My 2011/2012 Favorites!

My favorite curriculum choices I am using for the 2011/2012 school year!

It can definitely be a challenge sorting through ALL the curriculum options out there in cyberspace and at homeschool conventions. But when you find something that you love (or more importantly that your kids love) and is effective....it makes you want to shout it out from the roof tops (I don't recommend actually climbing on your rooftop, however excited you may be). My blog is my rooftop!

Here is the thing though...what works for me may not work for you and your kids. What works for your family may not at all work for mine. So keep that in mind as you read about my highlights for this year!

1. Queen Homeschool Language Lesson Books

The Lesson books range in skill level from preschool thru high school. They incorporate picture study, narration, copywork, dictation, poetry appreciation & instruction, creative writing, grammar instruction, and more, depending upon the level. 180 daily lessons in each volume make these books a simple, delightful way to introduce a variety of aspects with a Charlotte Mason flair!

I personally love the open and go, no prep format. The daily workload is short and sweet. There is beautiful, full color, artwork depicted in each book. You determine the right book for your child based on the scope & sequence skill level not grade level.

To see an example go here.

2. Math Lessons for a Living Education
(once on website click on "Math Lessons" on left side under "categories")

This is a Charlotte Mason style math program and I can't say enough good things about it. It has made a huge difference in our home! Forget the dry math curriculum...this is an exciting living math adventure. This series is a fresh, new and completely unique approach. Each book (there are 2 out currently and 2 more coming soon) centers around twins, Charlie & Charlotte, who are themselves homeschooled. Each lesson starts out with an engaging and exciting story regarding the twins and their life alongside their parents/grandparents. There are 36 weeks of curriculum, with 5 exercises per week, for a total of 180 lessons (look I can do math also!!). There is plenty of review throughout as well! Beyond math, this series incorporates geography, science, nature, farm life, missions, and family relationships. This curriculum is open and go, no prep, just how I like it! I 've posted about this math program on my blog in the past that you can check out here.

I am so thankful to have come across Queen Homeschool curriculum! They are an amazing homeschool family themselves, who provide wonderful customer service & products!

3. Table Talk Devotionals

There are 12 issues in all and each issue takes you through 3 months of devotions. They are perfect for families to spend time learning God's word together around the table. They take 5 minutes to complete. Each book has a different theme/focus, but they all include table talk introduction, scripture passage to read, things to talk about, things to think about or do, and prayer/application. They are phenomenal! If you have a child who is old enough to read & write on their own they can do their own personal devotionals with the corresponding XTB devotional.



4. All About Spelling

We have been using AAS for 3 years now and LOVE it. The lessons are scripted and open & go, no prep layout (Can you tell a theme with the curriculum I choose). It's a complete, comprehensive spelling program.


What attracted me to this curriculum is the hands-on approach using a magnetic board and building words with magnetic phonogram tiles. The rules really do sink in for my daughter and she applies what she has learned when sounding out words and when having to spell words! After Christmas I began using this with our 2nd daughter. She is so excited that she gets to use the magnetic board just like her big sister!



5. Expedition Earth

If you follow this blog, you know I have been posting regular updates as we make our way all across the world, one continent at a time, 31 countries in all. This is a hands-on, world geography curriculum designed primarily for K-3rd graders.

What’s included?

• 7 Wonders of the World
• World Lap Book
• Geographical Locations
• Mapping Skills
• Science: Ecosystems Study
• Geography Vocabulary
• People of the Region
• How to Pray for the Regions
• Christmas around the world
• Children like me
• Science: Animals mini-books for each country
• Science: Animal Classification Study
• Food and recipes
• Craft activities
• Country Songs
• Review Games
• Reports & Quizzes

Everything you need is provided in this curriculum with the exception of the additional reading materials (most of which I purchased used). We have loved everything about this curriculum and my girls are learning so much! My favorite aspect is the exposure to life outside of our little neck of the woods. They are having their eyes and hearts open to the variety of people groups in this world.

So those are my top 5 favorite curriculum products we are using this year! If you enjoy reading this blog consider updates coming right to your email? Subscribe here!