My new blog address if learninginthehome.wordpress.com
Please come and join me there....
Friday, September 16, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
Thoughts on a high school education at home.
We now have two children who have graduated from home education and are in college. We also have two at home who are just starting their high school years. It is interesting to see what I have learned from others and from experience over the last few years. Here are some of my thoughts in no particular order.
1. If God has called you to educate at home, He will guide you and empower you.
2. ALWAYS do math. Whether your child is a superstar in math or struggles. Keep continuing on in the learning process. I also highly recommend doing math in the summer. When your child finishes one book allow them to start on the tests in their next book. When they score below a 90% on a test begin studying that chapter. Continue from that point as normal. More than likely they will be able to skip a good number of lessons because of the review at the beginning of the typical math text. You will not regret it!
3. Know your child's interests. Let this impact your choice of electives.
Here are some of the different classes that have been studied based on our kids' interests.
7. Define what determines a high school credit.
1. If God has called you to educate at home, He will guide you and empower you.
2. ALWAYS do math. Whether your child is a superstar in math or struggles. Keep continuing on in the learning process. I also highly recommend doing math in the summer. When your child finishes one book allow them to start on the tests in their next book. When they score below a 90% on a test begin studying that chapter. Continue from that point as normal. More than likely they will be able to skip a good number of lessons because of the review at the beginning of the typical math text. You will not regret it!
3. Know your child's interests. Let this impact your choice of electives.
Here are some of the different classes that have been studied based on our kids' interests.
Martial Arts
Nutrition and Muscle-Building
Russian History
Early Child Development
Meal Planning and Preparation
Drama (by way of local drama camps)
Cinematography
Weight Lifting
Horticulture
4. Try various methods of learning. Does your child thrive with traditional study methods? Here are some other options.
History by way of research
YouTube videos (There are A LOT of educational videos!)
Online Classes
Co-op Classes
Hands On Experience
Mentoring
Apprenticeship
Have a retired teacher teach your student a class
Study Science with a friend studying the same subject
Plan and landscape a yard
Research the care of a pet and implement it
Participate in acting/filming a movie
5. Branch out into unique grading styles. I am sure some of you can share ways that your child demonstrated his knowledge. These are some different ways we have graded courses in our home.
Writing a research paper demonstrating their knowledge
Making a comic book that patterns after great literature
Create activities to complete with children and journal about the experience
Compile a cookbook of recipes
Test for a Tae Kwon Do belt
Teach others a class
Develop a blog with posts that teach others
Grocery shop and fix meals for the week
Participate in a dramatic production
Competing in a Bible Memory competition or on a team
Competing in a Bible Memory competition or on a team
6. Don't be afraid to plan and implement a new class that goes with your child's interests. We did not have the money for my son's Russian program one year. While we were waiting for God to provide the money, my son borrowed several books on Russian History from the library. (This greatly increased his understanding of Socialism and Communism, and it ended up being one of the classes I am most thankful for!) He studied independently, and then the next semester he began studying the Russian language. Now in college, he converses with students who speak Russian and is planning to spend a summer in Russia before joining the military.
7. Define what determines a high school credit.
120-180 hours of instruction/research
3/4 of a textbook completed (I go for completing the textbook)
1 semester college level course
8. ALWAYS include reading time in their day.
These are some ideas that have worked for us. I would love to hear some of your ideas and experiences from homeschooling high school.
Monday, September 1, 2014
2014-15 First day of school
Well, tomorrow is the start of our 2014-15 school year. This is our plan for the year....
Super Boy (3) will be doing Easy Peasy Getting Ready 1 for Kindergarten. He will be 4 near the end of September. Super Boy wants to do school, so I believe this along with Mr. Rogers Neighborhood is a good fit. I am not one for high pressure elementary school....especially preschool. Last year he sat in on our study of the continent of Africa, and he LOVES Africa. Of course, he and Drama Queen will do a lot of work together, and he will be pulled ahead as is appropriate. I can already see that Super Boy has an aptitude for learning and hope this will continue!
Drama Queen (6) will be doing Easy Peasy Getting Ready 1 and Getting Ready 2 also. I want to make sure she is all ready to go into reading. She is ahead in Math, so she will be doing the Horizons First Grade Math book 2 along with time on Khan Academy and ABCya.com
Gentleman (8) will be doing Easy Peasy Third Grade for Reading and English. For Math, he will use Horizons Third Grade Math book 2. He will give EP Math a try but more as extra practice and to show me he can work ahead if he desires. (He has expressed a desire to attend West Point.)
