We are a classical education family, and I have a confession to make.
I did not choose it out of a passionate belief in its educational philosophy.
I did not choose it out of a desire for my children to be well read in the great books and studied in the events of human history.
I did not choose it because it would be easy to teach multiple grade levels at the same time.
I did it because I found a co-op that allowed me to drop off the kids one day a week.
From 9 to 3.
Without me.
There. I said it.
I love being at home with my kids. I enjoy teaching them. Right now I know it’s what’s best for them. But I need time to myself for my own mental health, and my little guy needs his mommy’s undivided attention on occasion. So when I discovered Aquinas Learning at the beginning of my discernment for homeschooling, I realized it would provide two things in addition to a solid education: a much needed respite for me, and a much-desired social opportunity for the girls.
Aquinas Learning is like Classical Conversations but is rooted in Catholic teaching. As other classical curricula do, Aquinas moves in cycles. This year we are on to cycle two, meaning we’ll study:
The founding of Christendom through the Renaissance
Physics and astronomy
European geography
Feudal government systems
Philosophy and Catholic theology
Writing and grammar
Medieval and Renaissance art and music
Aquinas has a rich curriculum guide and quality book list. To round out the curriculum and satisfy my girls’ intellectual curiosity, I sit down at the end of the summer and select a library of additional resources. Some of them are free, some of them are less than $10, and others of them are pricey, but worth it. Here are the materials I’ve gathered for the first semester, and the online resources we use throughout the school year.
Science – Physics and Astronomy
For Physics, we’ll be learning about gravity, force, motion, and Newton and his laws, among other things. Astronomy includes the planets and the solar system.
Gravity is a Mystery: Let’s Read and Find Out Science Level 2
Forces Make Things Move: Let’s Read and Find out Science Level 2
Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion (Inventions and Discovery)
Motion: Push and Pull, Fast and Slow
Physics Level I, Real Science 4 Kids
Visual Dictionary of the Universe (out of print, but used copies are plentiful)
My Book of Space (again, out of print but used copies are plentiful)
History and Geography
G loves maps and history. She’s already read the three books from cover to cover. B enjoys listening to The Story of World, and I think she’s pretty excited about the card game, too.
DK Geography of the World (this is an old, hand-me-down edition. Newer editions are available).
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child (From the Fall of Rome to the Renaissance). I really, really, really (really!) wanted to use TAN Homeschool’s Catholic version of this series. But alas it’s not yet available for cycle two, so I’m using Susan Wise Bauer’s series with a my own injection of Catholic teaching.
Kingfisher History Encyclopedia This covers everything from the beginning of time (well, as far back as we can get anyway) to modern day. It’s a mainstay in our collection.
Theology
Aquinas has its own theology text written by Collette Ellis Leinhard. It’s good. But we’ll also be using My Catholic Faith Delivered’s Faith and Life online series – B has a sacrament year next year and I want a really solid foundation for that. We’ll use my old New Jerusalem Bible from high school as well, plus these two texts:
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Children’s Bible (this was mine from the 80s; there are several good options on Amazon).
Math
Boy have we struggled with math. I think I’ve done something different every year. This time around, I’m using a hybrid approach:
Beast Academy (3D is pictured; will start with 4A as soon as we finish up fractions)
Literature and Writing
Aquinas uses IEW. It’s not my favorite, for a variety of reasons. To supplement, I’ll be doing my own thing and using the following:
Classic Poetry for Your Little Genius
American Cardinal Readers These were a hand-me-down. Lovely, lovely set of books, for grades PreK to 8.
Star Wars Kindergarten Phonics & ABCs, Math, and Writing (B is in first but we need some review, I think)
Online resources
Crash Course Kids: a fantastic YouTube channel with clear, engaging science videos. We’ll use their physical and space science offerings this year.
BainPop and BrainPop Jr.: for years we used the free material on this site, but I decided the paid content was worth the cost and bought a subscription last fall (I renewed it this year through a great deal at Homeschool Buyer’s Coop). There are videos, articles, maps, games, quizzes, and more on topics ranging from STEM to the humanities. My kids love it. I love it. It’s a win/win.
Starfall: my little guy loves Starfall. He’s not quite two, and he already recognizes certain letters, can name his colors, and can drag and drop shapes for matching with the best of them. I bought a Starfall subscription last year to teach phonics to B. She wasn’t ready to do more than play, but i’m hoping this school year will be different.
History.com: the History channel’s website has a wealth of information and videos. I probably use their site about once a week, depending on the historical event we are studying.
National Geographic Kids: a perennial favorite for interactive learning games, videos, maps and articles appropriate for elementary age kids.
I’ll be publishing a second semester list in January, so be on the lookout for that (because Christmas will be here tomorrow, right?). In the meantime, let me know if there’s anything I missed!
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