Homeschool Curriculum for 2020

Education is very important for everyone but especially for our young learners.  Our children are our future.  This year has wielded many changes and at the top of the change is the opportunity to homeschool my granddaughter something that she has desired prior to attending public school for kindergarten.  This is an opportunity that we aren't taking lightly and much prayer has gone into the decisions made for her schedule, curriculum, read-alouds, activities, etc.  Why so much prayer and thought?  Because every home is different, every child is unique in their own way.  What works best for your family may not work well for us nor may it be the will of God for us at this time.  I encourage you, if you are still undecided on how to precede with your child's educations, pray.  Ask God to direct and order your steps in the way that you should go and be ready for the direction you receive.  

As I became more and more aware of the vast number of curriculums available both free and available for purchase I looked at the content as well as read reviews.  I want the best for my granddaughter and I am sure you want the best for your children.  Take time and prayerfully consider all of your options and and allow God to lead you and he will.

What curriculum did we opt to use this year for our rising first grader?  I'm glad you asked.  We will be using PACE's with Ace and Christi along Song School Spanish 1 and Classical Conversation Foundations.  Given the state of our country due to COVID-19 it is not the right time to join in the CC community this year; however, we do want a classical Christian education for our granddaughter.

What is our schedule?  Mornings will begin with  bible reading and devotional followed by memory work and read-alouds (she loves books) daily.  On Monday and Wednesday Animal Science, Word Building, Social Studies, and writing.  On Tuesday and Thursday Math, Spanish and English.  Fridays are reserved for fun learning which will include experiments, games, STEM projects, and tea time with poetry (once a month).

Yes our schedule is full; however, we get through our day fairly quickly some days.  Quickly you say, yes!  Homeschooling allows for focused one-on-one attention.  We are finding that learning continues long after the books are put away which is a powerful example that we should be ever learning.  Our schedule did not come together without a little trial and error; however, a daily schedule is what is working best at this time.  Once our day is complete she is able to do crafts and play.

It is important for us to have a schedule because scheduling plays an important part in curtailing boredom, frustration, confusion, etc.  It is just like planning as a teacher in a public or private sector school.  When I entered my classroom with a plan we had little problems to arise and it is the same thing in our homeschool classroom.   Benjamin Franklin has been accredited to saying "if you fail to plan you are planning to fail."  

We walk boldly into this new opportunity with excitement, open mind and a readiness to learn together!  Our prayer for you is that you will have the best school year possible in whatever that is for you and your family.  May you be encouraged and strengthen for the journey!

A video of our homeschool haul will be posted on our youtube channel Academic Angels.  Come back to our blog weekly so that you may share in our first grade homeschool year!