Care to share your 4th and/or 8th grade plans?

[DB in NJ]

I am SO in a slump; completely uninspired. I thought maybe if you all share your plans, something will JUMP OUT at me and perk me up! :D

[Alenee]

My fourth grade plan is in my sig line as well as my first grade plan. Obviously for fourth, we won't do Phonics Pathways and one that's not in there for fourth is the Poetry Memorization from IEW and our devotionals.

[apond]

This is what we are doing right now and will use the same text for next year advancing as needed.
We use SL for history and are finishing up Core 2 with plans to start Core 3 in September. We do this with our morning devotional everyday. Then start a loop schedule rotating between the three oldest.

Math Saxon as a base with lots of exploration

Spelling Sequential Spelling

Reading I give her an assingned reading and she has to read for fun for 15 minutes. WE also read a story out of the 4th grade Core knowledge book Rotating paragraphs. She reads then I read.

Grammer Rod and Staff

Writing planning on using the new SWB Program.

Science- Science Excursions



She does logic, paino, voice, and reading on her own while I am working with the other 2. We reserve the afternoon (1-3) for personal study. I have her set goals on Sunday evening for the week of what she wants to learn. We review these daily. For example one of her educational goals this week was to learn about turtles. So when we go to the library she will pick up a couple of books about turtles and read about them this week. Maybe find a craft to do or do a report about what she has learned.

Good Luck
Annmarie

ds 10
dd 8
dd 5
ds 2
ds2

[FloridaLisa]

Oh, this is good. I really need to start reviewing and pinning down for lesson plans.

Here's what's on the plate right now for my 4th grade ds:

Bible: Exodus, Ruth (and possibly one more) with family; memorize: Romans passage, shorter catechism, Psalm 139

Math: Saxon 54 with Singapore supplement

Science: Apologia Zoology 3 Land Animals

English: Sequential Spelling, Daily Grams, Shurley 3 (finish), Writing Trails in American History, cursive writing

History: American History (using Abeka at a co-op; while not my choice, the teacher will make the class)

Latin: Lively Latin

Speech: Intro to Speech and Communicators for Christ speech club


And here's what's on my 8th grade ds's schedule:

Bible: Exodus, Ruth and another with family; memorize Romans passage, shorter catechism, Psalm 139, possible Apologetics with speech class

Math: Saxon Alg. II

Science: Apologia biology

Latin: Latin I with Florida Virtual School and move into Latin II late mid-year

English: Literature Tutorial through a co-op; Classical Writing Homer

History: American History with co-op using a variety of materials

Debate/Speech: Team policy debate, community and competitive speech

Electives: 1 semester of Art and 1 semester of Shakespeare with co-op

HTH!
Lisa

[JennW in SoCal]

For my 8th grader:

Algebra I: probably Foerster's, though I already have Life of Fred and the "Key to" series ready to go ..... I'll decide next month!

Literature: Literary Lessons from Lord of the Rings

Grammar: review using Our Mother Tongue and Mary Daly's diagramming books

Latin: Latin Prep

Logic: Traditional Logic I

Science: Earth Sciences class

History: US History class (will also use teaching company or Story of US or ???)

[Sweetpeach]

My 4th grade plans:

Math: MEP (but definitely wavering and wondering about Singapore)

Singapore Science

Lively Latin

All About Spelling

Bravewriter (using the Arrow Subscription)

SOTW (still plugging in year 3)

Atelier Art (level 4 - looking fwd to this one)

[HSDCY]

This is what I plan to do this fall:


Math: Singappore

Science: Intermediate Physical Science by Exploration Education

Language Arts: Spelling Power
Michael Clay Thompson's LA
Junior Great Books for Lit.
IEW

Social Studies: SOTW4 with AG
Election unit
State History unit

Foreign Language: Madarin

PE: Homeschool Gymnastics and Swimming, possibly taking table tennis

Music: Piano

Art: Atlier

[Patricia in WA]

8th grade dd

Math Lial's Algebra and Thinkwell's Algebra video
Science PH Earth Science
History History Odyssey Level 2 Middle Ages
Writing CW Diogenes
Latin GP Latin Prep 3/Ecce Romani 2
Spanish So You Really Want to Learn Spanish 2 and online tutor
French So You Really Want to Learn French 2
Greek finsih current currc while waiting for GP to publish So You Really Want to Learn Greek
Art Atelier Level 4
Logic possible outside class
Literature Lightning Lit 8 and Literary Lesson of the Lord of the Rings
Music Violin, Chior
PE year round swimming team

[Donna T.]

