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!

Classical (weeks 1-6)
Country (weeks 7-10)
Electronica (weeks 11-13)
Heavy Metal (weeks 14-17)
Hip Hop (weeks 18-19)
Jazz (weeks 20-22)
Latin (weeks 23-26)
Pop (weeks 27- 30)
Rhythm and Blues (weeks 31-32)
Rock ‘n’ Roll (weeks 33-36)

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,

Zucchini Bread Palooza

Dear Sis,

Papa Jeff stopped by Tuesday evening on his way to pick up a work truck. He brought us a bunch of overgrown zucchini.

When zucchini is overgrown, it tends to get spongy in the middle, so we scooped that out, using only optimal zucchini for our baking.

We responded by baking 113 mini loaves of bread in 5 different flavors.

Our family ranked this recipe 3rd.

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Print Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 c dark brown sugar
1/2 c sugar
2/3 c canola oil
1/2 c yogurt, plain or vanilla
2 eggs
2 t vanilla extract
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
2 1/2 c flour, divided
2 c blueberries, tossed in 1/2 c flour
2 c zucchini, shredded

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 loaf pans or a 9x13 pan, set aside.
Whisk together, sugars, oil, and yogurt. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Whisk together 2 c flour and remaining dry ingredients. Stir into liquid mixture.
Fold in zucchini and berries. Pour into prepared baking pans.
Bake 20-30 minutes, varying by pan size. Cool in pans 15 minutes before turning out on cool racks.

Notes

I slice a 9x13 inch loaf 5x2 to create 10 mini loaves. Store at room temperature for a few days or several months in the freezer.

Our number ONE ranked recipe of the day!

Carrot Cake Zucchini Bread

Print Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 c dark brown sugar
1/2 c sugar
2/3 c canola oil
1/2 c yogurt, vanilla or plain
2 eggs
2 t vanilla extract
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
4 t cinnamon
2 c flour
2 c carrot, grated
2 c zucchini, grated
1/2 c golden raisins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 loaf pans or a 9x13 inch baking pan, set aside.
Whisk together sugar, oil, and yogurt. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
Whisk together dry ingredients and stir into wet mixture.
Fold in grated vegetables and raisins. Pour into prepared pan/s.
Bake 20-30 minutes, varying by pan size.

Notes

I slice a 9x13 inch loaf 5x2 to create 10 mini loaves. Bread will keep a few days at room temperature or for several months in the freezer.

Our family ranked this recipe 4th.

Chocolate Chip Banana Zucchini Bread

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/4 c sugar
1/2 c canola oil
1/2 c yogurt, vanilla or plain
2 eggs
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
3 c flour, divided
2 c zucchini, shredded
1 c milk chocolate chips, tossed in 1/4 c flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 loaf pans or a 9x13 inch baking pan, set aside.
Whisk together banana, sugar, oil, and yogurt. Beat in eggs.
Whisk together 2 3/4 c flour and other dry ingredients. Stir into wet mixture.
Fold in zucchini and flour coated chocolate chips. Pour into prepared baking pans.
Bake 20-30 minutes, varying by pan size.

Notes

I slice a 9x13 inch loaf 5x2 to make 10 mini loaves. Store a few days at room temperature or several months in the freezer.

Our family ranked this recipe last.

Death by Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Print Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 1/2 c dark brown sugar
1/2 c unsalted butter, melted
1/2 c yogurt, vanilla or plain
4 eggs
1 T vanilla extract
1 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
3/4 c cocoa powder
2 c flour
3 c zucchini, shredded
1 1/2 c milk chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 loaf pans or a 9x13 inch baking pan, set aside.
Whisk together sugar, butter, and yogurt. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Whisk together dry ingredients. Mix into wet ingredients.
Fold in zucchni and 1 c chocolate chips. Pour into prepared pans. Top with remaining chips.
Bake 20-30 minutes, varying by pan size.

Notes

I slice a 9x13 inch loaf 5x2 to create 10 mini loaves. Store at room temperature a few days or in the freezer several months.

