Sneak Preview~What's new for the fall term at Serendipity

If you are interested in following along with our studies this year, take a look at Serendipity today. First up, there is the first installment of the History Trail we're going to follow. There are reading, crafts, copywork, dictation, and narration suggestions for all children from first grade through high school. Keeping this in mind, remember no one should be attempting to do it all:-). And there will be an original story with each installment, just as there is on the Alphabet Path. The plans are divided into the blocks that I'm using with my family. For me, it is important that the whole family can be "on the same page" as much as possible. When I can plan for that, two things happen. The first is that our days don't feel segmented and I don't feel torn in a million directions. The second benefit is one that is a huge blessing of home eduction. Our studies become part of our family culture. They are a shared experience.

In the history block are living books suggestions along with reading assignments. For the older children, there are textbook spine suggestions. My family will also take advantage of The Teaching Company's American history high school DVDs. They are entertaining and engaging enough to capture the attention of  even young children.Two craft books are suggested as well.

In the Geography block are suggestions for living books and research projects to thoroughly delve into US Geography.

Language Arts includes specific grammar lessons which use lively, engaging picture books, as well as copywork, dictation and writing assignments that are keyed to the history reading.

There are two options for music, art and poetry. Within the history trail are simple suggestions for all of these topics. Or, if you prefer to dedicate more time to the arts, there are detailed music, art and poetry lessons which can stand alone each week. Those lessons are also tiered so that moms can choose how much or how little to introduce to each child.

All taken together, these represent a wide and generous education that also delves deeply into the subjects at hand--and the emphasis here is on living books and plenty of them, read by families learning together. My little ones will revisit the Alphabet Path. And remember, the grand plan allows for a half day of nature study outdoors every week and then a focused science afternoon as well. Faith is integrated into each and every day. The younger the child, the more time they will have for play, preferably out-of-doors.By necessity, older children will have to spend more time at their studies. The beauty of multi-level plans is that there's always enough for the eager student, but the assignments can be whittled as necessary for younger or slower students. Move up or down within the plans.Don't attempt to do them as written. In addition to the shared family experience, the unique blessing of home education is the opportunity to tailor the curriculum to the family and to the individual child. It is my sincere hope that our plans and our enthusiasm will bless you, but it is you who will make them truly come alive in your home and in the hearts and minds of your children.

[Much more on Serendipity here:-).]

Comments

[Louise]

What WONDERFUL plans! I am in awe! THANK YOU!

[Carmen]

Elizabeth, This is all great. We used many resources from Serendipity last year especially lots of copywork from the Flower Fairies and the Ruth Heller books. I am truly looking forward to your unit of Colonial times. I've struggled witht the best way to integrate history in the curriculum. I will have a 4th grader this Fall and I assume that I should follow the plans for the middle kids and not little ones for the history? I love planning myself, but you make the planning so beautiful. I appreciate so much all you share with us. God bless you and that new baby! -Carmen

[coffeemamma]

As a mother of three special needs kids, I can truly appreciate the advice to 'whittle as necessary'. We want to do it ALL, but need to take our kids' abilities into consideration.

My youngest has been *loving* the Alphabet Path during her recovery from surgery. The beautiful stories, gentle pace and customizability (is that a word??) of the lessons is exactly what we need during this 'season'.

We are in Canada, so won't be taking advantage of most of this year's lessons, but have found provincial alphabet books by the same company that published the state ones!

We will definately be following along with the Lively Language Lessons, music, art and poetry studies- and even my older kids can't wait! (I think they've been a bit
jealous ;-)

As my French grand-mère used to say, "mille bénédictions!".

[Molly]

Thanks so much Elizabeth! I think we will be tagging along with you.

How far in advance will you be putting out plans?

By the way, the Teaching Company course is on sale right now.

God bless,
Molly

[Robynn]

This is wonderful. Since we were planning on studing American History already, we will gain much from your wisdom.
A question, you are starting book 3 of US History, did you already do books 1 and 2? I have already purchased the books you mentioned, plus some, so we are ready to go.

God Bless you and your family for all you do for all of us.

Robynn

[Rachel @ Keep The Way]

It looks awesome! I was wondering what your future plans were for storing the unit studies on the site? I will be covering this time period in the future -- but since my girls are only in preschool, it is a bit early right now. (I am currently working on the wonderful picture books in your Real Learning Booklist!) Should I copy and paste every week's plans now or will it be easy to find them all in future years on the Serendipity site?

Thanks so much!
Love in Christ
Rachel

[Mary Kay]

I do not home school my children but am intrigued by the idea. Before becoming a mother, I taught high school math for 13 years. So, I am interested in how you incorporate middle and high school math into your curriculum. I enjoy visiting your blog and am inspired to be a better mom by it every day. Thanks!

[Darcy]

I am very excited to use some of the plans that you have so generously shared with all of us. My question to you is what do you define as little ones and middle children? Where is the age separation there, in your opinion?
Thanks!

[SuzanneG]

Elizabeth~
A big "thank you" to you and the other ladies who have put all of this together! We followed along with the alphabet path a bit last year, and will continue this year. And, I LOVE the history path....wonderful! My DH is a history-buff and he's excited about the Ben F picture books and read-alouds for our younger ones.
Mille Benedictions from our house too!