Pages

Monday, March 10, 2008

Homeschooling Stuff


Yes, we occasionally do lessons around here in between all the other fun stuff! I wanted to share with you my newest (really new!) resource.

I was having trouble getting in science lessons as often as I desired. Levi recently enjoyed 'Super Science Saturday' at a local school, put on by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). He went to several classes and enjoyed himself. Obviously, though, that isn't going to cut it.

It was, and is, my intention to present a full biology course during this year. But I wasn't looking forward to putting it together myself. Then my sister gave me Christian Kids Explore Biology so that I could see if I was interested. Boy, was I. (Thank you, Holly!)

Christian Kids Explore Biology is exactly, and I do mean exactly, what I would have asked for could I have hired someone to put together a science course for me to teach this year: 35 weekly lessons covering all the basics from cell structure, classifications, plants, animals, and the human body. It is targeted for grades 3-6, but the lessons are easily tailored to fit younger children.

Each chapter has a conversational lesson and a hands-on project. Vocabulary words are in bold.

The appendix features reproducible forms and maps, memorization and reference lists, coloring pages, recipes and supplemental activities, and an extensive additional resource list including books, videos, and magazines. The author also includes a list of field trip ideas.

I have a fairly large library of science books, and it will be a simple thing to pull extra reading material for each chapter.

I couldn't wait to dig in, so we started on Saturday! I'll keep you posted as we get further along.

Now, I just need to figure out what I'm doing for spelling!

But I've got history covered:
Have I mentioned, lately, how much I am enjoying ancient history? I have more favorites to share. The Gilgamesh Trilogy is excellent! The illustrations are gorgeous, and the Epic of Gilgamesh is made accessible for both the elementary student and the parent.

And online sites to explore:

HOTM Magazine



Check out Heart of the Matter, an online Christian homeschooling magazine and wonderful homeschooling resource!


Another great resource, particularly for those with a tight budget, is Ambleside, a free online curriculum lined up with Charlotte Mason principles.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Heidi,
We have used Christian Kids Explore Biology as well as Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space. Both books are complete enough in content that I feel comfortable that we've "covered" enough, yet still fun for the kids while they're learning. And yes, adapting to several different ages is simple. You know, there is one other title in the Christian Kids series: Christian Kids Explore Chemistry. That's for next year for us!
Glad you've found a new book to enjoy.
Julie in VA