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Downunder Literature |
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A SCOPE AND SEQUENCE FOR AUSTRALIAN HOMESCHOOLERS |
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Providing homeschool resources of enduring value |
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I know when I first started home education I felt like I needed some sort of a guideline to get me going on the right track. So, I have put together a basic scope and sequence for Australian homeschoolers in the primary school years. I have chosen these resources because I liked them. I have included some curriculum that I have not personally used but are highly recommend; these ones I have marked with an asterix(*). When possible I have sourced Australian products. Many of Downunder Literature’s products are mentioned because of the lack of Australian homeschool products.
Please use this scope and sequence as a guide and not as a strict curriculum. You can use these suggestions to help get you going as you search out what works best for your children and your family. For more advice see · About us
Full SCOPE AND SEQUENCE PDF version click here
English Read Aloud . Read to your kids often. Many good lists are available. See here for some good book lists
To teach reading is one of the first academic challenges that is encountered in the homeschool. Great debate surrounds this topic. We started with a strong phonics program that was very labor intensive. For the last two children I used the below curriculum that I found easy to use and enjoyable. · Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. · Phonics Readers · For a great free phonics program see http://www.donpotter.net/ed.htm
To teach writing is the next step. Letter formation and recognition is the first skill needed. Modeling good writing is your goal. Here are some font charts for Ball& Stick and Foundation Style. Once you start them writing try to get them to write a small amount every day. When you think they are ready you can move on to the next stage of copywork. · Beatrix Potter for Beginners · Emma Serl Primary Language Lessons
Teaching spelling, comprehension, grammar, punctuation For this stage begin with copywork and progress towards dictation. The study of English can be incorporated into all areas of study. Use other lessons, such as historical narrations, to inspire them in their writing activities. Oral narration teaches students to communicate effectively in a variety of situations for a variety of purposes and audiences. The student has to relate back with clarity what was read. This can be a structured part of reading aloud time. Questions are also asked to encourage thoughtfulness and establish comprehension. Written and Oral narration is an excellent skill that helps the children to articulate and show understanding of a large variety of different texts. · Language Lessons by Queens Homeschool * A US program available through CREDO TRUST · Spelling Wisdom-Simply Charlotte Mason-British Version · Emma Serl Intermediate Language Lesson · Study Guides for various Novels for high school use. Try Currclick · Written and oral narrations
Math Math textbooks are the framework of our math curriculum. Practical math is also encouraged with measurements in cooking recipes, following patterns, maps, building, games and money management.
Resources · Targeting Maths K · Rod and Staff Year One book 1 · Miquon Maths Orange and Red Book. Scope and Sequence. · Singapore Maths 2A-6B Scope and Sequence. Available from Chariot Press · *Haesse and Harris. Will start for year 7 · *Math-U-See
Science and Technology Science in the infants and early primary years revolves around nature study and nature stories.
Nature Study is a great place to start teaching science in the homeschool and primary school. Teaching about nature gives science lessons on; observation, conservation, habitat, endangered species, landcare and more. We aim to do one Nature study per week and one nature walk per month.
Rather than sleeping through a science text book we choose ‘living books’. That is books that are so well done, with a smooth flowing story, written by a person who is passionate about science. For this reason we have a fairly unstructured program until fourth grade then we add a a more independent study of science using a general science program that has a literary focus.
Nature Study Resources · The Wonderland of Nature (Children’s Book Council of Australia award) and · The Wonderland of Nature Journal are a homeschool science resource set that covers one year Australian science curriculum for the homeschool or school. · A Bush Calendar is an Australian nature diary classic written by Amy Mack over a year in the early 1900’s. Her enthusiasm is infectious and it draws you out into the bush. · Crowns of Fire is a beautifully illustrated masterpiece that will delight as it teaches about bushfires. · Nature Talks to New Zealanders written by Phillip Crosbie Morrison is an amusing scientific look at the flora and fauna of New Zealand. It makes comparisons with Australia. Recommended by New Zealand homeschoolers. · For more books see here · Structured Science Resources · Apologia-Exploring Creation and Exploring Zoology. · Basic Science Mysteries I Course Year 7 Science
Human Society in its Environment We use ‘living books’ that bring a depth and richness into human society and its environment studies. I believe true learning will happen when a child captures a passion for that part of history and maybe the person you are reading about.
Literary Unit Studies are used in the infants and early primary years. A good book is used as a mini unit study to teach in five key areas; English, social studies, geography, art and science. The books chosen are all selected because they have something special to share that will enrich their experience of Australia and the world. Five in A Row is a very popular American curriculum that can be adapted to the Australian environment. Using the principles of Five in a Row I have also put together an Australian Book List. Charlotte Mason and Friends also have a list.
The following historical cycle is used and greater depth of study is required as the child develops. Up to grade three this is mostly taught using narrative style story books that have good illustrations. After this a greater depth is required. Scope and Sequence for teaching history in the homeschool Year One Australian History is taught with our relationship to history. We also teach this topic in context with our own family history. Our first General Australian History is The Australia Book by Eve Pownall Then a more thorough account Our Sunburnt Country: An illustrated history of Australia is used as the spine for teaching history and from that other topics are explored Year Two Ancient History ;Adam to Abraham; Mesopotamia; Ancient Egypt; Ancient Israel; Ancient Greece; Ancient Rome Year Three Middle Ages;The fall of Rome; Missionaries and Barbarians; Byzantines and Muslims; The Holy Roman Empire and Vikings; The Crusades and the Mongols; Reformation & Late Middle Ages; Revivals and Revolutions Year Four World Empires and World Wars; Napolean; Industrialization; Intellectual revolution; Franco Prussian War; The Turn of the Century 1900 & The Balkans; WWI and the Bolshevick Revolution; The Rise of Fascism, Nazism; WWII ; The Cold War, The Korean War, Vietnam War; The War in the Middle East; Modern times
Resources for World History · A Childs History of the World by Virgil M Hillyer. · *The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer CD’s Volume 1--4 · Dianna Waring History of the World Books1, 2 and 3. · Large amount of living books for reading. As per reading lists.
Creative and Practical Arts Visual Arts: Art is taught in our homeshool by providing children with various opportunities to explore different art mediums. We are working towards less quantity and more quality but also giving opportunities for various style arts activities. Our focus is on observational art (nature study), painting, drawing, print making, clay modelling, lino carving and computer generated art. Music: Prior to the commencement of formal music lessons a 48 week interactive computer music theory course Music Ace is completed. Formal Music Lessons are commenced in forth grade and up until then music appreciation is our goal. One lesson per week plus five session of practice. Creative Arts: The creative arts are appreciated via plays, pantomimes and concerts. Opportunity for concert performance can be given but are not compulsory. The decision can be left up to the individual child. Expression in drama is encouraged when reading and some play acting is also required.
Other Curriculum Websites
For free resources see this site. To read a complete American curriculum workbook scope and sequence click here To view a free Charlotte Mason curriculum click here |