Spunky (10) will be using Easy Peasy Fifth Grade for Reading and English. Spunky will be in the same math book as Gentleman AND working on Easy Peasy Fifth Grade Math. The EP math uses Khan Academy and will allow her to work on a skill until it is mastered. As she is able, she can speed up or slow down her progress to complete this level. (There will be one more level before PreAlgebra.)
Nurse (13) will be using Easy Peasy Eighth Grade Language Arts. Nurse loves Saxon Math and does well with it, and she will be starting Saxon 7/6 soon. She was behind and has been working hard to catch up. I suggested that she test out of the next book because I believe she can, but she wants to work through the whole book at an accelerated speed to make sure she has it all down well. Her goal is to finish Saxon Algebra 1/2 this year.
Horse Girl (14) will be taking Literature and Composition through Easy Peasy. She also plans to read the majority of Charles Dickens' books this year. Horse Girl has had some math struggles, but I think the Easy Peasy Middle school math will work for her. She seems to be looking forward to that setup. Because she can move on based on mastery, she can fly through the skills she already has and slow down to work on any weaknesses. I believe over the next two years we will see GREAT progress with her math. :-) I am excited, because this looks like such a good match for her! We also have several different Math-U-See dvds for her to use if something does not make sense.
NFL (18) is finishing up Algebra 2 and Chemistry from last year, and then he will get started on the credits he needs to graduate. He will be moving onto Saxon Advanced Math, Apologia Marine Biology, Grammar Research and American Literature, World Geography, US History, Leadership Practicum, and Spanish 2. NFL is playing on our local public school football team - starting as linebacker. He is planning to go to USC and hopes to make it on their football team as a walk on.
Everyone will be studying World Geography this year. Nurse and NFL will be doing their work independently using Around the World in 180 Days from Apologia. Horse Girl enjoyed the group work we did on Africa last year, so she would like to continue working with us. This year we will use Easy Peasy and continue to work through the 180 Days book also.
The elementary students will be doing Earth Science together, and I am really excited about how this fits so well with our geography studies. We are looking forward to the edible map project.
Nurse and Horse Girl are taking General Science through a co-op at our church. They will use the Apologia textbook. Neither one of them were looking forward to this setting; however, after their first class they came home and asked if Mr. Beck would teach Physical Science also. :-)
In addition, Nurse and Horse Girl will be taking Easy Peasy Foundations. You really need to check this out! It covers character traits, Internet Safety, study methods, time management, critical thinking, as well as manners and etiquette. I am praying that God will use this to help my girls grow in their character development.
What are your plans for curricula this year?
Super Boy (3) will be doing Easy Peasy Getting Ready 1 for Kindergarten. He will be 4 near the end of September. Super Boy wants to do school, so I believe this along with Mr. Rogers Neighborhood is a good fit. I am not one for high pressure elementary school....especially preschool. Last year he sat in on our study of the continent of Africa, and he LOVES Africa. Of course, he and Drama Queen will do a lot of work together, and he will be pulled ahead as is appropriate. I can already see that Super Boy has an aptitude for learning and hope this will continue!
Drama Queen (6) will be doing Easy Peasy Getting Ready 1 and Getting Ready 2 also. I want to make sure she is all ready to go into reading. She is ahead in Math, so she will be doing the Horizons First Grade Math book 2 along with time on Khan Academy and ABCya.com
Gentleman (8) will be doing Easy Peasy Third Grade for Reading and English. For Math, he will use Horizons Third Grade Math book 2. He will give EP Math a try but more as extra practice and to show me he can work ahead if he desires. (He has expressed a desire to attend West Point.)
Spunky (10) will be using Easy Peasy Fifth Grade for Reading and English. Spunky will be in the same math book as Gentleman AND working on Easy Peasy Fifth Grade Math. The EP math uses Khan Academy and will allow her to work on a skill until it is mastered. As she is able, she can speed up or slow down her progress to complete this level. (There will be one more level before PreAlgebra.)
Nurse (13) will be using Easy Peasy Eighth Grade Language Arts. Nurse loves Saxon Math and does well with it, and she will be starting Saxon 7/6 soon. She was behind and has been working hard to catch up. I suggested that she test out of the next book because I believe she can, but she wants to work through the whole book at an accelerated speed to make sure she has it all down well. Her goal is to finish Saxon Algebra 1/2 this year.
Horse Girl (14) will be taking Literature and Composition through Easy Peasy. She also plans to read the majority of Charles Dickens' books this year. Horse Girl has had some math struggles, but I think the Easy Peasy Middle school math will work for her. She seems to be looking forward to that setup. Because she can move on based on mastery, she can fly through the skills she already has and slow down to work on any weaknesses. I believe over the next two years we will see GREAT progress with her math. :-) I am excited, because this looks like such a good match for her! We also have several different Math-U-See dvds for her to use if something does not make sense.
