A Quick 2012 Half-Year Learning Review

Yes, we're still homeschooling! I know it's been a while since I posted an academic update. I just haven't been able to keep up with these updates as much as I'd like to.

Kiddo's fourth grade year is officially over according to our charter school. But since his two core subject classes began in January, we are just going to keep plugging away over summer (at a slower pace), into the first semester of fifth grade in the fall and possibly beyond, in spring 2013 too. 

Our 2012 curriculum choices are quite successful so far (but don't be surprised if six months from now, things look very different!). He chose most of the resources after I listed some options based on his interests and ability level:

Geometry with his Online Tutor is his favorite core course this year! Going very slowly but very steadily too (according to his tutor, this is good for his math stamina; but it is not good for impatient mom).

 
Physics with Derek Owens: Kiddo loves the lectures and practice videos but the homework and tests are hard work. Still, he's managing this on his own so far. This and German are his first officially graded courses.

Irasshai Japanese I: His favorite elective. He's finished half of Japanese I and is currently reviewing the 30+ lessons using the Irasshai workbook.

German Online German I: He's able to lead, read and understand simple (and silly!) German conversations. Three more chapters to the end of German I.

Literature and Philosophy discussions with:

   

Philosophy lessons are read one or two at a time and included into daily conversations. Kiddo has read the lit titles and we'll listen to the audiobook versions in the car in the coming weeks. We discuss interesting bits as the opportunity comes up but without emphasis on mechanics or analysis for now.

History and Other: History happens on an extremely random basis here. History through math and science is so much more eagerly embraced than history through curriculum. We periodically read aloud from well-written children's books (mostly fiction) and listen to audiobooks too...I'm hoping kiddo is soaking something up from there.

Kiddo also finished a three-week audit of Introduction to Cryptology with Coursera. He wanted to work on it himself in the evenings and finished half the course at a slower pace.

ETA: Piano and swimming continue with the former being a hit and the latter being in between hit and miss. Kiddo participated in a jazz band program for six weeks in spring and even sang lead vocals for one song!

I'd love to read your school year reviews if you've written them. Please link to them when commenting.

Happy summer everyone!