working it out

So now that we've been doing school for awhile, I'm re-evaluating some of our curricula and how it's working for us.  SSR&W is going well.  I don't do any of it that seems like busywork or unnecessary, so it's going quickly.  We're really enjoying our Ambleside Online selections.  Artistic Pursuits is fine so far.  It's very doable.  First Language Lessons is also fine, though it doesn't blow me away.  It's very quick, sometimes just a couple of minutes, so I'll keep doing it. We like the poetry memorization particularly.  Window on the World is good.  It's hit or miss with L in terms of his interest level, but I'm pleased with all the neat things we're learning about different people groups.  We also really like Christian Liberty Nature Reader.

Math is ok.  I think I figured out what I don't like about Lifepac Math, which is that it's boring!  Z could sit for a long time doing a Disney Princess adding workbook, because the pictures and the puzzles make it fun.  Even though it's the same adding work, her math book is just a page of problems, for the most part.  We did do a week of Miquon Math, and she liked that.  So we're alternating.

Now for the more complicated part.  We're enjoying life science, and I think I've decided to slow down and stretch it out over two years.  I was feeling rushed and stressed about getting through all the topics I came up with, when we really just need to enjoy what we're working on. Which we are when I'm not trying to catch up.  Plus, I'd like to incorporate more nature study, and it's just not happening because we don't have the time (and it's not in our schedule).  So I'm not going to worry about what we get through, but if we're exploring and learning about something, the I'll continue until it feels done.  

And lastly, I'm disappointed with Mystery of History.  I really like the scope, and I also like the activity suggestions.  But the text is not engaging for Z.  It could be that she's just too young for it, or it could be that it's going through topics too quickly.  I knew this was a risk when I ordered it.  But I'm thinking I'll have to do something differently.  Here's what I've noticed that the kids have really enjoyed: 

Usborne Book of World History- the illustrations are great and both kids are really drawn in.

Supplemental reading from the library- the egypt books we read were especially good.

Hands-on activities- of course, but I'm actually thinking of doing less for my own stress level.

Historical Fiction- Z loves stories.

Bible- Z actually seems to prefer reading the real thing, rather than the text that explains it, when it applies of course.

Sometimes notebooking pages- we're doing these, sometimes she likes it, sometimes not, but we're going to continue anyway.

I know it's not all about Z enjoying school.  I do believe that the kids need to work even when they don't want to.  But I really want her to enjoy both history and science, especially since they aren't the most necessary of things at this point, in my opinion. I don't want it to be a drudge, when I know there are fun ways of learning these topics.  So here's what I'm thinking.  And any feedback would be much appreciated.  I think I'll use MOH as a basic outline, and info for me, making notes of what I want them to learn from it, then use the Bible, library books, and the book of world history for reading aloud.  I'll continue notebooking pages, timeline, map activities, etc.  And then next year, I'll plan to follow Ambleside Online Year 1/2 history books, since I think that's really more our style.

Sorry for all the boring curricula talk.  I think it helps me process to write it out.