It’s time for the Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers’ Top Picks for Third and Fourth Grade.  If you missed them, you can check out my picks for Kindergarten and First and Second Grade.

Bible Study.  I failed to mention my picks for Bible study last week, but they’re actually the same all the way through high school, with a couple of additions for older kids — Bible Study Guide for All Ages, a scripture memory box and Keys for Kids.

Bible Study Guide is one of the easiest, most comprehensive, versatile Bible programs I’ve ever used.  I love that it has activity sheets for beginner, intermediate and advanced, so everyone can study the same lesson, but do activities on their own levels.  The hardest part for me has been convincing my younger kids that they’re ready to switch to the intermediate pages…which don’t have fun coloring pages.  Josh could care less about coloring, but Megan loves the page.

Math.   Again, I’ve always been a huge fan of Horizons.  This year, I’m planning on switching Josh and Megan to Teaching Textbooks.  I’m a little nervous about it, though, because Horizons is so thorough.  I’m really going to be keeping a close eye on how the switch goes.  It may not last long.

Now, just because I know you’re wondering, I’m considering the switch for a few reasons.  One, I feel like the kids are getting to the point where they need some teaching and explanation.  Not that I don’t teach them math, but they’ve become so familiar with Horizons that they can pretty much do it independently, coming to me only when they encounter something new.  I feel like the video teaching portion of TT would be good for them — especially since I don’t want to be teaching two different grade levels of math.  And, I think the fact that TT does the checking of schoolwork would be good for me.  We’ll see how long the change lasts…or if I talk myself out of it before it happens.

Grammar.  Hands-down, for me, from 2nd/3rd grade through high school, my choice is Easy Grammar with Daily Grams for review.  The explanations are thorough and easy-to-understand.  The cyclical review and constant building upon previously-learned concepts is great for my kids.  Eventually, it sinks in.

Writing.  Years ago, I discovered the idea of a writer’s workshop online.  I really liked this for Brianna, even though she was older than the intended audience at the time.  To me, writing basics are writing basics, no matter how old you are.  I haven’t implemented the writer’s workshop with Josh and Megan yet, since Josh still struggles in the language arts area and Megan was, technically, just a second grader this year, but I plan to implement it with them next year.

I also plan to utilize WordSmith Apprentice.  I used WordSmith with Brianna this year and we’ve really enjoyed it – well, as much as Brianna can enjoy writing.  It was definitely less offensive to her than things we’ve used in the past.

Spelling.  Again, hands-down it’s All About Spelling. I only wish I’d discovered it sooner.

Reading.  If you still have a non-independent, non-fluent reader at this age (I do, so there’s no condemnation from me), my pick is still Rocket Phonics.  And, I’m totally loving the readers from All About Spelling, couple with reinforcement from the Explode the Code series.  That’s our one-two-three punch for reading around here.

History.  I’m starting to get repetitious here.  My pick for third and fourth grade is the same as second and third – Story of the World.  Although, I am going to take a close look at Pandia Press’ History Odyssey this year.  We got Level 2 to review for Brianna and I really, really like how it’s laid out.  My only gripe so far is that the book selections have been really challenging for her.  I wish there was a way to have the option of some easier reads.  That wouldn’t be the case for the Level 1 books, though, so look for an update on them after I’ve had a chance to look them over.

Science.  We’ve been pretty big fans of the Christian Kids Explore science series for several years, the only caveat being that they have to be supplemented in order to have a complete science curriculum, in my opinion.  We’re still fans, but I’ve been intrigued by two other choices I’ll be looking at closely in the upcoming school year:  R.E.A.L. Science, from Pandia Press (note:  it is a secular science series) and A Reason for Science.  I’m really liking the looks of each of these.  Again, be looking for updates as I get a chance to really explore these two.

Handwriting. We like A Reason for Handwriting.  I’ve used it all the way from beginning print for Josh and Megan to cursive writing practice for Brianna.