NFL (18) is finishing up Algebra 2 and Chemistry from last year, and then he will get started on the credits he needs to graduate. He will be moving onto Saxon Advanced Math, Apologia Marine Biology, Grammar Research and American Literature, World Geography, US History, Leadership Practicum, and Spanish 2. NFL is playing on our local public school football team - starting as linebacker. He is planning to go to USC and hopes to make it on their football team as a walk on.
Everyone will be studying World Geography this year. Nurse and NFL will be doing their work independently using Around the World in 180 Days from Apologia. Horse Girl enjoyed the group work we did on Africa last year, so she would like to continue working with us. This year we will use Easy Peasy and continue to work through the 180 Days book also.
The elementary students will be doing Earth Science together, and I am really excited about how this fits so well with our geography studies. We are looking forward to the edible map project.
Nurse and Horse Girl are taking General Science through a co-op at our church. They will use the Apologia textbook. Neither one of them were looking forward to this setting; however, after their first class they came home and asked if Mr. Beck would teach Physical Science also. :-)
In addition, Nurse and Horse Girl will be taking Easy Peasy Foundations. You really need to check this out! It covers character traits, Internet Safety, study methods, time management, critical thinking, as well as manners and etiquette. I am praying that God will use this to help my girls grow in their character development.
What are your plans for curricula this year?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
NFL went to Drama Camp - what a different thought!
One of NFL's closest friends has been involved with many productions at the Academy of Arts in Taylors, SC. NFL decided he wanted to go to their two week drama camp this summer, and earned $500 to pay for it too! Tonight was the first of three performances of "God Meant It for Good" - the Biblical story of Joseph. NFL (and everyone else) did a really fantastic job tonight. It is
definitely a different aspect of NFL's life, but he played the part very
well. We are proud of him!
 |
| Noah Stratton (Joseph) and NFL (Potiphar) |
 |
| NFL as Potiphar with Spunky and a little boy from the AOA. |
 |
| Noah, NFL, and Nicole Chavers Stratton (Asenath) |
 |
| Full view of NFL in character |
 |
| Mom , NFL, and Dad |
Friday, June 15, 2012
Enjoying learning literature?
Wow! I am enjoying (!) studying literature as I work on "World Literature I" (World Literature with a focus on Character Development) for my kids and whoever wants to use it.
Why?
1. Using the Book of Virtues as a textbook has helped me to see more of a purpose in studying literature. Some of the literature that was in our previous text while not bad (as in wicked) was not necessarily something that would help my kids either. NOW I am confident I am putting literature in front of my child that I know will help them to develop good character if they choose to implement what they read. (And I am using some of the questions to require them to think about developing the ten virtues studied in the text.)2. I am refreshing my ability to analyze literature. (Not that I was ever a master!) Last night and this morning I went through the Book of Virtues identifying literary devices that were used in stories and poems. As I progressed through the book it became more clear and simple to pick them out. What was the result? I have a list of literary devices used in the first eight virtues. I will use these specifics to help me teach the literary terms and write questions for each unit. And....I decided to let the kids search for them independently in the last two virtues' stories and poems.
Here is a sample of what I have planned for the first unit. Please remember that I have not completed this course yet. I would love to have you leave a comment sharing ideas of what you would include in this course.
Self-Discipline (3 weeks) -
All stories from this Unit must be read by test day
All stories from this Unit must be read by test day
Day One:
Read pgs 21 – 25
Begin memorizing Proverbs 25:28 and Proverbs 16:32. (One or
both of these will need to be written on your test.)
Memorize this definition of self-discipline for your test.
Self-Discipline is instant obedience to the initial
promptings of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Study these terms and become familiar with their meaning and
use.
Alliteration,
allusion, irony, and metaphor
Rhyme
Patterns - we will talk about this
Choose an author on which to write a biographical sketch.
1 typed page. Use 3 or more sources.
Continue working on this so that it
is completed by Test Day.
Day Two:
Read pgs 26 – 35
Complete Poetry Worksheet #1
Day Three:
Read “The Duel” and “Let Dogs Delight”
Complete Poetry Worksheet #2
Read pgs 40-48.
Day Four:
Read "the King and His Hawk"
Complete Short Story Worksheet #1
Read pgs 48-52
Day Five:
Read pgs 53-63
Note irony in “the Magic Thread”
Day Six:
Read pgs 64-74
Continue working on your biographical sketch.
Day Seven:
Read pgs 74-81
Complete short story worksheet #2
Day Eight:
Read pgs 81-94
Observe Tolstoy’s use of metaphor.
Day Nine:
Read pgs 95-104
Identify use of irony in today's reading.
Day Ten:
Write Comparison Paper (see Handout).
