Please tell me what you think. Curriculum for between K and 1st.

[Motherof3Boys1Girl]

my son is five and a half
bible - bibly study guide for all ages intermediate level
spanish - power glide spanish
typing - timon and pumbaa typing
handwriting - a reason for handwriting k and a
spelling - a reason for spelling
reading - a reason for reading
phonics - one hundred easy lessons
science - exploring creation with astronomy with learn 'n folders
history - sotw vol 1 with activity guide
geography - evan moor daily practice and basic geography set
math- math u see alpha and beta

for my preschooler i just got some workbooks that he will love and learn from. he is almost four.

ego elf wife - from the old boards

[Josie]

Everything you have listed is good stuff. Do you plan to use it all every day? I would do Bible, phonics, handwriting, reading, and math every day, but do the others only two or three times a week. Also, I never started spelling until phonics was finished. Just a thought. My experience is that typing, Spanish, and geography would just push me over the top for first grade, but ymmv.

As for the preschooler, yes, inexpensive workbooks are great IF he enjoys them. If it is a fight, just let him learn through play and being read to.

[Cadam]

When dd was 5yo we did phonics, handwriting and math because she asked for her own math book. We only did these things when she wanted to btw. We played a lot, it was fine. She has since surpassed her, 18 months older, cousin academically. I think what you have listed is all good stuff but beyond the three R's none of it is strictly necessary so just make sure you keep it fun and only do it when he wants to. They are only this little for a very short time and you have years to fill his brain. :)

[Jami]

It looks like an awful lot of overlap to me. If you're still working on phonics and learning to read, do you need spelling and a reading program yet (though I admit I don't know what "A Reason for Reading" covers.) I have a 1st grader and Ker who does some 1st grade work and neither of them use either a reading program or spelling program yet. They're both strong readers now, so I have them read a bit to me each day from quality literature--chapter book or picture book. Then for handwriting practice and to work on spelling, punctuation, etc. we do copywork, either from Memoria Press' Copybooks or sentences I choose for them from literature. Then they each do a lesson or so from Horizons math. Our history and science is from Ambleside's suggestions and so we read a bit from various books about once a week per subject. We do Prima Latina, mostly orally.

Is your son a strong writer? That many workbooks if they all require quite a bit of writing would have been too much for my son at 5.5, and he is a pretty strong writer. You know your child best, but it does look like a lot to me for that age. If he's not reading well yet, I would put most of those things away and just work on that for now.

I also have an almost-4 year old who loves workbooks. :) If you haven't looked at Kumon workbooks, those are some of our favorites. Target carries several. But I agree with Josie, if they stop being fun, I certainly wouldn't require them at this age.

Good luck!

Jami

[one l michele]

my son is five and a half
bible - bibly study guide for all ages intermediate level
spanish - power glide spanish
typing - timon and pumbaa typing
handwriting - a reason for handwriting k and a
spelling - a reason for spelling
reading - a reason for reading
phonics - one hundred easy lessons
science - exploring creation with astronomy with learn 'n folders
history - sotw vol 1 with activity guide
geography - evan moor daily practice and basic geography set
math- math u see alpha and beta

for my preschooler i just got some workbooks that he will love and learn from. he is almost four.

ego elf wife - from the old boards


I would pass on the Power Glide Spanish, it was a nightmare for us. For this age, you rely on the library, check out simple Spanish books, favorite tv shows in Spanish, spanish songs, and Spanish Learning Videos - ours even carries the Muzzy videos.

I wouldn't suggest typing until 2nd grade. Right now the focus needs to be on handwriting. At this age I've learned skills need to be used regularly to be retained, or they are simple exposure for the child. Most children get exposure to the keyboard through educational games and at 5 aren't to the point of putting together sentences on their own, let alone having something that needs typed regularly.

Are you relying on SOTW for "art"? Most kids really enjoy arts and crafts at this age. Mary Ann Kohl has lots of great ideas you can find at your library.

Science, History, and Geography - I would wait until 1st on. Instead, buy some exploring materials, bug nets, first field guides, bug nets, butterfly house, magnifying glasses, rock pick, museum memberships, go on field trips, hike trails, etc..

