Classical Education- our year at a glance

[busybeemommy]

Well, this is more to keep me on track than anything, but I figured ya'll might be interested, too.

We are on cycle 1 of TWTM, so our curriculum choices reflect that.


Math- Saxon
Science- Anatomy/Biology
History- SOTW Book 1
Language Arts- FLLTWTM, lots of early readers and handwriting exercises, fiction books from the library related to what we're reading
Spanish- a Spanish nanny sits with them twice a week while I run errands; she speaks to them in Spanish; we also get Spanish children's books from the library
Art- lots of drawing and crafts related to our studies
Music-
Monday- Classical
Tuesday- Spanish
Wednesday- Folk/Patriotic
Thursday- Spanish
Friday- Grab Bag (Broadway, Funny, Foreign Language, Opera, etc.)
Sunday- Hymns
Religion- we go to church and Sunday school every Sunday; we also read from The Children's Story Bible, and the kids each have a sketchbook where I'll write their sentence summary of what they just heard, and they'll draw a picture

History Projects:
Mummify a chicken (also science)
use the Egyptian treasure chest from Amazon.com (Greek, too, if we can afford it)
write in hieroglyphs
build a Great Wall of China; maybe write in kanji
dress in togas and have a Greek-themed dinner
watch a couple of documentaries from the library (includ. one I'm really
excited about called "500 Nations", with a feature about ancient Native
American metropolises)
do a scratch art of an ancient greek urn (I did this in school, really fun)
get books from the library for further study

Science
learn about the taxonomy system using things around the house
go on nature walks and keep nature journals
play the SomeBody game
draw life size outlines of ourselves and draw in major organs
make a model of smoker's lungs (found years ago on Internet)
in spring, will each plant a garden
grow potatoes in window
use petri dishes with agar and cotton swabs to grow mold from around house
go to the aquarium and zoo


We try to budget about $200 per year for HS, which is doable if I don't get carried away.

[chalupamom]

This is so cool! We're in the first cycle of TWTM, too, and I appreciate the ideas. I had actually been prepared to come post about ideas for integrating music into the day so I'm particularly thrilled to see your ideas about that.

We're having an open house today but I'd love to talk more about what you're doing. When we get back this afternoon I'll try to get back online.

[busybeemommy]

Aww, thanks.

I'm definitely excited. What we do is get up at around 6:45, make our beds, get dressed, and have breakfast. Afterwards, we each clear our spot and I put on the music for the day, as a gentle way to get them into the day. While that's going on, they can sit, dance, or run around, as long as they are listening. After a song or two, we go into language arts. I'm excited about trying some quotes this year (I'm thinking about using George Washington's rules for order and civility, Ben Franklin's quotes, etc.), and each day's handwriting will go into a binder. Then, we'll do grammar exercises. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Next, we do history. Most days I read aloud from the SOTW, then they can do a narration for their journal, or we'll do an activity. If we get really into a topic (i.e. mummification), then we'll spend a few days reading other books about it, watching documentaries, or doing projects. For each special topic, the kids have to make a page or two with pictures, reflections, etc. in their journal.

Next up is math. We do any pages that we have marked for the day, and, if necessary, extra work.

Then art time. It almost always corresponds to something we're studying. I try to find open-ended projects (i.e. instead of a color page, we design our own urns).

Then we have PE. This consists of the kids playing outside (soccer, jumprope, running, etc.). They also each have an outside activity that meets in the afternoons (soccer and gymnastics for Gabriel, ballet and gymnastics for Grace).

We have lunch, then we do reading time. This consists of me reading a story to them, then them doing individual reading. Sometimes, they read to each other while I do dishes or laundry.

Next up is science. We do an experiment or study a concept and then write about it. Sometimes, we'll go for nature walks or on a field trip.

Then, its wherever the mood takes us. Trips, errands, chores, playing, etc. If the kids are bored, I have a giant cookie jar with strips of paper with activities on them, and they choose one.

My favorite thing is the Wheel O Chores. My dad made it, and it hooks to the kitchen door. The categories are "Vacuum", "Dishes", "Sweep", "Trash", "Feed Dog", "Water Plants", and the ever-elusive "No Chores". We spin every morning, and whatever you land on must be done at some point during the day.

[warriorprincess]

Matthew 8, Olivia 6 Andrew 3

One of the kids gets me up, I serve breakfast, drink my latte. AS kids finish they go off to play. When I'm done I ask the older two to do their "list": Make bed, put laundry in hamper, brush teeth and hair. This lets me nag less and reduces power struggles.

I set out the books and make sure I have everything I need . I change Andrew and do a 10 minute abs DVD. The older kids will usually do some of their "workbook stuff" while I work out. We then have three subjects taught together;

History (SotW book 2). I read the lesson, and the kids do a written summary. They will usually either do a map page, coloring page, or art or cooking project in addition.

Latin ( Mimimus)

Science - lots of hands on stuff from books we pick up at yard sales (The best is "Barron's Science Wizardry for Kids" The kids read so much science related stuff on their own I stopped force feeding it to them.

On Fridays we do art . (Start Exploring Masterpieces).

Recess- anywhere from 10 20 minutes.

Then the kids do stand alone stuff. They may do them in any order, but must get them done before they go play.

Grammar: Matthew, Intermediate Language Lessons; Olivia First Language Lessons for the WTM.

Math: Matthew is doing 4th grade and Olivia 2nd ; Addison Wellsley

Spelling:Spelling Workout

Handwriting

Reading (McGraw Hill books)

Then lunch. Kids play until everyone is done eating then sometime after. Chores: Matthew dishes, Olivia sweeping. Then to quiet rest. If they have clean laundry they fold and put it away at that time.

After, if weather permits, a walk. Or the kids will just play if it's rainy.

Wednesdays I work in the AM so those days are off. They go to a homeschool class where they learn science and Spanish.

[busybeemommy]

How are the kids doing with Latin? I plan to start it in third grade, but maybe I should look into Minimus. I took 4 years of Latin in college, and try to read a little Latin every month to keep my skills honed, but I'm still a little wary of teaching such young children. We have read Winnie Ille Pooh, and they seem to like it. : :

(Sorry about the smilies, I just discovered that feature, and thought they'd brighten up the thread.)