Home School Plans for 2008-2009

This year I have a 1st grader, a Pre-K and a Toddler. One thing I want to do this year is cut back on DVDs and read to the kids more. I have tried Unit Studies in the past (including when I was home-schooled) but they require more time than I have. I also think it will be better with the boys separate so that they don't feel inferior to each other (this is mentioned on Ambleside Online's FAQ). There is enough "my older brother did ___" in the world without adding academics too.

1st Grade - DS1 "The Engineer"

• Bible: Old and New Testament stories from Penny Gardner. Reading from Psalms and Proverbs.
  
• Reading: Ruth Beechick's 3 R's and Alpha-Phonics
• Math: Making Math Meaningful Level 1, Easy Telling Time and Telling Time, both by Kumon, counting change, months/days, measuring and lots of practical skills.
• Writing: Ruth Beechick's 3 R's. Lots of copywork. Also ideas from Writing Strands 1.
• Foreign Language: We are learning German. I have Power-Glide as well as various internet finds and books. I am hoping to use stories to teach.
  
• History / Geography / Nature / Poetry / Literature / Art / Music: From Ambleside Online (AO), we are planning to do year 1.
• Nature Study: Nature walks, study Mammals, Birds, etc as in AO. Notice the trees, sky / moon / stars, grow plants, care for animals, catch bugs, etc.
  
• Music Lessons: Guitar with Dad.
  
• Fitness: Taekwondo.

Pre-K - DS2 "The Artist"

• Bible: Old and New Testament stories from Penny Gardner. Reading from Psalms and Proverbs.
  
• Reading: Ruth Beechick's 3 R's (basic letter sounds, so he isn't left out).
• Math: Life skills.
• Writing: Letter and number formation, again very informal and basic.
• Foreign Language: German - learned with games and stories (I hope to keep this fun).
• Nature Study: Lots of time outside & exploring nature (sky, weather, plants, animals, etc.).
  
• Fitness: Taekwondo.

Toddler - DS3 "The Explorer"

• Bible: Reading with the rest of us.
• Attention: More time reading with Mom.
• Potty Training: He is working on this. Yay! My last one.

Trial Run
This month we will try to complete the first 2 weeks of AO, just to see that it is the appropriate level before buying books. We may need to do AO year 0 instead.