This was our runner up recipe of the day!

Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

Print Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c unsalted butter, melted
1/2 c yogurt, vanilla or plain
3 eggs
1 t vanilla extract
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
2 t cinnamon
2 c flour
2 c zucchini, grated

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1/2 c sugar
1 t cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 loaf pans or a 9x13 inch pan, set aside.
Whisk together sugar, oil, and yogut. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Whisk together dry ingredients. Stir into wet mixture.
Fold in zucchini. Prepare topping. Pour half of batter into prepared pan/s. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with half topping. Pour remaining batter into prepared pans/. Spread evenly. Top with remaining cinnamon sugar.
Bake 20-30 minutes, varying by pan size.

Notes

I slice a 9x13 inch loaf 5x2 to create 10 mini loaves. Store at room temperature for a few days or for several months in the freezer.

We bagged our mini loaves and headed out to distribute them around the neighborhood.

We spent two hours with a dozen of our neighbors. It was worth all the time baking and packing!

Love,

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,

Shadow and Cookie

I figured it is about time I do a post about our newest spring and summer arrivals. One wonderful thing about living in the country is the babies. As a child, the chicks and baby rabbits were sooo very exciting for me, and now my kids get to enjoy the experience as well!

To start of the year, all four of our bantam cochin hens went broody. Cochins are such a great breed. They are wonderful pets for the children, and make great mothers.

We also added two kittens to our household. It took them a bit to get adjusted to living inside (they were outdoor farm kittens), but they are now super friendly and running all over the house. We will let them outside eventually, we just wanted to make sure they knew where home was. They are also soo tiny, I would worry about a hawk or coyote eating them at this age.

The kids absolutely love the kittens, and play with them everyday. We named the brown one Cookie and the black one is Shadow. They lounge on Nate’s lap… the man who never had cats before is their favorite.

Both cats are such beggars, like worse than a dog. They will also jump onto the table or counter and steal food. Out of all our cats growing up, I don’t remember every having cats so sneaky or interested in stealing our food. One jumped on the table the other day and took Eve’s sugar cookie! Poor kid.

Homeschool on a Budget: Workbook Directory

Dear Sis,

Workbooks are very budget and user friendly homeschooling tool! In a recent post I listed several secular publishers of workbooks that meet common core/state curriculum standards. In this post, I’ll be giving specific examples.

Multi-Subject

Covering more than one subject in one workbook is perhaps the most thrifty of all options.

Series: Big Fun Workbook

Subjects: English, Math, Science

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 2

Publisher: Highlights / Cost: $12.99

Series Conquering “your” Grade

Subjects: Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Writing

Individual Levels: Pre-K – Grade 5

Publisher: Shell Education / Cost: $19.99

Series: Critical Thinking Detective

Subjects: Language Arts, Math, Thinking Skills

Spectrum Levels: Grades 3 – 12

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $9.99

Series: Dr. Funster’s Think-A-Minutes

Subjects: Language Arts, Math, Thinking Skills

Spectrum Ages: Grades 2-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $7.99

Series: The One Big Book

Subjects: English, Math, Science

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 8

Publisher: Ace Academic Publishing / Cost: $19.95

Series: Reading & Math Jumbo Workbook

Subjects: Math, Reading

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 4

Publisher: Scholastic / Cost: $11.99

Series: Spectrum Math & Language Arts

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6 / Cost: $16.99

Single Subject

Art

Artworks for Kids (Teacher Edition)

Spectrum Level: Grades 1-6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $23.99

How to Teach Art to Children (Teacher Edition)

Spectrum Level: Grades 1-6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $19.99

Geography

Series: Daily Geography Practice (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $7.99, $29.99

Series: Geography

Individual Grades: Grade 3 – Grade 6

Publisher: Spectrum / Cost: $11.99

Series: Skill Sharpeners Geography

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $10.99

Series: The 7 Continents (Teacher Edition)

Titles: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia & Oceania,

Europe, North American, South America

Spectrum Level: Grades 4-6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $21.99 each

Series: 180 Days of Geography

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Shell Education / Cost: $22.99

Health

Series: 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Shell Education / Cost: $22.99

Language Arts

Language Arts fits a broad range of topics such as: grammar, handwriting, literature, phonics, reading, spelling, writing, vocabulary, etc. For this reason I’ve added a line for “scope” which describes which parts of Language Arts are covered, when it is not otherwise apparent.

