Parenting

Learning Tree Farm – Homeschool Day 2021

Dear Sis,

We recently learned about Learning Tree Farm, in Dayton Ohio. We registered for their homeschool day, which was originally scheduled for the final Monday of October, but was postponed until today because of the weather. We had a wonderful day with another homeschooling family we’ve gotten to know over the past few years.

There are two different 1 mile loop hiking trails, but today we just walked back to the tire swing, knowing that we needed to pace ourselves to get through all the activities available!

Charlotte… our piggy crazed two-year-old got to meet a real live pig for the first time. It hasn’t changed her option of pigs a bit! I was amazed that these pigs were just twelve weeks old. They are going to be huge!



The goats were in the stall next to the pigs in the bank barn. This sweet baby goat let the girls cuddle all over it:)

Then, we ventured into the pasture to pet the sheep.



After lunch, the kids played on the creative and usual playscape. William enjoyed giving the girls a pretend wagon ride and they were happy to play along:)

We had many other adventures, but I didn’t have my phone out snapping pictures the whole time:) We can’t wait to go back again next year!!!

Love,

b



Music Appreciation – Country

Dear Sis,

This is the second of ten parts in our Music Appreciation lesson plan series. If you are just finding us now, the text that corresponds with these lessons is Music is… by Stephen T. Johnson. 

Country Music

Week Seven

Approximately 20 minutes

Read playful narration “Country is…” text.

  • Encourage your pre-reader to try to repeat the song and sing along. Being silly with your kids is a great way to catch their interest.
  • If you have multiple learners you can make a game of it and see who can give the best performance by family vote.

Listen to our “Appalachian folk” aka. Birth of Country Music Playlist (1920s):

Week Eight

Approximately 30 minutes

Read about “COUNTRY” music text.

Watch the videos in our Instruments in Country Music Playlist:

Listen to Sample One: “Lovesick Blues” by Hank Williams

Listen to Sample Two: “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash




Week Nine

Approximately 20 minutes

Listen to Sample Three: “All I Have to Offer You Is Me” by Charlie Pride

Listen to our African Americans in Country Music Playlist: 

Week Ten

Approximately 25 minutes

Listen to our Women in Country Music Playlist:

Listen to Sample Five: “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson

Listen to Sample Six: “Big Ol’ Truck” by Toby Keith

Please tell us about your experience in the comment section. Stay tuned for the third installment: Electronica (Weeks 11-13).

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b




Preschool Co-op – Water Cycle

Dear Sis,

Today was our first day of Co-op for the 2021-2022 school year! One of the moms made a cute sign for pictures:)

Our Theme: Rain and the Water Cycle

We started with a welcome song, calendar time, and a read-aloud story that related to our topic. Then, we moved right into themed activities.

Snack

 Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Letter Lesson

 “Rr” is for Rainbow

The early activities were prepared by the other moms in the group, so I don’t have source material to share:)

Number Lesson

Raindrop Counting Finger Painting Printable by Tag Sis, You’re it!

Science

Water Cycle Experiments

I started by reading Rain by Grace Hansen. Although it is a simple book, our group was getting fidgety, so I paraphrased and let the pictures do most of the talking:) 

Next, the kids worked together to build this simple water cycle puzzle: Water Cycle Puzzle by A Teaching Mommy

Then, we did a group experiment to help the kids understand how clouds create falling rain. Here are my notes:

Lastly, we did an experiment to take home. A water cycle in a bag that can be taped in the window to observe. Both experiments, plus several other can be found here: Lessons for Little Ones by Tina O’Block.

Name Practice

Raincloud Name Craft Printable by Tag Sis, You’re It!

After hour of activity the kids were ready to play, so I gave the craft to the moms to do at home. 

Song

Mister Golden Sun Lyrics to print by Tag Sis, You’re it!

Game

 Weather Board Game Printable by Playdough to Plato

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b

First Grade History – Story of the World

Dear Sis,

This is the history schedule I created for our first year homeschooling neighbors. This schedule is designed for 36 weeks of study, a four day school week, with history and science on a loop (alternating), so just two days each week.

Story of the World, Vol 1 Bundle: Ancient Times by Susan Wise Bauer

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations, Grades 1-3 by Evan-Moor

Use and Abbreviations

  •  Pair readings with discussion questions from the teacher book.
  •  Coloring during reading is optional. 
  •  Testing fits best after map lesson, and is not listed below. 
  •  Additional activities can be from the Story of the World: Vol 1: Ancient Times teacher book (T) or student book (S).

