** 2011 - 2012 Curriculum **

I'm so excited for this years curriculum! I've had lots of time to look over (&over) tons of resources and have spent some time thinking & praying. I'm so thankful for all the resources available and the work that is made ready for me!

Chris ~ Grade 1: I basically followed the CM Curriculum Guide (i seriously love that site btw) while changing up some things.

• He will have 3 Montessori based trays.
• Math - Math U See Alpha
• Copywork - A Reason for Handwriting
• Science - 106 Days of Creation Study
• Personal Development - Learning to Get Along Series I'm so excited about this find!! ~ incorporating Laying Down the Rails
• History, Geography, Reading, Read A Louds, Bible - Core B with Grade 3 Readers
• Poetry - Montessori Style Poem of the Month
• Nature Study - I Love Dirt!
• Picture Study - We have 3 Come Look With Me books that we will be working through the year
• Art - Drawing With Children. I also have lots of left over art supplies we didn't use this past year due to home circumstances that I will be delighted to use with them this year!

It's a lot and that's why I left out quite a few subjects suggested on CM. We had such a lackadaisical curriculum last year that I didn't want to throw us in shock and accomplish nothing! The Poetry, Nature Study, and Picture Study will be weekly. The Science is 3 days a week.

I still have quite a few ideas spinning around in me head and I'm trying to figure out if they will work or not!

Zack ~ Preschool:

• 6 Montessori based Trays
• Raising Rock Stars Preschool - we will being joining to have access to the power points as well
• Reading Time each day
• Joining Chris for Poetry, Nature Study, and Art
• His own Personal Development program using the same resources I'm using with Chris

Nate ~ Toddler: ohhhhh how I don't like the thought that he will be a toddler during this school year! He's still a baby in my head so squishy, juicy, and lovey! And I know he still will be all those things, I just really like the idea of him being a baby cake!

• Some form of Tot School mixed with some CM & Montessori applications

I'm working on a schedule and trying to figure out how we can work everything with as much ease, comfort, and fun as possible.

ToT School

Zack is 39 months old

I've been wanting for some time now to post on the things we're doing with Zack as well. I really enjoy this blog and she does a ToT School post link up every Sunday. I think this is a great way to post about Zack! Plus I'll get to see what others are doing with their tots.

Trays: You can see all of Zack's trays for this month here. Funnels is his favorite! He spends on average 30 minutes with this tray! When I seen him get some trucks for this tray I was about to say no but then he started using them. I realized he modified the tray and took it to the next level! It requires more skill on his part to use his trucks than just the funnel.

Paint an Apple: Big brother was learning about apples this week so I try to include him when I can. :)
Bowling with Daddy: ~ while Mommy was at an OB appointment
Rain Walk: We LOVE rain walks. There is so much to learn & explore after the rain!
Chalk: Daddy set up the easel for me (which is chalk on one side and dry erase on the other) in our "utility room" so art could be easier for me to accomplish closer to the due date. Zack loves the chalk!

Reading Big Brother Books: We've been checking out big brother books to help prepare him for baby brother coming. Daddy found an awesome one at the library last week called What Baby Needs. It has pictures of the baby nursing mommy, in a sling, bed side sleeping, and show what big brother can do with baby and how he can manage his feelings when upset with baby! Awesome!