We’ve been in full summer mode around here, currently road-tripping but also splashing around, watching movies during storms, and enjoying a less demanding schedule. If you need proof of summer mode, just check out the pictures I have of the girls below, with wind-dried hair, when I forced them to snap a pic with their new curriculum- lol! Adding haircuts to the to do list…

However, with temperatures soaring and being outside midday beginning to feel less appealing, we are now gearing up for start of our new school year. I have our curriculum ready to go and am excited to share my picks with you for the year ahead!

Choosing curriculum felt easy this year. I’m not sure if it’s just because I finally know our rhythm or what works best for each kid or have a better understanding of what’s out there, but I finalized all my picks within a few days, ordered what was necessary, and have it all stacked up and ready to go. By doing so, it will give me time to comb through a few of the items I want to better understand and be prepared to teach.

I officially have a MIDDLE SCHOOLER, which while it sounds crazy, it feels rather chill in a homeschool setting. Still, I feel the need to step it up a small bit, but I have felt that every year since she entered 3rd grade; a natural evolution of responsibility and challenge.

Hailey (11 Years Old/6th Grade)

Math: Saxon Math with lessons done by Nicole the Math Lady

Language Arts: Fix it Grammar, Spectrum Spelling, Book Club with Mom

Writing: IEW SSS

Geography: Beautiful Feet US Geography (4-6)

Science: Co-op Science, Mystery Science, MEL Science Kits

Extras: Synthesis, Synthesis Tutor, Co-op Spanish, Piano

Sports/Activities: Soccer, Basketball

Kaitlyn (9 Years Old/4th Grade)

Math: Saxon with lessons done by Nicole the Math Lady

Language Arts: All About Reading, Spectrum Spelling

Writing: IEW Fairytales Unit

Geography: Beautiful Feet US Geography (4-6)

Science: Co-op Science, Mystery Science, MEL Science Kits

Extras: Synthesis Tutor, Co-op Spanish, Piano

Sports/Activities: Soccer, Basketball, Taekwondo, Musical Theater

Notes and Thoughts on the Upcoming Year

Math: After a lot of debate, I half excitedly and half reluctantly ordered Saxon. My understanding is that Saxon is seem as a gold standard for creating a solid understanding of concepts and goes through advanced level math , *but* it’s dry and lessons are long. After reading a lot of reviews, my plan (I’ll let you know how it goes in practice) is to let Nicole the Math Lady (supposedly fabulous) teach the lessons, then have them do about half the problems per lesson. If they fully grasp it, great! And if not, then we will spend the next day(s) working through problems together until it’s better understood. I will be honest that I’m not looking forward to it much, but I do feel it’s the right next step for us.

IEW. Hailey began the IEW SSS program in 4th grade, but I feel like a themed unit will be a better intro to writing for Kaitlyn. And I really love how IEW teaches writing! My kids are fairly opposite when it comes to educational interests and strengths. H leans hard into reading and writing while K lights up with math and science.

Book Club. A new thing that both H and I are excited about is book club! I selected a list of six novels and bought two copies of each from our used bookstore. We will read them alongside each other and then discuss what we’ve read on Fridays, fun snack and drink optional but encouraged. I think we will both really enjoy it!

Co-op. We will have co-op once a week again this year; it’s something we all get a lot out of. The kids love the science, art, PE, Spanish, and friends. I love the fellowship and support.

Personally: I feel like I say this every year, but that’s a good thing as it keeps it top of mind for me. Presence. I am noodling over how I want to structure my days come August. My priority is being with the kids; I want to make sure we have time for the fun stuff- making the recipes in Beautiful Feet, reading together, and me keeping in mind that I set the tone. I want it to feel like a peaceful and unrushed environment. Right now I’m thinking:

• 6:00 – computer time
• 7:30 – walk Finley
• 8:00 – start breakfast
• 8:15 – kids wake up
• 9:00/9:15 – start school work
• 12:00/12:30 – lunch
• 1:00 – finish up whatever needs to be finished/read aloud
• 2:00 – computer stuff for me
• 3:30 – workout
• 4:30/5:00 – kid activities/cook dinner

I’ve been around enough to know that days don’t always flow smoothly like that, but it’s what I’m shooting for. We shall see!

View all other curriculum posts here! https://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/category/homeschool/curriculum/

When does your new school year begin? Looking forward to it or not quite?