Homeschool Confidential 5

We have a lot going on this year!  All three kids are focusing on American History this year -- my eighth grader of course doing a much more in-depth study than my 3rd grader! My 5th grader is just along for the ride - she is using the History of Science through Literature, so she studies history there as well. She is reading Archimedes and the Door of Science and seems to be enjoying it!

My 8th grader is reading Lord of the Rings this year as a year long literature study  -the bonus is we get to watch the films as he finishes each book!  My 3rd grader is reading King of the Wind as part of a modified History of the Horse study that we piggy back on top of US History through literature. I thought it would be too difficult - Kaya did well with it at that age but is a more avid reader; I was unsure of Sophie's abilities, but here she is, kicking booty and taking names! I am verrily impressed with her reading ability! 

Aden's science is a combo of botany through a co-op for fun, and a start on physics that will be more developed next semester. He adores science, so this works well for him.  We also picked up Artistic Pursuits this year - I am trying to incorporate a more formal art program this year, so our Friday afternoons are for science experiments and art class. It will also be for piano! I am fortunate enough to have the use of  Piano Wizard this year - a computer program with a keyboard plug in that uses game technology to teach piano.  It looks like Fridays will be full of fun and creativity! 

One last thing we are starting this year is the Long Term Project. Each one will last from 2-6 weeks, involve an element of research (for my 8th grader, citation with that research), and a presentation to the whole family, either a poster, a powerpoint presentation, etc.  I think this will help them as they get older to work independently on larger projects and be responsible for the completed work. It will show them how to budget their time and organize large projects - at least I hope it will!  We have a lot of neat stuff this year - and as the kids get older, the educational materials get neater! What a great year we are looking forward to!