Our Homeschool

Homeschooling | Let's Explore

We just kicked off our fourth year of homeschooling – wow! I’m no longer blogging about our homeschool at Early Bird Homeschool. Trying to separate the learning and playing we do between two blogs was just not working for me. All my homeschooling posts have moved here and are getting settled in!

I’m planning to share snippets from our homeschool days here, along with my regular play-inspired content. I’m thinking Fridays will be the day I share highlights from our week, books and resources we love, and learning ideas for you and your kids to try at home. Whether you homeschool or not, I hope you’ll find some inspiration!

I thought I would start by sharing the resources we are starting off with this year. We also spend a good deal of time exploring the girls’ ever-changing interests, so who knows where this year will take us!

Math and Literacy

Delaney (age 8, third grade)

  • Singapore Math 3A & 3B
  • Math games & manipulatives
  • Math Journal (I want to do more writing paired with math this year.)
  • Spelling Power (starting at Level C)

Natalie (age 9, fourth grade)

Both Girls

  • Reading Detective – Beginning – We’re trying this out to see if it’s a good fit. I don’t like “busy work,” but I do like some of the strategies we’ll be practicing. The girls love it so far!
  • Copy work for handwriting practice
  • Reading fiction & nonfiction – I let the girls choose what to read, although I keep a running list of ideas and make lots of recommendations.
  • Poetry – reading & writing
  • Journal writing
  • Real-life writing: letters, lists, signs, etc.
  • Writing projects of their choice – stories, family newspaper, joke books, etc.

Science

R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Life Level 1 (Pandia Press) – We all enjoyed the RSO Earth and Space curriculum last year, so we’re moving onto Life Science this year. The girls love the hands-on activities, which we supplement with books, further research, etc.

I’m keeping extra ideas on a Pinterest board – Life Science for Kids.

Ongoing:

Nature journals, outdoor photography
Exploring personal interests
Lots of nonfiction books, field guides, etc.

History and Geography

History Odyssey Early Modern Level 1 (Pandia Press) – We’re sticking with Pandia Press for history, too. I am learning just as much as the girls! This year we head into the Early Modern time period, from 1600-1850. We use various sources (including Story of the World) and activity books, as well as selections from the extensive book lists for each lesson.

Ongoing:

Geography terms notebook
Reading biographies
Map skills activities

We are using our weekly checklist system again this year, which seems to be the perfect amount of control for all of us. They set a goal to take Fridays off, and seem to be determined to make it happen. They are getting some great time management practice!

Hope your school year is off to a great start!

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