School for 2008/2009

It's that time of year! I'm pouring over catalogs (mostly online) to figure out what to do for next year. I need to do it early because then I can have people bring it all down to me when they visit! So I have 2 things to look forward to: guests and books. How great is that?

Here's my thoughts:

For A (9th grade next year):

Apologia Chemistry
Truthquest Age of Revolution 1 (with Guerber as my main spine)
Teaching Textbooks Geometry
Lightning Literature Early American Lit.
Learning Language Arts Through Literature--Gold
Writing Strands 5
American Government
Trail Guide to US Geography

At first I thought it might be overkill to do LL Early Am. Lit. and LLATL Gold, but, I realized they touch on completely different literature, all of which I want her to read. So, she's doing both possibly over 2 years.


For B (7th grade):

Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1
Truthquest Age of Revolution 1
Apologia Physical Science with lab kit
Lightning Lit 7
Learning Language Arts Through Literature Green
Writing Strands 4
American Government
Beautiful Feet Geography using the map pack

She's advanced in Math and absolutely loves the subject. I did Beautiful Feet Geography with my oldest 2 when they were younger and we had a blast with it. I wasn't going to do it again with B, but, she told me she doesn't really remember it and would like to do it again because the books were fun to read. So, I'm doing it with my younger 2.

For C (5th grade):

Singapore Math 5th grade with word problems books
Chemistry using various biographies and science kits and books
Learning Language Arts Through Literature Purple
Truthquest Age of Revolution 1
American Government
Beautiful Feet Geography using the map pack

I think I've finally settled on Singapore Math. I like the way it looks, and I feel like it will be a good switch for him from Saxon (which has been a struggle). I will still implement Saxon for extra practice when needed since I have all the books! As far as science goes, he's so hands on and love real books and biographies so I think we'll put together something fun.


This year has been a good year so far, but, I'm seeing the need to shake things up a little with real books and literature. Since our approach is more Charlotte Mason/Ruth Beechick, this works best for us. We will also incorporate the Plutarch and Shakespeare studies off of Ambleside Online.

I've also come up with some fun things for art and music studies using Hands of A Child Art Appreciation Lapbook and Ambleside Online as our main sources. I'm ordering some composer studies and art appreciation books to help go further in this on our Fine Art Fridays.