I want something different for next year...I'm considering Living Books Curriculum...

[sherylwinter]

Hi there:

I haven't been around board this past few months. It's been a long but good winter up here in the snowy north.

I am trying to plan for next year...I have been scheduling my own thing for awhile with history and literature and science...it's not so great anymore, I'm a bit of a scatterbrain at x's.:o (maybe most x's, lol)

Our favourite read alouds are usually things like our Ambleside read alouds and reading from Handbook of Nature Study. We read from Story of the World and Childs History too. I am having baby in summer, also have 1 yr old and 3 yr old. I am looking for curriculum to help me schedule the readings for history and literature and science next year. I am considering Living Books Curriculum for my 6 yo and 8 yo sons, it looks short and sweet to me compared to some reading schedules. I would skip the american history part though..we're Canucks.. Ambleside looks like a lot more reading for me with both boys.... My 8 yo says he really likes the Rod and Staff Grammar we are doing now though...So if I switch to LBC they use the Queen's Language Lessons For Children which would probally be faster to use than our R&S...I'm just not sure if I should change that...my son says he likes it. I guess we could just stick with R&S and just keep on with Ambleside and keep it light. Anyways...any of your thoughts are welcome.

Thanks very much!
sherylwinter
(used 2 b sherylinarctic http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif)

[Rebecca]

What grade are you considering for LBC?
You can always keep on with your own grammar and just not use the Queen's part of the plans...
Unfortunately- I know nothing personally about either Queen's or Rod and Staff- but I would venture to say that Rod and Staff is much more thorough? If your 8 year old is doing Rod and Staff three- Queen's might not be the right level? Just some thoughts... also- I believe you can do most of Rod and Staff orally- and that would save on time.

I love LBC. This year I have used/am using grade one and grade two. I have really loved this curriculum. The pace of the readings has been wonderful.

It is "short and sweet" compared to some schedules. I have had minimal problems completing our school and staying on track- while also schooling and caring for three other children and being pregnant. It has been "expansive" and "open" enough for us to tweak to fit our family as needed as well.

I love the company and the curriculum...
I hope this helps,

There is no twaddle.

Rebecca

[DIY-DY]

Congratulations! It's good to see you here again (and I love your new name, too!)

Don't have any suggestions to add to the discussion. I was just tickled to "see" you again. When is this little one due? :)

[sherylwinter]

I am doing R&S oral on whiteboard... I guess we could stick with that along with Living Books Curriculum and see how it goes. I am interested in grade one and two. I might even start it this year before baby comes. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif
I am so glad that you give it good report...I first heard about it on this board some months ago and it stuck in my mind. Lately I've realized I really needed a schedule to help me cover these subjects. And it seems like it would be a good fit for me. I printed out the books lists for each grade level...it looks good. Sometimes trying to cover SO much we don't really take the time...I would rather have less and know that we aren't rushing...kwim?
Do they use the Handbook of Nature Study quite a bit? I really like that they use that...we've really been enjoying reading from that book this past winter. It's good to know...no twaddle.
Congrats on new baby.... are you expecting soon. I still don't know due date, probally end of summer just when school starts. :rolleyes: Thanks for taking time to respond.

sherylwinter

[sherylwinter]

Thanks for the congrats...we are thrilled just little nervous 2 b expecting so soon, our little girl isn't quite 1 yr yet. Isn't life full of surprises! We were so busy over Christmas I didn't realize I was pregnant...just thought I was tired from long winter, lol. A doctor flies here in month and she will do ultrasound and size baby for due date. My guess is that baby probally due end of summer. I will pass on those kisses!
Bless you!
sherylwinter

[Rebecca]

Dear Sheryl,
I hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

I use the weekly plan like a checklist: checking off as I move through each subject area.

A focus of nature study is taken from Handbook of Nature Study for each term (for every year of the curriculum!) and there are assigned readings every so often- you can use it more or less depending on your needs.

I have really enjoyed having the lesson plans scheduled out... it is a very thoughtful curriculum.

We do our own grammar/phonics- so I just don't use that part of the plans.

I was very morning sick with our new baby-and now am slowing down A LOT at the end of pregnancy- plus we took December and did a lot of Christmas readings, etc.- so we are on week 17 our schedule. I can truly say- that I am not one bit tired of using this curriculum.

Our little one is due in May- just about 8 weeks left.

I hope this helps!
Blessings,
Rebecca

[sherylwinter]

how exciting...just 8 weeks! Your new bundle will b here so soon.

Thanks so much for sharing about your experience with this curriculum. It does help me lots. I was pretty sure I wanted to use Living Books...just nice to hear from someone else that is using it.

I hope you are able to get lots of rest in weeks 2 come. Bless u 2 and new little one! :)
sherylwinter