mom2bee Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 For all of the elementary school years, what would they be? Learning to read is a given so you don't have to say "Phonics/Learning to Read." I am assuming that kids will do their own leisure reading/library visits etc... So, just assume their reading skills progressed each year as required. What would you teach if you decided to keep it simple for duration of the elementary years and teach only 4 subjects. There is no right/wrong answer, I'm just curious. I think I would go with 1) Mathematics 2) A Modern Foreign Language 3) Geography 4) Martial Arts or a Musical Instrument studied very in depth for 4 yrs minimum. What about you? **EDITED TO SAY: On 2nd thought, I might change out 4) for Science. ***Edited again to say that on 3rd thought, I wouldn't change it for science because a lot of "undocumented educational experiences" would still be going on in the house hold. I would coach, recommend and require certain books and topics be read on/researched just for what I consider general knowledge and I think all the science that is reasonable to expect for a kid in 4th or 5th grade to know can easily be covered in a very broad, rich and dynamic way from having a home environment that is purposefully educational without being formal. So, yeah, I think I'd stick to my original list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Ok Grammar/composition History Math Science Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Writing Math Literature Nature studies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhotoGal Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Assuming that they read some good literature on their own... 1) Writing 2) Math 3) Science 4) 2nd Language Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zuzu822 Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Oh gosh. *Read alouds (I'm assuming they are reading broadly from library books, but I'd also choose from a range of literature and subject areas as well.) *Writing *Math *Music Well, shoot, now I want to think about this further! It sounds much simpler than our current line up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingmama Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Writing Math, Critical Thinking Foreign Language Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 English (Depending on the age/need this would be learning to print, spelling, grammar, and maybe eventually writting) French (We are Canadian) History (Lots of read alouds, STOW, discussion, looking at maps... ) Piano Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 STEM Language Arts Social Studies Fine Arts ...and that would be with my kids doing swim team as a lifestyle activity... :D No way could I pick just four individual sub-subjects. No way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TX Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math English Grammar Spelling Penmanship Susan in TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seeker of Schole Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I've thought about this before... Latin (which includes grammar) Math Science Fine Arts (this would include music and art at alternating times, and we would look at History and geography through those lenses) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 We basically do 4 subjects :-) Reading: we read extensively in history, science, art, literature,Bible, poetry, geography, music...you get the idea 😉 Math language Arts : spelling/grammar/ vocab/ writing Phys. Ed. I would like to add a 5 th subject, but I do not really consider it school, but life and that is the arts: Music, drama, art etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Science Literature Math History The only one of those "core classes" I might skip is history, because you can learn history through literature to some degree. I guess I could do foreign language in that spot. I absolutely would not leave off science, because I think understanding the world we live in is hugely important from a young age! I assume sports and music are extracurricular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math English Grammar Spelling Penmanship This, though I'd use a program that combined grammar & composition and I'd make it spelling/vocabulary. I'd also look for "living books" in history, science, geography, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Really, to me instruments and sports are extracurricular, so they don't count as a subject. Anyway, isn't the basic school day in primary school k-3 or k-4 just 4 subjects, one recess, and one special each day? I think that is how it works here. Math Language Arts (all aspects- reading, writing, grammar, phonics/ spelling) Science Social Studies (history, geography, civics) Recess isn't exactly a subject, but it has a time slot. Specials are things like art, music, PE, library, and computer and study skills. The kids go to one special each day, so they hit each special once per week. This would give you 5 subject blocks instead of four. If I had to pull back to true basics for some reason, I would do reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. Then, I would include science and social studies topics in the reading and logic as part of math. Since reading and writing are both LA and I am including science and social studies topics in our reading, then I get 2 more. Today- I pick fine arts (music and art) and PE. :) My thoughts on this sort of thing change depending on the child and the day of the week. Math LA Fine Arts P.E. HTH- Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tranquility7 Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 For some reason, I've thought about this a lot over the last year or so.... and I decided on: 1) Latin (because we naturally incorporate a lot of grammar, vocabulary, and even logic into our Latin, so we get a lot of bang for our buck!) 2) Piano (beauty, order, discipline, artistic appreciation and expression, coordination) 3) Math (which includes more logical thinking) 4) Composition (learning to think critically and communicate