Homeschool - Part 2

Curriculum.  The very word is overwhelming when you start looking at all the options available now for homeschool.  Last year I ordered from one publisher (Abeka) and used it exclusively for both boys.  This year I new we needed something different so I spent months (literally) looking at different publishers.  I talked with other homeschool moms to see what had worked for them and what they liked.  I read reviews where ever I could find them.  It was a lot of time and energy, but I didn't want to invest in something and then be miserable working through it all year. 

Here is what I am using with Ethan this year for 3rd grade.

• Math:  Math U See  (So far so good.)

• Grammar/Writing:  BJU Press English - so far we are LOVING this.

• Spelling:  Word Building Paces by School of Tomorrow (okay)
• Literature/Creative Writing:  School of Tomorrow Paces (not really impressed, but we'll try it for a few more weeks.)
• Science:  Switched on Schoolhouse (haven't started yet)
• History:  Abeka as an outline but I will supplement with extra readings and projects.
• Bible:  Exploring Genesis (so far so good.)
• Reading list:  created a list of books for him to read based on Sonlight's curriculum 

And for Josiah for 1st grade:

• English: School of Tomorrow Paces (like it)
• Spelling: Word Building Paces by School of Tomorrow (great) - Josiah finished the first one in just over a week and took his test and did great.  He was so excited to complete something already.  
• Math:  Math U See (so far so good.)
• Bible:  BJU Bible Truths (A Father's Care) - LOVE it!
• Science/History/Health - will use Abeka and supplement with making lap and story books.  He loves making books and projects so that will make those subjects fun...haven't started those yet.

For some reason, I didn't come across BJU press until after I'd already purchased most of their other materials.  I wish I'd come across it sooner!  We are loving both the English (for Ethan) and Bible (for Josiah). 

As far as cost I bought a lot of the books used (but in good condition) from Ebay.  Math U See cost about $130 total for both boys.  I won't have to buy the blocks again ($40) and I'll be able to reuse a lot of Ethan's material for Josiah when he gets there.  School of Tomorrow Paces cost the most (comparatively) since I bought them at a book fair - total was about $120 (I did buy some of Ethan's Paces on ebay).  Abeka books for both boys were used and total was $24 for Ethan's history set and Josiah's 3 books.   Switched on Schoolhouse was around $60 from CBD.  BJU Bible Truths lesson book and teachers guide was $22 off ebay.  Ethan's BJU English workbook was $18 from Mardel and the teachers guide was $8 from Ebay.  So overall, the cost was less than what I paid last year for the complete sets from Abeka.  I love Ebay for this kind of stuff.