Wisdom Please

I guess if I were you, I would make it as easy and enjoyable as possible.  Depending on your requirements legally speaking, you could just focus on the main subjects; esp. at his age.  Most importantly, foster a love of learning.  Work on basic math, letter recognition and perhaps a start in reading, reading him TONS of great books and fostering your faith.  Go on lots of field trips and have fun.  That is my .02.  If you think Our Father’s World would be a good fit and easy on you; go with that.  The only bad thing about a boxed curriculum though is that “sometimes” it sets up a feeling of failure if you can’t get it ALL done.

If you used the curriculum guide on her as a start, you’d probably find your year very enjoyable.  I’ll be praying for you.

In Christ, Bridget Riedell  There is another living books curriculum that you might not be aware of dear; it is called http://www.livingbookscurriculum.com   They have wonderful books and there are lesson plans that come with it too.  You might find that helpful.

Hi, AmyJane!  Thanks so much for sharing.  Can’t imagine having to move around a lot!  You certainly have my respect.  Not sure how I would deal with that?!?  But I can say that we’ve used MFW for 3 years now (K-2nd) and I’m going back to it yet again. 

When I started homeschooling, my oldest had just turned 5 and I had a toddler who had just turned 2.  I wanted something simple to allow me to get my feet wet, where I could just wake up every day, open the manual, and do what it said.  My husband owns his own business and works long hours, so I needed something that wouldn’t overwhelm me and wipe me out.  That’s exactly what I got with MFW. 

In fact, I just got finished using the K program again with my second child, who started (at her request) last fall when she was 4.  With her, I just used the math and reading portions and skipped the activity guide (that has science and extra stuff) because she was tagging along and learning from what her older brother was doing in 2nd grade.  Plus, we’ve since had a 3rd baby who is now the toddler in the house, and with more to juggle, I (again) needed simplicity!  You could probably do that, too, and just focus on teaching the math and reading on a daily basis… then do whatever extra activities inspire you (bake cookies together, go on walks, chase frogs, read library books, etc).  Since I’ve never used anything else, I can’t compare it to other curricula, but I can say MFW worked for us.  And just a side note:  2 other friends I know tried it, but they moved on to something else in later years because they thought it was TOO easy/simple!

One tip, if you do use MFW:  you might want to mark the 3 different reference sections with paper clips or sticky tabs for easier use.  The first time around, I had to keep double-checking what the math activity for the day was, then what the reading plan for the day was, then what the science/bible activity for the day was, and since the manual does not have dividers, it made it much easier after I marked my own sections.

Prayers & Blessings,

Amy in TX

Amyjane, when I read your post I thought what a terrific opportunity God has given you to train your son in leadership. As Daddy is away and your son learns to serve and be a help to Dad by helping Mom you will build a foundation of servant-leadership that will aid him all his life. As a mom of older boys, I know what it could mean to instill this at a young age. Of course, this is only my thoughts but one idea would be to do some reading instruction, a little math, ‘do’ some books from the library based on his interests and then really emphasize those habits and routines, work alongside of him, read scripture, and some great books about servanthood to him that will build that desire in him to be a man of God.

Blessings,

Cindy

Amyjane,

As you know, learning to lead is coupled with clinging to the Lord, so not all of these suggestions are about leadership per se. I’m sure you will also include first and foremost the heroes in the Bible and I’m also sure others will have tons of suggestions, but from my own shelf (as I’m sitting here staring at it!) I see: Boys of Grit/Men of Honor, and A Hedge of Thorns, both Lamplighter books. Boys of Grit may be a bit above him, but, if you have it, you could give it a go in tiny amounts. I love the Hedge of Thorns because it’s not only about obedience, but how an older one can lead a younger one into blessing or destruction. The Reward of Childhood Truth and the Little Medicine Carrier – Triangle Press. Hmmm….Willie’s Acquaintance with Christ, Johnny Appleseed (Sower Series), Pulling Together – a Bob Jones reader, The Robinson Crusoe Reader – Christian Liberty, The Life of Washington by Pollard, Tiger and Tom and Other Stories for Boys, William Bradford-Pilgrim Boy, by Smith. Honestly, we are weak in the area of picture books, which would probably appeal to him more since he’s a little fella. So, I’d take any of these in bits and hopefully others will add some good suggestions, now that we’ve bumped this post up.

As far as ‘doing’ books from the library; we have had much success in allowing a child to choose some sort of project book and then we do it from front to back. That has opened up many an interest around here (plus it’s cheaper than most curriculums!).

Blessings,

Cindy