Series: At-Home Tudor: Reading & Language

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 2

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $8.99

Series: Basic Phonics Skills (Teacher Edition)

Spectrum Levels: PreK-K, K-Grade 1, Grades 1-2, Grades 2-3

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $29.99

Series: Big Fun Practice Pad: Reading and Writing

Individual Levels: PreK – K / Publisher: Highlights / Cost: $9.99

Series: Building Spelling Skills (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $7.99, $29.99

Series: Building Writing Skills

Spectrum Levels: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-7, Grades 6-12

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $12.99

Series: Common Core English Workbook

Scope: Grammar, Reading, Writing / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 8

Publisher: Ace Academic Publishing / Cost: $14.95

Daily Language Series by Evan-Moor:

Daily Academic Vocabulary (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grades 2 – Grade 6 / Cost: $7.99, $29.99

Daily Handwriting Practice (Student, Teacher)

Cursive Options: Contemporary and Traditional

Manuscript Options: Modern and Traditional

Spectrum Levels: K – Grade 6 / Cost: $7.99, $20.99

Daily Paragraph Editing (Student, Teacher) / Scope: Grammar

Individual Levels: Grade 2 – Grade 8 / Cost: $7.99, $24.99

Daily Phonics (Teacher Edition) / Cost: $29.99

Individual Levels: Grades 1-3 & Spectrum Level: Grades 4-6

Daily Reading Comprehension (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 8 / Cost: $7.99, $29.99

Daily 6-Trait Writing (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 8 / Cost: $7.99, $29.99

Series: Dr. DooRiddles & Spelling Do Riddles

Scope: Comprehension, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary

Spectrum Levels: PreK – Grade 2, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-7

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $9.99

Series: Draw… Then Write (Teacher Edition)

Spectrum Levels: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $16.99

Series: Editor in Chief

Spectrum Levels: Grades 2-3, Grades 3-4, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Scope: Grammar / Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $19.99

Fundamental Language Series by Evan-Moor

Language Fundamentals (Teacher Edition) / Cost: $29.99

Scope: Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – 6

Reading Comprehension Fundamentals (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6 / Cost: $23.99

Vocabulary Fundamentals (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 3 / Cost: $26.99

Series: Grammar & Punctuation (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $21.99

Series: Language Smarts

Scope: Grammar, Spelling, Writing / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – 4

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $42.99

Learning Fun Workbook Series by Highlights / Cost: $4.99

Titles: Reading and Writing / Individual Level: K

Titles: Reading and Writing and Phonics and Spelling / Levels: Grade 1 & 2

Series: Reading Detective

Scope: Literature, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary

Spectrum Levels: Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8, Grades 6-12

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $24.99

Reading Text Series by Evan-Moor

Reading Informational Text (Student, Teacher)

Reading Literary Text (Teacher)

Scope: Comprehension, Literature, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6 / Cost: $7.99, $22.99

Series: Reading & Writing / Publisher: Kumon

Scope: Comprehension, Reading, Vocabulary & Writing, Grammar

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6 / Cost: $7.95

Skill Sharpener English Series by Evan-Moor

Reading (Comprehension, Phonics, Reading, Vocabulary)

Grammar & Punctuation and Spell & Write

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 6 /Cost: $10.99 each

Series: Smart Start Read & Write

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 1

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $9.99

Spectrum Language Series / Cost: $7.99 – $11.99

Cursive Handwriting / Spectrum Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5

