4th Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 2021-2022

[@angelsuniverse6021]

The book shows vedic method? Or just the traditional different ways multiplications like in the school? Just wonder if would be easy or challenged for my 3rd grader...he is been using elephant math (really made super easy for him to understand fractions, percentages n decimals), beast academy -loves the word problems n interesting way to show excersizes), n flvs flex grade 4th ...1 semester he did it in 2 weeks or less....can multiply mentaly 2 digits by 2 digits n add n add n substract several numbers mentally (abacus)....he likes iowa test practice online sites etc ...like for fun....so not really sure what curriculum should get for his 4th grade 😢...total lost....so far guess I will let him do flvs 5th ....n see if there is any challenge there for him?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Saxon (at least the older homeschool editions we have) uses the traditional/old school method for multiplication.

[@nikkifisk5544]

I just have to tell you I LOVE your video style. I have been fluttering around the homeschool community videos on yourtube for a while, and its nice to see someone whos videos aren't loaded with religious topics, and not edited right to a T with music and the like, I feel like I am sitting in your living room, which is nice. Thank you for what you do, and showing the pages in the books and giving great examples of what is included!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're so sweet! Thank you! I'm glad you found the videos to be helpful and encouraging!

[@familylifestylechanges5248]

How is the IEW compared to first language lessons?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

IEW is more writing based. Whereas FLL is more grammar based. FLL focuses on the parts of speech, their definitions, diagramming sentences, and has some small units for writing letters at the end of the book. But overall there is not much writing and certainly no lessons that focus on the writing of papers. Hope that helps!

[@JaswinderKaur-mj4pw]

Hi dear Please help me as iam an Indian immigrant in u.s.a .kindly help me which home school r good for grade 4 .secondly let me know if we can go for home school as well as in public school I mean my kid can join both home school as well as public school .as I want him to be social. Being ESL mean english second language he must go to public school so that he must be social.and lastly if we can go through only with one school .can home school only provide us curriculum for grade 4 .thx Iam waiting for ur response .kindly help me

[@hymapalepu1550]

Hello... Can you do a one lesson walk through of IEW please before I buy it

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Yes, I can show you how we go through a days work of our IEW!!! I’ll try to get that taped for you this week!!!

[@luzudahy]

Sorry I am new at this and I want to know where can I get a template for a curriculum and also for schedule I really appreciate the answer thank you

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Which curriculum are you looking for? I order most of my curriculum online through Christianbook.com. Most curricula also includes schedules in the front that you can follow!

[@heatherburlingame471]

Hav enough done classical conversations? Yays and/or nays to any sort of coop?

[@heatherburlingame471]

So I meant to say have you ever done CC

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Yes, we've done Classical Conversations for the past seven years. And while I have always enjoyed CC and the classical approach (Although, I'd say we're very eclectic and bring in lots of different styles into our learning.) we felt it was definitely time to step away and take a break. We were feeling burnt out and sometimes you just need a change-up! Or at least we did! I definitely love co-ops! They are great ways to get your kids plugged in with like-minded kids and their families! It also builds really great friendships - both for kids and adults! Some of my best friends are fellow homeschool moms! It is through these different co-ops that I've found my tribe and therefore my support system. They also allow you to share the responsibility in teaching some things! It's always great when someone teaches in an area that is my weakness and I can teach in areas that are my strengths!

[@TheLearningLadder]

Great to see your choices. We use IEW and love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching! I love finding other families taking the same educational path as we are!

[@bavanasalandra4129]

My child is also going to be 4th grade. 2021-2022. Thank you so much.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're welcome! Hope it was helpful! Good luck next year!

[@audreymaldonado5655]

The new Fix-it is a little easier and more balanced, and they’re adding a level between the old 1&2. I think that was very needed. My 12 yr old finished 1, and we’ll wait till next yr fir the new level 2, because the old 2 is pretty tough.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

This is so good to hear because I totally agree with you. We are in the middle of Level 2 with my oldest and I found it to be quite the jump from Level 1. There have been several times where he has been confused, but I told him to just trust the process and he'd eventually "get" it! It was the best I could offer him! :)

[@melissabritt7712]

I’m so confused! According to the Saxon website, 5/4 is for 4th grade and is on track to have the student take Calculus in 12th grade. What are your plans for your kids - graduating a year early?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Correct - 5/4 could be used for either a 4th or 5th grader according to Saxon. I have just found in my own kiddos that is more in line with a 4th/3rd grade level than a 5th/4th. I know we'll likely finish the Saxon track earlier than their schedule. We would like our kids to take some College Credit Plus classes. (Basically get some college credits for your basic education classes while still in high school. This is also under the presumption they would like to attend college. We don't plan to push it if they'd like to enter into a trade/apprenticeship/etc. But anyway, the best part of the CCP program is it's free - at least in Ohio. I'm not sure how this is regulated in different states!)

