100 Days of American History

So, what do you do when you come to the realization that the homeschool history curriculum you purchased for your kids just isn’t working out the way you envisioned? Well, you create your own, of course! 

The scheduled readings in the purchased curriculum for my first and third grader seemed dry and uninteresting.  So, I sold the guide and the corresponding books, but decided to focus on the same time period of American history.  I chose to use picture books that have great illustrations, are packed full of information, and hold my sweet children’s attention.   Most importantly, my younger kids (and I) are enjoying learning about history again.  =)

100 Days of American History Cover

Would you like to take a 100 day adventure of American history with us? Travel through books from the time when Squanto was a boy and the time shortly before the Pilgrims arrived through the late 1800’s and the turn of the century!  100 Days of American History is free and contains a list of books recommended for use during the 100 days as well as coordinating notebook pages!  May you and your children enjoy this study as much as our family.


100 Days of American History Read Alouds
100 Days of American History Schedule and Notebook

Our 2016-2017 Curriculum

IMG_7591(2)Can this mama be honest?  This was the most difficult homeschool year to prepare for yet.  (Yes, I think I said that last year as well.)  I devoted more time this summer to planning, preparing, and reorganizing than ever before.    From devising activities for our youngest so he can continue making progress in reading to typing out high school course descriptions (and everything else in between), it was a huge undertaking.  And, the task wasn’t just physically and mentally challenging, but emotionally as well.  I chose curriculum, organized, and scheduled for 1st – 9th grades.  FIRST through NINTH grades!  This may not seem like a big deal, but to me it means there are no more preschoolers or kindergarteners AND there is now a highschooler in the house!   How can this be?!  It seems like only yesterday that I was a new homeschooling mama – juggling a kindergartener, a three year old, a toddler, and expecting our fourth.  It feels like this lovely eldest daughter, who (ahem) is likely to surpass me in height this year, was just recently enjoying Blue’s Clues, making marble painting creations, and dancing/singing her heart out with her Word and Song Bible. Word and Song Oh, wait…That was over ten years ago!
I guess it is safe to say that time only stands still in my mind.

So, since time keeps marching on, here are our homeschool curriculum choices for the 2016-2017 school year – for 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th grades.IMG_8355 (2)

our 1st Grader…

  • Reading/Phonics:
    IMG_8492
    Completion of his ABeka K readers, Vowel Team Word Work, and Explode the Code book 3
    IMG_8496
    Then, we plan to move onto the ABeka 1st grade readers, reading from My Father’s World Bible Reader, and possibly the Early Reader’s Bible as well.  For phonics, we plan to move onto Explode the Code book 4 (and maybe 5).  For spelling and writing, we will begin Joyful Heart Spelling Skills and Write a Super Sentence.
  • Math:  Horizons 1; Xtra Math fact practice
    IMG_8498
  • Science:  Apologia Exploring Creation with Land Animals  (with his 3rd grade sister)
    IMG_8501

    (Above: I don’t think my little guy is quite ready for the Jr. Notebook that his older sister will be using, so I made him his own ‘Animals In My World’ notebook!)
  • Social Studies:  Heart of Dakota Bigger Hearts for His Glory (Reading About History/History Notebook, Geography/ Vocabulary/History Activity/Timeline, Storytime boxes plus ‘A Pioneer Sampler’)   100 Days of American History (with his 3rd grade sister)
    IMG_8505 (2)
  • AWANA:  2nd year Sparks
  • Bible and Worldview:  Morning Worship (hymns, Read & Draw Scripture, and Training Hearts,Training Minds) with the family, Continue with Big Truths For Little Kids and memorizing the Ten Commandments (Scripture Memorization : Exodus 20:1-17). Once completed, we plan to switch to God’s Word from Sally Michael and memorize Psalm 19.
    IMG_8491IMG_8493
  • Music:  piano

 

our 3rd Grader…

  • Reading/Literature:  ABeka readers (3rd and 4th grade), Explode the Code book 8;  Memoria Press Literature (including Little House in the Big Woods, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, A Bear Called Paddington, and Charlotte’s Web)IMG_7798
  • Writing/Grammar/Composition:  BJU English 3;  Joyful Heart Spelling Skills,  Draw Write Now (animals that correspond with science); A Reason for Handwriting Book C (cursive)
  • Math: Horizons 3, Xtra Math fact practice
    IMG_7799
  • Science:  Apologia Exploring Creation with Land Animals (using the accompanying Jr. Notebook)  (with her first grade brother)
  • Social Studies:  Heart of Dakota Bigger Hearts for His Glory (Reading About History/History Notebook, Geography/ Vocabulary/History Activity/Timeline, Storytime boxes plus ‘A Pioneer Sampler’)    100 Days of American History (with her first grade brother)
    IMG_7806 (2)IMG_7808
  • AWANA:  1st year Truth and Training (T&T)
  • Bible and Worldview:  Reading through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs and completing a daily devotional sheet, Morning Worship (hymns, Read & Draw Scripture, and Training Hearts,Training Minds) with the family
    IMG_7810 IMG_7811
  • Music/Art:  Choir, Violin Lessons, piano practice