The rest looks wonderful and is all that is really necessary. There is plenty of time for more formal school later, don't rush it.

Michele, mom to three boys ages 7, 6, and 4.

[Chris in VA]

I agree with Jami, that you just don't need to do all the stuff you've picked. I know it's so hard to choose, when you love those choices! lol Curriculum junkie, here--not saying you are, but you have the symptoms! (She said with a loving smile...)
Honestly, I'd concentrate on helping your child learn to read, and math. Everything else is gravy, although I will say science and history are the two areas with the "fun" activities, so I like some gravy!
It seems to me that A Reason for Phonics and 100 Lessons will overlap. I'd pick one, which ever one you think will get your child up and reading the easiest (for both your teaching style and his learning style). Then, I would see whether handwriting is covered to your satisfaction in one of them, and just stick with that. If it isn't, go for handwriting.
I would nix the Power-Glide Spanish in favor of...well, to be honest, in favor of just about anything else for his age. But you have put thought into this, and it is your choice. I don't mean to denegrate it at all, I just don't think this program is what I would be after. Also, even though Apologia Astronomy is really great, I would not expect a 5.5 yr old to do it as written--but it does look adaptable. I would also do SOTW/AG maybe twice a week, and go gently, reading plenty of fiction and just sitting where you want--we took our time with Ancients and ended up very happy with the pace. We started halfway thru K, and didn't do many written narrations until first grade.
The typing program can be done for fun, and I'd continue to read, read, read. You can probably start longer chapter books to encourage the attention span. I was actually amazed that dd could comprehend enough to enjoy the longer books (I think we started Little House in the Big Woods at 4), and it paid off in increased vocab, attention, and pleasure in reading.
Anyway, you've obviously put a lot of thought into your choices (don't we all), and again, I don't want you to feel criticized. But I'd just like to say, keep it simple, and enjoy each other. Boy, time flies.

[Wendy in ME]

I have got to agree that it is too much imo. We are planning on phonics, handwriting, and math with lots of read alouds about lots of different topics to cover history, science, literature, etc. I really would just keep it simple and enjoy your time together. It truly is amazing what a 5yo will pick up on and remember just from reading 2 books a day.

[Lenora in MD]

I agree with everyone else, I think you have too much planned for a 5 1/2 year old. I would focus on reading, writing and arithmetic. And reading lots of great books to him. I just did the apologia astronomy with my 4th and 6th grader. My 7 yo 1st grader sat in at times. I think it is a bit much for a 5 1/2 year old. You might want to save that for later. For an age that young, library books about living things (animals, plants, etc.), seasons, holidays are usually pretty interesting. SOTW may also be a bit much for him. You may want to hold off for a year. I don't think he would get much out of the map work. The coloring pages are great, but he would get more out of it if you waited a little bit. Don't burn out the little one on school. Let learning be a wonderful time of discovery and exporation while they are young.

[SandraDumas]

really, really be developing his relationship with his younger brother.

COnsider: It takes 15-20 minutes for kids just to *plan* what they're going to play, then they set it up and then work it out. One idea, to come to its fruition at this age needs a minimum of 40 minutes. If you want your kids to expand their imaginations and their worlds through creative and explorative play they need a minimum of 45 minutes, three times per day, and I don't include exercise, taking walks, and such in that amount.

I would nix the following:

A reason for reading- your goal at this age should be decoding, not reading for comprehension (though that of course is included when reading small storybooks)

A Reason for spelling- you should be working on phonics, not spelling at this age. Phonics lays the foundation for spelling. 100EZ covers phonics.

Astronomy- I would also nix this and just opt for great library books.

Basically actually I would get rid of everything except math, 100 EZ, Bible, Handwriting and reading good books. Maybe a little copywork if the handwriitng book you're using doesn't already have a lot of copying. The typing software seems like a good idea and won't suck up too much time.

Make sure you spend your money on excellent toys for this age:
Nice wood building blocks
Small people to live in the blocks(like Melissa and Doug themselves!)
Rescue Heroes
legos, legos, and more legos
dress up play- as much as you can find and afford
sandbox, swings, play set, etc.
Sidewalk Chalk, etc.