I've revised my plan over the course of the summer. This is what we'll be doing for sure:

4th grader -
My Father's World - Exploring Countries and Cultures (Bible, geography, science)
MathUSee Gamma
First Language Lessons - finishing up 3 and starting 4 in the late fall
English from the Roots Up, Vol. 1
Handwriting Without Tears - 4th grade workbook - cursive
Rosetta Stone - Spanish
The Harp & the Laurel Wreath and Favorite Poems Old & New for copywork & dictation
Ambleside Online Yr 2 for oral reading, narration, free reading, and "enrichment"
swimming
4-H Club

I think that's it.

[hsmamainva]

My 4th grader's plan is in my siggy, but I'll type it again (along with some other things that wouldn't fit in it!)

English - Rod & Staff English 4 / Handwriting Without Tears Cursive Success / Natural Speller / Sonlight Core 4 Reading

Math - Teaching Textbooks Math 5

Science - Apologia Zoology 1

History - Sonlight Core 4 with Story of the World Volume 4

Art - How Great Thou Art's I Can Do All Things

PE - Tae Kwon Do Lessons

[hsmamainva]

I should post what my oldest son used for 8th grade last year!

English - Easy Grammar Plus / Natural Speller / Wordsmith Apprentice

Math - Teaching Textbooks PreAlgebra

History - Sonlight Core 7

Science - Apologia Physical Science

PE - Baseball and Basketball for the county

[Rhondabee]

Almost everything we're doing is straight out of WTM, so if *that* doesn't inspire you, then *we* certainly won't! =)

So...What did you do last year? Did you like it? (I'm guessing maybe not, since you're not planning to go back to it?)

Just thinking maybe if you figure out why you're not just continuing happily with last year's stuff, it might make it easier for someone to suggest something different that *would* inspire you.

=)
Rhonda

[DB in NJ]

Almost everything we're doing is straight out of WTM, so if *that* doesn't inspire you, then *we* certainly won't! =)

So...What did you do last year? Did you like it? (I'm guessing maybe not, since you're not planning to go back to it?)

Just thinking maybe if you figure out why you're not just continuing happily with last year's stuff, it might make it easier for someone to suggest something different that *would* inspire you.

=)
Rhonda

We're starting our 12th year of homeschooling next month. The novelty has worn off; years ago, there was always something new and exciting to try. Nothing is capturing my interest or attention like it used to.

[Melanie]

My fourth grader is using/will use:

Math: Saxon 7/6
Grammar: Rod & Staff 6
Latin: Latina Christiana II
Greek: Athenaze 1 (very heavily modified - she'll probably only do chapter one this year. Greek is very new to me, so this will be a challenge.)
History and Science: We're all over the place in these content areas. Various books, primary sources, videos, essays, journals, field trips, projects, etc. We do organize the WTM way, though. ;)

She is working through the Mind Benders workbooks, but they're for fun and she just does a page whenever she feels like it.

She also takes dance and piano.

[stephanie]

I am SO in a slump; completely uninspired. I thought maybe if you all share your plans, something will JUMP OUT at me and perk me up! :D


Here's our 4th grade plans:

R&S Math 4
Intermediate Language Lessons
WWE
Hwt
Harp and Laurel Wreath Poetry
Lively Latin
Espanol para chicos y grandes
Simply spelling
MFW Rome to Reformation History /Science/Bible
BF geography
TtR Music
Mindbenders Logic

[Faithr]

My 4th grader will be doing:

Latin for Children
Shiller Math
Writing Tales
We are pretty much following LCC for history
Science will be done at our co-op along with geography and American Sign Language
Religion - Faith and Life plus Bible
Piano lessons
Phonics of Drawing for Art
Tennis, karate and gymnastics for PE

8th grader:

Saxon Algebra I
Voyage in Eng for grammar
Sadlier-Oxford for Composition and Vocabulary
First Steps in Latin (outside Latin class)
Christ and the Americas for history
Co-op for science and ASL
Kolbe's Jr high Lit program
Kolbe's Religion syllabus
Piano lessons (maybe)
Phonics of Drawing - Art
PE tennis and karate

[teacalm]

Fourth grade for my girls:

Latina Christiana I (MP online)
Stellae Latin class (www.lonepineclassical.com)
Horizons/Singapore/Aleks
K12 Literature, Spelling, Vocabulary
Rod Staff English
Writing (home2teach.com)
Sonlight Core 3
Ancient History (homeschool group)
Geography (homeschool group)
Harcourt Brace Science (homeschool group)

[MomOfOneFunOne]

4th Grade

RELIGION
Memorize catechism, Bible History, related reading from a variety of biographies, CNRs, Angel Food, et c.