Day Eleven:
Verify completion of all assignments:
o Complete
Reading of Unit
o Poetry
Worksheet #1
o Poetry
Worksheet #2
o Short
Story Worksheet #1
o Short
Story Worksheet #2
o Comparison
Paper
o Biographical
Sketch
Day Twelve:
Test Day –
- Memory verses
- Virtue definition
- Literary terms and their use in this unit
- Basic knowledge of literature in this unit
- Understanding of rhyme patterns
Self Discipline
Poetry Worksheet #1
Read “Rebecca” and “Jim”.
Answer these questions –
1. What Biblical character is alluded to in “Rebecca”?
2. After reading these poems what kind of a person do you
picture Mr. Belloc to be?
3. What kind of a family do you think he was raised in?
4. What do you feel about his view of children and self
discipline?
Read a biographical sketch of Mr. Belloc. Was there any information about his life that
surprised you?
5. In the poem on pg. 27, cite an example of alliteration.
Self Discipline
Poetry Worksheet #2
Read “The Duel”.
1. Identify the rhyme pattern of this poem. (aabb or ababcc or…..)
2. What were the dog and the cat?
3. Who do you think told this story?
4. What is supposed to have happened?
Self Discipline
Short Story Worksheet #1
Read “The King and His Hawk’.
Answer the following questions.
1. You can see the hawk was loyal, how did the hawk
demonstrate self discipline?
2. Ghengis Khan showed a lack of self discipline, but in
what way did he show himself to be a wise man?
3. Quote 3 different descriptive words or phrases from this
story that show you something about Ghengis Khan and his character in this
story.
4. Can you think of
something that you did in anger that showed a lack of self discipline? Did you learn from that experience? Did you react differently the next time or do
you still need to change?
Self Discipline
Short Story Worksheet #2
Read George Washington’s Rules of Civility.
Label two lists with the heading of “Current” or
“Obsolete”. Reword 10 of these rules in
modern day English and write each under the heading that you best think
describes the rule.
Self Discipline
Comparison Paper
Compare Plato’s view of self discipline to Aristotle’s view
of self discipline.
1. How are their views similar?
2. How are their views different?
3. With which view do you identify more easily?
4. Is there anything from either view that bothers you? Why? Or why not?
World Literature Test #1
Virtue: Self Discipline
Bible Memory / Virtue
Definition (20 points)
Write (verse I choose) from memory.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Define self discipline -
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Literary Terms (20
points)
Define these terms –
1. Irony -
2. Metaphor -
3. Alliteration-
4. Allusion-
5. Write a name for our family using alliteration.
Short Story Questions
(20 points)
1. What is the moral of the story “the Fox and the Crow”?
2. In which story (ies) do you find the use of irony? (Extra points if you can cite more than one
example.)
3. What literary device is used in the Magic Thread?
4. Describe the character of the Fisherman’s wife on pgs
53-57.
5. What is the moral of the story “The Frogs and the Well”?
Poetry (20 points)
1. Identify the rhyme
pattern in the poem “Dirty Jim” on pgs. 40 & 41.
2. You studied the
term allusion. What poem used this
device? To what did the author allude?
3. What literary term is used in the title of this poem….
Godfrey Gordon Gustavus Gore?
4. Although having
self discipline is hard at first, the benefits are enjoyed by those around
us. In “Little Fred” what use of self
discipline made him a pleasure to be around?
5. What is the rhyme
pattern in Ozymandias?
Essay (20 points)
In the poem “Jim” by Hilaire Belloc, what happened to Jim
when he went to the zoo? For what age do
you think this poem is appropriate?
Support your answer with a logical argument.
In the private journal pages in the back of
your notebook, write a few sentences evaluating your life in the area of self
discipline. Set a goal for yourself in
this area.
For Honors Credit -
Write an essay thinking of what you have learned from this
unit on self discipline. Offer
suggestions of how to help children grow in self discipline and more
specifically how I as a parent can grow and demonstrate self discipline. Give at least 7 examples.
There will be ten tests - one over each of the virtues in the text. I am not sure if I will have a cumulative exam over the entire course. As a homeschool parent, what is your opinion of cumulative final exams?
I look forward to your input.
Friday, May 11, 2012
What are your expectations for your children after high school?
Several friends of mine have been discussing what they expect from their children after high school and why. I have always had the mindset that all of my children will finish college (traditionally). However, I am considering other options and really thinking about them.
What options have I considered so far?
1. College at home (either part or in full) through online classes or College Plus.
2. Staying at home while pursuing more education/training. Perhaps taking a Bible course, Science course, Math course, researching areas of interest independently, volunteering time/ ministering, helping our family (teaching a class to a sibling or helping with the running of the household).