Handwriting Manuscript / Spectrum Level: K – Grade 2

Language Arts / Individual Levels: K – Grade 8

Phonics / Individual Levels: K – Grade 2

Reading / Individual Levels: K – Grade 8

Sight Words / Individual Levels: K – Grade 1

Spelling / Individual Levels: K – Grade 8

Word Study and Phonics / Individual Levels: Grade 3 – Grade 6

Writing / Individual Levels: K – Grade 8

Vocabulary / Individual Levels: Grade 3 – Grade 6

Success With Language Series by Scholastic / Cost: $4.79

Scholastic Success with Grammar / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 5

Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension / Individual Levels: Grades 1 – 5

Scholastic Success with Sight Words / Spectrum Level: K-Grade 2

Contemporary Cursive or Traditional Cursive / Spectrum Level: Grades 2-4

Scholastic Success with Writing / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 5

Series: Wood Roots / Scope: Vocabulary

Spectrum Levels: Grades 3-4, Grades 5-12, Grades 7-12

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $24.99

Series: A Word A Day (Student Workbook, Teacher Edition)

Scope: Vocabulary / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $7.99, $23.99

Writing Composition Series by Evan-Moor

Creative Writing Ideas, Grades 2-4 (Teacher Edition) $16.99

How to Write a Story, Grades 1-3 & Grades 4-5 (Teacher Edition) $16.99

Paragraph Writing, Grades 2-4 (Teacher Edition) $16.99

Write a Super Sentence, Grades 1-3 (Teacher Edition) $14.99

Write Every Day: Prompts, Grades 2-6 (Teacher Edition) $23.99

Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs, Grades 4-6 (Teacher Edition) $18.99

Writing Detective / Scope: Reading, Writing / Cost: $12.99

Spectrum Level: Grades 3-6 / Publisher: Critical Thinking Co

180 Days of Language Series by Shell Education

180 Days of Language / Scope: Composition, Grammar

180 Days of Reading / Scope: Comprehension, Fluency, Vocabulary

180 Days of Spelling and Word Study / Scope: Spelling, Vocabulary

180 Days of Writing / Scope: Composition, Grammar

Individual Levels: K – Grade 6 / Cost: $22.99

Mathematics

Series: At-Home Tutor: Math

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 2

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $8.99

Series: Basic Math Skills (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 5

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $ 29.99

Series: Big Fun Learning Pad: Math

Individual Levels: PreK – K

Publisher: Highlights / Cost: $9.99

Series: Common Core Math Workbook

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 8

Publisher: Ace Academic Publishing / Cost: $18.99

Daily Math Series by Evan-Moor

Math Practice (Student, Teacher) and World Problems (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6 / Cost: $7.99, $22.99

Learning Fun Workbook Series by Highlights / Cost: $4.99

Titles: Math Concepts, (Level: K) Addition, and Subtraction (Levels: Grade 1 & 2)

Series: Math Fundamentals (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $21.99

Series: Mathematical Reasoning

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 6

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $32.99 – $42.99

Math Workbooks by Kumon Publishing / Cost $ 7.94

Addition and Subtraction / Individual Levels: Grades 1 – 3

Addition & Subtraction / Grade 3

Multiplication and Division / Individual Levels: Grades 3 & 4

Decimals & Fractions / Individual Levels: Grades 4 & 5

Geometry & Measurement / Individual Levels: Grades 1 – 6

Word Problems / Individual Levels: Grades 1 – 6

Middle School Math by Kumon Publishing

Spectrum Level: Grade 6 – Grade 8 / Cost: $14.95

Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Intro to Geometry, Geometry and Word Problems

Series: Skill Sharpeners Math

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $10.99

Series: Smart Start Math

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 1

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $9.99

Scholastic Success with Math Series / Cost: $4.79

Addition & Subtraction / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 2

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, & Division / Individual Level: Grade 4

Fractions & Decimals / Individual Level: Grade 5

Multiplication Facts / Spectrum Level: Grades 3-4

Multiplication & Division / Individual Level: Grade 3

Scholastic Success with Math / Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 5

180 Days of Math Series by Shell Education

Titles: 180 Days of Math and 180 Days of Problem Solving

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6 / Cost: $22.99

Science

Series: Daily Science (Student, Teacher)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $7.99, $29.99

