Homeschool...What?

Curriculum Choices

I know it is probably early to discuss curriculum, but at least if I am headed in the wrong direction maybe some of the oh-so-wise & experienced homeschooling momma's will lend their advice. Certainly there will be varying degrees of change throughout this process but as of today....here's what we've got (and just let me say, these decisions have not come without countless hours of research.....the Internet is both a blessing and a curse in that way) Hannah will be starting 7th grade & Emma will be starting 5th. Samuel is still Pre-K.

Math
Emma - Saxon Math 7/6
Hannah - Saxon Math Algebra 1/2
I will use some of the lessons from Emma's book to review for Hannah if necessary. I figure if Algebra 1/2 proves to be cumbersome for her we can ease up and add in things from the 7/6 book.

Grammar
Shurley English Level 5
I am teaching both girls at the same level. Hannah's grammar is quite good and so if I see that she is not benefiting from this level I may reconsider.

We will be reading Pathway Readers and working through their workbooks as well. These books are just about the most precious, blessed, wonderful things I have laid my eyes on. They were written by an Amish community and the simplicity is very refreshing. The stories are geared at provoking a child's heart in a biblical way.

They will also be reading some Lamplighter Books which are a literary *must* for our family. I am thrilled and blessed to have been introduced to them and can't wait to start a collection.

History
Veritas - Ancient Egypt & Old Testament
Again, I will be teaching both girls this curriculum at the same time. I am still very intrigued with The Story of the World books and would love a review of how these two differ.

Science
Apologia - Exploring Creation with General Science
It may appear that we are starting with the younger graded curriculum on History & Science, but we don't want to miss any of the biblical lessons through these grades.

Spelling
Really, I am up in the air about this. I have some ideas for how to work spelling into our day without an actual "structured" curriculum. The girls are proficient spellers and I want to be sure and foster that. I am pretty sure I will go with Spelling Power once I make that leap.

I am looking at a Spanish program that the girls can do on the computer. I am very interested in Unforgettable Languages as a primer to just learning vocabulary and then adding something more intense next year, like Rosetta Stone.

The girls will also be taking piano lessons. Hannah will continue with violin & field hockey and Emma with guitar & gymnastics. Surely we will have time for pottery, basket weaving, cooking classes, oil pastels, yoga, french lessons, serving the community, and stopping world hunger.....right?

Oh yeah! You might be wondering about Sammer. Never fear. I just plan on putting him in front of the old tube and letting him watch America's Funniest Videos until his heart's content or it inspires him to jump off the roof. Either that or Little People Big World (People Bid Word- according to Sam).

No, seriously. He is only preschool age through the next school year so thankfully I have a little experience in that area. I plan on beating his sisters off with a stick because they are already dead-set on "teaching school" to their little brother and he is dead-set defeating Vader, all da bad guys, and da berry scary pirates.

Two differing agenda's here, you see?

We will start with the Play'n Talk Phonics curriculum but most likely not until his kindergarten year. He will sit in on Science and History and I have plenty of other preschool diddy-bops to keep him busy :) I know it sounds like craaaaazy talk to not go ahead and push forward when he is four, but isn't that the prerequisite for homeschooling? You gotta talk a little crazy talk, right?

Just kidding.

So. What do you think? Give me feedback on this one guys, especially you all "in the know". I cannot tell you how I value your opinions :)

Blessings!