2007-2008

Here is a list of things I am using for this school year. I hope you find the information helpful! I will be filling in how much and why as I can. They are in no particular order, other than the way I remembered them. :)

Overall, I am using many of the suggestions outlined in The Well Trained Mind (TWTM) but I am not following all of their curriculum suggestions.

  • Latin – Minimus: Starting Out in Latin
    Total cost: $87 (Teacher’s Manual, Student book & CD) I chose this because it seemed like a gentle introduction to Latin. The teacher’s manual is a bit pricey at $55, but after reading through it I can see where it is worth it. The website has additional activities and information.
  • Math – Math Mammoth Grade 5
    Total cost: $15 (downloadable eworkbook and answers)
    Last year we used the operation specific eworkbooks from Maria. They are wonderful! I learned a few things myself. ;) They are “self-teaching” and you can print them out as you go… as many times as you need!
  • Spelling – Natural Speller and The ABCs and All Their Tricks
    Price for both: approx $32.
    I am using Natural speller for the sequence of which sounds to teach and activity suggestions but I am using ABCs for the rule explanations and word lists (it has more challenging words). If I had to choose only one, I’d get the ABCs book!
  • Grammar – Easy Grammar 5/6
    Price for both Teacher ed and Student WkBk: $26
    Bought used copies off of eBay. This version is no longer sold. They now have each level separate. Overall, I am happy with this but am keeping an eye out for something a little more inspired. I do have Sam copy the definitions of the grammar-bits as they are introduced and then have him read through his “notes” as we go along.
  • Creative Writing – Writing Strands 3
    Price: $13 used off eBay
    This will be our first experience with this method. It was recommended in TWTM. I’ve read through all the assignments in it and am very excited and hopeful that Sam will like it too.
  • History – Usborne Book of World History
    Price: $18 new
    Recommended in TWTM. Started using it late this year to get a feel for it and will continue next year at a relaxed pace. I frequently find Sam reading from this book on his own.
  • Art/Music Appreciation – Harmony Fine Arts, Logic Stage
    Price: $20
    This is a great resource created by a mom who has been homeschooling for 11 years. There are several options with varying degrees of work from a light picture-study to something more involved. Barbara is very approachable by email and also has a great blog with weekly drawing prompts.
  • Art: Fall Art Kit from Hearts and Trees
    Price: $15
    We had a lot of fun doing this one. The projects are something we will probably do again and again.
  • Science: Animal Kingdom – Usborne Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Natural World
    Price: $12 used at AbeBooks.com
    As recommended in TWTM we wil be using this for 20 weeks of science.
  • Science: Human Body – HOAC Human Body Lapbook eBook
    Price: $20 at Hands of a Child
    We will be deviating from TWTM here and trying our first lapbook. It seems like a lot of fun and a neat way to save the information for later review. Hopefully this will work well for us as I’d like to try others.
  • Science: Plant Kingdom – Extraordinary Plants
    Price: $17 used at AbeBooks.com
    As recommended in TWTM we will be using this, and any outdoor opportunities for 6 weeks.
  • Typing – Typing Instructor Deluxe
    Price: $20 new at Timberdoodle
    We’ve already started using this. It is good but I wish they didn’t have the word-count-o-meter. My son seems to want to watch it too much and gets stressed out over it. But he is getting better at ignoring it to some extent. It has a kids “lesson plan”, you can set the goal WPM (and change it as needed). As you progress through the lessons, their are games to play. Sam really likes that. ;)