momma aimee Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I know that it is a lot of reading aloud; but that is something little brother can be part of too so that makes it better. A lot of it is / are supplements that we will doubtful so all of but i want to have them to pull from I blogged it here -- http://scribinglife.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/first-thoughts-on-first-grade/ -- might be more readable. PHONICS / READING: ***Explore the Code Supplements: Literature ***Read-a-louds: at MUCH FASTER PACE THAN SO FAR UNDERTAKEN. Adding narration and retelling activities to challenge comprehension and “take away†from the readings. Core Virtues: A Literature-Based Program in Character Education http://www.amazon.com/Core-Virtues-Literature-Based-Character-Education/dp/0967962609/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1PMI5Z0YBBEMP&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY OR Teaching Character thought Literature from Barefoot Books: http://bfbooks.com/Teaching-Character-Through-Literature-Study-Guide Spelling: Spelling Workout: Level A, Student Edition http://www.amazon.com/Spelling-Workout-Student-Phillip-Trocki/dp/0765224801/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I13GM2ZJCONW9C&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY GRAMMER: ***The Complete Writer: Writing with Ease http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Writer-Writing-Ease/dp/193333925X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16YNWPA7AURGE&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY ***The Complete Writer: Level 1 Workbook for Writing with Ease http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Writer-Level-Workbook-Writing/dp/1933339268/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b ***First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind: Level 1 http://www.amazon.com/First-Language-Lessons-Well-Trained-Mind/dp/1933339446/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c Considering Language Smarts™ Level B (Color) http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=01001 as travel ‘fun to take with us’ workbook supplement. Handwriting I am hoping his frustration level will have decreased and we can begin copy work. ART / MUSIC ***Introduction ot the Orchestra https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG ***Introduction to Classical Music https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG Also considering: 13 American Artists Children Should Know http://www.amazon.com/American-Artists-Children-Should-Know/dp/3791370367/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IE66ID4T3H62E&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY 13 Artists Children Should Know http://www.amazon.com/13-Artists-Children-Should-Know/dp/3791341731/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1JSKQJC8TH0QQ&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY SCIENCE – still undecided really leaning towards: Sonlight publishing level A Biology, Botany, and Physics http://www.sonlight.com/science-a.html Considering Supplementing with Developing Critical Thinking through Science Book 1 http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=08702 Also considering: Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding: A Science Curriculum for K-2 http://www.amazon.com/Building-Foundations-Scientific-Understanding-Curriculum/dp/1432706101/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IMB65SI7YY4C1&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY (may hold this off till 2nd) OR Christian Kids Explore Earth And Space http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Kids-Explore-Earth-Space/dp/1892427192/ref=pd_sim_b_1 (concerned there is no clear age level) SOCIAL STUDIES – studying America ***Truthquest History Guide: American History for Young Students Volume 1 http://www.amazon.com/Truthquest-History-Guide-American-Students/dp/0975290878/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I31T9FMHGZ8LPF&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY (I am pretty set on this, but it is not final) ***Introduction to U.S. Composers Foster, Sousa, and Gershwin https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG ***How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country http://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-American-Activities-Country/dp/030733922X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I4XH3IFZF32JM&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY ***Cooking Up U.S. History: Recipes and Research to Share with Children http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-U-S-History-Research/dp/1563086824/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1VXREZLEPTK2T&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY HISTORY ***The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition http://www.amazon.com/Story-World-History-Classical-Earliest/dp/1933339004/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326414182&sr=1-1 and activity books http://www.amazon.com/Story-World-Activity-Book-Earliest/dp/1933339055/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b And ***BiblioPlan -- http://www.biblioplan.net/2011/04/introduction-to-biblioplan-companion.html. Family Guide (teacher’s guide) and Cool Hisistory (activity Guide). BibliPlan dove tails with The Story of the World and is created to go together. In First grade most of history is going to be reading stories and doing crafts or maps or other activates; as opposed to dry reading of names and dates and testing. Geography: ***The Ancient World of the Bible http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-World-Bible-Malcolm-Day/dp/067085607X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I49K1Y90E18P6&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY And ? something modern… BIBLE / FAITH: ***Read though the entire Bible hitting all the major stories: ***Bible Study series continued from Kindy – the You Want Me to Do What series. ***Awanas Symbols of Faith: Teaching the Images of the Christian Faith http://www.amazon.com/Symbols-Faith-Teaching-Images-Christian/dp/0687094755/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3URDXMS0UN8BJ&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY LOGIC Building Thinking Skills® Primary – http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=05231 Mind Benders® Book 2 (did book 1 this year) http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=01330 Hands-On Thinking Skills http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=04901 MATH: *** http://www.mathmammoth.com/ Mammath Math and ***Mathematics Enhancement Programme http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm (year 2, doing year 1 as Kindy) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smgwynn Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Wow! That looks like a lot for a 1st grader. Is this your oldest child? We have the activity guide for the SOTW and it really has plenty of geography/line maps and the such for a first grader. We love the critical thinking books. My first grader has the critical thinking for math and LOVES it. I'm sure the language smarts is just as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I would drop social studies and just do SOTW 1 (with biblioplan if you want to do that as well). I would use the maps in SOTW to count for geography. There are tons of additional books to read listed in the activity guide. I would consider waiting to start WWE until handwriting is good enough for copywork since WWE is a lot of copywork. Or, drop the handwriting and just do WWE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenC3 Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 My rising first grader is doing: WWE1 SOTW Explode the code MM1 & Miquon science with sis I think you have a lot listed. I'd concentrate on reading, writing and math, jmo:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jengjohnson Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 My current first grader is using: Saxon 2 WWE 1 FLL 1 SWO A Pathway Readers grade 2 SOTW & AG Elemental Bio We're having such a great year with these resources. She didn't start SWO until 2nd semester and is flying through it an retaining well. You have so many great things listed, but I know I could never get through all that. We have several outside activities too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momsuz123 Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Yes, I agree with the wow comment, that just seems like a lot - but really good choices. My current first and second graders current year is in my blog. Actually, I guess I look like i have a lot too, but I like variety:), and trying new things, especially being my first year and all. I need to look more closely at some of your links, they look great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I think it is a lot too, and unless you have a kid who is willing to sit for long periods of time (there are some), probably too much. I suspect once you get going you will realize that some things also take longer than you expect and you just don't have enough time to fit them all in. You have great choices, but in the back of my head I would also be considering what to drop or streamline if you find it is too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I can't really give much of an opinion, I'm unfamiliar with some of curric. you listed (I'll have to check them out!), but we'll be doing 1st in the fall, so I figured I'd just share OUR plan. Math: CLE -- daily Phonics/Reading/LA: CLE -- daily Bible/Character: Our 24 Family Ways, then Long Story Short -- daily **these 3 are my biggies, the rest is icing on the cake Science: The Complete Book of Science Grd. 1-2, Inquiry Science Grd. K-1 (using the workbook pages as a outline, supplementing experiments & library books on subjects...flexible and following our interests) -- 2-3x/wk Art: Art Lab for Kids, How to Teach Art to Children -- 1-2x/wk Soc. Studies: Beginning Geography grds. K-2 -- 2-3x/wk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River notes Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 You are really organized. I like the character study by bf, I plan to do that over a 2 year span though, possibly 3 . I am going to be using stow and ffl after we are done with Latl blue. I never heard of bilbo plan, looks like fun. I feel ashamed....I need to replan my first grade course outline......The break between my 13 year old and my 5 was too long... :banging: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted February 25, 2012 Author Share Posted February 25, 2012 I would drop social studies and just do SOTW 1 (with biblioplan if you want to do that as well). I would use the maps in SOTW to count for geography. There are tons of additional books to read listed in the activity guide. I would consider waiting to start WWE until handwriting is good enough for copywork since WWE is a lot of copywork. Or, drop the handwriting and just do WWE. Thanks for the insight -- i love this place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted February 25, 2012 Author Share Posted February 25, 2012 I guess it is a lot, but I'd rather have too much and drop something than not have enough. I do not think he is being challenged enough right now. Also a lot of it is read-a-loud and they both will listen for long times if they are coloring or something; big will listen a long long time cuddled but Little needs more activity. Also a lot -- i have colored below -- i plan on not being schooly -- just kinda activities the boys and I do together, including little brother and sometimes dad or cousins. the Music -- in red here -- is Daddy taught when mom is at work (evening or weekend). Thanks I love the sounding board here, I do think I'll drop Geography. PHONICS / READING: ***Explore the Code Supplements: Literature ***Read-a-louds: at MUCH FASTER PACE THAN SO FAR UNDERTAKEN. Adding narration and retelling activities to challenge comprehension and “take away” from the readings. Core Virtues: A Literature-Based Program in Character Education http://www.amazon.com/Core-Virtues-Literature-Based-Character-Education/dp/0967962609/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1PMI5Z0YBBEMP&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY OR Teaching Character thought Literature from Barefoot Books: http://bfbooks.com/Teaching-Character-Through-Literature-Study-Guide Spelling: Spelling Workout: Level A, Student Edition http://www.amazon.com/Spelling-Workout-Student-Phillip-Trocki/dp/0765224801/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I13GM2ZJCONW9C&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY