2014-2015 Curriculum Choices

Well, it’s that time of year again…the time when all of us homeschool parents start figuring out our game plans for the next school year.  At least I’m guessing I’m not alone in this…LOL! 
I’ve made our plans, and it’s been tough.  The choices are always so very overwhelming.  Caleb will be in 6th grade…MIDDLE school…so I feel it’s time to start preparing him for a heavier work load, and it’s time to start thinking ahead to high school…making sure we’ve got a plan in action.  With Micah, it’s a bit easier because I’ve been there, done that already. 
I’m changing things up quite a bit for Caleb.  We’re moving away from history because he’s had 5 years of it, and quite frankly, it’s the same stories over and over…just a little more in-depth year after year.  So, we’re going to focus on Geography instead because he hasn’t had much of that at all.  Our plan is then to do a Citizenship course and one more year of history to finish out middle school.  We’re also moving away from grammar and focusing on writing…another area that’s been a bit neglected.  He struggles with the actual task of writing due to his Tourette’s, so it’s been hard to find a program that I think will work for him.  I’m crossing my fingers that the one I’ve chose will do the trick.  We are also moving back into a formal reading program.  For the past few years, I’ve been letting Caleb read at his own leisure whatever he chooses to read.  However, I really want him to work on comprehension and other reading skills, so that’s the reason for the formal program again.
Here’s our line-up for 1st and 6th grades…
Caleb, Sixth Grade Math – Teaching Textbooks 5 & 6 – We are using this program now, and it seems to be working.  So, we’ll continue as long as Caleb seems to enjoy/benefit from it.
Reading – Bob Jones University Press – We have used BJUP in the past, and I know they produce solid curriculum.
Geography – Fifty States Under God three book plan – We’ve never used this program, but it looks very solid.  It will include US History, US Geography, and a special state study of Florida.
Science – Answers in Genesis God’s Design Series – I’ve eyeballed this curriculum for quite some time, and I’m glad to finally have a plan to use it.  We plan to complete four books this year in keeping with a game plan to complete the entire series by the end of 8th grade.
Writing – The Write Foundation Creating Sentences – This is another new program to us, but I really like what I’ve seen and read about it.  I’m hoping Caleb will like it just as much.
Spelling – Sequential Spelling Level 2 – We are using this program now, and I’ve seen great improvement in Caleb’s spelling.
Bible – God’s Great Covenant, Old Testament 1 – This is yet another new program, but it looks excellent.
Micah, First Grade Language Arts, Reading, Phonics – Learning Language Arts Through Literature – this is a totally new program to me as I’ve never used it.  However, I like what I see, and I’m hoping Micah will enjoy it. 
Math – Christian Light Education Sunrise Math – I used this with Caleb for a while, and I firmly believe that it’s a SOLID math program.  I’m hoping Micah will do well with it, and we’ll be able to continue to use it through high school.
Science – Answers in Genesis God’s Design Series – The nice thing about this series is that the lessons are broken down by grade level, so it’s great when you have multi-level children.  Micah will join in on our science studies for a very simple lesson. 
Bible – While I don’t have a definite plan for this, it will be included.  If the church we attend once we move has AWANAS, then he’ll continue working with that.  If not, then I’ve got lots of Bible materials that I used with Caleb in the younger years that I’ll bring back out for Micah.
I also hope to fill our time with lots of physical education activities.  There’s a PE program offered in the city we’ll be moving to where both boys can get 3 hours of PE every Thursday.  I’m also hoping to find tennis, archery, and art lessons.  We’re also hoping to have a pool at our home when we move, so that will be a frequent activity, too.    I’m crossing my fingers for a decent neighborhood where the boys can ride bikes and scooters, too.    I’m also going to see what’s available as far as co-ops or other homeschool activities.  However, with the heavier work load, I’m not sure how that will all pan out…I’ll need to remember to leave time for ACTUALLY schooling. 
So, there you have it…it’s going to be a challenging year for all of us I think.  But – we should all be refreshed and up for the task when we begin our school year in August because we’re taking May, June, and July off from schooling. 
Have you made your choices for next year?  Please share if you have…I love seeing what others are using…sometimes it gives me another view or plan to consider.    Not that any of us need that…LOL…there are soooo many choices as it is when it comes to choosing the right curriculum.