Story of the World: Vol 1: Ancient Times (SW)

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations (HP)

Week 1 – Day 1

 Read What is History? (SW pg. 1-3)

 Do When Did it Happen?, part 1 (HP pg. 14-15)

 Make a This is my Life timeline (T pg. 2)

Day 2

 Read What is Archeology? (SW pg. 3-6)

 Do A Dirty Dig! (T pg. 2-3)

Week 2 – Day 1

 Read The Earliest People (SW pg. 7-13)

 Color A Farmer Using a Shaduf (S pg. 5)

 Map Work (S pg. 4)

 Make a Cave Painting (T pg. 5-6)

Day 2

 Read Egyptians Lived on the Nile River (SW pg. 14-20)

 Color Osiris and Set (S pg. 7)

 Map Work (S pg. 6)

 Make Life Along the Nile (HP pg. 40-41)

Week 3 – Day 1

 Read The First Writing (SW pg. 21-24)

 Color Carving Hieroglyphics (S pg. 9)

 Map Work (S pg. 8)

 Make Cuneiform Tablets (T pg. 12)

Day 2

 Make a Hieroglyphic Scroll (T pg. 13)

 Which Lasts Longer? Experiment (T pg. 13)

Week 4 – Day 1

 Read The Old Kingdom of Egypt (SW pg. 25-31)

 Color The Pyramids of Egypt (S pg. 12)

 Map Work (S pg. 11)

 Make Sugar Cube Pyramid (T pg. 19)

Day 2

 Read Ancient Egypt (HP pg. 35-37)

 Color Egyptian Puppets (HP pg. 39)

 Make The Great Pyramid (HP pg. 42-43)

 Create a puppet show to share what you learned.

Week 5 – Day 1

 Read The First Sumerian Dictator (SW pg. 32-34)

 Do Sumerian Inventions word search (S pg. 15)

 Map Work (S pg. 13)

 Make a Sumerian Seal (T pg. 21)

Day 2

 Read Ancient Mesopotamia (HP pg. 21-23)

 Color Mesopotamian Puppets (HP pg. 25)

 Do Sailing on the River (HP pg. 26-27)

 Create a puppet show to share what you learned.

Week 6 – Day 1

 Read The Jewish People (SW pg. 35-45)

 Color a comic book (S pg. 19-22)

 Map Work (S pg. 16)

 Watch Joseph King of Dreams movie (fast-forward the scary bits) or VeggieTales: The Ballad of Little Joe

Day 2

 Read Hammurabi and the Babylonians (SW pg. 46-50)

 Color The Ziggurat of Ur (S pg. 24)

 Map Work (S pg. 23)

 Make a Ziggurat Pop-up Book (HP 29-31)

Week 7 – Day 1

 Read The Assyrians (SW pg. 51-58)

 Color Gilgamesh and the Lion (S pg. 27)

 Map Work (S pg. 26)

 Draw a picture of Enkidu (T pg. 30)

Day 2

 Write and illustrate a fairytale. (T pg. 30)

Week 8 – Day 1

 Read The First Cities in India (SW pg. 59-65)

 Color Statue from Mohengo-Daro (S pg. 30)

 Map Work (S pg. 28)

 What does it take to make a brick? (T pg. 32-33)

Day 2

 Make a Mohenjo-Daro Dwelling (T pg. 33)

 Write a story to go with your model. (T pg. 33)

Week 9 – Day 1

 Read The Far East: Ancient China (SW pg. 66-75)

 Color Chin and his Father (S pg. 32)

 Map Work (S pg. 31)

 Make your own pictograms (T pg. 36)

Day 2

 Read Ancient China (HP pg. 72-74)

 Color Chinese Puppets (HP pg. 76)

 Make a Ming Bowl (T pg. 36)

 Create a puppet show to share what you learned.

Week 10 Day 1

 Read Ancient Africa: West Africa (SW pg. 76-79)

 Map Work (S pg. 33)

 Make Paper Bead Necklace (T pg. 39-40)

Day 2

 Read Anansi and Turtle (SW pg. 79-87)

 Color Anansi and Turtle (S pg. 34)

 Make Anansi the Spider (T pg. 40)

 Create a menu for an African Feast (T pg. 40-42)

Week 11 – Day 1

 Make musical instruments. (T pg. 42-43)

Day 2

 Prepare and serve your feast.

 Have an African concert with your family.

Week 12 – Day 1

 Read Middle Kingdom Egypt (SW pg. 88-92)

 Color Hyksos Jewelry (S pg. 36)

 Map Work (S pg. 35)

 Make a Golden Bracelet (T pg. 46)

Day 2

 Read The General and the Woman Pharaoh (SW pg. 93-96)

 Make Hatshepsut’s False Beard (T pg. 49)

 Make one of Hatshepsut’s Monuments (T pg. 49-50)

Week 13 – Day 1

 Read Amenhotep and King Tut (SW pg. 97-102)

 Color The Mast of King Tut (S pg. 38)

 Map Work (S pg. 37)

 Make an Egyptian Death Mask (T pg. 50)

Day 2

 Decorate Egyptian Death Mast (T pg. 50)

 Be an Archaeologist (T pg. 50-51)

Week 14 – Day 2

 Read The Israelites Leave Egypt (SW pg. 103-109)

 Color Moses Parting the Red Sea (S pg. 40)

 Map Work (S pg. 39)

 watch The Prince of Egypt movie (fast-forward the scary bits)

Day 2

 Read The Phoenicians (SW pg. 110-114)

 Color a Phoenician Ship (S pg. 46)

 Map Work (S pg. 45)

 Make Phoenician Pita Bread (T pg. 58-59)

Week 15 – Day 1

 Read Return to Assyria (SW pg. 115-121)