3. Traditional College
I haven't put a huge amount of time into thinking about this at this point, but I would love to learn from you some of the options that you are considering. Please help me in this growth process by sharing what your graduates are doing or what you are considering. Thanks!
What options have I considered so far?
1. College at home (either part or in full) through online classes or College Plus.
2. Staying at home while pursuing more education/training. Perhaps taking a Bible course, Science course, Math course, researching areas of interest independently, volunteering time/ ministering, helping our family (teaching a class to a sibling or helping with the running of the household).
3. Traditional College
I haven't put a huge amount of time into thinking about this at this point, but I would love to learn from you some of the options that you are considering. Please help me in this growth process by sharing what your graduates are doing or what you are considering. Thanks!
Our Basic High School Educational Plan - Gratia Dei Academy
This is our basic educational plan for high school. Of course, we will adapt this plan for each student based on strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
Freshman Year (6.5)
Introduction to Literary Analysis (1)
Grammar & Composition (1)
World Geography (1)
Biology (1)
Algebra 2 (1)
History & Culture of ______ (Country of foreign language study) (.5)
Typing (.5)
Martial Arts I (.5)
Sophomore Year (6.5)
Honors Grammar, Composition , & World Literature I (The Book of Virtues) (1)
Honors World History I (1)
Chemistry (1)
Geometry w/Pre-Trigonometry (Saxon Advanced Math first 1/2) (1)
Foreign Language 1 (1)
Leadership Reading/Practicum(1)
Martial Arts II (.5)
Junior Year (5.5)
Honors Grammar, Composition, & World Literature II (The Moral Compass) (1)
Honors World History II (1)
Physics (1)
Trigonometry w/Pre-Calculus (Saxon Math Advanced Math second 1/2) (1)
Foreign Language 2 (1)
Martial Arts III (.5)
Senior Year (6)
US History (1)
Honors Grammar, Composition, & American Literature (1)
Apologia - Marine Biology, Human Body, Adv Chemistry, or Adv Physics (1)
Saxon Calculus (1)
European Culture Immersion (Trip to Germany) (1)
Public Speaking (.5)
Martial Arts IV (.5)
Extra Electives can be studied - Cinematography, Drama, Music, Art, Home Ec, etc...
Bible/Apologetics will be studied each year also.
Freshman Year (6.5)
Introduction to Literary Analysis (1)
Grammar & Composition (1)
World Geography (1)
Biology (1)
Algebra 2 (1)
History & Culture of ______ (Country of foreign language study) (.5)
Typing (.5)
Martial Arts I (.5)
Sophomore Year (6.5)
Honors Grammar, Composition , & World Literature I (The Book of Virtues) (1)
Honors World History I (1)
Chemistry (1)
Geometry w/Pre-Trigonometry (Saxon Advanced Math first 1/2) (1)
Foreign Language 1 (1)
Leadership Reading/Practicum(1)
Martial Arts II (.5)
Junior Year (5.5)
Honors Grammar, Composition, & World Literature II (The Moral Compass) (1)
Honors World History II (1)
Physics (1)
Trigonometry w/Pre-Calculus (Saxon Math Advanced Math second 1/2) (1)
Foreign Language 2 (1)
Martial Arts III (.5)
Senior Year (6)
US History (1)
Honors Grammar, Composition, & American Literature (1)
Apologia - Marine Biology, Human Body, Adv Chemistry, or Adv Physics (1)
Saxon Calculus (1)
European Culture Immersion (Trip to Germany) (1)
Public Speaking (.5)
Martial Arts IV (.5)
Extra Electives can be studied - Cinematography, Drama, Music, Art, Home Ec, etc...
Bible/Apologetics will be studied each year also.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
How do you teach literary analysis?
I really am interested in what all of you do to teach literary analysis. Do you begin teaching literary devices in elementary school, junior high, or high school?
NFL is currently finishing up "Elements of Literature" from BJUP. As I listened to his questions/comments about the text and questions early on in his study, I knew we had to find something different. When I contacted my first friend for suggestions, her text said that she seemed to recall SEAL not liking that textbook either. (She is right!) So my hunt for an alternative has begun. One of the books that has caught my interest is Using Picture Storybooks to Teach Literary Devices. I just ordered it from Amazon for $0.01 plus S/H. :0) The book has not arrived, but I am excited about the thought of teaching literary terms using short books that the kids have already read. Then we will work on reading more difficult classic literature and writing using the terms and analysis that we have discussed. It seems that SEAL has already succeeded with the other classes that I have put together for him, and it is exciting to plan another course. Necessity really does seem to be the mother of invention. I find that I enjoy inventing courses!
