3rd Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2018-2019

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This year I am SO excited to be homeschooling my oldest, Skylar, who is entering 3rd grade!

After being in public school for the past two years, I’ve finally reassured myself that both her and I are ready for the homeschooling task ahead.

We plan to let Mason continue in our local school system until 2nd grade. The idea is that he (like Skylar) will have a solid foundation of reading, math skills, socialization, etc before transitioning.

I’m well aware that others succeed just homeschooling from the get go, but this is what we’re doing for our family at this point. 🙂

Anywho! As I may have mentioned previously, I taught at our church school for several years. In doing so, I had in depth experience with a couple of different curriculum options. I combined that with (excessive) research and confidently decided what we’ll be using this year!

Via recommendations from family and friends I ordered most of our curriculum through Christianbook.com!

Here’s what I went with and why!

1.) Language: Abeka Language 3

I’m probably a little bias towards Abeka’s language curriculum, because I taught it so much to my 6th and 7th grade classes! The books are easy to understand and very thorough. As your student works through the text you will notice that the tests and reviews consistently refer back to previously taught sections. This allows you to be confident that your child has a clear understanding of the material by the end of the year! Click here to see a sample!

2.) Spelling: Spelling You See – Level D – Americana

This is a new curriculum to me that was recommended from fellow homeschool teachers. I’m starting Skylar out at Level D, but they have a placement test that helps you choose the best level for your own child. Student’s get practice in reading, memorization, and handwriting in addition to excellent spelling skills! Click here to see a sample!

**We’re two months into school, and I feel like I now have a different opinion on Spelling You See. I understand the concept behind it, but I honestly think an 8 year old would be better served writing spelling words in different ways (3x each, sentences, pyramids, etc) rather than copying entire paragraphs. I think it’s probably GREAT for maybe 5th and 6th graders where you don’t necessarily need a spelling grade, but you just want to have extra practice in general for spelling and handwriting skills.**

3.) Science: Abeka Exploring God’s World Grade 3

I went back and forth on finding a science curriculum but ultimately decided on Abeka. Again, I’m familiar with the setup and material. It’s very thorough and includes a variety of suggested experiments and activities I know Skylar will enjoy! Click here to see a sample! It’s also designed to last for half a year with health taking the second half. We won’t be doing the health portion and will instead be using that additional time to fit in an extracurricular such as Spanish, Music, etc.

**I’ve also set aside a “project week” after some of the units. For example, after the plant unit we took a cutting and planted it and also visited a garden!*

4.) History: Story of the World – Volume 1: Ancient Times

We’re really excited about starting the year with this up our sleeve! Story of the World was suggested to me by my sister-in-law who is a fellow homeschooling mom. It’s designed in a straightforward, read-along format that can be taught to 1st – 8th grade as a group. As well as an in depth resource for world history, it also includes biblical events that ran parallel to those times. Click here to see a sample!

**I really love this curriculum! It’s our favorite subject every day! I appreciate that the (massive) activity book includes review questions, map work, coloring pages, etc. AND they suggest additional writing prompts and projects you can do! It’s seriously awesome. HIGHLY recommend!**

5.) Spanish: Teach Them Spanish, Grade 2

Skylar has been wanting to learn Spanish for a couple of years. We have a Spanish ministry at our church, and she’s repeatedly asked for us to find a way for her to learn their language. We’re starting off at Grade 2 so that we can learn the basics before we jump into conversations. I’m assuming that I will pick up some as well while trying to teach her. I’m excited to see how this subject goes for us both! Click here to see a sample!

I was excited that Christianbook.com had so many of the curriculum that I wanted in one place!

8.) Math: Teaching Textbooks – Math 4

For math I ventured away from what Christianbook had available, and instead I went with something that a lot of my homeschool mom friends love. Teaching Textbooks is a completely computer based curriculum that your child can work through at their own pace. If you find that your student didn’t do well on a test or is struggling in several of the practices you can erase what they’ve completed, explain it yourself, and have them redo that lesson! I’m starting Skylar on Level 4, but every child is different. Have your student take the placement tests available and use your own judgement. Click here to visit TeachingTextbooks.com!

7.) Literature: Confessions of a Homeschooler – Literature Units

All of the things I’ve listed so far have been a lot of book/computer work, (as school usually is…) but Skylar is the type of kid that needs a way to express herself through some type of creative project every once in a while! So when I found these literature units on Confessions of a Homeschooler I knew that I had to get it for her. In addition to book reports and activities, you create these lap books that your child completes as they make their way through the book! We’re buying the individual literature units this year, because Skylar already reads a good bit. I plan to do these structured units maybe once a month and let her choose her own additional reading material. *Basking in the freedom of home school!* The first unit we’ll do is Pollyanna! You can click here to find that unit, and the Classic Start version of the book is actually also available on Christianbook.com. So click here for that!

8.)Geography: Confessions of a Homeschooler – Road Trip USA

I hope ya’ll have stuck it out this far, because this is gold! This curriculum includes so. much. stuff! Over 450 pages of it to be exact! There’s literally just so much awesome crammed into a binder that you need to click here to see it all. And ya’ll. Check out the passport it includes to mark as they make their way through the lessons.

SERIOUSLY?! I live for this kind of cheesy cuteness.

If you go to her blog, Confessions of a Homeschooler, her Homeschool 101 and Organization tips are full of awesome information to help you start your home school journey or even give an experienced homeschooler some new ideas!

The one subject I haven’t found a curriculum for is Bible. Do you have one that you love or have heard great reviews about? If so, leave your suggestions in the comments below!

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