Observing ladybugs


Ladybugs feeding on a raisin that was soaked in water.



I keep wanting to call them ladybirds, since that's what we call them in South Africa.

Foreign Language

The earlier you start with a foreign language, the easier it will be for your child to learn it. Up to the age of 1 year old, a child's brain is wired to assimilate all the sounds of language. After that point, the child begins to use those sounds to communicate the language.

Many with a classical education approach are choosing to teach their kids latin and greek. We are going to major on living languages, and supplement with latin and/or greek.

Our first choice is French. Next, Spanish. Once our children get to an age where they begin to develop their own preferences and can make the choice themselves, they will be allowed to choose any foreign lanuage.

We began with La Francais Facile but it didn't work for me. I started learning French in 8th grade, and followed through to 12th grade. For the first two years we couldn't figure out whether our teacher could speak English or not! That complete immersion was valuable to how easily we picked up the language. La Francias Facile claims to use a Parisienne accent, but as someone who spent 5 years listening to and being taught by a Parisienne local, I am can very clearly hear the French Canadian influence and accent in the program. I also could not get used to English and French being mixed into the same conversation. While I love the philosphy and ministry desires of the author of this program, I don't believe it is a good foundational beginning for someone who wants to be as fluent in French as possible.

We may use the program at a later stage to assimilate the vocabulary needed to share the gospel. For now, we are starting with Ecoutez! Parlez! and French songs and rhymes.

Daily Bible

Operation World now has the daily country to be prayed for online!

Most of our curricula integrate the Bible in some way. However, I want to make sure that we do daily devotions that address relationship with God, attitude, becoming more like Christ. I would like our daily devotions to flow out of Matthew 22:37-40:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, "Love others as much as you love yourself." All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments."

My husband does not want us to use the NIV. There are too many incorrect translations that seriously impact foundational theology. The alternative would be the Contemporary English Version. I plan on allowing the children to learn their verses from this translation.

K LA, Writing, Science

For Kindergarten, I would like studies to be biblically based unit studies, with most subjects integrated into one theme. It would make things more cohesive and make sense to a little one. My Father's World Kindergarten curriculum has some fun themes, and a LA program that makes complete sense. The year starts with learning the letters of the alphabet, and ends with teaching CVC words. Handwriting begins with the letter 'S' since this is the most difficult to write from a fine motor skill perspective, giving the student the longest time to practice it through the year.

I do, however, want to begin cursive early on because research I have read has convinced me that this is the right approach and results in less confusion between the letters (e.g. 'b' is not confused with 'd') and neater handwriting. This is the approach that has successfully been adopted across Europe. We will be using A Beka's Cursive.

I don't believe the Math in MFW K is suitable for us. In fact, I believe that it would be sufficient for only a few families. We've started on Singapore Earlybird, but will use RightStart Math. I'm not sure if we will use them together, or choose one over the other.

Fine Motor Skills & Logic Building/Problem Solving


During the I-i-Insect unit we will look at Ants and Ladybugs


During the B-b-Butterfly unit we will look at... you guessed it .... butterflies!

We will also look at some classical music and the composers, and while listening to the pieces will complete different tasks.

I want this to be a year of fun and exploring. I want to be flexible and spontaneous. After all, you're only 6 years old once...

Some things that have caught my eye along the way

Bible
Explorer’s Bible Study

Beginnings 1: Precious in His Sight (New Testament Lessons for Little Listeners) Beginnings 1: And It Was Good (Old Testament Lessons for Little Listeners)

LA
Sing, Spell, Read, Write
Hooked on Phonics
Explode the Code

Handwriting
Handwriting Without Tears

Math
RightStart Math

Science
Apologia Elementary

History
Story of the World
The Mystery of History
Tapestry Of Grace

Geography
Cantering the Country
Galloping the Globe

Foreign Language
Baby’s First Steps in French by Erika Levy (CD)
Bilingual Baby (French)
“Teach Me Tapes” – Teach Me French (www.teachmetapes.com)
Ecoutez! Parlez! By Katleen Newton

Our Goals and Philosophies

• To be exposed to the glory of God and know that He loves us unconditionally the way no one else can and that He wants an ongoing relationship with us no matter where we are.
  


• To be exposed to a variety of cultures, peoples and religions to form a healthy view of the world that allows them to do as Christ commanded in John 13:34 ""A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
  


• To learn in a fun and engaging way that will open their hearts, minds, and imaginations to all the possibilities the world and God offers.
  


• To develop good habits early so that they may be good stewards of the Lord's word and have the tools to follow their dreams and God's will for them wherever it may lead.

We want our core curriculum to be bible based to teach our children the foundation of our faith, along with integrating those truths into their everyday living. I was looking for something that would allow them to be children, and yet take advantage of those amazing stages they go through and the curiosity and natural desire to learn that starts from birth. I like the idea of a classical, Charlotte Mason approach.