 Color Bas Relief From Ancient Assyria (S pg. 48)

 Map Work (S pg. 47)

 Lego Assyrian Siege Tower (T pg. 61)

Day 2

 Read Babylon Takes Over Again! (SW pg. 122-127)

 Color Marduck and Tiamat (S pg. 50)

 Map Work (S pg. 49)

 Draw the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (T pg. 64)

Week 16 – Day 1

 Read Bull-Jumpers and Sailors & King Minos and the Minotaur (SW pg. 128-135)

 Color Bull Jumper (S pg. 52)

 Do The Minotaur’s Maze (S. pg. 53)

 Build a Lego Labyrinth (T pg. 67)

Day 2

 Read The Mysterious End of the Minoans (SW pg. 135-136)

 Map Work (S pg. 51)

 Make an Erupting Volcano (T pg. 68)

Week 17 – Day 1

 Read The Early Greeks (SW pg. 137-141)

 Color Greek War Chariot (S pg. 55)

 Map Work (S pg. 54)

 Design a Greek Vase (S pg. 56)

 Shape a clay vase and let it air dry.

Day 2

 Paint your clay vase to match your design.

 Read Ancient Greece (HP pg. 47-49)

 Color Grecian Puppets (HP pg. 51)

 Create a puppet show to share what you learned.

Week 18 – Day 1

 Read Greece gets an Alphabet (SW pg. 142-144)

 Write your name in Greek letters (S pg. 59)

 Map Work (S pg. 57)

Day 2

 Read The Stories of Homer (SW pg. 145-152)

 Color The Cyclops (S pg. 58)

 Make Theater Masks (HP pg. 55-57)

 Put on a play retelling part of the stories of Homer.

Week 19 – Day 1

 Read The First Olympic Games (SW pg. 152-154)

 Make an Olympic Wreath (T pg. 77)

 Plan a menu for a Greek feast and games for a family Olympics. (T pg. 77-79)

Day 2

 Have a family Olympics. Use the wreath to decorate the winner or each even, passing it along to each new winner in turn.

 Prepare and enjoy a Greek feast with your family.

Week 20 – Day 1

 Read A New Empire (SW pg. 155-158)

 Map Work (S pg. 60)

 Make Persian Ruler’s Silver Plate (T pg. 82)

 Make Persian Puppets (T. pg. 82-83)

Day 2

 Read Cyrus the Great (SW pg. 158-161)

 Color Cyrus the Great (S pg. 61)

 Put on a puppet show retelling how Cyrus becomes king of the Persians.

 Play the Conquer Mesopotamia Game (S pg. 62, T pg. 83)

Week 21 – Day 1

 Read Life in Sparta (SW pg. 162-165)

 Color a Spartan Warrior (S pg. 64)

 Map Work (S pg. 63)

 Make no-sew Greek Clothes (T pg. 87)

Day 2

 Read Life in Athens (SW pg. 165-168)

 Make Spartan and Greek Paper Dolls (S pg. 66-68)

 Write an Athenian Wax Tablet (T pg. 86)

Week 22 – Day 1

 Read The Greek Gods (SW pg. 169-172)

 Color Aphrodite and Zeus (S pg. 70)

 Map Work (S pg. 69)

 Draw the Home of the Greek Gods (T pg. 91)

Day 2

 Do Greek Gods and Goddesses Wordsearch (S pg. 72)

 Make an Olympus Family Tree (T pg. 90)

 Make The Parthenon Shape Book (HP pg. 52-54)

Week 23 – Day 1

 Read The Wars of the Greeks (SW pg. 173-179)

 Color The Parthenon (S pg. 74)

 Map Work (S pg. 73)

 Make Athenian Coins (T pg. 96)

 Play the Peloponnesian War Game (S pg. 75, T pg. 96-97)

Day 2

 Read Alexander the Great (SW pg. 180-187)

 Color Alexander the Great and Bucephalus (S pg. 77)

 Map Work (S pg. 76)

 Tie a Gordian Knot (T pg. 100)

 Play the Alexander the Great Game (S pg. 81, T pg. 101)

Week 24 – Day 1

 Read The Nazca Drawings (SW pg. 188-190)

 Make a Narca Line Drawing (T pg. 105)

 Read The Heads of the Olmecs & Rabbit Shoots the Sun (SW pg. 191-197)

 Color Rabbit Shoots the Sun (S pg. 83)

 Map Work (S pg. 82)

Day 2

 Make a Seed Mosaic Map (T pg. 104-105)

 Make Navajo Fry Bread and tacos (T pg. 106)

Week 25 – Day 1

 Read Ancient Aztec World (HP pg. 85-87)

 Color Aztec Puppets (HP pg. 89)

 Create a puppet show to share what you learned.

