Risen Son Christian Academy

Well, the countdown is on. Only 2 weeks left until we kick off our 2011-2012 school year. I can't believe it's here! For those who homeschool (or who don't), I wanted to share my curriculum choices and see what ya think!


Sami ~ 3rd Grade

We are using Adventures in My Father's World for Geography & History, Bible, Art and Science. We decided to not use the music recommended.

We will be studying US History as our core subject. We will go over history of how the country was founded and dive into each state individually. I'm thinking we will slow down and take a couple weeks on California. We have so many cool resources at our fingertips with museums and libraries.

With Bible, we will be pulling in our AWANA's lessons and memory scripture. Also adding in daily family devotionals with Leading Little Ones to God by Marian M. Schoolland.

For English/Language Lessons, we are using the recommended Primary Language Lessons. I really like the simple and straight forward format.

For Math, we are using Singapore Mathematics. This is the one I am most intimidated by...likely because it is also my least favorite subject. I have scoured the Manual and pulled together all the manipulative's. But I am afraid..very afraid!

We are adding in additional science with Apologia's Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures. I love digging into one topic all year long. It helps that all of us LOVE the sea and are intrigued by all its creatures.

Building Spelling Skills and Writing with Prayer by Christian Liberty Press will round out Sami's curriculum. I am hoping to incorporate Spanish but I want to be realistic too. With this being our first year homeschooling, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. We will just get the school year going and see how it works out.

Matthew ~ PreK

Matthew will be joining in with many of Sami's lessons. Geography/History, Bible and Science (including Apologia) will all be done together.

Then he will have Rod & Staff 4-5 year old program for more age specific lessons. I was torn on which route to go for him. He went to preschool last year at St. Paul's School. So he knows the letters, colors, cutting, pasting..all the basics. But he is just turning 5 this month and I don't know if his attention span is ready for a full Kindergarten program. I went with this one and I think it will work out...but I am still hesitant if it will bore him.

We are going to add in BOB Phonics books for reading skills and basic counting/math skills to beef up the Rod & Staff.

I have a proposed schedule made up but still haven't found a way to make it attach to my post :( Once I get it figured out, I'll add that too! So there it is...this is our plan. Let me know what you think or any tips you might have for a green newbie!

Pruning

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." John 15:1-2

And pruning He is doing! Not only are we preparing to start our first year of homeschooling, we are also moving. All was going as planned, too good to be true - and we finally hit a snag. The home we are moving to is being remodeled and is not yet done. It actually won't be done until November 1st?! Wouldn't be too bad if we hadn't already found renters and need to be out by September 1st. Praise the Lord for wonderful neighbors, ours are saving us! They own a HUGE trailer and are graciously allowing us to use it until the home is done. The new house is on 2 acres so we will be putting the trailer on that property while we "patiently" wait. Still working on praising Him for the not so good things as well as the wonderful things. I am being stretched to fully rely on His timing and provision for our lives. So, we will embark on this next school year living in a trailer with school books in hand! Amen!