2015-2016 Curriculum Picks 5th & 7th Grades

It’s that time of year again.  You know the one, when all the homeschool moms starting researching, planning and purchasing new curriculum.     This year, I’ll be planning 5th and 7th grades, so let’s see what it looks like so far.

7th Grade Picks:

Pre-Algebra:  Horizons Pre-Algebra is our pick for 7th grade math.  Olivia has really enjoyed using this packaged curriculum this year and I’m not about to mess with a good thing!

Science:  Olivia has decided to go with Alpha Omega General Science this year.  We’ll be adding a lab kit to save me the effort of having to come up with all of her lab items on time, ahem.

Language Arts:  Again, we’ve enjoyed this year’s program a great deal, so we’ll be continuing on with Learning Language Arts Through Literature (green book).

Spelling:  Building Spelling Skills 7 from Christian Liberty Press.

World Geography:    We’ll be using Geography for Christian Schools by BJU Press.   This book is above grade level for both kids, however I found it for 98cents, and I can adjust as necessary.  This book will set the pace & tone for our study of geography for the year.   I’ll be adding map work and hands on projects as well.

Latin:  We’ve done Latin in the past, but I taught it at Olivia’s grade and expected Lindsey to keep up.  This year we’re teaching at Lindsey’s grade and expecting Olivia to do more.  We’ll be using First Form Latin from Memoria Press.

IEW:   Olivia will be taking part in a 2 hour per week IEW class outside the home in the fall. (Tentatively)

Typing:   Now that Olivia’s writing and book reports are getting longer, it’s time to learn to type.  We’ll be using Keyboarding for the Christian School.

5th Grade Picks:

Math:  Horizons has been a good fit for all of us (thank goodness).  Lindsey will be continuing with Horizons Grade 5.

Science:  I found a bargain on science, and so, we will be using the McGraw Hill Grade 5, National Geographic, Virginia Edition text book and matching workbook.   Yes, a regular public school text book.  But, for 98 cents for the text and 25 cents for the workbook, you can’t beat it.  The fact that it’s also geared specifically towards our state in terms on animals, rock formations, climate and plants makes it even better.   I’ll also be adding the American Girl Care and Keeping of You and the Magic School Bus Journey Into the Human Body science kit.

Language Arts:  No changes here, just moving up a level.  Learning Language Arts Through Literature (purple book) is our pick.

Spelling:  Building Spelling Skills 5 from Christian Liberty Press.

World Geography:  We’ll be using Geography for Christian Schools by BJU Press. This book is above grade level for both kids, however I found it for 98cents, and I can adjust as necessary. This book will set the pace & tone for our study of geography for the year.  I’ll be adding map work and hands on projects as well.

Latin: We’ll be using First Form Latin from Memoria Press.

IEW: Lindsey will be taking part in a 2 hour per week IEW class outside the home in the fall.  (Tentatively)

That pretty much sums up what we’re doing academically in the new year.   I’ll post extra curricular picks once I get the new ballet schedules.

Have you finalized your curriculum picks yet?