thoughts, use grammar, vocabulary, and figurative language, make logical arguments, etc.) Our life includes a lot of informally discussed history, science, literature, and Bible, so I'm assuming that would continue even if they aren't formal subjects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math modern language musical instrument Read aloud literature This is pretty much the basis if our studies, the core that we try to get done regardless of what else is happening in our lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Literature Grammar Social Studies (History, Geography) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Really, to me instruments and sports are extracurricular, so they don't count as a subject. Music is not extracurricular around here, it is a fundamental part of our homeschool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abba12 Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Thinking Skills (this is a core subject for us, including logic, critical and creative thought, philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc) Composition (written communication skills, this would include grammar/spelling through trial and error) Science Edited to Add - Does Bible and Character count as a subject or as a general thing learnt through life? Science would be replaced by Bible/Character if it needed to be an individual subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NASDAQ Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Composition/grammar/spelling Religion Music Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 To formally study, it would be: Math Science History Writing (It would be hard not to cover some grammar this way). I am assuming by all the elementary years, you mean through grade 6? For art, music and foreign language find ways to let them explore and discover independently. Also, two of my kids (and I) do martial arts. I don't consider that a school subject at any age. Music lessons could be considered the same way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 1) Religion 2) Mathematics 3) Grammar 4) Latin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Music is not extracurricular around here, it is a fundamental part of our homeschool.Totally understand. My son plays mandolin and violin. He takes private lessons for both and plays violin in the county's junior orchestra. However, he would do this on his own time even if he attended a traditionally classroom, so I consider it extracurricular. Mandy ETA- and since the OP included it, so did I. Fine Arts is on my short list of four. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 English Maths Nature Study Arabic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math (problem solving, computation, concrete--->pictorial--->abstract) Latin (grammar, vocabulary, spelling) Composition (organization, mechanics, penmanship, spelling) Music (theory, singing, instrument) We would also continue with read alouds, audiobooks, and book basket (independent reading), which would cover Bible, Literature & Poetry, Science, History, and some Geography. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math English Foreign language or instrument depends on the kid Library books (stuff to read aloud or let kids read themselves) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3 Only Children Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Art = creating using all sorts of mediums, illustrating books read Creative Writing = write the stories as they make them up, tape record their own stories, poems Science / Nature = field trips, easy experiments, plants, animals.... Bible = memorizing scripture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLittleWonders Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Literature - so much is learned through classic books and stories Writing - incorporating grammar and spelling Latin - incorporating grammar, spelling, and logic Math Our faith would be taught as a natural course of living - through our prayers, our talks at the dinner table, and our following of the liturgical year, so I wouldn't include it in the "only 4" subjects that I would be doing with the kids during the school day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 1) Math 2) Writing (learn grammar through this) 3) Nature Study 4) Book Basket (includes read alouds, independent reading, and various books/movies on science, history, etc.) This actually sounds wonderful! I'm wondering if I shouldn't try it with my kids for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Innocent Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Maths Writing Latin Piano This is assuming we are reading and discussing the Bible and matters of faith as a family. This makes we realise we need to do this more! I thought this would be hard/impossible, but it actually looks a bit tempting! It has certainly made me think about what is important to me. Thank you OP! Emma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureMoms Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Mine are little still, so taken with a grain of salt.... Math Foreign Language Writing Piano Which is not that far from what we're doing. We read history too, but that is fully DD-led and on her terms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5LittleMonkeys Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Okay, you said reading\library visits were a given so that takes care of classic literature, fiction, poetry, and science topics to include scientist biographies. So my other choices would be: Math - logic is incorporated into this Composition - which in our house is already taught by incorporating grammar, mechanics, spelling and vocabulary...we don't have separate subjects for each thing. History - which includes geography and literature (books from historical time periods as well as historical fiction and biographies) Latin - which covers grammar and vocabulary Art is just part of our lives...happens almost daily in some form or another without any prompting by me. :thumbup: So, I just described my 5th graders line up this year (my 2nd