Monday, January 31, 2011

Schooling 2011




I have found my patron saint for this year's schooling: St Elizabeth Ann Seton, patron saint for Catholic schools. She was a teacher who was a Protestant before converting to Catholicism. She is such a great inspiration and example for homeschoolers because she herself homeschooled her 5 children. Even before she became Catholic she had a great love for the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady, and had a great reverence for the priesthood.


This year we officially have: a 5th grader, a 1st grader, and a kindergartner. Today, feastday of St John Bosco, marks our first day of school. And although we started later than the regular schools did, I'm glad I have had some time to prepare and plan for the kids' curricula for the year.

GRADE 5

Cores:
1. English (Language of God, Catholic Speller, Reading Comprehension - Stories of the Saints, Creative Writing)
2. Math - Epsilon Math U See
3. Social Studies (Australian History and Geography, Map Skills E)
4. Science (Universe in My Hands)
Non-cores:
5. Religion (Faith and Life 5, Exploring the Mass)
6. Latin (Latina Christiana II)

GRADE 1

Cores:
1. English (My First Catholic Speller)
- Reading Comprehension (Little Stories for Little Folks - Level 2)
2. Math (Alpha Math U See)
3. Social Studies (Character Building)
4. Science (Exploring Science I)
Non-cores:
5. Religion (Faith and Life 1, Image of God, Stories to Learn By, Treasure Box)
6. Handwriting Practice

KINDER

Cores:
1. Reading and Phonics (Little Stories for Little Folks - Level 1)
2. Alphabet Handwriting Practice
3. Math - Primer Math U See
Non-core:
4. Religion (God's Love Story, Who Am I?)

When you begin to study, look up to Him and think: "O Lord, how worthless this knowledge would be, if it were not for the enlightening of my mind, for Your service, or for making me more useful to my fellow men." - St Elizabeth Ann Seton