Our Schoolhouse: Kindergarten and First Grade Classical Education Curricula

We've actually never stopped school for the summer. A day here a day there but I wanted to keep the boys moving along and mostly I didn't want them to forget what they had learned. My other reason for doing year round school is that then we aren't in as much of a rush. The system is: 3 weeks a month, 4 days a week- what can beat that!?! So here is what we're using this year for school, and by the way we are LOVING it.

The Classical Education general concept:
Great book on everything a la Classical Education- this is one amazing book! It is a wealth of information, if you want one book to help you get through your homeschooling journey- this is that book, love it.

I can't put the Charlotte Mason Companion down, there is so much good information on "The Gentle Art of Learning" also from the classical education approach. I like that it doesn't just talk about home education, but it speaks to character, and habits. I really connected with it.

Books that work for a variety of ages together (I am using them for both boys ages 4 and 6):

Amazing history for first graders, complete lessons with coloring sheets that are not tedious busy work. Each lesson is well written and the boys enjoy me reading it to them. They most of all love coloring while I read.  My 4 year old will gladly do it with us though and he loves it. They can both answer the questions at the end of the lesson very well, so I know they are both understanding it. Great book!!

We've started our Apologia science curriculum this year as well. The boys love science! We will alternate between this science curricula and our history every other day. Both of these books work well to do them together. I like the layout of this, the artwork could be improved upon a little (as they use clip art) but I am not complaining so far at all because it is a great first science book for both 4 year olds and 6 year olds.

Filled with books to read aloud to kids- and have them love. There are so many good books out there, but which ones are good enough to spend the time on?? Check out this book.

What we are using for First Grade (or what my first grader does that my 4 year old isn't ready for yet):

Book containing first and second grade grammar. Memorization of poetry, copywork and learning the parts of speech-this is a very good book!

Last but not least- MATH! I decided to go with Saxon (instead of Math-U-See which I was also interested in) and it is jackson's favourite subject he says. We chose Math 1 and it seems a little too basic sometimes but I think we are quickly gaining a little speed. I do skip if I know he can do it easy and has mastered the concept. I think it is a good way to teach math, I like that it is no nonsense and straight math- we get it done quick that way!

Kindergarten/preschool books I recommend:
For teaching the boys to read I've used this both times, it works well. My 4 year old is half way through now and doing great!

And then head to this when the kid pretty much gets the concept- they just love saying "I've read a WHOLE book!" when dad comes home

For preschool and kindergarten history I enjoyed History for Little Pilgrims, it is history from creation to present in a chronological order and even the littlest ones get it. We enjoyed this book last with both boys, easy to finish in one school year. With a general approach to history that is good in that first year when they are just learning to sit well and listen.

The next homeschooling post cover what our school day looks like!

In the meantime go ahead and share some of your favourite schoolbooks with me and  the reasons why you love them so.

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