Since one of the other classes I put together is American Literature, I think it will benefit my kids as I help situate these classes to work together in their education. The first thing that I had SEAL read in American Literature was a booklet on Objectionable Elements. This helped him to have a better understanding of why I picked certain literature for his course and skipped over quite a few others that were considered "classics". Our children need to develop the ability to discern when to put a book (or movie) away. Is the "objectionable element" gratuitous? (Is it included just for the sake of being there without really serving any purpose?) Is it Explicit? (Is there too much of a focus on wrong? Is there too much detail that it presents a temptation to the reader?) What is the Moral Tone? (Is the wrong doing looked on with favor or is it repulsive?) These are sample questions which our children need to ask themselves as they read. As I begin the planning of this new literature class, I have decided to move the reading of "Objectionable Elements" to the new class. I think it would be better discussed at the very beginning of our "formal" literature classes for high school - although I do plan to bring these ideas up during teachable moments earlier in life as the opening presents itself.
In American Literature we used the time periods as laid out at American Writers. SEAL read many of the early documents of the Founding Fathers of America, the Last of the Mohicans, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and read some at SparkNotes. He also studied each of the authors' biographical sketches as presented at American Writers. As he researched the authors, SEAL commented about the odd philosophies of many of the authors. I was thankful that he could read about these authors and discern that their philosophies at times were Anti-Christian or liberal in their thinking. I believe we will also develop two different World Literature classes one using The Book of Virtues and one using The Moral Compass. I haven't chosen the writing assignments yet, but I do plan to coordinate the writing assignments with the literature that is being read. (As a side note, it is my intention to have the student study American Literature the same year as he studies US History. They will also study World Literature the same years as they study World History I & II. I think that this will offer the children a better grasp and understanding of both subjects each year.)
At the opening of this post I asked some questions, please share your answers by commenting. Also please be sure to share some of the literary works you would include in an introductory class for a 9th grader if you were developing a course. Your input is valuable to me! For those of you who know my feelings regarding Shakespeare, rest assured I will include some Shakespearean literature! :0)
NFL is currently finishing up "Elements of Literature" from BJUP. As I listened to his questions/comments about the text and questions early on in his study, I knew we had to find something different. When I contacted my first friend for suggestions, her text said that she seemed to recall SEAL not liking that textbook either. (She is right!) So my hunt for an alternative has begun. One of the books that has caught my interest is Using Picture Storybooks to Teach Literary Devices. I just ordered it from Amazon for $0.01 plus S/H. :0) The book has not arrived, but I am excited about the thought of teaching literary terms using short books that the kids have already read. Then we will work on reading more difficult classic literature and writing using the terms and analysis that we have discussed. It seems that SEAL has already succeeded with the other classes that I have put together for him, and it is exciting to plan another course. Necessity really does seem to be the mother of invention. I find that I enjoy inventing courses!
Since one of the other classes I put together is American Literature, I think it will benefit my kids as I help situate these classes to work together in their education. The first thing that I had SEAL read in American Literature was a booklet on Objectionable Elements. This helped him to have a better understanding of why I picked certain literature for his course and skipped over quite a few others that were considered "classics". Our children need to develop the ability to discern when to put a book (or movie) away. Is the "objectionable element" gratuitous? (Is it included just for the sake of being there without really serving any purpose?) Is it Explicit? (Is there too much of a focus on wrong? Is there too much detail that it presents a temptation to the reader?) What is the Moral Tone? (Is the wrong doing looked on with favor or is it repulsive?) These are sample questions which our children need to ask themselves as they read. As I begin the planning of this new literature class, I have decided to move the reading of "Objectionable Elements" to the new class. I think it would be better discussed at the very beginning of our "formal" literature classes for high school - although I do plan to bring these ideas up during teachable moments earlier in life as the opening presents itself.
In American Literature we used the time periods as laid out at American Writers. SEAL read many of the early documents of the Founding Fathers of America, the Last of the Mohicans, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and read some at SparkNotes. He also studied each of the authors' biographical sketches as presented at American Writers. As he researched the authors, SEAL commented about the odd philosophies of many of the authors. I was thankful that he could read about these authors and discern that their philosophies at times were Anti-Christian or liberal in their thinking. I believe we will also develop two different World Literature classes one using The Book of Virtues and one using The Moral Compass. I haven't chosen the writing assignments yet, but I do plan to coordinate the writing assignments with the literature that is being read. (As a side note, it is my intention to have the student study American Literature the same year as he studies US History. They will also study World Literature the same years as they study World History I & II. I think that this will offer the children a better grasp and understanding of both subjects each year.)
