The Curriculum

I have done a great deal of research into various curriculums and methodologies over the past decade. The major philosophies informing my choices are Charlotte Mason and classical education. There will be a focus on literature over textbooks and on narration over worksheets.

Math:

Kindergarten: MEP Year 1

MEP is a free math curriculum from the UK that focuses on concepts and logical thinking. Year 1 teaches using numbers up to 20 as well number bonds (addition and subtraction) up to 20. It also teaches use of inequality signs, recognition and reflection (as in a mirror) of 2D shapes, measurement and clock times.

1st-7th grade Math Mammoth 1-7

Math Mammoth is a very conceptually based curriculum as well and the 7th grade math is prealgebra and a student is ready for algebra.

8th grade Foerster’s Algebra

Here’s an article from the author of Math Mammoth on Foerster’s Algebra 1. Foerster's algebra goes fairly deep into the usual topics of algebra 1. The book includes both basic and challenging exercises, including lots of word problems. It is an excellent textbook when it comes to explaining mathematics. Foerster's approach is very analytical and logical, relying on mathematical thinking—which can be very good for students who are going into sciences.

Students will work at their own pace on math with my support 

English/Language Arts:

Phonics and Spelling: 

Phonics are a very important part of learning to read and to spell.

Logic of English Foundations A-D

Logic of English has very strong focus on phonics and learning spelling rules.

After completing Foundations or starting in 2nd grade, students will practice writing words from the Writing Road to Reading word lists. They will write the words from hearing them dictated and analyze them using the phonograms and spelling rules from Logic of English.

Grammar will start in 2nd grade using Grammar Alive from Learning at the Primary Pond. Grammar Alive focuses on learning the parts of speech through real life situations and literature. Starting in 3rd to 4th grade, students will use Well Ordered Language 1-4 from Classical Academic Press. Well Ordered Language presents grammatical concepts in logical and orderly way. It teaches grammar through clear explanations of the concepts and concise definitions to memorize through chants as well as etymologies of many of the concepts discussed. Students are taught to analyze sentences, and they also see the concepts illustrated in literature such as fables and poetry.

Handwriting using copy work and teaching cursive in 2nd grade.

Writing starting in 4th grade using Writing and Rhetoric from Classical Academic Press. Here is a description of the series from the publisher:

The Writing & Rhetoric series method employs fluent reading, careful listening, models for imitation, and progressive steps. It assumes that students learn best by reading excellent, whole-story examples of literature and by growing their skills through imitation. Each exercise is intended to impart a skill (or tool) that can be employed in all kinds of writing and speaking. The exercises are arranged from simple to more complex. What’s more, the exercises are cumulative, meaning that later exercises incorporate the skills acquired in preceding exercises. This series is a step-by-step apprenticeship in the art of writing and rhetoric. Fableis the first in a series of 12 books that will train students over 6 years, starting in grades 3 or 4 and up.

Science: 

The students will use the Sassafras Science from Elemental Science. For 2021-2022, the volumes used will be Botany and Earth Science. Additionally, each grade will cover special topics. The Sassafras Science series follows a set of twins who zip around the world learning science from local experts.

History: Whether the history is secular or Christian focused will depend on the families that join. History will use an account that tells history through narratives of events, not just textbook descriptions.

All grades will do both national history and world history.

K-2nd American History and history of the ancient world 

3rd American History and history of the ancient world with focus on Ancient Egypt

4th American History with a focus on Texas history and history of the ancient world with a focus on Ancient Greece

5th British and American History and history of the ancient world focusing on Ancient Rome 

6th Brief overview of American History, fall of Rome to the Renaissance in the West and overview of non-Western history 

7th American History with a focus on Texas history and history of the world from the Age of Exploration to the end of the 19th century 

8th British history and world history in 20th century through the present 

Geography will be included with history and literature at all levels.

Literature: 

The students at all levels will read fairy tales, myths, and legends from around the world as well as Shakespeare. In kindergarten through 5th grade, students will read children’s classics such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Charlotte’s Web, and The Hobbit. In 6th grade through 8th grade, students will read classical literature such as Robinson Crusoe.