Micah is 10 and is entering 5th grade this year. He loves anything hands-on {especially STEM related} and keeps me on my toes as I continually hunt for new ways to challenge his inquisitive mind. He is growing up way too fast but is delightful and hard working. What else can a mama ask for! Today I would like to share his 5th grade plans and curriculum. If you’d like to read more about our 5th grade homeschool curriculum check out the post below.
5th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Picks
Micah is doing Foundations and Essentials through Classical Conversations this year. Our family has been participating in Classical Conversations for the past two years so Micah is beginning his 3rd year of Foundations but this is his first year being in Essentials. He is loving it!
Each week Micah prepares assignments for two strands: grammar and writing. During weekly classes, he learns new grammar concepts & memory work as well as writing techniques. He shares his writing assignments with his class and plays games to reinforce grammar concepts and drill math skills. Micah loves competitive games and is enjoying the classes very much.
Essentials utilizes IEW’s materials for the writing portion of the class. For the grammar strand we are using Essentials of the English Language Guide by Classical Conversations. The Essentials class is a comprehensive language arts program {writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, public speaking, literature suggestions.} Though a spelling component is included, we love All About Spelling and plan to stick with that program through all levels.
Micah is focusing on reading several classic novels this year using Book Shark readers and Memoria Press literature guides. His list of books is looooong, so we may end up pushing a few books into the summer.
In addition to language arts, reading, and math, we are doing Book Shark American History, Bible, Sassafras Science, geography, fine arts, and read-alouds as a family. Micah is continuing with his French studies, piano & trumpet lessons, and gymnastics.
Independent Subjects
Math
Reading & Literature
Book Shark Core D Readers
Pocahontas and the Strangers, The Matchlock Gun, Meet Thomas Jefferson, Phoebe the Spy, Meet George Washington, Robert Fulton, Boy Craftsman, Sarah, Plain and Tall, The Courage of Sarah Noble, Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, A Lion to Guard Us, Om-kas-toe, The Cabin Faced West
Memoria Press Literature 4 Set with Novels & Reading Guides
Homer Price, The Blue Fairy Book, The Cricket in Times Square, Dangerous Journey
Language Arts
Classical Conversations Essentials of the English Language
IEW Thematic Writing Lessons: All Things Fun & Fascinating
Group Learning
History & Geography
Book Shark Core D: American History 1 + Lapbook Kit
Classical Conversations Cycle 3 Geography + Where in the World: US Geography by Classical Explorations
Family Read-Alouds
The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Vos
Book Shark Core D: American History 1 Read Alouds
The Sign of the Beaver, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Johnny Tremain, Toliver’s Secret, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, Walk the World’s Rim, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, Swift Rivers, Winter Danger
Science & STEM
Sassafras Science: Zoology & Human Anatomy
Tinker Crate Monthly Subscription Box
Electives
Art
Classical Conversations Cycle 3 Fine Arts
History-based Art Projects & Art Appreciation
Music
Music Appreciation: Classical Music Listening Guide
Piano & Trumpet Lessons
Foreign Language
Duolingo French
Gymnastics Lessons
New Curriculum
Our biggest change in curriculum this year is in math. Micah is very much a hands-on learner, and though I love Singapore Math, we decided to give Math-U-See a try. Singapore is a modified spiral approach, whereas Math-U-See is mastery based. Because of this, we are supplementing Math-U-See with an online program called Splash Math that gives Micah daily math practice on all the concepts he’s learned in Singapore (so we don’t forget.) So far, he’s doing great.
Curriculum We’re Loving
Micah really enjoys his Essentials class. As his mom and teacher, one of my favorite elements of Essentials is the writing component. We absolutely love IEW! Our family has been using IEW for writing off and on since Anna was 5. It is so easy to use and highly effective at training good writers. And, the best part is that even reluctant writers like using it. IEW offers programs for all ages and it is easily customizable based on the student’s strengths, challenges, and needs. We love it!
If you’d like to learn more about Classical Conversations or any of our favorite resources please comment below or contact me through email.
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