Peter turned 5 in December and showed a number of reading readiness signs so we began with All About Reading Level 1 in January. He's been watching his older siblings "do school" for years and is always asking to "do school". That's how it is with homeschool, the kids' natural curiosity leads to learning and then all of a sudden we're "doing school".
Kindergarten is NOT a big deal in our homeschool. There's no hoopla about the first day of school. Buying glue sticks and markers doesn't mark any special day for us.
Although the learning process is natural and Peter's been doing plenty of Kindergarten work already, he will officially be in Kindergarten this year. Over the years I've found that assigning our children to a grade makes it much easier for them when people ask them about school.
I never assigned grades to our oldest three children when they were in elementary school, but that made for many condescending glares by onlookers. I remember one time in particular; we were at a grocery store mid-morning when the cashier asked, "Aren't you kids supposed to be in school?" I quickly remarked, "We homeschool." Looking at Emily, Nick, and Amber she said, "Oh, what grades are you kids in?" They all gave her a blank stare, shifted back and forth and then looked at me. I stuttered and stammered through an attempt to explain in 30 seconds or less why I felt grading was unnecessary and how a child's natural curiosity will always keep them moving forward on the learning curve. Blah, blah, blah!
I still agree with my old self and I'm rarely one to comply with the norm, but for my children's sake, I make a big deal about what grade they are in so we never have to experience that again.
That was a long intro for a simple run down of the plans I have for Peter this year. First off, Joseph, Peter and Maria often do school together. Or at least I attempt to have them all together. Life gets crazy, kids get crazy and sometimes my perfectly scripted plans go awry.
Kindergarten Curriculum Plans {affiliate links included}
All About Reading Level 1 - Peter is currently on lesson 16. The plan is to complete level 1 and continue with level 2. We'll also use the Margaret Hillert sight word books.
Nancy Larson Homeschool Science - Level 1 - We'll keep working through this level, Peter and Joseph together, picking up where we left off last year. I also supplement with the Dr. Seuss Learning Library books and appropriate free printables I find online.
Math IXL - Kindergarten and grade 1 skills
Reading Road Maps - read all Kinder level books and discuss plot and type of conflict.
What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know - read through all chapters with Peter and supplement with suggested books and music CDs.
Historical DVDs and books will be added according to topics in What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know
Tell Me About the Catholic Faith - we used this two years ago, but then didn't touch it at all this last year. I really like the free printables that Lacey from Catholic Icing has available. We'll pick up where we left off with plans to complete the full book this year.
That will make for a full Kindergarten year. Up next, I'll be detailing Joseph's 3rd grade plans.
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