2016-2017 Kindergarten Curriculum Overview - Part 1...

August 16, 2016

 (Cute Sam wanted to get in the picture when he saw me lay everything out)

Now that we're officially into the swing of things, I thought I would give a brief overview of what curriculum we're using for Kindergarten. For fellow homeschoolers out there, what are you using for kinder?

Here's our list so far...

(click on the images for more details)















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I realize now that I failed at making that a brief overview -- looks more like a novel! If you're still reading, I'm impressed! 

I think I mentioned a few times about a charter while going through our chosen curriculum. For those familiar with the homeschooling options in CA, we decided to go through a charter school this year. You get the freedom to homeschool how you want with whatever curriculum you choose and get funds to pay for it! (Assuming it's secular -- Christian curriculum can be used, but is out of pocket.) The funds also cover a large variety of enrichment classes/activities as long as you do a couple little things required by the state since it's still considered a public school. We're required to meet with a certified teacher once a month to show Sam's progress, provide samples of his work, show proof of attendance, and take standardized tests once you hit 3rd grade. Aside from the standardized tests, I'm actually totally fine with all of that as it helps keep families accountable. As far as the standardized tests go, we'll cross that bridge when we get there. After all, we don't have to worry about that until 3rd grade. Ultimately, the large allowance of funds completely pulled me in. I mean, really...Who can turn down the amazing funds they offer for curriculum and extra-curricular activities?! Sam will have such amazing opportunities that he wouldn't even get if he went to our local brick and mortar public school! He's especially excited about the upcoming ice skating and rock climbing lessons, ha! So far, we're really happy with our experiences with our chosen charter.

Since we are using the charter option, we have to follow the guidelines given by the state (which are the same as what the local public school follows). The state of California says that in kindergarten, Sam is required to have Math and Language Arts 5 days a week and Science/Social Studies 2-3 days a week. However, because Sam loves science and geography so much, we're doing everything 5 days a week -- just not in an intense fashion. In fact, I was thinking about cutting it down to just a couple days a week like the standard requirements, but when I asked Sam, he disagreed and said he wants to do it everyday. Sure thing, kid. If you're enjoying it, we'll stick to it!

Hopefully I'll get a chance to get back on here more often and post more updates of how things are going. I've been pretty absent over the last year (or two) and will hopefully some day catch up on a few things that never got blogged. In fact, we just honored Jacob's 13th birthday -- perhaps that'll be on the agenda later this week to get on here and talk about it. In the meantime, here's my insanely long take on our homeschooling adventure so far...

I'm really looking forward to the week ahead! It looks like it will be a great one! Two of Sam's classes start, we have a field trip to the LA County Fair with our charter and we'll end the week with Sam's favorite...our homeschool park date -- a time when about 30 kids come together and go crazy at the park for 3+ hours. Fun times ahead!

Before I go, I'll leave you with this. I found it amusing -- perhaps it'll bring back memories of when you were a kid and needed that hard-earned break, ha. Over the weekend, James was driving Sam somewhere and while on the freeway, Sam saw a billboard and asked what it said.  Knowing that Sam's learning CVC words right now, he figured he could probably sound it out. So, he asked Sam if he could do so. Before James could even finish his question, Sam jumped in and said, "Not on my day off! I get Saturday and Sunday off from school -- I'm not doing any school today!!!" Hahahaha. Can't get one past that kid, ha!
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