How do you know what to teach and how do you make your lesson plans?

Massachusetts has set learning standards for every grade level. Our first step was to print ourselves a copy of all the Kindergarten standards (we'll do this every year as Esme progresses through grade levels.) We use these standards as a guide and focus on activities to help her reach these goals.

We use a variety of books for ideas on activities. We've used books on phonological awareness, learning Math through different kinds of play, fine motor skill development, books relating to the themes we've studied, and many more. The internet is also a great resource for us since many teachers and homeschoolers share their ideas online. Sometimes we get creative and come up with our own original activities.

At the core of our studies are books written and illustrated for children. Each week we choose a book to repeat at least 3 times, as well as using a variety of other books. We believe strongly in literature based learning. We are using the Bob Books to help her learn to read on her own, in addition to other early readers. This year we will also be buying a math curriculum. At this time we are still researching which one will work best for our family.*

*An update - we purchased and are using the first grade Houghton Mifflin Math book that I have used while subbing in Chicopee Public Schools. I had the opportunity to look through several other curriculums and this was the one that made the most sense to me. Because we do not do lessons five days a week, we double up lessons when it makes sense, so that we will complete this book on schedule.