That Time of Year

I know it's early but I have already started thinking about plans for next year. I'm thinking the summer is going to be pretty busy with a new baby, summer vacation plans, gardening, and of course just enjoying the weather and the community events. I thought it would be a good idea to start at least thinking about what we are going to do for third grade. (Wow - third grade!!) We had a tough start to second grade and I would like to avoid that again. I think we have found some curriculum that works well for phonics and grammar. Ms. Q likes it and it seems to be working.

We are still struggling to find a math program that we both like. I tried to avoid spending too much money on a prepared curriculum package but I think that I might have to break down and go for it. The question is which one?

I found a really great resource to add to our homeschool - lesson pathways. This website was once a members only site but has since become free to use with paid advertisements. The website provides web based units of study in all subject areas and the curriculum is aligned with the federal core curriculum standards. It has really helped lessen the time I need to spend searching the internet for resources, hands on project ideas, and worksheets. We are definitely going to be using it more in the fall. We are sticking with the literature based units but are going to work in some more science with the help of lesson pathways. I highly recommend the site!

I would really like to at least create a list of topics/books/ideas to cover for next year and a tentative time schedule for when we would do each one. It will just give me a little feeling of control. I don't think that's too much to ask!