first and third

Our year ahead is going to be a busy one! First grade and third grade both sound so big. I'm feeling more pressure every year to make sure I'm covering grade-appropriate material. I think we're doing okay - but it's A LOT of work! Here are the details:

History - Story of the World: The Middle Ages
Science - Chemistry: Adventures with Atoms and Molecules
Geography - Spectrum Geography, Grade 3
Spelling - Spelling Power (Audrey), Spelling Workout (Liam)
Grammar - First Language Lessons (Gr. 3 for Audrey, Gr. 1 for Liam)
Writing - Writing with Ease (Gr. 3 for Audrey, Gr. 1 for Liam)
Math - Horizons Math + lots of memory work and math games
Bible - What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers + memorization + daily verse look-up
Discovering Genres - Fiction and Nonfiction
Editing - Daily Paragraph Editing
Handwriting - Handwriting Without Tears
Memorization - verses, the presidents, states and capitals

Oh - and we're fitting all of that into four days a week because every Friday we will be going to our new homeschool co-op!! The kids and I are very excited. We've been on the waiting list for the past two years and there is finally a spot for us. I had no idea what I would do with Ethan during this time, but then a wonderful opportunity to trade childcare with a friend worked out for fall quarter. Co-op goes from 9:45-1:30 each Friday. The kids will pick two classes each quarter. They will get to bring their lunch (picking out our first lunchboxes was a huge hit!) and meet lots of new friends. I think it's going to be the perfect addition to our homeschooling.

Both big kids are also playing soccer and doing Awana. And I begin my weekly Bible study this week. Phew....I'm tired just thinking about it. But in reality, we all seem to do better when we're busy. And schedules are good. So here's to fall! We're off to a great start.