 Make an Aztec Calendar (HP pg. 90-92)

Day 2

 Read The Rise of Rome (SW pg. 198-204)

 Color Romulus and Remus (S pg. 85)

 Map Work (S pg. 84)

 Run a Popinas take-out restaurant for lunch or dinner (T pg. 110)

Week 26 – Day 1

 Read The Roman Empire (SW pg. 205-216)

 Color Gladiators in the Arena (S pg. 87)

 Map Work (S pg. 86)

 Make a Roman Road Model (T pg. 114-115)

Day 2

 Make a Roman Archway and Aqueduct (T pg. 113-114)

Week 27 – Day 1

 Read Rome’s War with Carthage (SW pg. 217-221)

 Color Hannibal’s War Elephant (S pg. 90)

 Map Work (S pg. 89)

 Help Hannibal Cross the Alps Maze (S pg. 92)

 Bake Hannibal’s Elephant Ear Cookies (T pg. 118)

Day 2

 Read Ancient Rome (HP pg. 61-63)

 Color Roman Puppets (HP pg. 65)

 Create a puppet show to share what you learned.

 Make Triumphal Arch (HP pg. 67-68)

Week 28 – Day 1

 Read The Aryans of India (SW pg. 222-232)

 Color The Buddha (S pg. 94)

 Map Work (S pg. 93)

 Make a Rakhi (T pg. 122)

 Play Tiger Hunt (T pg. 123)

Day 2

 Read The Mauryan Empire in India (SW pg. 233-238)

 Color the Jakata Tales (S pg. 96)

 Map Work (S pg. 95)

 Cook Curried Rice for dinner (T pg. 125-126)

 Game Night: Snakes and Ladders & Indian Battle (T pg. 126)

Week 29 – Day 1

 Read Calligraphy in China (SW pg. 239-242)

 Practice Chinese Calligraphy (T pg. 129)

 Read Warring States, The First Emperor and the Great Wall, & The First Emperor’s Grave (SW pg. 243-250)

 Color The Great Wall of China (S pg. 98)

Day 2

 Map Work (S pg. 97)

 Make the Great Wall of China (T pg. 130)

Week 30 – Day 1

 Read Confucius (SW pg. 251-253)

 Color Confucius, China’s Wise Teacher (S pg. 99)

 Map Work (S pg. 98)

 Make Tangrams (S pg. 100, T pg. 133)

 Make Chinese Tea (T pg. 133)

Day 2

 Make Dancing Dragon (HP pg. 77-78)

 Make Chinese Lanterns (HP pg. 79-81)

 Make a cleaning list and menu plan.

Week 31 – Day 1

 Decorate, clean, and prepare meal.

 Celebrate Chinese New Year with your family.

Day 2

 Read The Rise of Julius Caesar (SW pg. 254-262)

 Map Work (S pg. 101)

 Play Ransom Caesar (S pg. 102, T pg. 136)

Week 32 – Day 1

 Read Caesar the Hero (SW pg. 263-273)

 Color Julius Caesar (S pg. 104)

 Map Work (S pg. 103)

 Measure Your Height (T pg. 139)

 Learn Roman Numerals (T pg. 140-141)

Day 2

 Read The First Roman Prince (SW pg. 274-277)

 Color Augustus Caesar (S pg. 106)

 Map Work (S pg. 105)

 Read The Beginning of Christianity (SW pg. 278-284)

 Color The Life of Jesus (S pg. 108)

Week 33 – Day 1

 Map Work (S pg. 107)

 Make a Mosaic Cross (T pg. 147)

 Create Night with a Brilliant Star window drawing (T pg. 148)

Day 2

 Read The End of the Ancient Jewish Nation (SW pg. 285-287)

 Color The Star of David (S pg. 150)

 Map Work (S pg. 149)

 Make and Play Dreidel (T pg. 151)

Week 34 – Day 1

 Read Rome and the Christians (SW pg. 288-296)

 Color the Catacombs Beneath Rome (S pg. 114)

 Map Work (S pg. 113)

 Make a Secret Symbol (T pg. 156)

 Make a Catacomb Tent (T pg. 156-157)

Day 2

 Read The British Rebellion (SW pg. 297-299)

 Color Boadicea in Her Chariot (S pg. 116)

 Design a Celtic Boarder (T pg. 161)

 Have a Celtic Feast (T pg. 161)

Week 35 – Day 1

 Read Rome Divided in Two (SW pg. 299-301)

 Map Work (S pg. 115)

 Locate north, south, east, and west (T pg. 160-161)

Day 2

 Read The Attacking Barbarians (SW pg. 302-309)

 Color a Visigoth Invader (S pg. 118)

 Map Work (S pg. 117)

 Reassemble a Roman Pot (T pg. 164)

Week 36 – Day 1

 Read The End of Rome (SW pg. 310-314)

 Map Work (S pg. 119)

 Make a “Gifts of Rome” Collage (T pg. 167)

 Plan a Roman Party

Day 2

 Host a Roman Party

Printable First Grade History Schedule

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b

 

First Grade Science – Evan-Moor Compilation

Dear Sis,

  Our neighbor wanted a well rounded science program for her first grade daughter. She chose Evan-Moor workbooks because of their ease of use and affordability. Here are the plans for a 36 week program, scheduled on a loop with history, in a four day school week.

