Would love a few suggestions for 2nd and 5th grade

[aya2pin]

Hello,

 

I am getting a headache from trying to figure out curriculum for this fall. I would just like to get an idea of the basic curriculum needs for my kids and then I can go from there. This is what I have in mind so far..

 

DD 10 5th grade

Math - Saxon

WWE 3 (need to finish) and get 4. We used Calvert last year and I got WWE 3 about half-way through the year b/c I felt Calvert was really lacking in how they taught writing.

History- Story of the World Middle Ages (I am planning on both kids doing the same history and having the 10yo read more).

Logic - no idea - I saw the Logic Safari books on Amazon but I don't know which one or if they are good..thoughts please!

Spelling Workout F

Science ? Our zoo offers homeschool classes once a month and maybe we could get a book like the Mud Pies book or Kitchen Chemistry and work through some of the experiments with both kids.

Spanish - Rosetta Stone - she works on this independently

Grammar ?

 

She also plays soccer and the violin and possibly horseback riding.

 

DS almost 8 2nd grade

 

Math - Saxon 2

Phonics - finish Ordinary Parent's - We are almost finished. What do I do after we finish the book?

Spelling Workout C

Handwriting - Zaner Bloser Cursive

Writing - WWE 2 We haven't done any writing yet. I really focused on math and reading in first grade.

Grammar - Finish FLL

Science ?

History -SOTW Middle Ages

 

He also plays piano. I may sign him up for karate or horseback riding if I can fit it in.

 

This really sounds like a lot. I just want to make sure I have the basics covered. We don't have any plans for art. I have such a hard time fitting art in. I would love to hear your suggestions for good (read easy) art books to do with both ages. I love the Drawing with Children book, but I can't seem to get started with it. I considered hiring an art student to teach the kids. Let me know what you think I should add or take away!

[Brenda in FL]

Looks like you've got a pretty full plan.

 

For 5th grade grammar I'd recommend Rod and Staff.

 

I have not been great with getting science done - but Apologia Astronomy would be good for both 2nd and 5th grade.

 

For 5th grade Logic I am going with TWTM recommendations: Mindbenders and Building Thinking Skills level 2, except we are using the cd-rom versions.

[Blossom'sGirl]

I will have a 2nd and 5th grader this year (and a K'er and 7th grader)

 

For science, my 5th grader will be doing earth science with his older brother. I plan on my K'er and 2nd grader to do R.E.A.L Earth Science from Pandia Press. I am trying the sample download first to see how it goes. If my 5th grader was the oldest, I would just use that. (I do also like the Apologia sciences but they are very Christian bent if that's not your thing)

 

For grammar, 5th grader is using Rod & Staff. We still do much of it together. I am also starting him with WWE 2. He did IEW Ancient writing last year, but I want to back up and work on dictation and narration with him.

 

My 1st grader started FLL last year but I switched to CLE LA 1 because he was using their reading. This year, he will do the rest of FLL 1/2 along with WWE 1 (I want to keep the stress factor down for him.) I like CLE and he learned a lot but I want to get away from so many workbooks this year. Next year, the plan will be to start Rod & Staff 3 because I own it.

 

5th grader will do Liftoff Logic for logic and all my kids use Artistic Pursuits for art. The younger 2 dc will be using the K-3 Book 2 and the older 2 will be using the 4-6 Book 2. I have used this program for years and art gets done. (my 2nd grader LOVES art so he makes it happen) You could easily use one of the K-3 books with both children.

 

I can't help you with phonics. I have used Spell to Write to Read (SWR) for years which incorporates phonics in spelling. I am dropping it this year and having my 2nd grader use Spelling by Sound and Structure from Rod & Staff. I do plan on doing phonic reviews with my SWR flash cards but I am not formally planning anything.

 

For me, blank printed schedules that I have customized to our curriculum is the only way I have got it all done. I pencil in my schedule so things can easily be moved but I have a general routine everyday. This year, I am trying HST for the two oldest. I am not sure if I will like it.

[AudreyTN]

You're plan looks really good! :)

 

I also have a 5th and 2nd grader (along with 4th, 3yo and 1yo)

 

Science - all of my kids are doing 106 Days of Creation Studies. They are also doing some science at co-op in the fall. (Apologia Zoology 3 and Astronomy)

 

Grammar - 5th grader is using Intermediate Language Lessons. She's also doing Writing Tales 1. - 2nd grader is still learning to read so we're doing LLATL (Learning Language Arts Through Literature) the Blue book, otherwise he'd be starting Primary Language Lessons.

 

After Ordinary Parent's Guide - READ, READ, READ! :) After phonics is no longer needed that part of our school day turns into spelling.

 

Art Instruction is hard to implement here too... so no help there.

[aya2pin]

Thanks so much for the responses so far. I am feeling better already!

 

I found Primary Language Lessons at Rainbow Resources and really like what I have seen so far. If I decided to use it, would it replace WWE 2 or should we still do a writing program? I think my daughter would really like the Primary Language Lesson program as well. It it primarily a grammar program? Just wondering if I can combine a couple of subjects. There are way too many choices.

[AudreyTN]

I've not seen WWE so I'm not sure just how involved it is... but PLL includes some writing, narration, picture study, etc. The writing gets more intense in ILL. (We're using Hillside.)