 

our 5th Grader…

  • Reading/Literature:  Memoria Press (including Adam of the Road, Robin Hood, Door in the Wall, King Arthur  The Bronze Bow)
    IMG_7838
  • Writing/Grammar/Composition/Spelling:  BJU English 5; Joyful Heart Spelling through Scripture (dictation for spelling and handwriting)
  • Vocabulary:  Word Roots 1
  • Math:  Horizons 5, Xtra Math fact practice
    IMG_7821
  • Science:  Apologia Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Apologia Exploring Creation with Botany
    IMG_8502
  • Social Studies:  Beautiful Feet Books: Modern American and World (including portions of Mystery of History volume IV)   (with his 7th grade sister)
  • AWANA:  3rd year Truth and Training (T&T)
  • Bible and Worldview:  Apologia Worldview; Reading through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs and completing a daily devotional sheet; Morning Worship (hymns, Read & Draw Scripture, and Training Hearts,Training Minds) with the family
  • Music/Art:  Choir, piano practice

 

our 7th Grader…

  • Reading/Literature:  Veritas Press Omnibus 1, Secondary
    (including Chosen by God, Till We Have Faces, all books in The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Best Things in Life, Unaborted Socrates, The Eagle of the Ninth, The Screwtape Letters, and The Holiness of God)
    IMG_8519
  • Writing/Grammar/Composition/Spelling:  Rod and Staff English, Gumdrops (editing), Write with the Best, Spelling through Scripture (dictation for spelling and handwriting)
  • Vocabulary: Word Roots
  • Math:  Saxon 8/7 Pre Algebra
    IMG_8507
  • Science:  Apologia Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Apologia Exploring Creation with Botany  (with her 5th grade brother)
  • Social Studies:  Beautiful Feet Books: Modern American and World (including portions of Mystery of History volume IV and a homemade history notebook)
    (with her 5th grade brother)
    IMG_7812 (2)IMG_8287
  • AWANA:  2nd year Trek, serving as a Leader in Training with a preschool Gopher Buddies class
  • Bible and Worldview:  Apologia Worldview, Morning Worship (hymns, Read & Draw Scripture, and Training Hearts,Training Minds) with the family, personal Bible study, Middle School Girls’ Bible Study
  • Music/Art:  Cello lessons, Piano lessons, Student Worship Choir

our 9th Grader…

IMG_7595 (2)

With a growing heart for missions, our new high school student joyfully helped choose Heart of Dakota’s World Geography as her main curriculum for this school year!  We plan to follow the plans, as is indicated in the guide, with the exception of their science and math selections.  Once completed, she will earn a total of 8 credits her freshman year.

    • English I (English Grammar, Literature, and Composition)  1 Credit
      BJU Fundamentals of Literature; Essentials in Writing: Grade 10 Student Text and DVD; Building Securely English by Rod and Staff; Classic Novels:
      A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich
      Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
      Papa’s Wife by Thyra Ferre Bjorn
      The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
      Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat
      Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

 

    • Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry  1.5 Credits
      Shormann Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry

 

    • Biology  1 credit
      Apologia Exploring Creation with Biology (with labs)

 

    • World Geography  1 Credit
      The Archaeology Book; A Book of Discovery; Mapping the World with Art; The Seven Wonders of the World; Must See Places of the World (6 DVD set): Magnificent Planet/Marvels of Mankind, Wildlife Treasures, Journey of a Lifetime, Australia the Beautiful, Mysteries of the Ancient World, Scenic Cruises of the World; World Geography: Expedition Journal; History Through the Ages: World Geography Timeline Figures, Book of Centuries; Living Library:
      The Sign Above the Door by William Canfield
      Big John’s Secret
      by Eleanore M. Jewett
      A Silk Road Pilgrimage
      by Richard and Jewel Showalter
      The Captive
      by Christoph von Schmid
      God Spoke Tibetan
      by Allan Maberly
      Around the World in Eighty Days
      by Jules Verne
      Florence Young: Mission Accomplished by Janet and Geoff Benge
      Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis

 