Series: Hands-On STEAM Learning Fun Workbook

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 2

Publisher: Highlights / Cost: $4.99

Series: Science Lessons & Investigations (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $21.99

Series: Skill Sharpener Science

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $10.99

Series: Smart Start STEM

Individual Levels: PreK – Grade 1

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $9.99

Series: Spectrum Science / Cost: $11.99

Individual Levels: Grade 3 – Grade 8

Series: STEM Lessons and Challenges (Teacher Edition)

Indvidual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan- Moor / Cost: $19.99

Series: 180 Days of Science

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Shell Education / Cost: $22.99

Social Studies

History Pockets Series by Evan-Moor (Teacher Edition)

Titles: The American Civil War, The American Revolution, Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Colonial America, Explorers of North America, Life in Plymouth Colony, Moving West, Native Americans

Spectrum Levels: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6 / Cost: $16.99

Series: 180 Days of Social Studies

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Shell Education / Cost: $22.99

Thinking Skills

Series: Building Thinking Skills

Spectrum Levels: PreK, K- Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-12

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $24.99 – 29.99

Series: Critical & Creative Thinking Activities (Teacher Edition)

Indvidual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $21.99

Series: Daily Higher-Order Thinking (Teacher Edition)

Individual Levels: Grade 1 – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $21.99

Series: Practical Critical Thinking

Spectrum Level: Grades 9-12

Publisher: Critical Thinking Co / Cost: $39.99

Series: Skill Sharpeners Critical Thinking

Individual Level: PreK – Grade 6

Publisher: Evan-Moor / Cost: $10.99

Happy Homeschooling!

Love,

Homeschooling on a Budget

Dear Sis,

Although our homeschool journey is in its very beginning phases (pre-k), it is a huge priority of my time as a stay-at-home mom and of our financial resources. We are currently setting aside funds each month to create an $800 annual curriculum budged, which I further round out with gifts for the kids from our family and holiday budgets.

I realize that not everyone dreamed about homeschooling long before the conception of their children. I realize that some make the decision to homeschool without allocation of funds, and although they can certainly do that next school year, what about this coming school year!?

One of our neighbors who has become one of my “mom” friends, shared with me her desire to homeschool this coming school year, but admitted she had no idea where to start! Knowing that time was ticking I offered to help provide as much information as I could.

In our first meeting we talked about state (OH) requirements and I shared some of my favorite programing. She too was drawn to many of my choices for the same reasons I was. And next year, she very well may use some of them, but this year I am scrambling to find low cost, relatively spontaneous homeschooling options. What I stumbled upon is amazingly cost effective and may alter the course of my future homeschooling choices as well. Here is what I learned:

Online Public & Charter Schools in Ohio

Hands-down the lowest cost home based schooling is online public school or community (charter) schools, which provide a laptop and hard copy curriculum materials for each student. These schools vary in the amount of time needed online and whether or not that time is “live” and scheduled or “recorded” and accessible on the learner’s timetable. A quick google search will give you a half dozen choices in your area, most of which will be online public schools. For a complete list of charter schools, called community schools in Ohio, visit Ohio Department of Education’s Directory of Community Schools.

How to Home School in Ohio

You know your student best! In the homeschool environment you can tailor your students curricula to their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. But a good place to start is always by meeting your state’s requirements.

Ohio Homeschool Requirements

Subjects
- Language, Reading, Spelling, Writing
- Geography, History of United States and Ohio, National, State, and Local Government
- Mathematics
- Science
- Health, Physical Education
- Fine Arts and Music
- First Aid, Safety, and Fire Prevention

Once you have located workbooks for each subject, it is possible to briefly outline your curriculum for the year and provide the list of teaching materials that make up that curriculum. Your superintendent will need this outline and list in your signed cover letter informing them that you will be homeschooling this year.

Next comes the business of documenting your school year. A school year is defined at 900 or more hours of instruction in the subjects listed above.

Next year your homeschool letter to the superintendent must also include your student work assessment from the previous school year. Information on how assessments are to be preformed can be discussed directly with your superintendent or can be as directed in State Law & Administrative Rules.

