We’ve been wrapping up year three of homeschooling, finishing up a few last subjects and in some ways it feels like just yesterday we started this new adventure. But with this being Nathan’s first year of high school, I’ve felt like I’ve done sooooo much research to make sure we’re on track and preparing him for college. I love learning what curriculum people use, what worked, and what didn’t work for them, so here’s a glimpse into how our year went:
For Alison (7th grade) we used the following:
- Math: Teaching Textbooks 7. I realized we’re not fans of TT as it’s completely online and difficult to go back and review a topic if not fully mastered. Next year we’ll be switching to Mr. D Math for Pre-Algebra. We also incorporated Foundations in Personal Finance: Middle School but I’ve learned that Ramsey Solutions no longer offers the middle school version (only high school).
- Science: Apologia Anatomy & Physiology. **Apologia offers a military and missionary discount. We’ve also started Earth Science with Journey Homeschool Academy for next year.
- History: Beautiful Feet Books History of the Horse. Of all the subjects, Ali is least interested in history and because she was very into horse backing riding at the time, we chose something of interest to her. She also prefers to learn though “living books” rather than a textbook. Her brother is the opposite. Now we’ve moved on to Medieval History for next year.
- Writing/Grammar/Vocabulary: IEW Structure & Style for Students 1B (which includes Fix It Grammar Mowgli and Shere Khan) and Wordly Wise, Book 7
- Bible: Not Consumed Bible studies (A Content Heart, Keep Thy Heart, Work Unto the Lord), How Great is Our God devotional, Wildfire Youth Group and Worship Team, VBS Leader
- Japanese: Japanese from Zero (Books 1 & 2). The kids are working on this together and I love seeing their interest blossom (they’re currently obsessed with manga and anime) and we’re hoping to culminate with a trip to Japan sometime soon.
- Critical Thinking: Crash Course Study Skills
- Art: Udemy Character Art School
- PE: Archery and Swim
- Music: Piano and Violin
For Nathan (9th grade), he’s completed a total of 8 high school credit hours using the following:
- Math: Saxon Algebra I. We started off with Teaching Textbooks Algebra I then switched back to Saxon and it was a much better fit. As the kids get older I’m finding it better to outsource certain curriculum, math and science being the main ones. Next year for Geometry we’ll switch to Mr. D Math. We also incorporated Foundations in Personal Finance: High School as part of math this year.
- Science: Journey Homeschool Academy Experiencing Biology (which uses the Riot and the Dance textbook). We started mid-year as he finished off Berean Builders Science in the Atomic Age (catching up from when we changed curriculum mid-year in 8th grade).
- History: Notgrass Exploring World History
- Writing/Vocabulary: IEW Structure & Style for Students 1C and Wordly Wise, Book 9
- Bible: Not Consumed Bible studies (A Content Heart, Keep Thy Heart, Work Unto the Lord), How Great is Our God devotional, Wildfire Youth Group and Worship Team, VBS Leader
- Japanese: Japanese from Zero (Books 1 & 2)
- Technology: MyTek Technology, Level 1
- Critical Thinking: Crash Course Study Skills, Mind Benders, Book 7
- Art: ARTistic Pursuits: High School, Book 1 – not a fan of this curriculum, but we made it through.
- PE: Archery, Golf and Weightlifting
- Music: Guitar
The first half of the year we completed weekly country reports using Thistles & Biscuits country units. We’d learn all about a country during the week and culminate with a Friday night dinner presentation where I’d cook a dish from that region and they would present. We first started country reports during COVID when everyone was quarantining and it was one of their favorite memories so they asked that we bring it back.
The second half we moved to presentations based on their interests. It started out as a simple notecard speech given over dinner and has evolved into complex PowerPoint presentations complete with embedded videos and hidden notes. While they favor animals (anything from Komodo dragons to platypus) we’ve also learned about people (Ludwig van Beethoven and Amelia Earhart) and historical events (Battle of the Marne, Crusades). I love that they get to choose what they’re passionate about.
We chose not to do a co-op this year, rather we’re a part of a Homeschool Field Trip social group on Facebook and pick and choose what works for us. This year we learned about the art of making chocolate, completed a squid dissection, visited museums, decorated Fort Stewart’s Warrior’s Walk and will visit the Georgia State Capitol and participate in a mock trial.