This Year's Curricula

Deciding our curricula for this schoolyear was no walk in the park. Well, for me, that is. Besides, although the 2 middle children have been receiving bits of lessons here and there since the middle of last year, this is the first year that I will be giving FORMAL, structured instruction to TWO students - as my 2nd child, Joseph, OFFICIALLY starts Kindy. Specific subjects and the scope of study had to be carefully considered. (Actually, personally knowing mothers who have schooled up to 11 kids, I really don't know what I am complaining about. Like I always say.. What is wrong with me?)

However, as I was saying to a friend, I am so thankful that my eldest, Christopher is now largely self-directed and only needs minimal assistance, and that Joseph has started reading simple words since the 2nd half of last year. These will be such big help.

Our Grade 4 curriculum will consist of the following core subjects:

1. Mathematics - using Delta Math U See
2. Language Arts:
a. Reading Comprehension - using varied beautiful Catholic reading materials, even great books reprinted from 1920's etc.
b. Spelling - using My Catholic Speller C
c. Grammar & Composition - using Language of God C
3. Science and Health - using Behold and See 4
4. Religion - using mainly Faith and Life 4 and a range of other resources for Liturgical activities
5. Australian History and Geography - using Australian Social Studies from Australian Christian Education
6. Handwriting - using Catholic Heritage Handwriting Level 4

As in the last 2 years, Latin will continue to be our non-core subject, using Latina Christiana I and Little Latin Readers.

Music - Gregorian chant on Thursdays and organ added on Saturdays (under Jack Ho of Musica Sacra); and Graphic Arts (mainly using Art with a Purpose) will be Christopher's other electives.

Although we have used resources obtained from Catholic Heritage Curricula (California, USA) for the last 5-6 years or so from Pre-School years (except for Mathematics where we have used Math U See since Grade 1), this year I have decided to incorporate ACE (Australian Christian Education) resources for our Social Studies 4 which is concentrated on Australian History and Geography. It was necessary to look for local sources because CHC was offering American History and Geography for Grade 4 SS which is quite inappropriate for us, for obvious reasons. Hubby also suggested that I include Philippine History and Geography, given that the Philippines is our native country. Although this suggestion made sense, I would have to see how we go, pace-wise, with our Australian studies, and if time permits (i.e. before schoolyear ends, perhaps I can give Christopher at least an overview of Philippine History and Geography.

Actually, going back to ACE, I was so grateful to have tapped into this resource. The kids and I went to the institution this morning, some 25 minutes away, (ACE moved from an area that would've only taken me 7 minutes to drive.) Although I have known about ACE's existence about 7 years ago (when I was doing my initial research and inquiry about home education in the state), I never actually made time to go over and have a look at what they had to offer. Until today. And as I said to the ACE consultant this morning, compared to the Social Studies books I skimmed though, theirs were more desirable to us, seeing that it is Christian based (pity it could not be more Catholic-specific!).

Using Christopher's past curriculum with only minor adjustments, Joseph's Kindergarten subjects will include:

1. Reading and Phonics - using Little Stories for Little Folks (Catholic Phonics Readers)
2. Handwriting - using my own Handwriting practice notebook
3. Mathematics - using Primer Math U See
4. Religion - using Kinder Who-Am-I and God's Love Story

With only 3 days away from when we officially start schooling, part of me is very much looking forward to this year's learning endeavours with the 2 boys. However, a part of me is also dreading it. But I only have to constantly push these distractions out of the way, because I know everything will work out for the best, with God's grace, given that we are doing this for the kids' sake, not for anything else. When I shared these sentiments with a good friend, who has had such a great influence on me as a Catholic mom and has become my great mentor, Anne, she had these inspiring and challenging words to say in quotation of the late Fr John Hardon (a very holy priest, writer and brilliant theologian) in reference to home education: "Only heroic families will survive."

Well, with lots of prayers and a fervent desire to commit to doing more devotions and works of penance this year, I sure hope our family survives!

Saint John Bosco, please intercede on our behalf!