At the opening of this post I asked some questions, please share your answers by commenting. Also please be sure to share some of the literary works you would include in an introductory class for a 9th grader if you were developing a course. Your input is valuable to me! For those of you who know my feelings regarding Shakespeare, rest assured I will include some Shakespearean literature! :0)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
What program should you use for your child's foreign language?
I believe that Rosetta Stone is the most well-known and popular language learning program available; however, I know that I am not the only one that finds them expensive for my budget. My wonderful parents loaned us their Latin American Spanish set this past yer. Navy SEAL has been using it for about a year. As I read reviews on language learning programs I found there are quite a few negative comments out there. I don't relly know how I came across the website, but I found this site which reviews language learning software for many languages. They have a great side-by-side comparison of several software programs specifically in the same language. (For example, in certain languages Rosetta Stone is the top software evaluated. In a different language Tell Me More is rated highest.) I used their information to choose SEAL's Russian software.
SEAL is using Transparent Russian Complete Edition, and he has mentioned to me several times that he likes it a lot. They have a great variety of activities to aid in learning Russian.
NFL (and several others in our family) plans to study German. Tell me More is rated the highest for the Germn language; however, it costs $209 in comparison to the second rated program Instant Immersion German which sells for $44.99. Based on the review if I have $209 to spare, I will purchase Tell me More. If our money is tight, I will be comfortable with purchasing Instant Immersion German. I will lean toward putting more money into a German program than another language, because my husband is from Germany. My children learning to speak German is of great value as they have several relatives who only speak English....their own Grandfather being top on that list! :0) This coming Spring, we are planning to take SEAL and NFL to Germany to visit where my husband grew up and to visit Europe. (As my son has been researching the Naval Academy, he learned of a class called "European Culture Immersion". We plan to use that as a course title for this special trip that they will be taking also.)
If you are looking for a foreign language program, I whole-heartedly recommend trusting the Top Ten Review web site.
SEAL is using Transparent Russian Complete Edition, and he has mentioned to me several times that he likes it a lot. They have a great variety of activities to aid in learning Russian.
NFL (and several others in our family) plans to study German. Tell me More is rated the highest for the Germn language; however, it costs $209 in comparison to the second rated program Instant Immersion German which sells for $44.99. Based on the review if I have $209 to spare, I will purchase Tell me More. If our money is tight, I will be comfortable with purchasing Instant Immersion German. I will lean toward putting more money into a German program than another language, because my husband is from Germany. My children learning to speak German is of great value as they have several relatives who only speak English....their own Grandfather being top on that list! :0) This coming Spring, we are planning to take SEAL and NFL to Germany to visit where my husband grew up and to visit Europe. (As my son has been researching the Naval Academy, he learned of a class called "European Culture Immersion". We plan to use that as a course title for this special trip that they will be taking also.)
If you are looking for a foreign language program, I whole-heartedly recommend trusting the Top Ten Review web site.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Why not 12 years of Grammar?
Quite simply, you must watch the videos at Analytical Grammar. I remember having year after year of Grammar as a child. Frankly? It was tedious and unnecessary, in my opinion, and that is coming from an English minor in college!
The wonderful teachers at AG have created a complete course in grammar. They intend for it to be completed over the course of three years, but it can be completed in as little as one year if necessary. After AG is completed, the student can work through a reinforcement book each year until he graduates. Each reinforcement book has a literature theme, so it is ideal to coordinate it with the literature course your child is studying. Oh! The student only needs to complete one review lesson every two weeks to stay on top of all of the grammar.
My plan is for the AG book to be covered in grades 8, 9, and 10. Since we are studying World Literature in 11th grade, we will use the World Authors Reinforcement Book. When we study American Literature during the Senior year, we will use the American Authors Reinforcement Book.
Both SEAL and NFL have started using AG this year (using the teaching dvd also), and are learning well without all the drudgery of the past! I am VERY pleased with this choice. (AND I really enjoyed meeting Erin at the Teach Them Diligently Conference in March 2012.)
Check out Analytical Grammar. I predict that your children (AND YOU!!!) will be glad you did!
My plan is for the AG book to be covered in grades 8, 9, and 10. Since we are studying World Literature in 11th grade, we will use the World Authors Reinforcement Book. When we study American Literature during the Senior year, we will use the American Authors Reinforcement Book.
Both SEAL and NFL have started using AG this year (using the teaching dvd also), and are learning well without all the drudgery of the past! I am VERY pleased with this choice. (AND I really enjoyed meeting Erin at the Teach Them Diligently Conference in March 2012.)
Check out Analytical Grammar. I predict that your children (AND YOU!!!) will be glad you did!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Introducing....Gratia Dei Academy
WHAT?
Yes, we finally have a name for our homeschool...after 12 years!