MATH
Singapore

LATIN
We've been using LfC and like it a lot. We'll continue with that till September when we'll be trying something new. We'll decide then what we'll stick with.

In addition, we have a once/month Latin chant class taught by a monk from a monastery near here.

We also do regular reading from our budding Latin library. I strongly encourace such reading daily but require it on Fridays.

LANGUAGE ARTS
Shurley English -- we started 4 in January and left off at about 1/2 way through. I think we'll finish around Dec. I'm not sure we'll continue with it for 5th. My daughter loves it. I'm not crazy about it.

Spelling -- our CNR Spelling book supplementing our lists with derivatives from Latin and vocab from IEW and English.

Poetry -- a variety of poetry memorization mostly from The Harp and Laurel Wreath and our CNRs.

Literature -- a combination of reading for History, for pleasure, and for Book Club. In book club we discuss literary techniques as well as have more general discussions and do related activities.

Writing -- IEW but we'll be using it across the curriculum as Pudewa suggests instead of doing it as a separate subject as we did last year.

HISTORY
We're using Our Pioneers and Patriots as our spine but actually we much more avidly persue History through reading and projects. We only use the spine to keep us on track and it takes the place of our reading comprehension work.

SCIENCE
We're using Seton's Science for Young Catholics 4 but, just as with History, it's just a spine and we really read and do projects more.

GEOGRAPHY
Well, I had Geography chosen (and purchased!) but decided it would better complement our history for next year so . . . I'm still looking for US Geography.

MUSIC
Violin lessons and chant class.

P.E.
Martial Arts and play, play, play

SOME OTHER STUFF
I have the stuff for art (drawing) and art appreciation, and music appreciation and hope we get to it. we'll see.

We also do other things that spark our interest as they arise (a 4 wk calligraphy class, for example, or a computer workshop).

[H.S. Burrow]

Okay DB, answering your question will help me finish up my lesson plans!! Here goes and it's rather long!

4th/5th
Math: Saxon 6/5
English/Grammar: Rod & Staff 5, Reason for Handwriting, Writing Strands
Bible: Journey through the Old Testament & Journey through the New Testament
Science: Earth Science/Weather/Astronomy ala TWTM
History: Story of the World vols 2, 3, & 4 one chapter each day with map work and one outline/summary per week
Literature: Selected books that correspond with Story of the World
Logic: Mind Benders
Latin: Latina Christiana I

8th
Math: Saxon Algebra 1/2 (finish up) Saxon Algebra I
English/Grammar: Rod & Staff 8, Reason for Handwriting, Writing Strands, Vocabulary from Classical Roots A & B
Bible: Journey through the Old Testament & Journey through the New Testament
Science: Biology, A Self-Teaching Guide OR Campbells Biology: Concepts & Connections
History: Story of the World Vols 2, 3, & 4 chapter a day and maps only; American History using Glencoe's The American Republic to 1877 and original sources
Literature: Selected books that correspond to Story of the World & The American Republic
Logic: Traditional Logic from Memoria Press
Latin: Latina Christiana I


I just decided *how* to use the Story of the World/Science guidelines for the kidlets this past year. DS has an August birthday and DH & I decided to have him repeat the 4 year cycle 2 more times. So next year he will have a full year of the Ancients and DD will be using SWB's The History of the Ancient World for her 9th grade history text.

DD wants to go into Veterinary Medicine, so her science cycle will look like this:

8th - Biology
9th - Chemisty
10th - AP Biology using Campbells Biology
11th - AP Chemistry
12th - looking for an intro to Genetics - may possibly take this at the local community college.

Where needed, she will do the readings for Earth & Physical sciences. She's kinda sciency so I don't worry too much about her retention. I may order the Self Teaching books for her to use for Earth & Physical science. Since I pulled her out of public school after 5th grade, she has a basic knowledge in those subjects.

Anyway, I hope this helps to give you some fresh ideas. Since you've been doing this alot longer than I have, if you have any suggestions, I'm listening!!

