One of my personal challenges in homeschooling is that I have two daughters – an 11-year old and a 4-year old. They can’t exactly share a program or even use the same books because they are so far apart in age. Imagine what a crazy life I have, trying to teach both of them everyday.

Since Rinoa is still preschool age, her curriculum isn’t as strict and formal as Mica’s.

1. Phonics
A great online resource that introduced Rinoa to phonics is Starfall.com. It made learning the different alphabet sounds fun and exciting.

Everyday, we read at least two pages in the book Phonics Pathways by Dolores Hiskes. I love this book – I saw a big spike in Rinoa’s learning curve in just a few days of using this book.

As a challenge from her sister, we bought Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham a few weeks ago and Rinoa was able to read it by herself – just like how Mica was able to read it herself when she was 4.

2. Math and Handwriting
We just use whatever good workbooks I find in the bookstore. Right now, we’re working on the Kindergarten Ultimate Skill Builder by Learning Horizons. It’s got Math, Phonics, and Handwriting exercises.

I also make custom worksheets to give Rinoa lots of practice.

3. Science
I think what’s important at Rinoa’s learning stage is that she gets introduced to different subjects and concepts. We read a lot of books that discusses animals, plants, and other interesting topics. One of the books she enjoys is The Berenstain Bears’ Big Book of Science and Nature. It’s actually fun to read it.

4. Reading
So aside from reading books about Science, we also read story books – lots of story books. I want to instill in her the love for reading.

5. Art and Music
I also teach Rinoa how to play the piano, just like I teach Mica. And she takes part in our Friday Art activities.