 Science Lessons & Investigations, Grade 1 (No Abbreviation)

Skill Sharpener: Science, Grade 1 (SS)

Smart Start: STEM, Grade 1 (S STEM)

STEM Lessons & Challenges, Grade 1 (STEM)

Week 1

Day 1: Our Sun (SS)

Day 2: The Moon (S STEM)

Week 2

Day 1: The Night Sky (SS)

Day 2: Can we predict patterns for the sun, moon, and stars?

Week 3

Day 1: Seasons (SS)

Day 2: Can we predict the pattern of the seasons?

Week 4

Day 1: Recording Weather (S STEM)

Day 2: Sailboat (STEM)

Week 5

Day 1: research weather (library)

Day 2: Looking at Rocks (S STEM)

Week 6

Day 1: research landforms (library)

Day 2: Bodies of Water (S STEM)

Week 7

Day 1: research water cycle (library)

Day 2: Earth Materials (SS)

Week 8

Day 1: research rock cycle (library)

Day 2: Uses of Wood (SS)

Week 9

Day 1: research renewable and non-renewable resources (library)

Day 2: Natural Homes (STEM)

Week 10

Day 1: Recycling (SS)

Day 2: Choose a zero waste swap and implement it in your home.

Week 11

Day 1: Looking at Solids (S STEM)

Day 2: Looking at Liquids (S STEM)

Week 12

Day 1: research states of matter: solid, liquid, gas (library)

Day 2: Sound (SS)

Week 13

Day 1: What happens when materials vibrate?

Day 2: Maraca Music (STEM)

Week 14

Day 1: Making Sound (S STEM)

Day 2: Telephone (STEM)

Week 15

Day 1: Light (SS)

Day 2: What happens when there is no light?

Week 16

Day 1: Shadows (SS)

Day 2: Making Shade (STEM)

Week 17

Day 1: Where do shadows come from?

Day 2: Play Structures (STEM)

Week 18

Day 1: Marble Roller Coaster (STEM)

Day 2: Soft Landing (STEM)

Week 19

Day 1: Strong Roofs (STEM)

Day 2: Tower (STEM)

Week 20

Day 1: Bridge (STEM)

Day 2: research architecture (library)

Week 21

Day 1: Tool from Nature (STEM)

Day 2: Parts Work Together (S STEM)

Week 22

Day 1: Tools (SS)

Day 2: Technology (SS)

Week 23

Day 1: research two careers (library)

Day 2: The Brain and Skull (S STEM)

Week 24

Day 1: How do we Communicate over long distances?

Day 2: Plan a family game night. Choose games that require communication, such as cooperative and/or team games like charades. Inform each family member using a different means of communication: phone call, written letter, etc.

Week 25

Day 1: Leaves (SS)

Day 2: What parts do plants have and what do they do?

Week 26

Day 1: Plan and help prepare a plant based meal for your family.

Day 2: Plants have babies?

Week 27

Day 1: Do all roses look the same?

Day 2: Insects (SS)

Week 28

Day 1: Parts of an Insect (S STEM)

Day 2: Insect Catcher (STEM)

Week 29

Day 1: How do animals use their body parts?

Day 2: What do Animals Eat? (S STEM)

Week 30

Day 1: Where Animals Live (S STEM)

Day 2: research habitats (library)

Week 31

Day 1: Animals in Winter (S STEM)

Day 2: Bird Feeder (STEM)

Week 32

Day 1: Birds (SS)

Day 2: How do body parts help animals grow and survive?

Week 33

Day 1: research endangered animals and conservation (library)

Day 2: Do animals have babies?

Week 34

Day 1: Animals and Eggs (SS)

Day 2: Mothers and Babies (SS)

Week 35

Day 1: Animal Babies (S STEM)

Day 2: Joey Pouch (STEM)

Week 36

Day 1: Are young animals and plants exactly like their parents?

Day 2: Do animals from the same species always look the same?

Printable First Grade Science Schedule

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b

Music Appreciation – Classical

Dear Sis,

This is the first of ten parts in our Music Appreciation lesson plan series. If you are just finding us now, the text that corresponds with these lessons is Music is… by Stephen T. Johnson. 

Classical Music

Week One

Approximately 30 minutes

Read playful narration “CLASSICAL is…” text.

  • Encourage your pre-reader to try to repeat the scat in a musical way. Being silly with your kids is a great way to catch their interest.
  • Emerging readers can try to sound it out. Sometimes its fun to read non-sense!
  • If you have multiple learners you can make a game of it and see who can say it fastest or with the best musical performance, by family vote.

Listen to Sample One: “Water Music, Suite no. 1 in F: Overture” by George Frideric Handel

  • I’ve included the entire suite. See if your kiddos can recognize when a movement ends and a new one begins. 
  • You don’t have to watch the videos for listening samples! The audio can be played during a car ride, meal, or quite play time.




Week Two

Approximately 30 minutes

Read about “CLASSICAL” music text.

Play our Solo to Symphony board game. Instructions for play are in the PDF.

  • Print the game cards on card stock. Laminate for durability, if desired. If you do not have the ability to print two sided, print only the card fronts.

Listen to Sample Two: “Cello Suite no. 1 in G Major: Prelude” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Week Three

Approximately 45 minutes

Watch an Introduction to String Orchestra Instruments and The Fountain by Marcel Lucien Gradjany.

