2016-2017 Curriculum

I've been researching curriculum for the past few months and think I have finally narrowed things down.   The kids have been using a lot of basic, workbook, fill-in-the-blanks materials for the past couple of years.  Now that Squidy is going into junior high and Vicki into upper elementary, I want materials that will require more thought, more interaction and more challenge.  Many of the things we are doing are completely new to us, so once we're a few months in, I'll have to post some reviews about how it's going. :-)

I realize that this seems like a lot of duplication and just a lot of stuff.   I'm considering a loop schedule for some of the supplemental materials but whether we go with that or not, we definitely won't be doing all of this every day.  I'm hoping to add in more games, more hands-on manipulatives, more real world, and more fun as well.

For Squidy:
The main  goals for Squidy next year will be making sure he has a full understanding of math so that he is ready for Algebra and what comes beyond.   We're hoping to use AoPS for high school math and that will require proficiency in all the pre-algebra topics.   I didn't come up with this combination completely on my own, I've seen others use and recommend it on TWTM forums.

Math Mammoth 6A/6B - this is the "old" MM that finishes after 6B.  This will remain our core curriculum for introducing and teaching new topics.
Beast Academy 4C/4D/5A/5B - for an in-depth, conceptual understanding and because we like their geometry presentation better than MM (will probably skip the geometry in MM).
Jousting Armadillos (and possibly Counting Coconuts) - a fun, quirky introduction to pre-algebra
Zaccaro Challenge (and possibly Real World Algebra) - problem solving practice & challenges w/humor

Logic Puzzzles - just for fun

Spectrum Writing Grade 6 - because we haven't done enough explicit writing instruction, includes some grammar but we will mostly do grammar through correction in writing

Vocab from Classical Roots 6 - because I want them to learn about Greek and Latin roots

Mosdos Pearl Literature -  I want to get past the read a passage/answer a question format they've been doing until now.  

For Vicki:
The goals for Vicki next year are finding ways to challenge her while working around her anxiety.  She often gets upset and gives up when things are hard.  I will be working closely with her to gently encourage her to keep trying.

Math Mammoth 4A/4B - core math except for geometry

Beast Academy 3A/3B/3C/3D - for more in-depth understanding, a bit of challenge, and because we prefer the geometry presentation
Skill Sharpeners Math Grade 4 - nice, spiral review that's been working well until now so we're going to keep going

Logic Puzzles - for fun and a bit of challenge

Spectrum Writing Grade 4 - because we haven't done enough explicit writing instruction, includes some grammar

Skill Sharpeners Spell & Write Grade 6 - last year of spelling for her.  I like the mix of grammar, writing and spelling these provide.  Once she finishes, grammar will be done through writing.

Vocab from Classical Roots 4 - to learn about Greek and Latin roots

Mosdos Ruby  - I want to get past the read a passage/answer a question format they've been doing until now.  

Together: 

Brave Writer – projects from Jot It Down and Faltering Ownership

Duolingo Spanish

Harcourt Health & Fitness

History Odyssey Level 2, Ancients

Learn to read music, keyboard, possible guitar for Vicki, Choir
Science – microscope, habitats, zoology, botany
Tai Kwan Do, swimming, yoga, hiking
Geocaching/Nature Study group
4-H STEM group