Current Curriculum Choices

Our homeschool is currently in a major overhaul.  I was becoming increasingly disenchanted with the way things were headed and what we were accomplishing, so I undertook a major change of direction.  I don't do this often, but I feel it was definitely the time!

This will be our first week using Tapestry of Grace.  I love the planning and am so excited about the getting some cohesion in our studies.  We are beginning with Year 2 Unit 2, which covers the Renaissance.  I am starting here because I really wanted to cover early American history this school year.

So, without further ado, here are my current curriculum choices for my 2 students.  I do want you to bear in mind that my 2 children couldn't be any more different in learning style, and I do school a student with significant learning difficulties. He is a joy and keeps me grounded. 

Wyatt, age 11, 5th/6th grade

Alpha Omega Lifepac Math-  NOT my favorite math program, but it is working well for my son who is not overwhelmed by the small little workbooks. 

Winston Grammar-  Nothing short of miraculous for right-brained and/or hands-on learners.

All About Spelling-  What I said about Winston Grammar is true here too.

Tapestry of Grace (Year 2)

Apologia's Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day and Eagles' Wings Considering God's Creation

Harmony Fine Arts

Handwriting without Tears and a computer typing program

Grapevine Bible Studies

Plants Grown Up

Institute for Excellence in Writing Student Writing Intensive

Prima Latina

Dianne Crafts materials for learning difficulties

Lots of great books!

Swim Team for P.E.

Guitar Lessons

Boy Scouts


August, age 10, 5th grade

Saxon 8/7 and Art of Problem Solving's Pre-Algebra

Abeka Language Arts Grade 5

Spelling Workout

Tapestry of Grace (Year 2)

Apologia's Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day and Eagles' Wings Considering God's Creation

Harmony Fine Arts

Handwriting without Tears Cursive and a computer typing program

Grapevine Bible Studies

Polished Cornerstones

Prima Latina

Institute for Excellence in Writing Student Writing Intensive

Lots of great books!

Competitive Gymnastics

Piano Lessons

American Heritage Girls

Field Trip Friday

Last week, one of our local homeschool groups went on a field trip to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Mississippi.   The field trip lasted around 2 1/2 hours and made our list of favorite field trips EVER!!  One mother remarked that it was like having our own personal Sea World.  The fee was around $6 per person and the staff were incredibly patient and informative.  It was one of those rare homeschool field trips that was perfect for all ages.
Here is a peek at our day:

The day began with a movie and a visit from Poppy, a very entertaining Cockatoo.  She performed many fun behaviors with her trainer, including placing recyclables in a recycle can and hanging upside down like a bat.

We then went to the beautiful, new Discovery room that was filled with fascinating sea life in aquariums and three touch pools.  The touch pools included bamboo sharks, sting rays, hermit crabs and starfish.

The group was treated to a session on sea turtles and their existence and struggle in the Gulf of Mexico.  We came away with one very important fact...STOP USING THOSE PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS!!  A turtle was found nearby with nearly 3 pounds of plastic bags in his stomach that he was unable to digest.  This made the turtle think he was full and he was only 1/3 of the weight he should have been.  The bags look identical to jellyfish, which are a mainstay of most sea turtles' diets.

The group was then taught how the teams at IMMS respond to and rescue beached Marine Mammals.  They were taught how to check a dolphin's pulse and how to load it on a stretcher.  They were given the opportunity to break into teams and "race" to save a dolphin. 

Finally, the highlight of the day, was a small dolphin show put on by the trainers and 2 special rescued dolphins, Buster and Bo.  Bo, we were told, was named after Bo Derek :)  The dolphins jumped, flipped and showed off all of their beauty while one of the tour guides told us so many fascinating facts about these incredible creatures.

This truly was a wonderful way to spend a morning and a must see for anyone visiting the Gulfport area!

Much thanks to the staff at IMMS, especially Skipper and his snaky friend, Eve, for making it a special day!