GRAMMER: ***The Complete Writer: Writing with Ease http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Writer-Writing-Ease/dp/193333925X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16YNWPA7AURGE&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY ***The Complete Writer: Level 1 Workbook for Writing with Ease http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Writer-Level-Workbook-Writing/dp/1933339268/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b ***First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind: Level 1 http://www.amazon.com/First-Language-Lessons-Well-Trained-Mind/dp/1933339446/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c Considering Language Smarts™ Level B (Color) http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=01001 as travel ‘fun to take with us’ workbook supplement. Handwriting I am hoping his frustration level will have decreased and we can begin copy work. ART / MUSIC ***Introduction ot the Orchestra https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG'>https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG ***Introduction to Classical Music https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG Also considering: 13 American Artists Children Should Know http://www.amazon.com/American-Artists-Children-Should-Know/dp/3791370367/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IE66ID4T3H62E&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY 13 Artists Children Should Know http://www.amazon.com/13-Artists-Children-Should-Know/dp/3791341731/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1JSKQJC8TH0QQ&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY SCIENCE – still undecided really leaning towards: Sonlight publishing level A Biology, Botany, and Physics http://www.sonlight.com/science-a.html Considering Supplementing with Developing Critical Thinking through Science Book 1 http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=08702 Also considering: Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding: A Science Curriculum for K-2 http://www.amazon.com/Building-Foundations-Scientific-Understanding-Curriculum/dp/1432706101/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IMB65SI7YY4C1&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY (may hold this off till 2nd) OR Christian Kids Explore Earth And Space http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Kids-Explore-Earth-Space/dp/1892427192/ref=pd_sim_b_1 (concerned there is no clear age level) SOCIAL STUDIES – studying America ***Truthquest History Guide: American History for Young Students Volume 1 http://www.amazon.com/Truthquest-History-Guide-American-Students/dp/0975290878/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I31T9FMHGZ8LPF&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY (I am pretty set on this, but it is not final) ***Introduction to U.S. Composers Foster, Sousa, and Gershwin https://www.mfwbooks.com/L057F163D4391D601D8C9031+M50+ENG ***How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country http://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-American-Activities-Country/dp/030733922X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I4XH3IFZF32JM&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY ***Cooking Up U.S. History: Recipes and Research to Share with Children http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-U-S-History-Research/dp/1563086824/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1VXREZLEPTK2T&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY HISTORY ***The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition http://www.amazon.com/Story-World-History-Classical-Earliest/dp/1933339004/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326414182&sr=1-1 and activity books http://www.amazon.com/Story-World-Activity-Book-Earliest/dp/1933339055/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b And ***BiblioPlan -- http://www.biblioplan.net/2011/04/introduction-to-biblioplan-companion.html. Family Guide (teacher’s guide) and Cool Hisistory (activity Guide). BibliPlan dove tails with The Story of the World and is created to go together. In First grade most of history is going to be reading stories and doing crafts or maps or other activates; as opposed to dry reading of names and dates and testing. Geography: ***The Ancient World of the Bible http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-World-Bible-Malcolm-Day/dp/067085607X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I49K1Y90E18P6&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY And ? something modern… BIBLE / FAITH: ***Read though the entire Bible hitting all the major stories: ***Bible Study series continued from Kindy – the You Want Me to Do What series. ***Awanas Symbols of Faith: Teaching the Images of the Christian Faith http://www.amazon.com/Symbols-Faith-Teaching-Images-Christian/dp/0687094755/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3URDXMS0UN8BJ&colid=1CIXP5FKCGAFY LOGIC Building Thinking Skills® Primary – http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=05231 Mind Benders® Book 2 (did book 1 this year) http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=01330 Hands-On Thinking Skills http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=c&id=04901 MATH: *** http://www.mathmammoth.com/ Mammath Math and ***Mathematics Enhancement Programme http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm (year 2, doing year 1 as Kindy) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Did you mean Beautiful Feet Books? And Explode the Code? :) That really is a lot for first grade: SOTW and BiblioPlan and the Ancient World of the Bible and TruthQuest. Even if you're just doing parts of each one, that's a boatload of work for you to figure it all out. And since BiblioPlan includes literature and creative writing, seems as if there would be some overlap with WWE, and maybe even FLL. Plus all those things for logic...Couldn't you pick just one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 You can challenge him in a short period of time though if you have good materials. Think Charlotte Mason with short lessons. Maybe I'm biased because my boys are very active, but we can get a very challenging lesson out of AAS in under 20 minutes that works spelling, handwriting, phonics, and dictation/writing all at once. I don't need to add more if we are simultaneously practicing multiple skills. Then they are free to go get their wiggles out in other pursuits and not bother me with them. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petepie2 Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I would pick one history/social studies program. I also think that the long list of critical thinking books is a bit overkill. You can fill out a week with a history related project or art project to help cement something he has learned that week. I would leave time for the park, museums, zoo, and other field trips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 thanks everyone. SOTW starts with beginning time; and DH is pretty clear he wants us to study US history / gov every year. Social Studies vs History. So I really need to use both SOTW and Truthqwuest I'll look at trimming our list back. I have already decided to remove the Ancient World of the Bible -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Twain Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I currently have a first grader doing just as much as you listed. Our year is going great, and I am very happy with our curriculum because it provides appropriate challenge for my child. My first grade curriculum would not be a good fit for everyone, and I am sure most people would advise me to cut half of it out if I listed it here. IMO it is fine to challenge your child with a deep, rich program if your child is ready for it and is thriving. I love teaching American history, civics, and basic government from kindergarten on up. I wouldn't cut that out because I think that is such a great part of our curriculum. I teach these subjects every year because I want my kids to have a solid foundation in the history of their country and be knowledgable citizens who will be able to effectively participate in their government. I also teach world history, and I find that there is adequate time for both. I use WWE and a handwriting program at the same time. I don't find it to be too much writing. I am also of the opinion that it is better to plan too much and cut things out later if needed. It is much harder to underplan and have to scramble to add in additional materials because there is not enough for the child to do. In summary, I think your plan is good! You can always make adjustments if you find that it is too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I would have burned out if I tried all that in the first grade. But you know what will work for you. The only geography we covered in 1st grade was the basics of map reading, continents and oceans. We didn't have a social studies curricula, just life, and he aced that section of our required testing at year end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 I currently have a first grader doing just as much as you listed. Our year is going great, and I am very happy with our curriculum because it provides appropriate challenge for my child. My first grade curriculum would not be a good fit for everyone, and I am sure most people would advise me to cut half of it out if I listed it here. IMO it is fine to challenge your child with a deep, rich program if your child is ready for it and is thriving. I love teaching American history, civics, and basic government from kindergarten on up. I wouldn't cut that out because I think that is such a great part of our curriculum. I teach these subjects every year because I want my kids to have a solid foundation in the history of their country and be knowledgable citizens who will be able to effectively participate in their government. I also teach world history, and I find that there is adequate time for both. I use WWE and a handwriting program at the same time. I don't find it to be too much writing. I am also of the opinion that it is better to plan too much and cut things out later if needed. It is much harder to underplan and have to scramble to add in additional materials because there is not enough for the child to do. In summary, I think your plan is good! You can always make adjustments if you find that it is too much. That is is easy to cut, but i suck at adding in. I may not do additional handwritting to WWE though, he is very frustrated by handwriting, waiting for some maturity to help THAT, i hope. I need to get WWE and FLL and actually get a good look at them, page after page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 I would have burned out if I tried all that in the first grade. But you know what will work for you. The only geography we covered in 1st grade was the basics of map reading, continents and oceans. We didn't have a social studies curricula, just life, and he aced that section of our required testing at year end. That is what we are doing this year. I may just plan to finish the book up we are in now, pull random review pages fore the remainer of the year. Thanks again Ladies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIS0320 Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 (edited) thanks everyone. I'll look at trimming our list back. I have already decided to remove the Ancient World of the Bible -- We have a fairly heavy first grade workload compared to what I see listed here and there and even I think you've got too much planned!! The three R's are the focus and everything else is for fun and to get them interested in learning longterm. :) Edited February 28, 2012 by drexel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhg Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Wow. My cursory thought was that the two sciences are likely redundant --- meaning the BFSU and the Science (Critical Thinking Co.) one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Innocent Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I think you are the best judge of what will work for you and your son, and if you think you will find it easier to cut down rather than ramp things up you should do that. My DS6 is currently K5 so I guess in US terms still a preschooler. In the UK, however, school is compulsory from K4 onwards. The first year (K4 - we called it Reception) is still part of the pre-school programme, but the second year of school (K5 - we call it Year 1) is the first year of formal 'sit down and work all day' schooling. Despite this, I am only introducing things to my son very, very slowly. We started with Maths, for a few weeks, then handwriting, we are adding formal reading lessons in this week. I am hoping to keep adding until we are doing a full curriculum by the end of the year. I am desperate to jump in with everything, but I think we will do better just stretching ourselves a little bit more every few weeks, or I think we/I could burn out quite easily. This is what I think will work for us. Emma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 Wow. My cursory thought was that the two sciences are likely redundant --- meaning the BFSU and the Science (Critical Thinking Co.) one. i just haven't chosen one yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
................... Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Kids need variety. It's the spice of life. First grade should include 3 hours minimum of outdoor play, plenty of free time to do crafts and play imaginary things, plus a few chores and something outside the house, weekly- such as a sport, playgroup, weekly playdate, or co-op. Really 2 hours of time sitting on a couch listening plus one hour of seat work is more than enough. Also, if handwriting is a frustration, you may have to put WWE on hold and just do handwriting, mazes, dot-to-dots, thinking putty, finger plays, and that sort of thing which will increase muscle strength in his hands, as well as coordination. I would do one history, drop WWE, until handwriting is established, drop Geogrpahy, and some other things too and find some other activities to get you all outdoors more, moving more, meeting people, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 You know your child the best :) Do what you think he can handle, and then back off on a few subjects if he gets overwhelmed. I think the most important subjects for first grade are reading/phonics and math. So if he gets that down, then have fun with the rest! Good luck with your next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Wow! I'm really surprised that some of you do ancients and us history simultaneously. I can't fathom running two history programs. And, exploring ancient governments in depth (Athens, rome) seems like such a great precursor to American history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Wow! I'm really surprised that some of you do ancients and us history simultaneously. I can't fathom running two history programs. And, exploring ancient governments in depth (Athens, rome) seems like such a great precursor to American history. Actually, this is my plan once we hit 3rd grade, but I'm going to do it in more of an LCC/MP way so we will be studying states & capitals for U.S. History while we are doing Early Modern History in SOTW. Not really so different in practice as it first seems. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I guess it is a lot, but I'd rather have too much and drop something than not have enough. I do not think he is being challenged enough right now. Also a lot of it is read-a-loud and they both will listen for long times if they are coloring or something; big will listen a long long time cuddled but Little needs more activity. Also a lot -- i have colored below -- i plan on not being schooly -- just kinda activities the boys and I do together, including little brother and sometimes dad or cousins. the Music -- in red here -- is Daddy taught when mom is at work (evening or weekend). Thanks I love the sounding board here, I do think I'll drop Geography. thanks everyone. SOTW starts with beginning time; and DH is pretty clear he wants us to study US history / gov every year. Social Studies vs History. So I really need to use both SOTW and Truthqwuest I'll look at trimming our list back. I have already decided to remove the Ancient World of the Bible -- Since you'll be studying US history and gov every year, you could easily just purchase an A Beka 1st grade book, some CLP books (History of Little Pilgrims and Pioneers and Patriots are both good texts), or take a break mid-year and do a unit study to get the job done. When you think about it, there are only two years that you'll be overlapping American History with another time period. Ancients and Middle Ages. Once you hit years 3 and 4, American History is included (so to speak). Therefore, you don't have to go in depth this year. Maybe consider doing a couple of US history things this year for a week at a time and taking a break from Ancients. In first grade you can easily plan it around the holidays. Take a week or two to study the pilgrims at Thanksgiving, the Civil Rights Movement and the Presidents in February, and don't forget this year is an election year so you could study voting in November. That way, you're still getting your social studies done, but staying on track with your history schedule without confusing your little one and going into overkill. As for wanting to have too much instead of not enough, take it from another mom who used to think the same thing, you will ALWAYS have enough. Trust me.:lol: Many of us plan like you're doing for our oldest kids and find that we burned them out. For that matter, we burned ourselves out! I wish I had given my oldest more play/free time. For my youngest, I paired it waayyyyyyy down and she is turning out just fine. I focused on the 3 Rs, and sprinkled in the history and science. That's not to say we didn't do more history and science than an elementary school, we just did it more the Charlotte Mason way. We read books, discussed them, and did some fun activities during the major holidays. HTH! Dorinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Twain Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Wow! I'm really surprised that some of you do ancients and us history simultaneously. I can't fathom running two history programs. And, exploring ancient governments in depth (Athens, rome) seems like such a great precursor to American history. I have been doing world history for about the first half of the year and then American history for the second half of the year. That way it is only really doing one history program at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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