I'm still struggling with a decision on math. I've officially decided that after 2 years and a few months using Miquon Math that I do NOT like the program, and I probably will not use it with the girls. The problem is that some of the highest-recommended math programs are also the most expensive. I just don't have the money for them. I've tried Amazon and ebay, but they're still highly-priced. I've looked at reviews of different math programs, but every single one has both positive and negative comments...making it very difficult to decide. I just wish I could borrow several programs and use them for a week each to see which works for us before I buy! I've nearly decided on Singapore Math because we used it for preschool and kindergarten, it's highly recommended, and it's affordable. The only issue I have with it is that the 4th grade level will be TOO advanced for Isaac. However, he doesn't seem to have a problem with doing 3rd grade math in 4th grade...his response was, "What's wrong with that???" So, okay.
Because we do workboxes, I'm going to list my curriculum choices by box--and tell what I'm planning for each subject.
Box 1: Thinking Skills-- Building Thinking Skills 2 (MWF) and thinking skills games (TuTh)
I'll post a widget of some of the thinking skills games we use as soon as I can get amazon to come on...internet is so slow atm!
Box 2: Bible--Discover 4 Yourself series (see widget below for titles). I'll start with the book on how to read the Bible and then follow it with a study of the life of Jesus (book study on John).
Box 3: Math (Yet to be decided)
Box 4: History--I plan to start with Missouri State History. We live in England, but most 4th graders in America study state history, so I wanted to do that as well. Missouri is the state Isaac was born in and lived in before we moved to England. We spend most of our time there when we're back in America. Because we plan to be there at the beginning of 4th grade, I plan to start with that! We'll probably make it a lapbook or notebook study, using internet resources. I'm hoping we can even make a trip to Jefferson City...we'll see!
After that we'll be covering American history. I could have continued with the Story of the World series since we did Ancient History in 2nd grade and Medieval History this year, but I felt we needed to go back to American history for 4th. We're using the Light and the Glory for Children series, and I have several resources (books and websites) for theme unit activities throughout our studies. Also, he will be doing supplemental reading with some historical fiction. I love good children's literature (and luckily so does he)! I'm not sure which books I'll have him read. I need to get back to America, go through the books I have, and then visit my favorite used-book store!
Box 5: Geography--This year I've had geography in the last box, but next year I'm going to put it right after history. We've had a blast studying different countries the past year, but in 4th grade we'll be doing US Geography. I hope to at least briefly cover each state, but I want to do a theme units on at least a few of them (Hawaii and Alaska would be fun). I'm also planning to use Daily Geography Practice for basic geography.
Box 6: Reading--I'm planning to use Drawn Into the Heart of Reading 4/5 (Heart of Dakota) with a selection of good literature from 9 genres (Biography, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Humor, Nonfiction, Realistic Fiction, Folktales). Again, I've not decided on the titles yet...need a trip to the US first!
Box 7: Spelling--Sequential Spelling 2
Box 8: Language--Language Lessons for the Elementary Child 2 and also Daily 6-Trait Writing, Grade 4 (because he needs to work on writing skills).
Box 9: Vocabulary--Word Roots A1
Box 10: Storytime--Because I used Heart of Dakota curriculum for grades K-2, I've always read books based on the 9 genres mentioned above on Reading. Because he's going to be reading those kinds of books on his own next year, I've decided to read aloud some classics in 4th grade! Here's a list of some of the books I'm hoping to read to him, though I don't know how many of them we'll get to or in which order I'll read them!
Black Beauty
Treasure Island
Swiss Family Robinson
Little Lord Fauntleroy
The Hobbit
A Christmas Carol
Heidi
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Around the World in 80 Days
Box 11: Science--I'm trying Apologia next year because I've heard so much about it, and it sounds great! We'll start with Exploring Creation with Zoology I, which is all about birds, basically. Part of me would like to stick with a general science or at least general biology (we're doing Earth Science this year), but I like how the program is set up, and at least he'll know more about birds than most kids his age! Has anyone else used this program? I'd love to hear your comments! I'd also like to know if you supplement it with any other type of science (science kits on physics or chemistry, gardening, videos or games, etc.). I am planning to add a unit study on Health either before or after our study on birds.
Box 12: Electives--Here are the electives for 4th grade:
Life Skills/Contenders for the Faith--I'll get back on this one!
Music--I use Singing Made Easy, and I also plan to teach some piano (if I ever manage to save my money for a keyboard) and recorder (I have one already and books too).
P.E.--I'm REALLY hoping we can do something other than use the trampoline and Wii Sports for this!!! That wasn't my plan, but it's happened often. Actually the kids did swimming lessons last fall, and I'm hoping they can continue at some point. I like Greg to do P.E., but English weather makes it difficult sometimes,and our house isn't big enough for indoor sports....
Typing/Technology--I use Typing Instructor Deluxe for the typing bit. Not sure yet on the Tech.
Art/Fine Art--I'll probably use Drawing Textbook for art and maybe supplement with other things...not sure yet...
Bible and History:
Thinking Skills, Geography, Reading, Language, Science:
I get a little overwhelmed with all the curriculum choices out there myself, but your added constraint of being overseas must make it even more challenging! We have used Singapore from the beginning and have loved it (my oldest is on the second half of level 2). We've not used another curriculum ourselves to compare, but lots of things I have read about it say that the Singapore levels aren't necessarily equivalent to grade levels, but that you just need to go by where your child is skill-wise. (SO impressive that your son would ask, "What's wrong with that?" Very mature response!)
ReplyDeleteOh, I also wanted to say that we LOVE the Critical Thinking Co. books (like "Building Thinking Skills"), too! My kids think of those as "fun" more than "work", and they are so excited to do that workbox each day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, especially on Singapore Math--makes me feel better about putting him where his skill level is instead of grade level. It is challenging to get good curriculum overseas, because you just don't have the selection like you do in America. Most of the homeschool parents in England either do unschooling, or else they use a program like ACE. I personally like to pick and choose for each subject. I order all my curriculum while I'm in the US and then bring it over in suitcases. Occasionally I will find I need something else later on, and I either get my mom to order and ship it (which isn't cheap, so I don't like to do it unless she's already planning to ship something), or every so often I'll manage to find what I need on Amazon UK (at a higher price because of the exchange rate). So that's another reason why I plan way ahead! Anyway, thanks again for commenting. I'm leaning further toward Singapore Math now! : )
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a complete list! Love this...how are you l iking the workbox system? I need to look back on your blog adn see how you set it up!
We just switched to Singapore from Shiller and are so happy. My daughter was at the "end of grade 2" in Shiller and we put her back in 1B. I am SO GLAD that we did. Your son's response was perfect - just work at your level. As a former math teacher, I have LOVED the way they teach math!