Homeschool: The Transitional Year

Another homeschooling year has started and already this year is looking different even though we haven’t added in all of our subjects.  After taking off completely for 3 weeks, we began the new year on July 11^th nice and slow.  A couple of subjects to start with {math and Spanish} got us on the right track, and each week we’ve been adding in 1-2 more.  This year will be one of transition as MrC explores 8^th grade, his last year before high school, while his sister, Catz, continues on in 10^th grade with a tougher schedule.  Balancing the two will be a feat.  

8^th Grade

In my book, this is the year of more independence in school for MrC to prepare for the rigors of high school.  It’s not that the upper grades are impossibly difficult; they are just more demanding.

* math ->  Pre-Algebra & Algebra 1  {TeachingTextbooks} He’ll be finishing up pre-algebra and starting algebra 1 partway through the year.
* foreign language  ->  Spanish 2 - Latin America  {RosettaStone} 
* grammar review  ->  Daily Grams 8   {EasyGrammar} 
* vocabulary ->  Wordly Wise 3000 - Book 8 {EPS} 
* science  ->  Exploring Creation with Physical Science   {Apologia}
* geography  ->  Trail Guide to US Geography   {GeographyMatters}
* spelling  -> 500 commonly misspelled wordlist {Sonlight, Core 100}
* writing  ->  Student Writing Intensive B  {IEW}
* history  ->  American History, Core 100  {Sonlight} 
* drawing -> Drawing 1a {DonnaYoung.org} basics in drawing
* computers: graphic design -> Adobe Illustrator CS3 Design Essentials, DVD  {Total Training} 
* music theory -> Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory  {AlfredPublishing Company}
* music appreciation ->  Music & Moments with the Masters {CornerstoneCurriculum}

10^th Grade

Since this is Catz’s second year in high school, I pretty much have a handle on where we should be about now.  The only difference is a heavier load this year than she has had previously.

* math  ->  Geometry  {TeachingTextbooks}
* foreign language  ->  Spanish 2 - Latin America  {RosettaStone}
* science  ->  Exploring Creation with Chemistry   {Apologia}
* geography  ->  Trail Guide to US Geography   {GeographyMatters}
* spelling  ->  500 commonly misspelled wordlist {Sonlight}
* writing  ->  Student Writing Intensive C  {IEW}
* literary analysis  -> TBD 

* history  ->  American History, Core 100  {Sonlight} and 20^th Century History, Core 300 {Sonlight} We’re going to fit both in this year by eliminating some reading selections I find unnecessary.
* drawing  ->  Draw Today  {Art Skills / Foundations in Art}
* computers: creative photography ->  Adobe Photoshop CS3 Design Essentials, DVD {TotalTraining}
* music theory -> Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory  {AlfredPublishing Company}
* music appreciation ->  Music & Moments with the Masters {CornerstoneCurriculum}
*voice -> private lessons

As with all areas of life, some things may be put on hold for a few months and other items may be added, but this is basically our list for the year.  Are you homeschooling this year?  What subjects are you excited about?  Whatever schooling options you choose for your children, I hope your year is blessed!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click those links and make a purchase, I might make a few pennies. If you do, thanks!