  • Introduce violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp

Listen to Sample Three: “Piano Concerto no. 21 in C Major: Andante” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Week Four

Approximately 30 minutes

Watch to The Woodwind Family.

  • Introduce the piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. 

Practice instrument identification and play our String & Woodwind MEMORY game.

  • Print the game cards on card stock. Laminate for durability, if desired. If you do not have the ability to print double sided, print only the card fronts.

Listen to Sample Four: “Symphony no. 5 in C Minor: Allegro con bio” by Ludwig van Beethoven




Week Five

Approximately 30 minutes

Watch to Brass Instruments in the Orchestra.

  • Introduce the french horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

Play our Orchestra Fishing game. Instructions for play are in the PDF.

  • Print the game cards on card stock. Laminate for durability, if desired. If you do not have the ability to print double sided, print only the card fronts.

Listen to Sample Five: “Waltz in C-sharp Minor, op. 64: no. 2” by Frederic Chopin

Week Six

Approximately 40 minutes

Watch Percussion Instruments and The Solo Timpanist, Etude 1. 

  • Introduce vibraphone, xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel (orchestral bells), bass drum, tom-tom, snare drum, cymbals, triangle, crotales, tambourine, timpani.

Listen to Sample Six: “Appalachian Spring: II. Allegro” by Aaron Copland

Watch Guess the Orchestral Instrument: 20 Instrument Sound Quiz.

Please tell us about your experience in the comment section. Stay tuned for the second installment: Country Music (Weeks 7-10).

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b

Music Appreciation

Dear Sis,

I am creating a music appreciation course using a wonderful book we found at the library, Music is… by Stephen T. Johnson. I was planning to post my lesson plans at the end of our school year, but another homeschooling family in need of a music program inspired us to start posting it in portions now. This curriculum will cover 10 genres of music over a 36 week period. The book provides playful narration, a brief about the genre, an instrument list, and 6 listening suggestions for each genre. My companion curriculum will provide youtube playlists for more in-depth study and linked listening suggestions. I may throw in the occasion game too. This curriculum is suited for family study with a span of learning levels: preschool – middle school, with expansion options for higher level learners.

Without further ado here is the course outline!

I will be releasing lesson plans by genre, as we work through them. The first installment will be available in August, for all those families who will be starting their homeschool year thereabouts. 

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b




Literature Based Curriculum – Directory

Dear Sis,

We have really enjoying our first year with literature based curriculum. It is a great homeschooling option and it can be accomplished at a more modest price point by making use of the library system. I’ve broken this directory into two realms: Christian Worldview and Secular Perspective. Although we are secular homeschoolers, I love to know about everything that is out there! If I’ve missed one please post it in the comments, so I can add it to this directory.

Christian Worldview

About: Using literature to bring history to life and share core values of generosity, lifelong learning, optimism, and empathy developed through listening. Lends to teaching multiple similarly aged students.

Subjects: History with Geography, Literature, & Social Studies and Character

Programs by Level: 

K-Grade 3: Around the World (Parts I and II), Early American History, & Teaching Character 

Grades 4-6: Around California: A History of the Golden State, Early American History, Geography Through Literature, History of the Horse, History of Science, & Teaching Character

Grades 7-8: Ancient History, History of Classical Music, Medieval History, & Modern America and World

Grades 9-12: Ancient History, Early American and World, Government & Economics, Medieval History, & Modern U.S. and World

Purchasing Options: Teacher Guides, Literature Packs

About: Classical survey of history with historic literature, flexible enough for families with learners in more than one grade level.

Subject: History Bundles Ancients, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern

Levels: Littles (K – Grade 2), Middles (Grades 3-7), Upper Middles (Grades 6-8), Advanced (Grades 8-12)

Purchasing Options: Bundles, eBundles, Single Items

About: Unit studies inspired by literature, and designed for a spectrum of ages learning together.

Levels:

Before Five in a Row Ages 2-4 (Preschool)

More Before Five in a Row Ages 3-5 (Pre-K – Kindergarten)

Five in a Row, Volumes 1-4, Ages 5-10 (Elementary)

Beyond Five in a Row, Volumes 1-4, Ages 8-12 (Upper Elementary)

Subjects: Art, Bible, Language, Applied Math, Science, Social Studies

Also Available: Cookbook, Christian Character & Bible Supplement, Holiday Studies, Mini Units, Seasonal Nature Studies

Purchase Options: Instructors Manuals Hardcopy and/or Digital

About: Bible-based, hand-on, Charlotte Mason style education. Lends to teaching multiple students of similar ages.

All Level Subjects: Bible, History, Language Arts, Reading, Science

Some Level Subjects: Art, Geography, Math (Elementary), Music

Preschool – PreK, Little Hands to Heaven

Kindergarten – Grade 1, Little Hearts for His Glory

Grades 1-2, Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory

Grades 2-3, extends to Grades 4-5, Bigger Hearts for His Glory

Grades 3-4, extends to Grades 5-6, Preparing Hearts for His Glory

Grades 4-5, extends to Grades 6-7, Creation to Christ

Grades 5-6, extends to Grades 7-8, Resurrection to Reformation

Grades 6-7, extends to Grades 8-9, Revival to Revolution

Grades 7-8, extends to Grades 9-10, Missions to Modern Marvels

Grades 9-10, extends to Grades 11-12, World Geography

Grade 10, extends to Grades 11-12, World History

Grade 11, extends to Grade 12, United States History I

Grade 12, United States History II

Also Available: Drawn to the Heart of Reading, Grades 2-8 (Literature)

Purchasing Option: Follow the steps on the website to choose components.