Fine Arts.  We were blessed to receive Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers to review this past year.  We didn’t use it as much as I would have liked because our schedule was so crazy, but I love the way it’s laid out.  Simple biographies of the composers, along with comprehension questions, coloring pages, timeline printables, study ideas and links to listen to the composers’ music make this an extremely easy-to-use composer study guide.

For art, I’m really liking a couple of things:  The Elements of Art, which can be easily adapted for this age group, and Artistic Pursuits.

Nature Study.  As always, for any age group, I’m a fan of The Handbook of Nature Study blog, coupled with The Handbook of Nature Study.  Great inspiration and, if our crew can fall in love with nature study, anybody can!

What are your picks for third and fourth grade?

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This week I offer you the Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers’ Top Picks for 1st and 2nd grade.  In case you missed it, last week I offered my top picks for Kindergarten.  You may notice a few favorites popping up again, but I’ve added several that weren’t on my Kindergarten list.

Math.  Maybe I should stop right here and just say that Horizons is my top pick for math for K-6.  You’ll see me making an additional side note beginning in 3rd and 4th, but we’ve used all K-6 levels of Horizons math.  It’s a solid, slightly advanced program.  My only gripe with Horizons is that my kids are constantly “behind” because each book has 160 lessons, plus tests every 10 lessons.  So, if you’re not doing math every single day, you’re going to be behind.

However, as I mentioned last week, Horizons is advanced, so even if your child is finishing the 6th grade book in 7th or 8th grade, he’s still going to be in good shape for going into Pre-Algebra or Algebra.

Grammar.  I love, love, love First Language Lessons for 1st/2nd grade grammar!  The gentle approach, the memorization, and the short, mom-guided lessons make it a perfect introduction to grammar at this age.  To make it even better, Jolanthe, at Homeschool Creations, has created free, beautifully illustrated printables of the poems your kids will memorize in First Language Lessons, Volume 1.  I wish I’d had these when we went through FLL.

I am also a huge fan of all the Easy Grammar and Daily Grams products.  It didn’t take us the full two years to complete First Language Lessons, Volume 1 and I found Easy Grammar 2 to be the perfect follow-up to First Language Lessons.  It’s a daily guided review, so it’s intended for the parent to do with the child.  We did our Easy Grammar lessons on the dry erase board each day.  I feel that Easy Grammar 2 did a great job of reinforcing what the kids had learned in FLL and in introducing new topics in an easy-to-understand way.

Reading.  My picks for reading for 1st and 2nd grade are the same as K — Scaredy Cat Reading System (Level 2) and Rocket Phonics.  I am also a fan of the Explode the Code books.  I love these books because, for the most part, my kids can do them independently.  Explode the Code is great for reinforcing phonics-based reading instruction and I have often been amazed at how well the books mesh with — and reinforce — my pick for spelling.

Spelling.  Hands-down, All About Spelling is my pick for 1st/2nd grade and up!  We received it to review this year and I can’t tell you how much I wish I’d had this program years ago.  They have just released Level 6.  Additionally, they’ve just released two new books in their line of readers that correlate with the spelling program:  What Am I? and Queen Bee.

All About Spelling is a multi-sensory, mastery-based program based on the Orton-Gillingham principals.  For those who may not know, the Orton-Gillingham principals are highly regarded for helping dyslexic kids learn to read and spell.  Having one dyslexic child and another one who probably is, I was ecstatic to find All About Spelling and I’ve been impressed with how well it works.

History.  We love Story of the World.  I love that it reads like a story book and makes history interesting and easy for kids to understand.  I’ve often had people ask me if the Activity Guide is necessary.  In my opinion, yes.  The activity guide offers hands-on activities, comprehension and narration question, supplemental reading suggestions (both fiction and non-fiction), maps, and more.  It takes the planning out of teaching history.

Science.  For first and second grade, I’m still a big fan of fun, interest-led science.  We love using The Magic School Bus books as a jumping off point.  Some of The Magic Tree House books are suitable for science too (or make a fun supplement to history) and I love their non-fiction research guides.