    • World Religion and Cultures  .5 Credit
      But Don’t All Religions Lead to God?; World Religions: An Indispensable Introduction: Mimosa; Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus; Sundar Singh: Footprints Over the Mountains; Queen of the Dark Chamber; Japan Diary of Cross-Cultural Mission; I Dared to Call Him Father; God’s Global Mosaic; Foreign to Familiar; World Religions and Cultures Notebook

 

    • Bible  1 Credit
      Rooted and Grounded: A Guide for Spiritual Growth; Prayer Journal; personal Bible study; AWANA Journey – Bible Reading and Scripture Memorization

 

    • Logic  .5 Credit
      The Fallacy Detective, The Art of Argument

 

    • Spanish  .5 Credit
      Getting Started With Spanish

 

    • Instrumental Music I  1 Credit
      Violin lessons, Piano Lessons

 

 

    • As I look at the credits and amount of work involved for each of our daughter’s 9th grade courses, I sometimes get overwhelmed and want to scream, ‘She can’t do this! How will she ever have time each day to complete all of these assignments?’  But, then I catch myself and speak Truth – God’s got this.  God’s been preparing her every step of the way.  I sneak a peek at our new high school daughter.  She has matured so much and grown tremendously over the last couple of years.  Is she perfect? Of course not.  Does she have academic areas in which she struggles?  Most definitely.  Does she seem fearful of the amount of time and effort this year requires.  It doesn’t appear so.   She’s handled her first full week of high school fabulously and is calm and confident in Christ.  I think I could learn a few lessons from this rooted and grounded young lady in the area of trust.

IMG_8511So, in the blink of an eye (from Blue’s Clues to Algebra),we race with grateful hearts focused on Him into another great year of learning!

______________________________

Would you like to see our curriculum choices from previous years?
2015-2016 (8th, 6th, 4th, 2nd, Kindergarten)
2014-2015 (7th, 5th, 3rd, 1st, PreK)
2013-2014 (6th, 4th, 2nd, K, preschool)
2012-2013 (5th, 3rd, 1st, PreK, 2 year old)
2011-2012 (4th, 2nd, K, 3’s preschool, toddler)
2010-2011 (3rd, 1st, PreK, 2 year old, 4 mo old baby)
2009-2010 (2nd, K, 3’s preschool, toddler, baby arrived end of year)
2008-2009 (1st, PreK, 2 year old, 6 mo old baby)
2007-2008 (K, 3’s preschool, toddler, baby arrived mid year)
2006-2007 (PreK, 2 year old, 7 mo old baby) – Joyful Heart Character
2005-2006 (3’s preschool, toddler, baby arrived mid year) – Joyful Heart Bible and Rhyme
2004-2005 (2 year old, 6 mo old baby) – Joyful Heart Learning

_______________________________

This post is part of the 8th annual “Not” Back-To-School Blog Hop over at the iHomeschool Network.  Check out what other homeschool families are choosing to use for their children this coming school year!

Spelling through Scripture

Are you searching for an opportunity for your children to…

  • practice and use correct spelling within the context of God’s Word?
  • focus on correct capitalization, spacing, punctuation, grammar, and handwriting?
  • study, memorize, copy, and type passages of Scripture in manageable sections?

Try Joyful Heart Spelling through Scripture!

 

JH Spelling through Scripture Cover

All you need to get started is…
1) a binder with tabbed dividers…

IMG_5692 2) a few materials for word practice set aside…

(You can use items like letter tiles, window markers, gel pens, letter stencils, etc.
We currently store all of our  spelling materials in zippered pouches within a drawer.)IMG_7234

3) a computer in which students can perform basic typing…IMG_5977

4) sheets printed from Spelling through Scripture…

  • Scripture Passages ( 27 passages broken down into manageable sections)
    Sample Passage1Sample Passage2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Copywork Sheets (available in print and cursive)
    Print CopyworkCursive Copywork 

     

     

     

    With 27 Scripture selections, ranging from a few verses in length to entire chapters, Joyful Heart Spelling through Scripture could easily span several grade levels.  It is ideal for students in the 4th through 7th grades who already have a firm understanding of essential spelling and phonics rules (Our family personally uses and recommends Joyful Heart Spelling Skills .)

    Once the foundational skills have been established, students still need practice within the context of writing.  We have chosen to review and practice skills by incorporating copywork, typing, and studied dictation of God’s Word using Joyful Heart Spelling through Scripture.

