2014-2015 Kindergarten Curriculum Choices

Okay, I shared our choices for 4th grade curriculum and preschool curriculum a few weeks ago. And I mentioned I would share with you my choices for Kindergarten – once I narrowed them down. Well, I finally did. Whew! It’s a miracle, but I have narrowed it down.

Some of our curriculum choices are similar to what we use with Mister Bull. And since my three Littles are so close in age, there will be some overlap there as well. But, there were a few things I was up in the air about and I’ve finally nailed them down. Good thing too, since we’re starting school this week! I will be honest, I’m a little nervous this year with all the kids doing schoolwork.

Character Badges – We will be using this with all our children this year. While I try to be consistent with our discipline, it is difficult to keep up with everything for each child. These charts will help keep me a little more focused and give the kids something tangible to look at and know what is expected of them.

Little Lads & Ladies of Virtue – While this curriculum is another one on character building, I believe it will only enhance our studies on character building. While the badges are a more visual way to learn about character traits, this curriculum has copywork for the older kids and hands-on activities great for little kids.

Math

We will still be using Horizons Math K. Mister Mouse has shown an interest in Math and even enjoys doing simple addition problems. I like the bright colors and format in Mister Bull’s curriculum, so I hope this will work out well for Mister Mouse too.

Handwriting & Spelling

We love the A Reason for curriculum in our house. This year we will be using Handwriting level K. I love the Bible references and that it just adds another dimension to our Bible studies. BONUS!!

Science

I am excited that we can do Science together with Mister Bull. So we will be using Apologia’s Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day and Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. I hope to do them every day and complete them both this year. I will, however, hold off on the Junior journaling notebook for him, since we are still learning to write. I will have him draw pictures and do other hands-on activities though.

History

As with Science, we will primarily be using the Mystery of History curriculum, but adding in some mini or short unit studies over the course of the year for different holidays and events. Those are usually short, week-long units that we do alongside our other work.

Bible

There are several Family Bible studies we are going to take advantage of this year during our morning devotional times. But, I am also going to start Mister Bull on his own quiet time by utilizing several different resources. On the list is Bible Road Trip: Year One by Danika Cooley of Thinking Kids Blog. This was another item I was blessed to review. I was given the ebook curriculum as well as the Lower and Upper Grammar Notebooking Journals. First, let me say how much I love this format. While this is a 3-year program, it is only a survey of each book in the Bible. So, we may or may not follow the 3-year format and expand where we want or need as the weeks progress. But, that’s the joy of homeschooling, right?! There are some additional resources needed, so there is a little more cost involved. However, I like that they are used throughout all three years, so it’s still a one-time purchase for 3 years of curriculum. I wasn’t sure about the notebooking journals, but I love the format for them as well. They are very similar to our journals for science. The Lower Grammar journal is a little to much for my younger ones right now. But, we can and will draw pictures that depict the lessons and stories we are reading from the Bible to help them remember. I will also do my best to find coloring pages to use for them. BUT…as their writing skills progress and improve, we will definitely utilize the notebooking journal. I love how the lessons can be stretched out over a couple days each week, but they are still customizable to fit your needs.

Physical Education

This is one I am still working on for the Littles. While he is very active, we need a more structured time of activity and exercise – especially during the winter months, which are quickly approaching. I know we will utilize the parking lot for bike rides on those cool days and nature walks as we explore God’s creation. But we will also spend some time on the Wii, using WiiFit for all of us!

Electives and Extras

Art – As I mentioned last year, I’m not a crafty person. Get me started and I’m fine, but teaching art is not high on my list of favorite things to do. So, we will again be using Mike’s Inspiration Station Art Instruction DVDs. We did a couple lessons last year and then let it go by the wayside.

Although it’s a little advanced for the little ones, I would like them to join us as we study Greek. We will be using Elementary Greek, Year One – Workbook, Audio Companion, Flashcards and Textbook. The only thing you will need are multiple copies of are the Workbooks for each student. We have three – one for Mister Bull, me and my husband to use as a review with us.

We will also be adding in some fun with American Sign Language for Kids. I know just enough to be dangerous and I love to interpret songs at church for special music, but I want my kids to know and love it too. They love watching me on stage at church and are very interested, so I think this will be a great fit this year.

We will also use the {free} printables I create for you all each week. My little ones love the coloring pages and the Draw & Write pages. I’m hoping this will spark a new learning interest and foster a love for creative writing in Mister Mouse.

What are your choices for this year? Are any of yours on this list? I’d love to know!

This year we thought it would be fun to share what other IAHE Bloggers are using in their homeschool adventures this year. Be sure to check out my friends’ posts on their curriculum choices.  They are linked below.