Ryan's curriculum

We are using Sonlight this year for everyone, and Ryan is using Core W and Science G.  Core W in one year World History, and the Science is

Geology, Physics, and Origins.

Here is a look and what he starts out with:

Science

This is a really great book on how evolution cannot prove life on earth.  You can read more about it here. 

 A good read for children and parents alike. 

Ryan reads a chapter and then answers questions like:

What is the theory of applied characteristics?

How was the law of disuse finally proved false?

For History, he is working through these two main books:

Basically, we just read through these and have discussions about it.  To go along with these two, the novel Ryan is reading right now is

And the one I am reading aloud to him:

Although both these two books are fiction, they are beautifully written and give the reader a real sense of what life was like during that time in history.  There are 20 more novels Ryan will work through an his own, and at least 9 more read aloud.  Busy year!!

Bible study includes the following at this time:

These last three really stretch the mind and make you want to learn more about what is really means to be a Christian.  It's much more than blind faith.

For spelling we really like:

Check it out online here.  I like it because there is ZERO prep time!  There are no spelling tests, but the student does 25 words every day.

Typing:

About 15 minuets each day.  Easily adjustable for different skill levels.  All the kids are using this and me as well.  Can always get better!

Now for math.  Ahh math, that strange subject that can be so subjective.  This is still a struggle for me.  I was never very good at math, so I think that is still haunting me.  We are using a mix of curriculum this year.

Right Start Math is asian based math that uses an abacus to help children visualize what they are working on.  We are lower than grade level on math right now, but I really want to make sure the kids are getting it before we move on.  I will also be using:

Teaching Textbooks is a great resource.  This math is done on the computer and it is like having a personal tutor and the kids can work on it on their own and it keeps track of how well they did.  For each lesson there is a real 'lesson', then some practice and then the questions.

Also this year I have found a good web site called Xtramath.  This I am using for review and practice.  It is a free site, and you can have multiple children signed up.  As the parent (or teacher), you choose which grade level you need.  You can adjust the questions later to focus more on one area, like just addition, or just division.  You can then review your students and see where they may need more work.

Now for L.A.  This year we are taking a break from the BIG assignments.  Like story writing.  We will do some of these, but later on.  For now we are just focusing on narration, dictation, and copy work.  I am following the formula in this book:

You can check out some reviews here.  This comes from the 'Well Trained Mind' series.  It will really help us get our words onto paper much better.  There are workbook for the kids that come with this, but for now I am just following the directions in this book.  Mostly because I have used all my funding for this year  :)  For vocabulary we are using Wordly Wise.  Pretty good, but all the kids hate it.  LOL!  I think it's funny because it's not hard at all.

Handwritting:

 Practice for cursive

   So that just about covers it for now, I will add in the different books as we use them.  Most of these books can be found at Christian Books.  It is a great web site for ALL types of christian books, including a very large home school section.  I like this site because you can view the inside of all books, they have great sales, and ship very quickly.  Check them out if you get a chance!

Thanks for reading and good luck to all who are homeschooling!