For Eric’s sophomore year of high school, these are the homeschool curriculum choices/ activities we have chosen.
Homeschool Curriculum Choices
I don’t have a one size fits all kind of transcript, I think high school is when their individuality begins to really shine. Understandably, Eric has yet to decide where his path will lead after high school, so I am focused on preparing him for college and allowing him to spend time discerning his own strengths. It is important he is prepared for college academically, but it is equally important he discover more about who he is and what he wants by learning more about himself. That is a delicate balance.
Morning Time
We do morning time together as a family as many days of the week as possible since Eric does often get to join his dad for work about once a week.
English
English is typically our largest subject to go through when looking at all the homeschool curriculum, what with all the parts of it.
To start, we are using IEW Bible-Based Writing Lessons. As you can see its a well loved book I have used before.
Above is a picture of his assigned reading books for the year. The only book not pictured is The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Rutcliff. Occasionally, he adds to this list on his own, so I keep a log of free reads that he completes.
For Grammar, I like to use IEW’s grammar series “Fix it! Grammar.” He is currently in book 4.
I really enjoy the selections from Simply Charlotte Mason’s Spelling Wisdom book 4. I try to utilize this resource about twice a week if I can. It’s an excellent resource to add to his 10th grade homeschool curriculum this year.
Lastly, English From the Roots Up is always an excellent addition. I aim to use this about twice a week for 10-15 minutes.
Math
We are using Math-u-see Geometry this year. In our homeschool, this is our favorite choice for high school math.
He uses all the components: Textbook, DVD, worksheets, and tests.
Here is a link if you’re if you want to check it out.
Science
For Biology, we are using Apologia’s 2nd Edition of Exploring Creation with Biology.
Likewise, we use the accompanying workbook to get a little extra practice. I do the experiments at home with him.
History
My kids have always enjoyed The Mystery of History! In order to make it more of high school program, I encourage the activities, map work, and timeline. Additionally, we enjoy the Drive Thru History series.
Foreign Language
For Spanish this year we are using a variety of resources. The writing component I like Cherrydale’s Speaking Spanish with Miss Mason and Francois. To practice speaking we utilize Pimsleur. For extra practice we can practice with Duolingo or italki. I really want him to let it sink in and use it in an applicable way.
Fine Arts
Music: Unexpectedly, He just discovered a love for the guitar last year. He learned watching you tube videos. We keep track by keeping a log of how much time he is learning, practicing each day in his weekly planning guide (more about that below). Eric needs 120 hours for a full credit. He learned basic instruction from a YouTube channel called Music is Win and BERNTH. He now uses Songsterr to practice.
Theatre: My son likes to participate in our local homeschool theatre group for high school kids. What an amazing opportunity!
HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM PLANNING GUIDE
My teens all get planning guides likes this one. Sometimes I make them myself, sometimes I utilize an excel version I bought here from A Farmhouse Full. I like hers because she utilizes Excel and they are able to auto fill certain category labels. Some parts I will fill in a semester or quarter at a time with our homeschool curriculum choices and others they fill in as they go.
Moreover, I encourage my kids to begin their own routines in high school as jobs and activities can begin to complicate homeschool schedules. Lastly, here is a link for how to create a morning routine and an evening routine that I encourage my children to follow in an effort to further encourage independence.
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