School is back in session here at Tucker Academy and it feels so good. While we do love a good summer break, there’s something so re-freshing about being back in routine and opening up new school books. Last year was our best year. I LOVED (and the kids did too) the homeschool curriculum we chose and we all truly believe that choosing the right curriculum for your family is one of the most important things when it comes to homeschooling. If you are using a curriculum that you or the child doesn’t like, it makes school not fun. And that’s not what it should be.
So what are we using this year? Lots of the same stuff we used last year, but we added a few new things.
4th Grade Curriculum:
Language Arts: Alpha Omega LIFEPAC (We used it last year for History and he loved it. This year, we’re trying it for Language Arts)
History: Veritas Press. This is something we’ve heard so many wonderful things about and are finally taking the plunge. I’ll let you know how we like it later on in the year. I have a feeling he’s going to love it, especially because it’s computer based.\
Spelling: A Reason for Spelling. Again, something we used last year that really worked well for us.
Bible: Apologia What We Believe Series. We did Books 1-2 last year and loved it. This year, we’re slowing it down and doing book 3 this year. Both boys will be doing the same bible. They listen to the CD together and do their workbooks while they’re listening. So far, so good!
Math: Khan Academy. We used Khan a little bit towards the end of last year and into the summer some. It’s absolutely amazing. We’ve only tried it for Math, but I’m sure other subjects are wonderful too. Best part? It’s FREE!
Science: Apologia Flying Creatures. Apologia has the best Science and Bible curriculum we have seen out there. Last year we did Sea Creatures, this year we’re doing Flying Creatures and it’s already so fun! The experiments are fun and easy and the kids take away so much from the lessons.
Handwriting: Simply Charlotte Mason. We love SCM and can’t say enough good things about the handwriting books. My oldest (4th grader) has to really work on his handwriting and SCM does just that. I’ve seen a HUGE improvement since using it.
1st Grade Curriculum:
Language Arts: Alpha Omega LIFEPAC. It looked too good to pass up. This is his first year with a Language Arts curriculum and we’re loving it so far!
History/Social Studies/Geography: Alpha Omega LIFEPAC. We’re slowly easing back into school routine, so we haven’t begun our History yet. I’m excited to use LIFEPAC with him for this subject and see all the things he learns. The workbooks that LIFEPAC offers are so colorful and you can work at your own speed. Both are HUGE to us in our homeschool.
Spelling: A Reason For Spelling. This is the only curriculum we’ve ever used and love it so much!
Bible: Apologia What We Believe Series. We did Books 1-2 last year and loved it. This year, we’re slowing it down and doing book 3 this year. Both boys will be doing the same bible. They listen to the CD together and do their workbooks while they’re listening. So far, so good!
Math: Singapore Math. I used this last year with him and HE loved it. This was a no brainer for me when trying to decide on a Math curriculum for him. We’ve already done a page or two and he loves it.
Science: God’s Wonderful Work’s. This is a great creation study for kids. Fun, easy, and they learn so much! My oldest used this when he was in 1st grade and loved it. Just enough Science to keep their attention and remember what they learned, but not over load on material. Perfect for kids age 6-9.
Handwriting: A Reason For Handwriting. We used this last year with him and he really did so well! I love the biblical aspect it has with it as well.
Reading: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. I’ve used this with both of my kids and it really does work! We started earlier in the summer with my first grader, and we’re on lesson 70 right now. He’s reading and it makes me (and him) so happy! Next, we’ll do Easy Reader books for reading.
That’s our curriculum choice for this year’s school year! What curriculum are you using?
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