Curriculum 11/12

This is where I’m keeping a list of what I’m thinking for next year.  Will be updating and adding it to it almost daily I’m sure.

2011/2012 Curriculum

Mr. Magoo Grade 3

Over all Curriculum – Time 4 Learning

Math

• T4L
• Tux Math for fun
• Critical Thinking Math books because Elijah loves workbooks.

Social Studies

Our focus will be on Canada and Canadian History.  After 2 years abroad we want to focus on where we come from and what’s great about Canada.  Elijah has a HUGE interest in Genealogy and a Grandmother who is a genealogy guru so  we might spend a big chunk of time learning about his family tree.

• T4L grade 3 is very USA focussed so we will not be using it for SS this year.  Currently looking for resources and books that  have a Canadian slant.
• Discovering Canada series by Robert Livesey & AG Smith
• Family Tree Geneology

Science

The Grade 3 T4L fits wonderfully with Elijah’s expressed interest in the solar system and astrology.  So we will supplement with trips to Telus World of Science and the library.  We will be building our own Solar System.

• T4L
• Telus World of Science homeschool program
• Our Solar System
• Magic School Bus Space The Secrets of Space Kit
• Science of Kids 

English/Language Arts

• T4L
• Guided reading
• Books, books and more books

Music

• Keyboard

Art

• Clay
• Painting
• Great Canadian Artists
• Possible weekly group art class with Aspire homeschooling group (YIPPEE!)

Physical Education

• Climbing Wall – Vertically Inclined in Edmonton hosted a homeschool program last year so I’m hoping it’s repeated again for next year.
• Gymnastics – possible weekly gymnastics class with Aspire homeschooling group!
• Swimming Lessons – might do some private one on one swimming lessons as Elijah has a big fear of the water, then we could join group lessons for some social time once he’s comfortable in the water.

Typing

We will NOT focus on handwriting or printing at all this year but building up Elijah’s fine motor skills. Almost everything we do will have a fine motor component.  The stronger the fingers the less stress with writing!

• Dance Mat
• Tux Typing

Life Skills

After traveling the world for 2 years and learning Euros and Pounds we are going to focus on Canadian Currency.  Also because of our unique experiences we are doing World Currencies  while he still have a handle on Pounds Sterling & Euros.

• Money

Family 

Yearly membership to Telus World of Science,  Royal Alberta Museum and hopefully the YMCA or nearest City of Edmonton Rec Centre.

Miss Thing Grade 7

Although Miss Thing will be attending PS we are also doing some ‘home learning’ at her request.  She wants to continue Spanish as a 3rd language after enjoying it so much this year in Year 7 (grade 6) and even wants to add Italian.

I was thinking Spanish Rosetta Stone but I’m read that you can’t sell it afterwards without breaking copyright laws.  Not willing to pay out that much if I can’t sell it after she’s done with it.  So I’m on the hunt for a good second language program for her.

• Math supplement (hoping to find a good solid math program to help supplement her learning as she struggled with it this year)  Might us T4L or something similar.