Moonshadows

Logic Stage: Science

For Camille, we will be repeating biology, while Chloe is also studying biology. So far, I like the curriculum package from Noeo Science best. I’m not sure if the microscope that comes with the package will be adequate, but we can see. I may also want to add additional reference books and coloring books, depending.

Logic Stage: Spelling, Grammar, Reading and Writing

This is the hardest subject for me to come up with a great program. Neither Camille nor I find it to be a thrilling subject.

Spelling:
TWTM suggests using Spelling Workout F and G and from what I see, it should meet our needs for spelling. For Camille, spelling is more about breaking words down then memorizing spelling rules.

Grammar and Writing:
I’m a little frustrated with this one. Rod and Staff is what TWTM highly recommends, and it looks great, but it is absolutely not secular. I think we’ll probably use Voyages in English and then Writing Strands.

Reading:
Camille reads more than enough for history and for fun. Probably TOO much. She has excellent comprehension and retention, and I don’t want to mess with what works! I hope to tie in the writing above with her reading.

Links:

Logic Stage: Math

“During the locig stage, the study of mathematics goes from arithmetic […] to mathematics. For fifth and sixth grade, I think we will stick with the familiar Singapore Math.

Logic Stage: History and Geography

Camille is working on the fourth year od Story of the World this year and will be ready to start the sequence over again next year. While Chloe will be using The Story of the World and its student pages, Camille needs something new. TWTM stresses outlining and timelines for fifth grade history. They suggest a notebook with nine sections and some memorization work. I’ll have to review the resources weekly to see that we catch the important topics.

So far the best thing that I’ve found for her is

Logic Stage: Logic

Now I’m into unchartered territory. Next year, Camille will be starting fifth grade work. In the Well-Trained Mind, fifth grade is the start of “The Logic Stage.” For fifth grade, the recommendation is to start with logic puzzles in order to begin the process of learning logic.

Grammar Stage: Art and Music

we have used very little in the way of a formal program for art and music. We have visited many museums, talked about artists and read books. As for music, we listen to a lot of music, but not much in the way of classical. As we will be doing more with Camille next year, I think it might be nice to do more with Chloe. In addition, I’d like to study drawing, art and music myself.

Grammar Stage: Science

For Camille, we used REAL Science for Grades 1 and 2, and Camille really enjoyed these texts. I think Chloe will probably be more interested in coloring books that Camille was, so I will pay attention to ordering coloring books before each topic (for as long as she remains interested. we’ll also order appropriate library books for the topics. If possible, I’d like to have butterflies and tadpoles, but only if we will have long enough periods at home to care for them.

Grammar Stage: Languages

Camille has been studying Latin for two and a half years now. I suspect Chloe will want to follow in her footsteps and take a Minimus Latin class. depending on the offering, she will start in first or second grade, and after two years of that, take Elementary Latin using So You really Want to Learn Latin.

As for a live foreign language, we are still debating French or Spanish. Chloe liks to play with our library’s online version of Spanish, but I don’t know if it will remain free (I’ve read that many libraries are pulling these editions) or if she is really learning anything. I’ve heard mixed things about Muzzy.

Perhaps I will start working with them on French, since I’m using Rosetta Stone French for myself right now using a personal copy.

Grammar Stage: History

For Camille we have used The Story of the World texts and activity books for all four years. We’ve ordered lots and lots of books from the library to supplement as well as a few Greathall CDs; Camille did not need the additional coloring books. No one can argue that Camille is lacking enthusiasm and understanding of history. So, along with keeping up with those, I think with Chloe we will try to pay a little more attention to the biographies.

For geography, I think we will work on Western Europe next year. We will choose a country every three weeks to study, as well as working on memorizing maps and capitals.

Grammar Stage: Math

Not much to say, except that Camille has enjoyed Singapore Math, and we will stick with it for Chloe. Camille still needs work on memorizing her multiplication tables, so I will work on games for the two of them to play so they can both work on that skill. We’ve got Roll’n'Multiply, and maybe I can get them to play it together.