And then there was one. This is the first year in a very long time, that I will be homeschooling only one child. It’s kind of odd, really. What’s even more odd is that I’m using nothing that I used for my daughter when she was in eleventh grade, just two short years ago. How we homeschool this year will be different, but I think the timing is perfect for something new!
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Making Choices
Each year, I give much thought and consideration before I make our curriculum choices. This year, however, I made thoughtful, but quick decisions. Here’s my typical timeline: Our school year finishes with testing the week before Memorial Day. In June, I do not think of anything related to homeschooling (except for my blog, of course), because mama needs a break! In July, I usually start researching and reading reviews, then I make our final choices and purchases early in August. I don’t know what happened this year, but all my research, decision making, and purchases were just a couple of weeks ago! Maybe it’s because I just have one to homeschool now, or perhaps I gain more confidence with each year. It only took about 11 years to achieve this, [giggle]. Here are the choices!
Eleventh Grade Choices
I’m really excited about the upcoming year! All of these (except for Bible) are brand new to us. Another thing that is very new is sharing my son with the community college! It’s just two courses, but will keep him there all day two days a week. So, I’m going to have to make the most of his three days with me – (and my two days with me)!
He will be taking two welding classes at our community college – for free! This is our first experience with the Career and College Promise program, as well as his first experience going to school anywhere besides home! It was surprisingly easy to get registered, and he has already completed the first two days of class. I think he’s going to really like doing his own thing with this!
The other elective is a three year course he began last year. GSB (Grace School of the Bible) It is an intensive study of the Bible according to the method set forth in II Timothy 2:15. For now, it will be an audited course.
I’ve heard great things about Mr. D Math for the past couple of years. I was thrilled to find a self-paced Consumer Math course! It is a project-based course designed to have students apply math skills to real world situation. I love the concept and I’ll be writing a full review after we have had some time to use it.
My son’s interest in ancient history led me to The Archaeology Book, from The Wonders of Creation Series for our first semester of science. We have used this series before, and it has become a “Fanatic Favorite”. The second semester will be an intro to engineering course, also from Masterbooks.
I shamefully admit that writing is something that has been inconsistent in our homeschool. This year, I’ve hired Daniel Schwabauer, to help us out! Byline is a journalism and essay writing program, where students step into the role of a 1930s-era newspaper reporter. I think this will be a good fit, as he will be able to incorporate a subject he likes (history) to one he doesn’t like so much. This course also counts towards a half credit of history.
For grammar, I shopped Amazon for something clear and concise for a student that could use a refresher. I know nothing about it, but the preview pages looked just like what I was looking for. We’ll see if it lives up to it’s name, The Best Grammar Workbook Ever! I’ll let you know.
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook is another one I saw on Amazon, and know nothing about it. For the past few years, I’ve become more and more interested in words. Learning vocabulary has benefits that will last a lifetime and spans all subjects. There’s a lot of freedom in how to teach this subject, and I’ve got several ideas to learn new words right along with him. Who knows, maybe we’ll both become a couple of logophiles!
The final thing was a little something I picked up on my annual pilgrimage to the homeschool store. I really hated to hand this to him on our first day of school, but somewhere we got off course. His handwriting is not horrible, but I think it can be improved with some consistent practice. I’m hoping this will help break some bad habits that were not corrected early on in regard to penmanship skills.
One more thing we’ll be using is our SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership, popping some popcorn and watching Drive Thru Ancient History. There are even PDF’s of lesson plans available through SchoolhouseTeachers.com that we may include. These videos will pair nicely with the chosen archaeology course, and it will fulfill that other half credit for history! I just realized an accidental ancient theme going on this semester, hahaha!
I’m really looking forward to this new chapter of homeschooling with just one. Our time together, as well as our time apart will be a good balance for the both of us. As usual, Check back with me in late January when I post our mid-year check in!
Looks like a fun year!
Thanks! I hope so!