1 + 1 = 2

One of my biggest frustrations with our school last year was their seeming lack of a formal math curriculum. I am sure that there is one, however the implementation in the classrooms my children were in was disappointing at best. One week John would be doing addition, the next week he would be doing the multiplication, then he'd hop on over to fractions, maybe dabble in a little money the next week etc. I never could sense any sort of strong foundation being built. And to be honest, I'm really not all that sure what Madi was doing in kindergarten with her math. John, especially, became very frustrated and determined that he hated math. Although he was doing fine with the classwork, he couldn't see how all the pieces worked together. The other glaring issue I had with the math was that memorized math facts were nonexistent. I am a firm believer that you must give the child the tools in order for them to successfully build the structure. Enough ranting about this issue.

We will be using the Saxon math curriculum this year. I LOVE this math program. Having actually taught this curriculum in a formal classroom setting, I know that it works. I love that each lesson builds upon the lesson before - hopping around is eliminated. I also love that there is an emphasis on math facts. I'm sorry, you just can't do math if you have to stop and work out what 5x2 is every time you come across it. John hates math so I have my work cut out for me. However, I am confident that with this program his hatred will be eliminated.

World History

Our room is ready, my files are filled, our schedule is planned through Thanksgiving - we are ready to go! However, with John getting baptized and family in town we will not be starting until September 1st. Over the next few days, while we're waiting for our adventure to start, I'm going to highlight some of the books/resources we will be using this year. I honestly had no idea there were so many fantastic things available.

We'll start with World History. The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer is amazing! Whether you homeschool or not, I would highly recommend it. Written by a professor of literature and writing at The College of William and Mary in Virginia, Ms. Bauer has created a wonderful world history read-aloud. We will be reading Volume One: Anciet Times which covers earliest written history to the last Roman Emperor. We will also be using the accompanying Activity Book, which provides various projects that correspond with the read-aloud in order to help history come alive (which is exceptionally important to me). We will be making a model of the Nile, creating cuneiform tablets, designing our own version of Hammurabi's Law Code Stele etc. The Activity Book also includes a variety of maps, encyclopedia cross references, suggestions for additional reading, review cards, comprehension question and answers etc.

We're excited!

Key #7 You, Not Them

“Set the example. The best mentors are continually learning and pushing themselves. Read the classics. Study hard... George Wythe studied as hard as Jefferson, and Jefferson contacted home with questions and for help through his life until he passed away. The mentor must lead the way, by reading what the student reads, discussing it with him and requiring quality work. …Children tend to rise to the educational level of their parents, and maybe a little above if their parents have shown them that this is important. The most effective way to ensure the quality of their education is to consistently improve your own.”

Oliver Van DeMille, A Thomas Jefferson Education, 2nd Edition, pages 52-53

We have fully embraced this in our home. Corey, through his pursuit of his degrees has done this quite naturally. While daily scripture study has been a constant in our home, I have loved transitioning to serious studying of other areas again. At the moment I am studying The American Founding, The History of the World - From Earliest Records to the Fall of Rome, The Abolition of Man, Algebra One (yes, my math is extremely rusty), and Jesus the Christ. It has been delightful to share what I have learned with my family at various times during the day. When do I have time to do this? It's a combination of getting up earlier to study and having a short study time with the kids during the day. The kids love to help me correct my math problems - always ready with a sticker if I get them all right. I cannot emphasize enough how much I have enjoyed implementing this key in our home.

Key #6 Simplicity, Not Complexity

“To achieve truly excellent education, keep it simple: Read, Write, do Projects and Discuss. The more complex our national curriculum has become, the less educated our society. …George Wythe structured Jefferson’s curriculum around these simple items: classics, discussion, projects, writing. Nearly the whole Founding generation did the same, and the further we have moved from this simple formula, the worse our education has become. What we need to improve education is not more curriculum, but better education, and that comes from classics and mentors.”

Oliver Van DeMille, A Thomas Jefferson Education, 2nd Edition, pages 48-49

Who am I to argue with keeping things simple? That's our plan.