graders is the same minus the Latin) with the exception that we do 2 science experiments every Monday afternoon. Last year we were so overwhelmed with subjects and I felt like we were just skimming the top of each one so this year we adopted the multum non multa method and absolutely LOVE it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Latin Composition Poetry/recitations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 As a CM mom, I am as far from only 4 subjects as you can get ;) But here goes. Hypothetically, these would be the the only four subjects I would do with my dc: 1. Math 2. English (writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling) 3. Rotating Art, Poetry, Music, Nature Study 4. Literature Living books lying around on every single topic imaginable :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaOz Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 My four: Math Writing Literature Music Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Hmm.... Composition Math Literature Science I think nearly all the other subjects could fit under those umbrellas. Science could be relegated to literature and a language put there if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Only 4? In elementary.... Math Language Arts (reading, lit, comp) Science History (which would, by default, include geography) I don't count musical instrument practice, sports of any kind, scouting, etc., as a homeschool class - that's extracurricular and what PS kids do after school (at least until middle school). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Latin Music Geography Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Foreign language Math Swimming Reading Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Language Arts - This would include literature, vocab., spelling, grammar, writing etc. all rolled into one. It would all flow very naturally from the books we read Math Science/nature study History/geography If there was a daily language partner available, I would swap out history/geography for a foreign language. The history and geography can easily be done organically through literature instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeegal Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Language Arts - This would include literature, vocab., spelling, grammar, writing etc. all rolled into one. It would all flow very naturally from the books we read Math Science/nature study History/geography If there was a daily language partner available, I would swap out history/geography for a foreign language. The history and geography can easily be done organically through literature instead. :iagree: If things were really chaotic, I'd switch over to Learning Language Arts Through Literature. We'd do that daily with Saxon Math, and alternate between 2 days of history (SOTW) and 2 days of Elemental Science. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sobeknofret Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Latin Science Literature Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Well, here in TX we are required to cover 5 subjects: math, reading, grammar, spelling, and good citizenship. The first four are skills, and the last is an open-ended pseudo-subject the parent has to figure out (and which could cover multiple subjects). This, however, does not mean TX homeschoolers automatically fail your 4-subject limit. I'm not sure what the reason for the proposed limit on number of subjects is (time limits, or intimidation level, or other reasons). But I would like to point out that there are primarily 2 kinds of "subjects": skill-based and content-based. If you do your prep you can teach the skills in content classes, or use the content matter as practice material for skills lessons. Crucial skills (my opinion): Math Reading Spelling Vocabulary Word study Grammar Writing Typing Other than Math and Typing these could be grouped into one subject of Language Arts. Science is largely content-based, especially in the younger years. However performing experiments and learning the scientific method require focus and practice, too. My recommendation: focus on key skills, and use content matter (history, science, etc.) as exercise material (for reading, spelling, writing, etc.) DO get a good writing program (I really like IEW), and DO teach good typing posture and finger usage. Bad habits in typing are hard to break and can cause massively debilitating injury over the long term, so teach good posture, proper fingering and hand position, and make sure each child's typing chair and desk are at proper heights for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 1) Math 2) Writing 3) Latin 4) Logic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Probably: math, writing, Spanish, and either art or music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Language arts (English) History Science Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 That's easy to decide, we drop down to the basic 4 all the time. Writing (this includes spelling and Grammar). Math Science History (where we would sneak in Literature selections... I'm tricky that way). Ask me what 3 subjects I would choose and then I might have some trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycalling Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Language - writing, spelling, vocab., grammar, proper speech Critical Thinking/Logic Topics - any random content subject matter: history, science, geography, current events, etc. we come across to learn. I keep a rolling list of topics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My3girls Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Math Science History Language Arts to include composition, grammar, spelling, vocabulary Fine Arts can be included in history, I think, and Nature studies can be included in science. Athletics and Music are extra curricular. This is really what we are already doing here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Math writing science latin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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