About: Help your child develop strong character and critical thinking skills as they embark on their journey of life long learning with a Charlotte Mason approach to a liberal arts education.

Levels: Kindergarden – Grade 8

Subjects: Art, Bible, Geography, History, Language Arts, Music, Nature Study, Reading & Read Alouds, Science

Purchasing Options: Physical or Digital Bundles by Level

About: Family friendly, bible integrated curriculum that combined Charlotte Mason and Classical Education approaches in unit studies with a global focus.

Subjects: History, Language Arts, Science, +

See scope and sequence for specifics by level.

Programs by Level

Preschool: All Aboard the Animal Train

Pre-K: Voyage of Discovery 

Kindergarten: God’s Creation From A to Z

Grade 1: Learning God’s Story

Grades 2-3: Adventures in U.S. History 

Grades 3-8: Exploring Counties and Cultures

Grades 4-8: Creation to the Greeks, Rome to the Reformation, Exploration to 1850, & 1850 to Modern Times 

Grades 9-12: Ancient History and Literature, World History and Literature, U.S. History to 1877, & U.S. History 1877 to Present 

Purchasing Options: Packages by Title, Individual Items

Sold by Logos Press

About: Open-and-go, literature-based science curriculum, that coordinates readings and experiments. 

Programs by Level:

Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Physics 1 (Grades 1-3)

Biology 2, Chemistry 2, Physics 2 (Grades 4-6)

Chemistry 3, Physics 3 (Grades 7-8)

Purchasing Options: 

Full Package with Books, Instructors Manual, Lab Manual, Experiments Kit

The Noah Plan

About: A program for the whole family (K-12), that begins and ends with the word of God. 

Levels: All Grades

Subjects: Art, Bible and Philosophy, Geography and History, Language Arts, Literature, Math, Reading, Science

Purchasing Options: 7 Curriculum Guides with Renewing the Mind Package, Individual Guides

About: Bring history out of the classroom as you read books, take field trips, and volunteer under the guidance of a bible-based, easy-to-use curriculum.

Subjects: History with Geography and Literature

Programs by Level:

Elementary, Grades 1-4: Our 50 States & Our Star-Spangled Story

Middle School, Grades 5-8: America the Beautiful & From Adam to Us

Hight School, Grades 9-12: Exploring America, Exploring Economics, Exploring Government, Exploring World Geography, & Exploring World History

Purchasing Options: Bundle or Curriculum, Workbooks, and Literature Package sold separately

About: Self teaching grades K-12 program for the whole family

Levels: All Grades

Subjects: Bible, Language Arts (Grammar, Literature, Phonics, Spelling, Vocabulary, Writing), Math, Science (Chemistry & Physics), Social Studies (Economics, Government, History, Philosophy)

Purchasing Options: a one time purchase for the whole family, the recommended Saxon Math program is not included.

About: Growth through good habits, great books, and guided discovery. Lends to teaching multiple students at various levels.

Subjects: 

History with Bible and Geography (Family Study)

Enrichment Studies Art, Foreign Language, Habit Training, Literature, Music, Scripture, Nature Study (Family Study)

Language Arts, Math, Science (Individual Study)

Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 8 (Individual Study), Blended Ages (Family Study)

Purchasing Options: Lesson Plan Books or eBooks

About: Natural, discovery based learning through great literature, that encourages understanding before judgement. History from an international perspective to help children understand socially and culturally beyond themselves. 

Subjects: History and Geography with Bible and Literature via Reading or Read-Alouds, Science complete with experiment kit and DVD

Levels: Preschool (T), Pre-K (P), Kindergarden (K), Grades 1-8 (A-H), Grades 9-12 (100-400)

Also Available: Math Programs and Electives such as Art, Music, and Foreign Language

Purchasing Options: All-Subject Packages, Packages by Subject, Instructor Guides

About: Seeking God’s truth… embedded in the flow of history.

Levels: 

Grades 1-5: American History for Young Students I 

Grade 5-7: Beginnings 

Ancient Greece, & Renaissance, Reformation, & Exploration, Grade 8-12

Purchasing Options: Physical or PDF Curriculum, Curriculum Companions (Binder Builder, Map/Timeline/Report, Notebooking Pages)

About: Classical Christian education, options for live online courses, self-paced online courses, and “you teach” kits that use the same curriculum.

Levels: K – Grade 12

Subjects for Grammar School, K – Grade 6: Art, Bible, Geography, Grammar & Writing, History, Latin, Literature, Math, Music, Reading, Spelling

Subjects for Secondary School, Grades 7-12: Electives, English, Foreign Language, History, Literature (Omnibus), Logic & Rhetoric, Math, Science

Purchasing Options: Complete Packages (Good, Better, Best), Single Subjects

About: Charlotte Mason inspired unit studies for cross-curricular Language Arts experience and a classical approach to History provided in multi-level programs. 

