New Curriculum!

After much thought and prayer we decided to make some changes to our home school. We had been doing "Five in a Row" and initially it was a hit. The girls liked it and it was easy for me to plan lessons. That worked very well while I was pregnant and then while we were adapting to baby number 4. I still love "Five in a Row" but school was becoming a battle--the girls were not interested in hearing the same story five days in a row! I secretly agreed--I found myself almost dreading reading the book for the third or fourth day in a row. So we knew it was time for a change:)

We are now using Tapestry of Grace . Today was our first day :) A good friend uses this curriculum with her family and I fell in love with it a few years ago when she shared it with me. I had planned on beginning it with my children in 2010 when (hopefully) both of the older girls were reading (Hailey reads very well, Reese is progressing well but NOT reading yet). No big deal though--apparently it works just fine with me reading the material to both girls. Anyway, I am extremely excited to be starting this new study and I hope the girls continue to share my enthusiasm!

This week we are learning about ancient Egyptians. The girls enjoyed the first book we read today about life in ancient Egypt. Pretty fascinating stuff! When Hailey found out that they didn't have dishwashers back then she decided that she wouldn't have wanted to live back then :) We have a few activities planned for this week and next--we will begin making a salt map to illustrate different geographical terms; next week we will make a paddle doll (Egyptian version of a baby doll). My girls love hands on learning so my goal is to do one craft/hands on activity a week. I am not a crafty person and honestly, I HATE the mess that goes with these projects but its something I am just going to have to get over :) Plus I have helpers to aid in craft aftermath clean up!

Again, I am very excited about this new addition to our school. I look forward to relearning history alongside my girls!