[Lynnette in WA]

My 4th grade daughter:

RS4K -- chemistry, biology, physics (maybe Apologia Zoology once a week in a co-op)

Teaching Textbooks 6 or 7, supplemented with Hands on EquationLearning System and Quarter Mile Math

Sonlight 1&2 with younger brother, supplemented with extra reading

MCT vocab., grammar, poetry
Writing Strands, fun Friday writing

Christian Studies I and Growing Little Women

Various "critical thinking" fun books (Case of Red Herrings, Mathematical Reasoning, etc.)

Music Ace, Interactive Classics music games, listening

Meet the Masters @ Home

Handwriting without Tears

PE group once a week
Flag football in fall, baseball in spring


My 8th grade son:

Apologia Physical Science (and possibly Apologia Biology once a week in a co-op)

Teaching Textbooks Algebra I, and possibly start Calculus Without Tears

Sonlight 100, with older sister

MCT vocabulary and grammar
Writing Strands and fun Friday writing

Runkle Geography

Discovering Our Amazing God and Boyhood and Beyond with younger brother

Traditional Logic

Tell Me More Spanish

(Elementary Greek, with Mom -- maybe)

Music Ace, listening

Meet the Masters @ Home

PE group once a week
Flag football in fall, baseball in spring


At least that's the plan now. I always seem to fade after Christmas

[nuttman]

Grade 8-


Math- Lial’s Introductory Algebra
Grammar- Analytical Grammar
Vocabulary- From Classical Roots
Science- Apologia Physical Science
Writing- Jensen’s Format Writing
Literature- Lightning Literature 8
History- Georgia Studies
Logic- Fallacy Detective
Latin- Latin Road 1

[Sixmeadows]

I sort of feel theat way as well.. Sometimes there are so many choices that I feel overwhelmed and can't choose.


We know we needed to focus on old Testament stuff this year so we are using My fathers World Creation to Greeks. (4th -8th grade) My younger kids will also tag along in this.

Specifically for 4th -
Chinese tutor for Mandarin Chinese
TT math 5
Intermediate LAnguage Lessons
Spellwise
IEW -writing
MFW-history, science, bible, vocab. art, music appreciation.


for my almost 13 year old we will also be using MFW but I considered using trisms. Researched based program. looks good.:001_smile:

Cheri

[Rhondabee]

We're starting our 12th year of homeschooling next month. The novelty has worn off; years ago, there was always something new and exciting to try. Nothing is capturing my interest or attention like it used to.

I will be the first to admit that *if* we hadn't just started Rod & Staff two years ago, it probably wouldn't be the "god-send" that it is now - LOL! So, I guess there are advantages to starting homeschooling later.

Maybe you should try to make your homeschooling this year as easy as possible on you, so that you can find "something new" outside of homeschooling. Do what you know and don't really have to think about for homeschooling (it will still be new to your kids), and then you'll have the energy to spend an hour a day doing something that you used to do, or that you've always wanted to do, or something completely new and untried.

I started practicing piano over the summer for a piece my music minister wants to do in church. I mean, *really* practicing like I used to in college - and haven't had the need for since. (It's hard for me to really practice like that "just because".) But, it has been a really good experience, and shown me how prone I am to hide away in my little cocoon of a life thinking, "Oh, I just don't have the time." Which is wierd, because I'm going through all the effort to teach my kids so that they will go out there and LIVE! So, I'm really going to try to limit my "school-marm" time this next year, and work on expanding myself.

If you do decide to take up something for yourself, I'd love to hear about it. Although I have thought about working up a little "recital" to play at retirement homes and such, I think I'd like something a little less "me" (read: total introvert!) as well.

:001_smile:
Rhonda

[Kim in SouthGa]

for my 9dd:
BJU English 5
Spelling Workout D
Wordly Wise 3000 bk 3 (finish from last year), then either Vocab. from Classical Roots or Memoria Press's new roots program
HWT Cursive Success plus copywork and dictation
finish MUS Gamma and start Delta, plus Daily Math and Calculadders
TOG Year2 Unit 4, then maybe Year 3 if all goes well...if not, just use SOTW
Visual Link Spanish
Perplexors B, Logic Countdown & Lift-Off
SOS Science 4 (unless I sell it and can buy BJU!)
Master's Academy of Fine Arts for music, art, theatre, and history
Drama Club
Horseback Riding