    During copywork (either handwritten or typed), children are constantly referring to a correctly written model and visualizing the correct spelling of words as they write or type their own copy of the selected Scripture passage.
    IMG_7237

    Dictation comes after copywork and a thorough review of the Bible selection.  Children study the verses before having the section dictated to them.  This is modeled after the Charlotte Mason method of prepared dictation.  The dictation aspect of Spelling through Scripture is similar to that in Joyful Heart Spelling Skills.  Dictation helps to solidify previously learned spelling rules in context.  Children check their own copywork and dictation against the original, using careful observation.  Students have a correct model to compare to as they work toward accuracy.

    The concept of Spelling through Scripture is easy to implement and is packed full of literacy skill review!  Spelling through Scripture gives children the opportunity to focus on correct capitalization, spacing, punctuation, grammar, and handwriting.  It gives children the opportunity to practice and use correct spelling within the context of God’s Word.

    JH Spelling through Scripture Cover
    When you purchase Spelling through Scripture, you will receive 3 PDF files in a zip format…
    1) Spelling through Scripture
    (instructions and 27 printable passages broken down into manageable sections)
    2) Spelling through Scripture Print Copywork
    3) Spelling through Scripture Cursive Copywork

    ** If you are interested in both Joyful Heart Spelling Skills and Joyful Heart Spelling through Scripture, just purchase Joyful Heart Spelling Skills and receive both bundled together! **

     

 

‘Hot on the Trail’ of Learning

detective 004 (2) Have you heard of the 100th Day of School?   Typically, it is an elementary school celebration and is a HUGE day jam packed with fun learning activities – especially in kindergarten and first grade classrooms across the country.  

As a former K teacher and now a homeschool mama to 5 kiddos ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade, I’ve helped our children celebrate their fair share of 100th days around here.  With each year, it has become more and more challenging to figure out how to include both the younger and older kids in the day’s festivities, making it engaging and relevant to what they are learning.  I tried to break it to the older kids that this year the 100th day activities would be just be for the elementary aged kids, but that didn’t go over so well.  LOL!  

Take a closer look at a few of our ‘hot on the trail’ activities (across grade levels)…

detective table

hat
detective hats for our younger kids as they begin their learning investigations

tiny clues 
Tiny Clues

100 Hunt (2) 
100th Day 1-100 Sticker Hunt

100th Day Collections 
the younger kids’ 100th Day 100 Item Collections

detective donuts 
Don’t all good detectives deserve some donuts (and coffee, aka hot cocoa)?!

fingerprint suspects 
Fingerprint Suspects

 game (2)
The Cupcake Mystery Game (A ‘Clue’ Math Game)

hot on the trail mix
Our 100th Day ‘Hot on the Trail’ Mix
(The kids discovered that ten groups of ten small snack items add up to be a pretty large snack!)

revealing secret words 
Revealing Secret Words

Scripture search
Scripture Search for the older kids

secret case files 
Secret Case Files (The numbers correspond to each detective’s grade level.  =) )

detective cupcakes
A special dessert fitting for our super sleuths!

That was just a quick glimpse, but there was so much more to our day!  I’ve added our resource packet (with both elementary and middle grade ideas), to our Joyful Heart Learning shop.  Come check it out!

Cover

Sample

 

More 100th Day Resources:
100th Day (free ideas and printables at Hubbard’s Cupboard)

The 100th Day Marshmallow Incident (for purchase)

Touchdown: Celebrating 100 Days (for purchase)

The Favorite Part of Our Homeschool Day

Hands down, my favorite part of our family’s homeschool day is the time when we gather all together and sing hymns, review Scripture passages, use a short devotional to focus on the truths in God’s Word, and pray.

IMG_6694 (2)

We call this time Morning Worship, but it can (and does) take place anytime throughout the day.

IMG_6353 (3)

We use three binders for our family of seven.  In each binder, I placed several hymns that I desired for all of us to learn to sing as well as Scripture passages that many of us have learned previously.  I organized the binders so that there are two sheets (back to back) inside of page protectors.  Since we use them each day, I am hopeful that the added thickness will enable the sheets to last longer.

img_6691 (2)

After singing praises to Jesus and reviewing Scripture, we then answer the catechism questions as found in the book Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade.  Next, we read two days worth from the devotional.  For the ages and attentiveness of our kids, this seems to be a good amount for us.  To get our older kids more involved, I will often ask them to look up the Bible verse references beforehand and then they read those at the point in the devotional when the Scriptures are needed.IMG_6692 (2)

We follow the devotional reading with a prayer time.  In addition to praying for others, we are attempting to pray back Scripture read that day and making an effort to pray integrating what was just learned through the devotional reading.

I look forward to this short, enjoyable, focused, and intentional time with my family each school day!

Here is a free PDF containing our Morning Worship Binder materials – hymns and Scripture passages.  Enjoy!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...