Home First Grade: An Update

Linking up with some wonderful bloggers at iHomeschool Network for the Not Back To School Blog Hop. Today we're talking curriculum.

I shared a few weeks ago that we started first grade earlier than I anticipated per Agent E's request. The three main areas we decided to focus on for the next few months (likely until around Christmas) were the 50 states, weather, and Spanish. (As I mentioned previously, this is of course in addition to basic math, reading, and writing, which are just kind of such a part of our lives I find it hard to even categorize them as "school" . . . plus outside exploration time, computer time, and general helping around the house and life skills time.) 

For the states, we're using some very simple materials, including the giant state map already hanging in our playroom, two workbooks from the dollar section at Target (yep), and some online resources. We're learning basic geography, state capitals, and a few fun facts, as well as peaking E's interest in traveling (again). 

My student

In keeping with our philosophy of E having significant input into our choice of subjects, weather is out and ocean life is in. We're exploring different sea creatures right now and working on a short list of unit studies. I don't know why she lost interest in wind, rain, and clouds and became fascinated instead with whales, anemones, and sea cucumbers, but this is how we roll, so we're going with it. (I don't think the Octonauts had anything to do with it, though . . . cough, cough.)

Having fun with the Spanish; mostly we're trying to learn some basic vocabulary (numbers, colors, animals, months) right now, as well as work on pronunciation. We have post-its up around the house with the Spanish words for common household items, and we're starting on conversational phrases (my name is . . . how are you . . . excuse me . . . I like . . .). 

As much as I love child-led learning, and will continue to follow E's lead in what we study, I think we both need more structure to our days and our curriculum as far as the how. I'm fairly certain this is driven by the fact that Hubby is gone for the next couple of months and when he's not around we all need more of a routine to stay sane. So, we're trying some things like daily assignment checklists and a set time each day to review our work. And I'm working on being more proactive with planning and keeping my own notes. 

Homeschooling friends, what does your curriculum look like this year?

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day.