- I have probably used it.
That being said, yes, I do have my favorites and if I was starting all over tomorrow here is what I would use! If I have reviewed a product in the past I have linked them to the review. Please note- I am NOT profiting off any of these products. Just a mom sharing her experiences.
Kindergarten- Just have fun! Really! Learn letters, colors and explore nature! If your kiddo love games. learn through games! Let them help in the kitchen, talk about community helpers, read aloud daily, and snuggle a lot. They are only young once- savor this time. If they really want to read- Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, is fun, short, and easy to use. BOB Books are also good! Saxon Math K is a great hands on math program and most kids find it fun to use at this level.
1st Grade-All About Reading and Reading Eggs (super fun online program your kids will LOVE!)
Saxon Math
Saxon Grammar and Writing or Here to Help Learning (online)
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
History- My Story 1 (Masterbooks)
READ- every book you can get your hands on!
History- My Story 1 (Masterbooks)
READ- every book you can get your hands on!
2nd Grade- All About Reading
Saxon Math
Here to Help Learning (online)
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
History- My Story 2 (Masterbooks)
History- My Story 2 (Masterbooks)
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
3rd Grade- All About Reading
Saxon Math
Hake Grammar and Writing or Here to Help Learning (online)
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
History- Elementary World History (Masterbooks)
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
4th Grade- All About Reading
All About Spelling (very hands on) or Spelling Power (if your child is a strong speller)
Saxon Math AND Time Tables (simply the BEST way to learn multiplication I think!)
Hake Grammar and Writing or Here to Help Learning (online)
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
History- Our 50 States (Notgrass)
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
5th Grade- All About Spelling (very hands on) or Spelling Power (if your child is a strong speller)
Teaching Textbooks 5 (Math)
Hake Grammar and Writing
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
History- America the Beautiful (Notgrass)
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
6th Grade - All About Spelling (very hands on) or Spelling Power (if your child is a strong speller)
Teaching Textbooks 6 (Math)
Hake Grammar and Writing
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
History- From Adam to Us (Notgrass)
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
7th Grade- Wordly Wise Vocabulary
Teaching Textbooks 7 (Math)
Hake Grammar and Writing
Nancy Larson Science (non religious) or Exploring Creation Series
Memoria Press Geography II
History- Uncle Sam and You (Notgrass)
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
8th Grade- Wordly Wise Vocabulary
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1 (Math)
Hake Grammar and Writing
Apologia General Science
Memoria Press Geography II
History- Sonlight (This is one of our favorite years that uses the A History of US series by Joy Hakim)
Keyboarding
READ- every book you can get your hands on! We use Sonlight's Literature Program
9th Grade- Wordly Wise Vocabulary
Teaching Textbooks Geometry (Math)
Apologia Biology or Friendly Biology
IEW writing
Foreign Language
US History- Sonlight or Notgrass
US Literature- Sonlight
Elective
10 Grade- Wordly Wise Vocabulary
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2 (Math)
Apologia Biology
IEW writing
Foreign Language
World History- Sonlight of Notgrass
World Literature (Sonlight)
Elective
11th Grade- Wordly Wise Vocabulary
Teaching Textbooks Chemistry (Math)
Apologia Biology
IEW writing
Government and Economics- Sonlight or Notgrass
British Literature
Elective
12th Grade- Wordly Wise Vocabulary
Math U See- Stewardship (this is a consumer math class that teaches some great life skills!)
Apologia Physics (if your child is college bound in a science or math related field only!)
IEW writing
Elective
Our family also incorporates Bible into each year, either using what is provided by our Sonlight curriculum, or various programs we have found along the way. I will post on some of those next week so make sure to check back!
Keep in mind, this is what has worked for us and our MY favorites. There are SO MANY great programs out there. Figuring out what kind of learner your child is will help you when you start looking for curriculum. NO child is the same and their educations should never look the same as well. Find something that they love and fits them well, and you will be on your way to having a child who loves learning!
I pray you love teaching as well!
Got questions?? Ask away!
Blessings
Welcome! Follow our family of 6 on our military moving, God loving, homeschool adventure! We are honored you have joined us and look forward to hearing from you.
We have an upcoming 9th grader and we will be using IEW as well. I found a great online home economcis class for her to take next year as well (I don't even think it's called home ec anymore?) I ordered Around the World in 180 days for History/Geography but haven't received it yet..praying it's ok for high school....thank you for your list and ideas, I am saving your page to refer back to
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are off to a great start! Let us know how you like Around the World!
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