For the past 6 years, our family has been on quite the adventure: Home educating! Technically, the learning began earlier than this, if you count the years spent teaching the children to walk, talk, use the toilet, write their name, etc..
During the early years, we used a variety of play-style techniques for learning. We also spent plenty of time reading, coloring/ painting, and playing outside.
As the kids grew older and needed a more structured school plan, I prayerfully decided on using the Charlotte Mason method. Specifically, I used the lesson plans from the Ambleside Online website. (Links will be at the bottom of this post!)
While I love the flexibility and diversity of the books listed in the curriculum, I have finally decided to branch out a bit on my own. I am slowly learning to put together my own curriculum/ book list. I honestly believe this is the true goal in home education. The parent-teacher uses other “kits” until ready to create their own curriculum/ homeschool plan.
So, for the first year ever, I have used the Ambleside Online book list for year 6 as simply a guide for piecing together my “own” feast for the children’s education. I also will begin working on a completely new plan for year 7, which will be something relating to the history of our state and my kids’ interest. (Stay tuned for more details!) Again, I have an idea for year 8 and will work on that once I’ve completed the plan for year 7. (I haven’t decided what will take place once the kids are in high school, but will cross that bridge when we get there!) Of course, each of the book lists/ curriculum plans will follow the Charlotte Mason method of living books, short lessons and narration.
Okay! Are you ready for this terms’ book list?
Bible:
The Bible
A Family Guide to Narnia
Scripture Memory box (this isn’t a book, but such a vital part of our homeschool day! See the Youtube video below for more information!)
History:
The Story of the World
Geography:
Book of Marvels: The Occident
Draw the World series by Kristin J. Draeger (we are currently using the Europe book in the series)
Biography:
Trial and Triumph
Jungle Pilot
Albert Einstein and the Theory of Relativity (this is our “Science” text as well)
Ludvig van Beethoven (this is our “music/composer” text)
Poetry/ Fables:
A Child’s Garden of Verses
Aesop’s Fables
Literature:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Latin:
Prima Latina
Math:
Math-U-See AIM Multiplication
Natural Science:
Keeping a Nature Journal (this is a lovely book, especially for taking nature journaling to the next level)
Family Read Aloud: (this happens in the evenings, as we have time)
The Hobbit (not pictured)
Hymns:
Hymns for Family Worship
We are currently still following the Ambleside Online artist/picture study. Each week, we observe a painting from the specified artist, discuss it and note the details. Occasionally, we will attempt to sketch the painting.
Also, the children do weekly spelling, handwriting, written and oral narrations, timeline entries, computer/ typing, and mapwork. While spelling is not a Charlotte Mason “thing,” the children have requested to add it this year so they can boost their spelling skills. (Y’all, if my kids ask to add a subject to their school list, I will not say no!)
A note on the book list: While both kids do the same materials for all the subjects above, they typically have separate math, spelling and handwriting books. This term we are combing math, but will go back to their individual grade levels once we complete the AIM for Multiplication program.
Here is the accompanying video that goes with this blog post:
You can find out more about our family on our YouTube Channel, which has the same name as this blog: The Rural Companion.
Want to learn more about Charlotte Mason and Ambleside Online? Visit this site for more information!
Have any questions on putting together a book list/ curriculum for your children? Feel free to ask away!