[@brookeschrock2597]

How are you liking the IEW curriculum for your 4th grader? I can really relate to you in regards to struggling with teaching my 4th grader in this area. I’m thinking a pout purchasing this curriculum. Any feedback would be great. Thank you

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I am actually really enjoying it so far. (And I think he is as well.) He is definitely a reluctant writer, but the process really breaks down writing into bite size pieces that are doable for him. At his point, his papers are very basic and we are taking it slow. But I'm ok with that. He will get there as he becomes more comfortable with the process! If I sat him down and said write me a paper about "x,y.z" he'd have no idea what to write about. But this process of making key word outlines and then writing a paper from the outline is such a good method. I can't speak enough about it! If you're on the fence, you can always go on their website and have a free trial and give it a shot!

[@brookeschrock2597]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 I ended up buying the curriculum and my son loves the videos. The guy is pretty funny and he “likes his voice”. Lol Thanks for the suggestion.

[@aimeejohannes6713]

I’m looking at IEW structure and style for my incoming 4th grader, do you know how long the videos are? And do they watch them daily?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

There are 24 discs for 24 weeks. So there is one video per week and I believe the video is split between two days. You can sign up on IEW's website and get a free month preview of the first 3 weeks or so. I did that and I want to say the videos were around 45-60 minutes. So that would be split between two days.

[@aimeejohannes6713]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 Thank you! I’ll check the website, I didn’t see that before.

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

Hi, new subbie here! Great selections. I gave you a thumbs up. Can you please do an overhead flipthrough of First Language Lessons 4? I don't see a review on it anywhere on KZbin. Thank you! ❤

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

For sure! I'd be happy to do that for you! I'll get on it asap! Thanks for following along!

[@dml1464]

I love first language lessons

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Me too! Such a great and simple curriculum that covers so many aspects of language arts - parts of speech, dictation, re-telling stories, poetry, art, sentence diagramming (albeit, not my favorite!), etc.

[@miaharvill8929]

Hi there, thank you for introducing the IEW. I can relate with you, English is not my strong subject to teach, since english is my second language. I would like to use the IEW for my twin boys. I would need the 5th grade level for my sons. I planning to get the Level A for them. the kit that I saw had a fix it grammar in it. I wanted the kit/set with the dvds in it. which set do i need to get for my 5th graders? I am a little bit nervous, this is going to be our first year. wish us luck!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Oh wow. Conquering English as a second language - I can't imagine! You're awesome! So here is the link for Level A, with Fix-It Grammar, and DVD lessons included. (You would just need to make sure you select the DVD option.) You can also buy the Premier Package that costs $269, but it includes DVDs for the parent to watch on how to teach your child. I did not buy that particular package as I had already viewed those videos. I think you'll do great. IEW does a fantastic job at breaking writing down into doable chunks! iew.com/shop/products/structure-and-style-students-year-1-level-basic-plus-forever-streaming-or-dvd

[@hymapalepu1550]

Hi... Thank you for the vedio... I am in same.boat as yours and cannot teach English.. I am fine with Grammer but not writing. So how you know whatever ur kiddo wrote is right and he is following the right direction... How do u determine if his answers are right. Could you recommend the level for my 3rd grade who is struggling with writing and I don't want Grammer... Just vedio lesson and anything which kiddo can do by himself with less parent involvement

[@valleyhavenfamilyschool8951]

Spelling You See is the first program that has worked for my daughter who has learning disabilities- it's a great program! We will be using IEW for the first time this coming year for my 2 daughters. I'm looking forward to it. I would love to try Saxon with my younger daughter who is math-gifted- she's 8. But she loves using Abeka Arithmetic and wants to stick with that one. I'm not sure how she would handle a textbook at this point, but maybe when she gets a little older. But for now the Abeka's working well so I guess we will stick with it.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

It's hard to go against the old saying of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" especially if she likes Abeka! Best of luck for the upcoming year!

[@robinhill8787]

Thank you for sharing this. Very informative.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

We're doing spelling you see as well. We like it so much better than the spelling lists. We did iew all things fun and fascinating this year. My 4th grader loved it. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Thank you, I appreciate that! And I agree - love Spelling You See and IEW.

[@crystaljordan7318]

I have heard other KZbin moms says they went to a training for IEW. Did you invest in that in addition to the materials you bought?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

So yes, you can buy the "Teaching Writing: Structure and Style - Seminar and Practicum Workbook" and corresponding videos. Andrew Pudewa basically teaches you how to teach the lessons to your kids. I have seen these videos and gone through his video training before. It is definitely helpful. There are IEW packages that actually include this but since I already had it, I didn't need to purchase it again.

