The homeschool year for 2014-2015 is finally here! We started school about 2 weeks ago, but I’m just now finalizing our curriculum choices. I thought that this was a good time to share with all of you what our 2nd grade homeschool curriculum choices are for the year.
As you know, I have students in 2nd grade and 4th grade, plus a 4 year old (he’ll be 5 in a month), a 2 year old, and a baby due in early November. This large family dynamic, coupled with the fact that we’ll have a new addition has made me choose a much less teacher intensive curriculum line up this year. In fact, I’m having them keep track of most of their own stuff!
They’re tracking their assignments completed on Http://homeschoolskedtrack.com. I took a few evenings to input their names and grades, which courses they’ll be doing, and assigning them assignments for the year. For some, I didn’t put activities/assignments on there at all since it’ll literally just be completing one assignment to the next from day to day, but some subjects required explicit instructions.
Please note that several of my links below are affiliate links. I fully endorse the products, though, whether or not I stand to make a small profit. 🙂 I obviously stand behind them, because it’s what we’re using this year!
Our 2nd Grade Homeschool Curriculum
Math
Teaching Textbooks 3 (independently) We were going to continue with CTC Math, but I changed my mind. We do enjoy that program, and he continues to choose it as one of his educational websites he visits when he’s done with schoolwork and still wants computer time.
Language Arts
Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschool Language Arts 2 and Reading 2 (mostly independently)
All About Spelling 1 (with me)
I’m also requiring him to read independently for 20 minutes and then write in a spiral about what he read. He can give a summary, tell me his favorite part, predict what will happen next, or whatever he wants. The only requirements I have for this assignment at this point are that he writes 2-3 sentences, dates it, tells me the title of the book, uses capital letters, and uses proper punctuation at the end of his sentences. I’m not making myself the grammar or spelling police or anything like that.
History & Science
Brainpop Jr. (independently) – I’m asking him to watch a video and take one quiz.
Typing
Typing Pal (independently) – This is 3 times a week, one lesson each time.
Electives
Easy Peasy Art – Modern (with his sister/independently)
Karate – He’ll be doing this once a week for an hour with a homeschool group we are a part of. His instructor is awesome and has recently been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. How cool is that?
How It’s Working So Far
So far, so good – and it’s a LOT less stress on me. I also feel good knowing that he is covering all of the main subjects thoroughly without my constant supervision. I’m obviously around if he needs help with anything.
I’m generally helping him the most with language arts. He’s still learning how to use Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool and needs a bit of help with following the instructions. He also needs me to do the spelling with him. We’re starting off on level 1, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he moved on to level 2 sometime before the school year is over.
As part of the Homeschool Review Crew, we’ll have several review items throughout the year to try out, so we’ll be mixing this up to a certain extent. However, I feel comfortable with it because we have this so organized, and it will be simple to incorporate new things into our work load by simply scheduling it in and doing it! 🙂
I’ll keep you all posted on how this is going throughout the school year.
Homeschoolers, what are your curriculum choices for the year?
Gena says
Sounds like you have a great plan! Best of luck this year!
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Debra @A Frugal Friend says
I’m glad you are taking it a tiny bit easier this year with the new baby on the way. The curriculum sounds fabulous and I know it will be great for the kiddos!
Debra @A Frugal Friend recently posted…Spot It! Disney Frozen Edition – Hottest New Item