Cards For Soliders

This summer, I began brainstorming of ways to incorporate community service into our weekly homeschooling schedule and I really wanted it to be age appropriate for the girls (ages 5 and 3).  While scanning the Internet for ideas, I stumbled upon this blog, Cards for Soldiers, and knew instantly this was perfect for our family!  

Here's the blurb from Cards for Soldiers' blog:

"Cards for Soldiers was started in January 2006 by the a group of friends and scrapbookers on a scrapbooking message board to support our troops deployed to the Middle East. Now a one woman owned Non-Profit Corporation the mission is to send handmade, blank cards to deployed units for the soldiers to use to write to family and friends. It's been a big hit with the soldiers! Please join me in my program to support the troops! Check out the details, schedule and address below. Thank you for encouraging those who put their lives on the line on a daily basis." 

  

The girls had the best time making Halloween cards for our soldiers!  

 This is such a wonderful way to give back to all the men and women who sacrifice their time and family for our freedoms.  And even little ones can help show their appreciation!  

Cards for Soldiers will be accepting Halloween and Thanksgiving themed cards until September 10. 

Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2012-2013

I've spent so much time researching curriculum for this upcoming school year.  There have been countless late nights reading reviews and dissecting every possible sample page on-line.  I spent hours at different booths at my state's homeschooling conference, asking way too many questions.  Decisions, decisions, and more decisions.  Thankfully, the decisions have been made and we are starting back to school next week! 

Izzie will officially be in kindergarten this year!  She did outstanding this past year with K5 and is looking forward to adding a few more subjects to her daily schedule.  During her K5 year, we focused primarily on math, phonics, and reading a lot of books.  Izzie is convinced that she's in first grade, since we did K5 last year and she did participate in all the kindergarten extracurricular activities (AWANA and American Heritage Girls), but I'm convinced that there's no need to rush these early years. So, we will be referring to this year as K-1.  I can make up grades, right? 

It was such an overwhelming feeling sending in her Letter of Intent to our local school system.  It's official...we are a homeschooling family!  Let the adventure begin! 

K-1 Curriculum Choices

Reading and Spelling  

All About Reading, Level 1

 

Explode The Code 

We'll be using these books as supplements and will work at her pace. 

All About Spelling, Level 1

 

 

Language Arts

 Wordly Wise: K

 

First Language Lessons, Level 1

 

WriteShop Primary, Book A 

 

 

Bible and History 

 My Father's World, First Grade   

 We will be incorporating some pieces, but not using their daily schedule.  Additionally, we'll be using their suggested science activities. 

  

 Mystery Of History, Volume 1

 

Story Of The World, Volume 1 

 

Math

 Singapore 2  

Horizons 2

   

Art 

Draw Write Now 

 Phew!  Now, on to Preschool! 

Reading and Unit Studies 

 Before Five In A Row 

Phonics 

 All About Reading, Pre-1

 Writing 

Handwriting Without Tears 

Extras 

 Various Activity Books  

I found all of the following jewels at our homeschooling conference this summer! 

It's going to be a busy year!  

Curious to see what other families are using this year?  Hop on over to "Not" Back-To-School Blog Hop to found out!