Levels: Pre-K – Grade 8

Subjects by Levels:

Language Arts Programs by Level

Pre-K – Grade 2: Letter to Little Words, Syllables to Sentences, Paragraphs to Pages, Stories to Short Chapters, Readers to Real Books

Grades 3-6: Tracking Down Good Grammar, Solving Mysteries of Grammar, Dig Into Paragraphs, Exploring Word Pictures

Grades 7-10: Mastering the Writing Process, Developing Your Storywriting, Intriguing Written Expression, Creating Captivating Fiction

Math Programs by Level

Living Math, Levels 1-6 (Grades 1-6)

Also Available: Horizons (Grades 1-6),  Jacobs Math Programs (High School), Life of Fred (Grades 5-10), Saxon Math (K – Grade 11)

Science Programs by Level

 The World Around Me (Physical & Life Sciences), K – Grade 2

Hoot & Chirp Buzz & Bite (Life Science: Plants, Birds, & Insects), Grades 1-4

Dinosaur Days (Ancient Science: Creation, Simple Machines, Dinosaurs & Fossils), Grades 2-6

Grades 3-7: Equine Science (Science of the Horse), Human Body & Forensics (Anatomy), Rock Around the Earth (Geology)

Jiggle, Jostle, & Jolt (Heat, Electricity, & Magnetism), Grades 4-7

Slimy, Grimy, and Scummy No More (Conservation), Grades 7-9

Human Body & Forensics (Anatomy & Forensics), Grades 8-12

Social Studies by Level

I’m Ready to Learn, Preschool & Journeys Imagination, Pre-K

Grades K-2: Animals and Their Worlds & Hideaway in History

Children Around the World: 30 Amazing Countries, Grades 2-6

Early American History, Grades 1-7 & Later American History, Grades 2-8

Adventures in the Sea & Sky, Grades 3-8

Grades 4-8: Quest for the Ancient World & Quest for the Middle Ages

Purchasing Options: Print Packages, eBook Packages

Secular Perspective

About: Nature-based, hands-on, creative, literature-based, curriculum.

Levels: Preschool – Grade 4 (more to come)

Subjects: Art, Nature Study, Language Arts, Science

Purchasing Options: Full Bundles, Science and Nature Bundle, Single Subjects via PDF download

About: Engaging literature for complete education beyond memorization, blends school and family time. 

Levels: Pre-K – Grade 9 (A-J)

Subjects: History, Language Arts, & Science with Reading or Read-Alouds

Also Available: Art, Handwriting, Math Programs, etc.

Purchasing Options: All-Subject Packages, Subject Packages, Instructor’s Guides

About: A secular Charlotte Mason curriculum with 21st century flare, that incorporates narration, copywork, dictation, and memory work. 

Levels: K – Grade 12

Subjects: Art, History, Literature, Poetry, Reading or Read Alouds, Science

Purchasing Options: PDF Teachers Manual

About: This classical history curriculum is a free, versatile study program, that uses timeless books to convey the stories of history.

Study Programs: Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, British Middle Ages, Christian Europe, Spanish Empire, Early America, British Empire, Modern Europe, Young Readers

Levels: Each Title is color coded.

Green: Elementary, Brown: intermediate, Red: Advanced

Free Access to countless Public-Domaine Titles and Study Programs

About: Resource site for homeschooling parents and co-op teachers. These books lists emphasize STEAM, expose children to a multicultural world, and can be used as a curricular foundation or enrichment.

Levels: Preschool – Grade 5 (with more lists coming)

Programs by Level:

Preschool & Pre-K: Animals and Birds, Insects and Bugs, & Ocean Life

Kindergarten: The Southwest & The Watercycle

First Grade: Clean Water, Famous Trees, & Pippo the Fool (Architect, Filippo Brunelleschi)

Second Grade: Charles Darwin, Discover Famous Scientists, & Interesting Animals

Third Grade: Astronomy and Astrophysics & Our Amazing Planet

Fourth Grade: Innovations in Alternative Energy & Physics

Fifth Grade: Chemistry

FREE: support the creator by using her curated lists on bookshop.org

About: Meets common core standards, concept-based interdisciplinary curriculum, project-based instruction, focus on critical and creative thinking

Levels & Subjects:

PreK – Grade 5: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies

Grades 6-9: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies

Purchasing Options: Full Year Bundles, Semester Bundles, Subject Bundles, Curriculum Guides, Online Curriculum Guide access for 18 month

About: Weave learning into life with this eclectic curriculum that includes hand-on learning, game-schooling, media suggestions, and bedtime story recommendations. Torchlight is Socratic inspired with Humanist undertones that takes a worldly approach to logic, equality, and empathy.

Levels: Pre-K – Grade 4 (with a new release each year)

Subjects: Art, History, Literature, Music, Poetry, Science, Social Studies with Reading and Read-Alouds

Purchasing Options: PDF Instructors Manuals

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

b