I've really tried hard this year to focus on the basics and then let my kids play and read lots of good books. Their relationship has grown even more, and they have blossomed in their academics. My son will be more than ready for a very challenging first grade year. I am so glad I took advice and allowed my children to focus on the things that are developing at this age.

All we did was Horizons K math, phonics, handwriting, a foreign language, and that's it. We tried doing other "subjects" for about a month and it was such a waste. My kids learn so much more just enjoying wonderful books with me. Also, my dd (just 4) has to wait out many of this structured learning time. She only has so much capacity for self entertainment.

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

I too, think that this is way too much! ;) Of course, if it is something you feel strongly about, and something you want to do with your child, then that is your perogative. :D

I think many moms with young ones (especially their first student) get excited and gung-ho, and with the best of intentions go way over board. (ask me how I know!)

After going thru the gamut for K, and most of 1st, I had to pray and prioritize...there is only so much time in the day. I feel that my young children need more training then teaching so to speak. They also need more one on one play time with mom and being read to than they do 'lessons'. :)

My priorities at this age are: Love of God, Obedience to Authority, Strong Character and Relationships, Good Work Ethic. Our 'school' priorities are: Language Skills, Hiding the Word in their Hearts, Creativity, and Vocabulary along with a strong foundation in Concrete Mathmatical understanding and opportunity to explore their world.
...........................................

My boys are 6 and 4, here is what we do:

Morning Bible or Character Story w/color sheet
Memory Work
Reading Practice from an Easy Reader

I Read Aloud for 40-45 mins, DS6 narrates

Copywork (2 sentences), Phonics (3 pages, ETC) and Lang Lessons (1 lesson - LL from Queen HS Supply)
Recorder Lesson for 10 mins

I Read Aloud Again for 40-45 mins, DS6 narrates

Math Games/Manipulatives for 20 mins

Free Art - the boys have total access to time, space and materials to be as creative as they wish all afternoon.

Bedtime Bible

*once per week we do a nature study
*bi-weekly they do science experiments with daddy

Our read alouds include good unabridged literature, biographies, historical fiction and living nature books.

[karensk]

...but you'll want to have lots of read-aloud times with books at his level.

It's a great opportunity to have little ones at home, and I loved being able to expose my kids to a wide variety of literature while they were still young and had more time available...fantasy fiction, realistic fiction, historical fiction, biographies, science/technology & books that help us learn more about the world we live in, poetry, and more.

Also, if you find it hard to let go of any of the items on your list, then perhaps try to fit them all in at the beginning and know that it'll be okay to drop some along the way (things like geography, science, Reason for Reading). The bare essentials for that age are, IMO, phonics, handwriting (w/a wee bit of copywork), math & thinking skills, and read-aloud time (this can easily cover literature, poetry, history, science, and art/music appreciation). It's always great to have some hands-on activities, too; my kids loved crafts, science experiments, and math activities with manipulatives.

HTH!

[Shannon831]

Repetition is key- You are planning way too much for a 5 1/2 yo. You are going to overwhelm yourself and your son with that plan. IMO, you should concentrate on Math, reading (phonics), and handwriting. The rest is just way too much. If you want him to gain science and history knowledge, get some age appropriate books from the library and have fun with that. Just be warned- at 5 years old, most of that knowledge is going to fall right out of his brain. And that's ok- as long as he's having fun.

[Julie Smith]

Here are some books and CDs you can use to teach Spanish to a young child. These can be used along with any other program, or as a introduction to a language. (I used the French versions of these)

1. Learning a Foreign language through Fairy Tales is a series of pictures books that teaches some new words through fairy tales. In each book about 20 words on in the new language. The books are:
http://www.slangman.com/store_one/index.php?cPath=28
Level 1: Cinderella
Level 2: Goldilocks and the three bears
Level 3: Beauty and the Beast

2. Drive in Spanish for Kids http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Spanish-Kids-Go-Children/dp/0658008625/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202870388&sr=1-1

3. Teach me Spanish (I didn't like this one as much as "Drive in Spanish")
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-7441901-7196468?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Teach+me--+Spanish+%3A+a+musical+journey+through+the+day+%2F&x=0&y=0