Handwriting.  Even my kids will admit they enjoyed the A Reason for Handwriting series.  In this series, kids practice a Bible verse all week.  For the first three days, they’re practicing key words from the verse.  On Day 4, they practice the verse in its entirety.  Finally, they write the verse in their best handwriting on lined paper that has a picture to color.  They can then give the completed verse and picture to a friend or relative.  Grandparents love getting these, but it also makes a great way to share Jesus with those in our circle of influence.

What are some of your favorite choices for first and second grade?

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I’d like to introduce a new series, Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers’ Top Picks, that I hope will really come in handy during this time of year — you know, curriculum-buying season.  No, I’m no Cathy Duffy, but, hey, I have an opinion. 

I’ll be sharing things that either A) we used and loved or B) we would have used if I could go back and do it again.  I’ll be breaking the suggestions down by grade level because that seemed the simplest way to do it, but we all know that grade levels are arbitrary and you should go with your child’s skill level.

First up, the WUHS Top Picks for Kindergarten.  First of all, if I had it to do over again, this homeschool curriculum for Pre-K and Kindergarten would be my main approach to this grade level.  The laid-back, learning-through-play-and-exploration suggestions in the linked article are ideal for instilling a love of learning in young children.  However, I know it can be hard to ignore that homeschool mom desire for introducing structured learning, especially if you have older children already schooling and the younger ones are either begging to do school or need some structure so that you can work with an older child.

If you desire to introduce more structured learning for your preschoolers or Kindergarten-age child, here are some of my favorites:

Letter of the Week.  I loved this free curriculum when Josh and Megan were younger.  I adapted the ideas from the LOTW curriculum to create the learning center I used with my niece when she schooled with us last year.  I didn’t always use it exactly as it’s laid out (which is no surprise to those who know me), but the ideas and resources definitely made a great jumping off point.

Horizons Math K.  If you’ve read my blog for awhile, you probably already know that we’re huge fans of Horizons Math.  It is one of the most thorough math programs out there and it’s very reasonably priced.  It also leans toward the advanced side — as in, my kids are always a grade level lower on the books than their actual “grade level,” but have always tested at or above actual grade level in math.  Keeping that in mind, I suggest going through Horizons K slowly and adding lots of hands-on practice and fun math games to cement what your child is learning.

Reading.  I wish I’d known about Scaredy Cat Reading Systems when my kids were younger.  I love the gentle, but thorough way that Level 1 introduces letters and their names and sounds.  Some Kindergartners may even be ready for Level 2, which introduces CVC words, during their Kindergarten year.

I would also recommend looking at Rocket Phonics.  We were past the letter/letter sound teaching portion when I discovered it, but I liked what I saw.  With Rocket Phonics, you’re set for awhile since your child should be at about a 5th grade reading level when you finish the entire program.  (Read my review.)

I’m also very fond of the ideas shared at Penny Gardner’s ABC’s of Reading site.  We’ve used these ideas throughout our years of reading instruction.  Finally, I offer a few more suggestions in my post, Great Tools for Teaching Reading.

Science.  As far as I’m concerned, nature study is the best way to study science at this age.  One of my favorite books is Nature in a Nutshell for Kids, by Jean Potter.  I would also strongly suggest visiting the Handbook of Nature Study blog for great suggestions on how to incorporate nature study in your homeschool.

Bible.  I think the Scripture Memory Box is suitable for any age.  We’ve used this system for years and loved it.  As far as Bible lessons, I think sharing the timeless favorite stories with any good children’s Bible is plenty at this age.  If you’ve got multiple ages, we love Bible Study Guide for All Ages.  Bible Study Guide’s beginner student pages are suitable for Kindergarten…I just wish you luck trying to convince your kids it’s time to switch to the intermediate pages when they’re older.  The beginner pages are apparently way too much fun.

What would you consider to be your top picks for Kindergarten?

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