[@crystaljordan7318]

Thanks! I am unsure how his process and cost investment produces more superior results than other programs. In other words, is it worth it? 😂 I have never used it only heard others say its wonderful without specific reasoning. Thanks! Your family is beautiful! We also have 3 boys and 1 girl. ❤

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Aww, I love it! I feel like I'm always hyper aware of other families who have 3 boys and 1 girl because that's what we have too! So, yes it is expensive, however I have felt like the program is totally worth it. The method starts by teaching kids to create key word outlines, then using those outlines to write paragraphs, and then once you have the paragraph you start to "dress it up" by adding strong verbs, quality adjectives, - ly adverbs, because clauses, who-which clauses, etc. All the while it follows the EZ+1 approach. Meaning, they introduce something new each week to help make quality papers, but each child does what is easy and then adds one one more thing. Therefore slowly increasing their repertoire and what they are able to produce! I am by no means an expert in this curriculum, but I think if I'd been taught how to write this way, I wouldn't have disliked it as much as I do! I can try to make a video and show a little of how we do our lessons and what it all looks like if that would be helpful!

[@crystaljordan7318]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 that would be super helpful! My boys do "ok" writing paragraphs, but really dislike any kind of revision. We used the updated Abeka 3rd grade this year. They introduce a lot if graphic organization to build sentences/paragraphs. It seems effective, but my boys write as little as possible. They are 8, 9 respectively. We are looking for a change for next school year. We are burned out on Abeka. We did solely parent led Abeka k5, 1st, 2nd then took a year off to try Master Books came back to Abeka this year and probably won't use it completely again... Unless, the Lord directs otherwise. 😉

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I will work on putting a video together of how we've used IEW for my oldest so you can see a glimpse of what we do. As for my oldest and writing - I won't say that IEW has made him LOVE writing. He still tends to lean to doing as little as possible. That being said, I will say that he is learning the method. He is beginning to add these "extras" that dress up his writing without being prompted and if he doesn't immediately include something he knows that once he has written his first draft he can go back through a checklist to add what he forgot. I love your last little tidbit - "Unless the Lord directs otherwise!" What a great sentiment and so true. Best to follow the Lord's leading than our own!

[@kendraparks3271]

Love this! So many same choices as we are going with for our 9 year old next year! Thanks for sharing...I have an art lover here too 😅

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Oh, awesome! It's always nice knowing we're following a similar path as other families! And if you've got an art lover too, you probably have a house filled of drawings, paintings, etc laying EVERYWHERE? Or is that just here? 😂😉

[@kendraparks3271]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 definitely not just there 😅😅

[@TeachingTinyDisciples]

I will have an upcoming 4th grader too!!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Love it!

[@BeauTeeFourFamily]

I just found you and decided to copy your curriculum lol. They need to sponsor you girl. I had a question? Im need to homeschool. How long do I teach a curriculum for? Are these enough for the whole school year or should I buy a level up for each semester?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're sweet! I hope you find that everything works for your family! I have found that everything is sufficient for a school year. One level for a year. However, there's never any harm in moving up a level mid year if your kiddo is mastering and flying through the curriculum! It isn't so much about the levels or grades but more about allowing them to continue learning! We've had times where we finish early and just say, "Let's wait till next year to start the next one." I've had times where we finish early and move onto the next curriculum mid-year. Or I've also had times (this most current year with all of our life changes) where we didn't finish and we picked up the beginning of the year where we left off last year! Do what works for your family!

[@MLisaDenning]

Love Saxon over here! My 4th grader will also be in 6/5 next year.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Awesome! Always nice to know we're following similar paths to others!

[@samibuck]

We just started spelling u see with my daughter! For my son who will be in 4th, he just started IEW phonetic zoo spelling and he likes it 👍🏻 and I got IEW Bible Heroes to start off with. We tried the free 3 weeks for style and structure, ok 1 day of it haha, but I felt my son wasn’t ready for that just yet. I want to start off super slow with him and not overwhelm him, he’s not strong in writing at all!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I agree with your statement of wanting to take it slow. I think even though we'll be starting with the videos we may be working more on the actual writing and KWOs together. I may even have him dictate to me and I do the writing as he is not as strong in his writing.

[@samibuck]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 that’s a good idea! I hope it works out for both of us! 🙏🏻🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻😄

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Yes, praying we both have great years!

[@Annette_Hons]

Great video. Saxon math teach common core math, so if you don’t want to teach the “new” common core, Saxon is not for you. Common core is mainly the reason why we moved from public school to homeschooling - well the common core teaching and state “required” testing every time you turn around.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

So it really depends on what versions you are using from Saxon. They have a "homeschool" version (which is what we use) and they have a "school" version. The homeschool line actually predates the creation of common-core math. The school version has been adapted to meet those standards. Anything we have done is definitely not common core - it's the old school math!! :)