Academic Assessment Code: Rule 3301-34-04

Affordable Homeschool Curricula

Needless to say, online public, charter, or private schooling requires screen time. For younger kiddos especially, I understand hesitation to embark on this type of learning adventure, even though it is home based. This conflict is what lead me to discover affordable workbook curricula. Honestly, we use a few workbooks each school year, and will probably use them more heavily as we move on to more advanced learning. Especially now that I know more!

Workbooks

Workbooks are consumable and will be written in by your student, unless you make photo copies, to allow for multi student use. Workbooks blend information that traditionally might be conveyed via textbook, discussion or lecture, and practice worksheets all in one place. Actually, many public/charter/private schools use workbooks in place of textbooks during the elementary years especially.

Workbooks are also very user friendly. Many have instruction right on the worksheet itself and an answer key, alleviating a need for a teacher’s manual. Some workbooks rely more heavily on a teacher’s manual to provide additional reading and discussion material the teacher can share with the learner. These particular workbooks are not used in conjunction with textbooks to keep cost lower.

Workbooks can be found at Target, Walmart, even Dollar Tree. Not all workbooks are created equally. This list includes secular workbooks that keep up with state, and/or common core, standards. If you have additional suggestions for our list, please comment below!

Ace Academic Publishing PreK – Grade 8

Critical Thinking Co. PreK – Grade 12+

Evan-Moor PreK – Grade 8

Kumon PreK – Grade 8

Highlights PreK- Grade 2

Scholastic PreK- Grade 5

Shell Education PreK – Grade 12

Spectrum PreK – Grade 8

In the next few posts, I will be putting together a directory of sorts. I hope my research can save you some time and trouble as you chart the course for your family homeschool journey.

Love,

A Photo Journal of Our Visit

Dear Sis,

Evelyn is getting so big! I can’t believe she is three!!!

She was the star of the show for a week of birthday celebrating.

Saturday, June 26th

William awoke with a story to tell. He enjoyed his first night of tent camping with Gran so much, he is eager to do it again! The kids spent the rest of the morning outside around Gran’s camp stove as she made them waffles and sausage. These kids can’t wait for real camping when they are a bit older and their mamas feel up to it:)

Gran’s parents, Pop and Great arrived later that morning to spend the day with us. The day flew by, we tried to get a group picture just before everyone headed home. I need to remember the kids would be fresher for a picture earlier in the day:)

Sunday, June 27th

Monday, June 28th

While the babies had a nice long nap, I took the big kids to a nearby farm stand and the park so that they wouldn’t wake the littles.

Tuesday, June 29th

Our morning was spent hosting Evelyn’s Fabulous Fish Party. The rest of the day was spent on our favorite shared pastime… historical costuming. My sheer is finally ready to wear thanks to your efforts. A skirt with a single tier of trimming has been sitting in a box since before Charlotte was conceived. It’s wonderful to have an actual wearable garment!

We’ll tell the story of the garment later when the look is complete!

While you made my dress, I retrimmed my bonnet, so we could trade straw bonnets.

Wednesday, June 30th

We loaded up the kids right after breakfast to make drive to see our dad’s mother. She had never met Charlotte and hadn’t seen the rest of the kiddos in a long time! We had a lovely afternoon and were sent home with a trunk full of Grandma’s paintings to hang in each of our homes.

Friday, July 2nd

Uncle Nate took us all to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

Saturday, July 3rd

The big kids spent the morning and early afternoon fishing in the pond with Papa Jeff. Later in the day we made a giant batch of red, white, and blue rice crispy bites and headed to Cathy’s Independence Day Picnic.

Sunday, July 4th

We said goodbye to Papa Jeff, loaded into the minivan and went to Uncle Nate’s family reunion. After a hot day of playing at the park, a family kick ball game and balloon toss, we were all ready to head back home.

We are safely home and have a lot of unpacking and chores to do to get back to our usual routine. Thanks for a wonderful visit!

Love,