Curriculum Crisis

I'm a research hound, an information junkie and a detail nut. I always want all the data before making any decision. This is true in just about every area of my life, from buying a loaf of bread to a shirt at the mall. Bring that same mindset to homeschooling and it can be a scary thing. There is just too much out there to know it all and have any kind of life. On top of that I have had virtually no time to think about next year much less plan for it.

In the past two weeks I have kicked into high gear. Every spare moment has been spent on the computer searching for some aspect of our curriculum. I discovered a blog I adore (Trivium Academy, a wonderful resource if you desire to classically homeschool) and spent hours reading all her posts and clicking all her links. Today I even posted on a message board for the first time to learn from some who have gone before on this journey. It has been good. I have a long way to go but am making progress each day.

Here is where I am so far:

• Math - We are sticking with Horizons for next year. Even though math is not his strongest subject he begs for it each day. That was not true when we were using Singapore. I will also purchase or make lots of manipulatives for next year to do a better job building that concrete foundation before moving to abstract concepts.

• Phonics/Spelling: We will finish the final three books in Explode the Code (most likely in November) and begin formal spelling at that point. I am not sure if we will use Spelling Workout or just create my own program.

• Grammar: Finish First Language Lessons by Jessie Wise.
  

• History: Ahhhh! This one is killing me. I cannot decide between Mystery of History and Story of the World. It's been my toughest decision so far because there are things I love about both programs. My husband is leaning towards SOTW (and so am I, to be honest) but several good friends will use MOH. That would allow us to do a mini co-op. Do I want to do SOTW by myself or MOH with others???

• Science: I just ordered Noeo Biology I on Wednesday. I think I am going to love this program. I am most excited that it seems to combine classical with Charlotte Mason principles so well.

• Arts: Next year we will have an "Artist of the Month". I have purchased nine books from the Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists series by Mike Venzia along with a set of postcards for each artist that showcases his/her most famous works. We will display the postcards along with a picture of each artist and supplement with lots of other books from the library. I have also purchased Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes. I am not sure how we'll use this yet; I do not want to try to do too much. We'll also have a "Composer of the Month". I ordered nine books in the Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers series and we will listen to that composer's music all month as we play and work. I am also ordering the CD's in the Classical Kids set and will supplement again with library books.

• Reading: This is the biggie I needed to start working on yesterday! I want to develop a reading plan but need to decide on which history to use first. I can start researching read-a-louds at the very least. I know we'll follow the WTM's suggestion to study lots of literature that follows the corresponding period in history. Since we'll be studying the Ancients, some books are a given: Aesop's Fables, The Iliad, The Odyssey, etc. Right now I am researching what are the best versions of these books for children - readable yet true to the originals.

• Spanish: I like Puertas Abiertas but am a unsure if I want to use a video approach. Today I learned that Classical Academic Press is coming out with a new Spanish program. I have emailed them to find out when it will be available.
  

If anyone has any advice I am completely open to suggestions!