We are a homeschooling family, and I normally like to share our curricula with you guys. I was taking a blogging break when our school year began though, and then totally forgot about it.

I’ve been homeschooling my children for over two decades now. I love it. I even wrote a book about it. I think children learn really well in the nurturing environment of home, and I love all of the memories we’ve created through the years.

In general, I’d call myself a relaxed homeschooler. After graduating four children, I’ve realized that everything will work out in the end. I try not to get worried when something doesn’t “click,” because I know it will eventually.

Some of the curriculum I chose this year is from The Good and the Beautiful. Overall, I like the company. But while I’m spiritual, I’m not religious, so I edit out some things here and there.

So, without further ado, this is what we are using this year!

Pre-K

My son is working through The Good and the Beautiful Pre-K program, as well as TGATB’s Science for Little Hearts, Sparks and Stars. After using TGATB’s Preschool program, I’m a little disappointed in the Pre-K one. It only includes thirty lessons, and doesn’t explain some things well. A few of the lessons seem random to me, and it is severely lacking in math instruction. We should finish it up by November, and then I plan to jump into TGATB’s Kindergarten program. I’m going to go very slowly however, since he will be turning five next month. If the Pre-K program was longer, I definitely would just stick with that for the remainder of the year.

Plus, I love to read aloud to my little ones. We can’t forget that!

Second Grade

My daughter is using TGATB’s Language Arts Level 1 and Math Level 2 curricula. She is working through Science for Little Hearts with her brother, and we are using a public school Social Studies textbook that I purchased on Amazon. At this age, I love to encourage reading and writing. My daughter has been a reluctant reader, but it is starting to click, which is very encouraging. She is also taking violin lessons.

Fourth Grade

For fourth grade, we are using TGATB’s Level 4 LA and Teaching Textbooks Math 5. For science instruction, we are using TGATB’s Geology and Marine Biology studies, along with a public school textbook. For social studies, we are using a public school textbook that concentrates on the geography and history of the United States. My daughter is also in a homeschool orchestra.

Sixth Grade

For sixth grade, we are using TGATB’s Level 6 LA and TT Math 6. I teach my sixth and fourth graders together when it comes to science and social studies, so this is the same as above. My sixth grader is also in the homeschool orchestra.

Ninth Grade

My ninth grader is completely independent this year with Acellus Academy, which is an online program. So far, he loves it. This is my child who normally doesn’t care for school work, so it has been wonderful for us.

I like to encourage all of my children to read and spend time in nature as much as they can. I read philosophy books to them from time to time, and I go through fun meditation cards that my eight-year-old loves every once and awhile.

This year has felt much more manageable than other years to me. I streamlined some of our curriculum, and high school is completely off of my plate this year. Overall, it’s been going really well.

If you are a homeschool family, I hope your year is going great, too!