Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Curricula Planning for the OCD at Heart, Parte Dos

Planning a year independent of Ambleside Online for Olivia was a challenge indeed, but this plan for David was like a walk in the park: Gentle and peaceful, but being careful to watch your step.

Year 4 (for a History-loving Boy)
Links are for FREE resources, of course.

History
Truthquest's American History for Younger Students, Volume II ((for me, to gently guide connections, if necessary))
Our Island Story, by H.E. Marshall (only a handful of chapters to continue British History)

Biographies
Of Courage Undaunted, by James Daugherty
Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, by James Daugherty ((Missionaries to the Wild West))
Abraham Lincoln, by James Daugherty

Geography
Read about and map one (1) U.S. State each week, in order of statehood date
Seeing America: Farm and Field, by Pitkin & Hughes
Seeing America: Mill and Factory, by Pitkin & Hughes

Natural History
A Child's Geography: Explore His Earth, by Ann Voskamp

Science
Apologia Elementary Science, Zoology I: Flying Creatures

Math
Cuisenaire Rod Idea Book, Intermediate

English Language

Foreign Language
Continue Spanish
Begin Latin

Poetry

Literature
The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford

Art Lessons
Artistic Pursuits, Grades 4-6, Book One

Music Lessons
Continue Piano

Free Reading (American and Californian History emphasis)
*Mostly found at my county library
Once on this Island, by Gloria Whelan
The American Twins of 1812, by Lucy Fitch Perkins
Mill, by David Macaulay
Carry On, Mister Bowditch, by John Lee Latham
Whistle for the Crossing, by Marguerite d'Angeli
Diary of an Early American Boy, by Eric Sloane
Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson
Buffalo Knife, by William O. Steele
A Gathering of Days, by Joan Blos
The Birchbark House, by Louis Erdrich
Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell
Zia, by Scott O'Dell
Song of the Swallows, by Leo Politi
Patty Reed's Doll, by Rachel Laurgaard
On to Oregon! by Honore Morrow
By the Great Horn Spoon, by Sid Fleischman
Moby Dick (Children's Illustrated Classics version)
Riding the Pony Express, by Clyde Robert Bulla
Thee, Hannah, by Marguerite d'Angeli
Dog Jack, by Florence Biros
Across Five Aprils, by Irene Hunt

As I mentioned before, as a family, we also study one composer and artist each term, in addition to focused Nature Study, Bible readings and Memory Work.  And this year, David will start studying Shakespeare with Olivia and me, if it works for him.  He's sweetly young-at-heart, and I do not intend to push him one inch.  If he struggles with the study at all, he'll easily return to reading Charles Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare for another year.  Better later than a Shakespeare hater, right?

2 comments:

  1. Looks like a great curriculum! May I ask, why did you choose to deviate from AO a bit, and how did you choose your books? I have considered making my own booklist, but the task is so daunting, I am not quite sure I could do it! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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  2. Wow this looks great! I might just pinch it for Ewan and pretend it is all my own work :-) Mind you, you have a much better reader that my little guy! We are about to start Explore his Earth so it will be fun to study that alongside you. Did I direct you to http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/page2.htm where there is the audiobook for Our Island Story and some other books you might find interesting.
    Have a blessed day!

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