A lot has happened since I last posted about what we will be using for our curriculum for this school year. The biggest, we moved. So, as I am getting ready to start school again, there have been a few changes in our curriculum. We will be using Illuminations. They give many suggestions on what to use and even offer an awesome scheduling tool to help you prepare your lessons. We will be using a lot of the suggestions that Illuminations gives. One of the main reasons why I am going with Illuminations this year? All three of my children will be using a lot of the same materials. Especially my younger two. I am hoping this will help scheduling and teaching them slightly easier this year.
So what is Illuminations? Bright Ideas Press says it best in their description.
“Illuminations is an all-inclusive *curriculum, covering Bible, Language Arts (grammar, writing, copywork, spelling and vocabulary), Literature, Science, Humanities (poetry, theatre, music, and art), Geography, History, Life Skills, and Projects. Illuminations is built to compliment our Mystery of History or All American History Series.”
So, what will we be using with Illuminations Year 1? We are still using Mystery of History: Volume I. We finished about a 1/4 of the book last year, so I thought I would save some money and just continue to use it this year. All three of my children will be using this as their History.
For Language Arts, we will be using what they recommend. For the younger kids, Natural Speller (Spelling), WriteShop (Writing), English from the Roots Up (Vocabulary) and Winston Grammar Basic Level AND The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation (Grammar). They also give a great list for the Literature section.
I am excited about incorporating the geography that they are recommending; The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide and Hands-On Geography. We will also be using WonderMaps. We have used it in the past and it is one of the best programs that I have seen.
I love Apologia Science curriculum, so we will be continuing on with it this year. The younger two kids have asked to study Astronomy. My oldest daughter, who is now in 9th grade, will be doing Biology from Apologia.
For Math, we are sticking with Bob Jones for Samuel and Claire. Sarah, she will continue with Teaching Textbooks. If it works, I see no need of changing it.
We will also continue to use See The Light for our art curriculum. My younger two have absolutely enjoyed using this and have learned a lot. I love how Pat Knepley teaches the art and then shares a scripture at the end of the lesson. As for Sarah, she will be using Artistic Pursuits. I think she will be challenged by this art curriculum. I am also wanting to add Harmony Fine Arts at Home. We will also be using the Young Guide to Composers curriculum.
The most important book of all we will be using, is the Bible. It is important to me for my children to learn about God and to love Him with all their heart. We will also be using the Who is God? curriculum from Apologia, for a family bible study. I am excited to be able to use this with all three of my children.
While it does seem like a lot, it really does not take long to complete the work that is involved. Illuminations has this amazing scheduling tool that I can use to schedule the curriculum out the way I need to. I am excited about this curriculum and look forward to sharing with you all we learn this year.
I would love for you to share with me some of the curriculum you are using this year. Is it working so far? Have you had to change anything yet? Let me know in the comments!