High school curriculum for "non-classical" types

[Robin in Alabama]

Hey there,

I have a "non-classical" question for yall. My daughter will be in 9th this fall. I don't plan to use the same approach with her curriculum selection as I have with my son, which was classical.

Does anyone know of a good curriculum, unit study, etc. on the same order as Tapestry of Grace, that is more of a kinestetic, science or home ec based one?

Her interests are more in botany and home ec and pets. If there was a Charlotte Mason or Prairie Primer for the high school years that would work!

I'm not saying she doesn't like history or reading, she does, but I'm not planning on the classical approach with Latin and logic for her, either. I guess what I'm saying is that history will probably not be the core of our studies like it is in most classical curriculum.

I'm also thinking that an "all-in-one" curriculum will give me better accountability and record keeping!

Thanks in advance for advice!

~Robin in Alabama

[Michelle in AL]

How about KONO's high school curriculum. I know they have ancient history and maybe american history by now. I think it covers history & lit. I also like Oak Meadow's paper version (the online version is much more expensive). Oak Meadow has all subjects.

I'll be interested to see what others have to say.

[Lori D.]

Microscope Adventure, and Botany, both are unit studies by Kym Wright, and available through Rainbow Resource Catalog are VERY hands-on, and could be good springboards into designing your own botany course for your daughter. Find a good textbook, have her put in some hours at a plant nursery, or even possibly at the local college in a research lab -- voila! Science credit taken care of. Best of luck! Warmly, Lori D.

See the Microscope Adventure unit at:
http://rainbowresource.com/search.php?sid=1201977449-1000609

See the Botany Adventure unit at:
http://rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?sid=1201977449-1000609&subject=&id=001506

[Maxine in WA]

Her interests are more in botany and home ec and pets. If there was a Charlotte Mason or Prairie Primer for the high school years that would work!


How about "Where the Brook and River Meet" by the same person who wrote "Prairie Primer". Brook and River is based on the Anne of Green Gables books.

[Chris in VA]

Depending on how conservative you are, Far Above Rubies might work for you. You still need other resources, but it is home-ec type stuff.
Here's a review Far Above Rubies (http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/Reviews/FAR.html)

[Nan in Mass]

She used it as a science and said it was great. That would be nice and practical, too. We did natural history for a year or two. MODG has a syllabus you could use, or you could just do lots of reading and projects on your own. If you look at the library or a book store, you'll probably find a whole shelf of fun books. I like natural history because it involves animals and plants and is hands-on. Keeping a nature notebook is a great way to learn to draw. It isn't exactly all-in-one, but MODG has other syllabi, too, that are gentle and nicely spelled out for the parent. They have rubrics to help you grade and tell you what to do each day. It is a catholic company, but I didn't notice a catholic slant to either the literature (which I got for comparison purposes) or the natural history.
HTH
-Nan

[Margaret in CO]

I'm not Gwen, but my dd did Master Gardener. However, she wouldn't have wanted to do it without having biology first. She excelled as the adults had forgotten all their biology... :D We didn't end up counting it for credit as she already had 5 credits in science, including several at the college. We used it in "science activities" as she needed that for the Air Force Academy.

[Robin in Alabama]

I appreciate the suggestions.

~Robin in Alabama