Personal thoughts on using My Father's World homeschool curriculum

I started MFW with Zech in July. We spent 10 days studying the creation story which is the foundation of the curriculum. Following that 2 weeks ago, we started the first unit 'S for sun'.

What I really like about the curriculum is the integration of subjects using the Bible as the focus. It's not all indoors and no play. In fact, the curriculum encourages exploration and outdoor learning.

Our first outdoor activity was at a nearby park. Very tedious to take along Nathanael and I had to use a baby carrier. But it was well worth the effort and time. Zech had a fun time reviewing the creation story and singing his fav songs after taking breakfast outdoor.

Last week, as Zech started learning how to form and write Ss, I realised there's just so much to learn about the sun which means light and thus the memory verse, Jesus is the light of the world. Each unit comprises 6 lessons and allows more depth in covering key concepts including application of the Bible verse. For me, I never never like touch and go method in teaching. Being comprehensive with lots of opportunities to explore and varied hands-on activities and seat work customized according to my child's interest and ability is my most important methodology. In MFW, I can do exactly that.

MFW is also a literature-based approach which goes along with my belief of teaching from books. There's a long book list related to the sun in the teacher's guide. Borrowed some of them from the library.

Love the stories and info books.

The recommended activities in MFW are very interesting and fun to do. Most importantly, they are simple and easy for Zech.

Craft, Science, Language Arts, Math and Bible are all integrated into each unit lesson.

Sun craft to remind Zech that Jesus is the light of the world.  Zech painted the circle yellow then paste strips of yellow and orange around it. Idea from http://mamajenn.com/blog/2011/09/ss-for-sun-mfw-kindergarten-printable.html

Learning about shadows and using a sun dial to tell the time as compared to our modern clock.

We also grew bean plants and monitor its growth every day.


Tactile activities - Use of pom poms to form S. Writing in a salt tray is Zech's fav too!

 

Do a dot markers are another fav! Zech did some threading as well, which he doesn't really enjoy but still did it without complaining. :)

 



Love the suggested activities in the teacher's guide that allows kids to make their own snacks.

Following a lesson on how raisins are made from grapes, Zech made his own snack with raisins, bananas and peanut butter. Minimum prep for me! We also put some grapes out in the sun to make 'raisins' and observed the changes daily.

 Sun bread for morning breakfast.

Learning numbers, counting and calendar time are done daily. For Math, I supplemented with quite a few of my own activities  and worksheets which I got online. I find just following MFW to teach Math is not sufficient.  

Zech's fav number game! He enjoys jumping on the numbers I call out.

 

 

Ordered the 'Cuisenaire Rods Alphabet Book' together with the curriculum. Guided Zech to use the Cuisenaire Rods to form shapes. These rods were part of my teacher resources a long time ago. Put to good use now.

 

 

 

 

Printed out some handwriting worksheets for Zech too as I find those given by MFW are insufficient. He needs lots of practice in his handwriting!

 

MFW is a wonderful homeschool curriculum! It may seem simple for our kids here but it's really up to the parent to decide how broad the coverage should be for a child. This curriculum allows the flexibility to add on and supplement. Most importantly, the units are thematic using a literature-based approach and this, for me, is most ideal in teaching pre-schoolers.

 

If you are keen to know more, do visit their website at http://www.mfwbooks.com/products/M50/20/0/0/1#details.







My Father's World week 1

Was apprehensive about starting formal school with Zech. A week ago, I was still contemplating if I should go ahead with our formal homeschool plans. After much analysis and observation, I decided to try out using 'My Father's World' curriculum starting on 30 Jun.

Zech may be lacking in his fine motor skills thus affecting the progress of his handwriting. However, in many other ways, he is prepared for formal schooling and ready to learn more. His zest for learning and enthusiasm to start school are the main reasons. As the day for starting school drew nearer, I found myself planning and preparing, careful not to leave any ground untouched. After all, it's my first time teaching a pre-schooler and I don't want to have too many surprises.

On the first day, Zech really surprised me. He couldn't wait to begin lessons with Mummy! He was super attentive and responsive. We started with reading the Bible about God's creation before progressing to more academic stuff. Ended the lesson with a game. After lunch, we listened to a piece of classical music by Mozart.

2 very enthusiastic boys. One busy looking at the cover of the cd while the other clapped his little hands along to the beat of the music. That was truly classical music appreciation.

Snippets of homeschool day 2 to 4...

Realised Zech has improved so much in painting. He can now show me the correct strokes when using the paintbrush. Love the way he's painting now. More patient and careful when painting the edges.

With a baking tray and Melissa and Doug wooden alphabets and numbers., Zech reviewed the letters and numerals with me then on his own.

Letter hunting at home. Zech loves this!

 

We hunted for numerals outside too. In the lift, on the letter boxes and car plates.

The boys were introduced to classical music by Mozart this week. We did listening activity, music and movement, silent reading and painting while listening to Mozart. The music does have a positive calming effect on the boys. In fact, Zech likes Mozart so much he has been asking to listen to his music.

Zech's creation booklet from day 1 to 4.

Homeschool is not without its challenges. Not every day is a fine day for the kids. I struggle through at various times but told myself to persevere. With 2 active boys, I must often keep the younger one occupied or think of how to get him involved in Zech's lessons. Really thankful that Nathanael is able to play independently recently. Just a container filled with building blocks and an empty biscuit box can keep him engaged for some time. If something doesn't work, I need to modify or look for alternatives. Need lots and lots of patience and creativity. Thank God I'm enjoying most parts of homeschooling and most importantly it's the process that matters and not the product. Using God's creation to teach facts and knowledge is definitely very different from what I was taught in kindergarten in the past. It's also so much more meaningful,knowing that my boy will be grounded biblically and spiritually. Certainly a great and warm approach for young kids to know God as our Heavenly Father who created all the wonders in the world.