Homeschool Highlights- Week 22

We are now at the end of week 22 of the 2011-2012 homeschooling school year!

Below is the curriculum we chose at the beginning of the school year:

Emma- 10 years, 5th grade

Math- Switched on Schoolhouse
Science- Abeka
History- Abeka
Language Arts- Easy Grammar, Abeka Spelling and Poetry
Reading- Approved books of choice, Bible
Music- Piano

Rylan- 7 years, 2nd grade

Math- Horizons
Science- Abeka
Language Arts- Abeka
Handwriting- A Reason For Handwriting- Highly Recommend!
Reading- Abeka readers



Before I brought my daughter home from the christian school, she had been struggling with Math for about 2 years. She was using Abeka at the time. Since we've been using SOS she has greatly improved. I am considering Teaching Textbooks or Saxon Math for next year. I would greatly love to hear any feedback from those who have used either one. I find that both my children find History to be dry and boring using Abeka. They have still been using Abeka, although I have supplemented with Diana Waring- What in the World. This week they are learning about the history of Egypt. I like the idea of both my children being able to learn Science and History together. for Science I plan to start using Apologia for both of them next year. It seems to be a little advanced for my youngest. After half a year in diagramming sentences and worksheets on proper grammar usage, I plan to use more of a natural approach for Language such as copywork from the Bible, poetry, etc. I believe the goal in Language is to be able to communicate and write properly. If that's the case, I think my children are doing exceptionally well.
I recently found a website for Rod and Staff which I LOVE! It's simple, christian-based, and affordable. I found Language Reference Charts as well as Math reference charts for only 3.00 a piece! I also ordered Emma a couple homemaking workbooks that teach her the basics of sewing and preparing meals! It's hard to believe a little over a year ago I thought negative about homeschooling. I believe it was my lack of knowledge of the benefits of homeschooling that I thought this way. I thank God that He helped me see the blessing that homeschooling would have on our family and for the grace to step out in faith to do it.
Homeschooling isn't an easy task, but it's one of the most rewarding. Since homeschooling I've been able to see the gifts that God has given each one of them and how we can cultivate them for God's glory. Emma is gifted with a beautiful voice as well as a talent for playing the piano. She now has the time to practice 1-2 hours each day, something she didn't have the time to do when in school. She also has a gift of writing songs, poetry, and drawing. Rylan loves the outdoors! He would live outdoors if he could! He has a sensitive, loving, and very adventurous heart!
Ellie, my almost 3 year old, is beginning to learn her colors. I purchased a preschool curriculum from Answers in Genesis. I'm excited to begin this with her. She is behind on her speech so we are working with her on that first. I'm just enjoying letting her be little because I know how quickly they grow up. Children truly are blessings from the Lord and I thank Him for each one of them!