Kindergarten Curriculum Choices 2016-2017

This year marks the first year I am REALLY thinking through {kindergarten} curriculum for Omi.  For the past two years we have been working our way through Sonlight Pre-school/Kindergarten.  I ended up ditching the teacher’s manual and plodding along through the read-alouds.  At the time, when I invested in Sonlight, I needed someone else to plan my school days.  But now that I’m in a better spot mentally, I’m going back to my individualized curriculum approach.

This year marks Naomi’s first year “officially” at the school table.  So what did I choose?

Kindergarten Curriculum Choices 2016-2017

Our choice of reading was a no-brainer.  I have used All About Reading with all of the children and am now experiencing autonomous readers who BEG to go to the library.  In fact, their bibliophile tendencies make them disappear for about 3 days after a trip to the local book rental.  I find them hiding behind a book.  It makes for a quiet house.  But my kitchen helpers disappear.

All About Learning just re-released Level 1.

I’m excited to dive in!  The first edition was great BUT the updated version has:

• Over 100 pages of new teaching material
• Over 150 additional pages in the activity book including 30 new activities and 52 new Warm-Up Sheets
• 17 all-new, fully decodable stories

It has basically doubled in size!

And the best part? The price hasn’t changed!  The cost of the AAR Level 1 Materials is $99.95.  Learn more about the program here.

It’s super fun to receive your All About Reading order too.  You can request a drawing on your box.

Handwriting

I have a lot of left over workbooks and I utilize Carisa’s resources for letter recognition and handwriting, which is great because she is my travel buddy and friend!  I will probably just continue to print handwriting sheets off or give Omi copy work.

At some point my teacher might come out in me and I’ll break down and purchase a Handwriting Without Tears workbook.  (Have you tried their app on the iPad?  It’s GREAT!)

Math

I actually purchased two different math programs.  I honestly think that Omi could do Saxon First Grade.  But rather than push her too far too fast, we are using Math-U-See Primer.  I was pleased with how proficient her brother was in counting, understanding multiples of tens, and mastering his math facts upon completion of Primer.

This year will be foundational for learning the stepping stones of math.

Speaking of Foundations . . .

Classical Conversations

This will be our 5th year in Classical Conversations.  Besides learning to read with All About Reading and working on Handwriting, if we get nothing else done but our Classical Conversations memory work, then it will have been a good school day.  The memory work includes Bible, History, Science, Math, Latin, Grammar, etc.  I have seen so many ah-ha moments in the kids by having such an incredible knowledge based stored in their cranium.  Additionally, I love that at the heart of CC is to create space for our kids to “know God and make Him known.”

History & Science

Historically, Omi has sat in the room with us and colored or built something with her Spielgaben while we read.  We don’t HAVE to add in extra History and Science — but we are nerds like that.

This year we will mark our 4th year with Mystery of History.

We will continue to read Science in the Ancient World by Dr. Jay Wile.  The readings are manageable followed by great questions divided by age level.  And to the boys’ delight, there are coordinating science experiments using household items.

Music

Omi will continue taking piano lessons with Mr. Rob.

Gymnastics

The girl LOVES to dance and do gymnastics.  Currently, I feel she is supposed to be in gymnastics.  I love her gym.  And I love the bravery it instills in her and confidence to try new things.  She has grown in coordination, grace, and agility.

Bonus

• Spielgaben
• Ivy Kids Kit
• We haven’t decided on AWANA yet . . . to be determined.

Are you using any of the same resources?

I sure would love to know.  What has worked for you?