Gratia Dei Academy = the Grace of God Academy
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among
us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the
Father, full of grace and truth.
Elementary and Junior High Social Studies
This is a basic listing of our plan for Elementary Social Studies. I will explain a little below.
Kindergarten - Liberty's Kids TV series (40 episodes) and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (if available).
Grade 1 - Read Aloud from Biographies
Grade 2 - Read Aloud from Biographies
Grade 3 - Read Aloud from Biographies
Grade 4 - Read Aloud / Independent Reading of Biographies
Grade 5 - Heroes of History biography series (Independent Reading)
Grade 6 - Heroes of History biography series (Independent Reading)
Grade 7 - Our 50 States
Grade 8 - American Government (Abeka) / Economics (BJUP)
If you have not seen Liberty's Kids, may I highly recommend it. There are 40 episodes covering the American Revolution through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. My kids really enjoy the program, and they have learned a lot about America becoming a nation by watching each of the episodes.
I also find that Mr. Rogers is great for helping children to learn about the people who live in our communities. There are all sorts of great and interesting topics discussed on the program. (Some of the movies he shows are like a children's version of "How It's Made".)
I was VERY blessed by my husband at the Teach Them Diligently Conference in Spartanburg, SC. He bought the rest of the Christian Hero Series and the Heroes of History Series from YWAM. During the early elementary years, I will read aloud to my kids a chapter a day from these wonderful biographies. When the student is an independent reader, they will finish reading all of the book sin these two series.
On a side note, our library carries the animated hero dvds from Nest Family. Another library nearby carries the Bible dvds. Many of our trips to the library result in bringing these dvds home. I have been thrilled to see the details that my younger children have picked up from watching these outstanding biographical animated movies.
As our children approach high school, I want to encourage them to research topics on their own. In 7th grade, they will do their own personal study of each of the 50 states. For each state they will fill out worksheets on the state bird, flag, etc... They will also include essays about the state and people in history from the state they are studying. Horse Girl will be in 7th grade this coming year (2012-13), and she will be the first child to embark on this journey. All of the notebook pages will be compiled into one binder.
When I planned the high school Social Studies classes, I found that the other classes were more difficult than the American Government and Economics courses that we will be using. As a result, I decided to cover those two courses in the 8th grade.
Kindergarten - Liberty's Kids TV series (40 episodes) and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (if available).
Grade 1 - Read Aloud from Biographies
Grade 2 - Read Aloud from Biographies
Grade 3 - Read Aloud from Biographies
Grade 4 - Read Aloud / Independent Reading of Biographies
Grade 5 - Heroes of History biography series (Independent Reading)
Grade 6 - Heroes of History biography series (Independent Reading)
Grade 7 - Our 50 States
Grade 8 - American Government (Abeka) / Economics (BJUP)
If you have not seen Liberty's Kids, may I highly recommend it. There are 40 episodes covering the American Revolution through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. My kids really enjoy the program, and they have learned a lot about America becoming a nation by watching each of the episodes.
I also find that Mr. Rogers is great for helping children to learn about the people who live in our communities. There are all sorts of great and interesting topics discussed on the program. (Some of the movies he shows are like a children's version of "How It's Made".)
I was VERY blessed by my husband at the Teach Them Diligently Conference in Spartanburg, SC. He bought the rest of the Christian Hero Series and the Heroes of History Series from YWAM. During the early elementary years, I will read aloud to my kids a chapter a day from these wonderful biographies. When the student is an independent reader, they will finish reading all of the book sin these two series.
On a side note, our library carries the animated hero dvds from Nest Family. Another library nearby carries the Bible dvds. Many of our trips to the library result in bringing these dvds home. I have been thrilled to see the details that my younger children have picked up from watching these outstanding biographical animated movies.
As our children approach high school, I want to encourage them to research topics on their own. In 7th grade, they will do their own personal study of each of the 50 states. For each state they will fill out worksheets on the state bird, flag, etc... They will also include essays about the state and people in history from the state they are studying. Horse Girl will be in 7th grade this coming year (2012-13), and she will be the first child to embark on this journey. All of the notebook pages will be compiled into one binder.
When I planned the high school Social Studies classes, I found that the other classes were more difficult than the American Government and Economics courses that we will be using. As a result, I decided to cover those two courses in the 8th grade.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Social Studies for High School - Revised
What Did We Do This Year?
SEAL has done a fantastic job with the Mystery of History Volumes 1 and 2. (We call this World History & Geography I.) Next year he will be using the Mystery of History Volume 3 and Around the World in 180 Days from Apologia Press. (World History & Geography II) IF MOH, Volume 4 is available in the Spring, he will continue working in that also. Seal, a very motivated student, does all of this on his own. He does not do every activity for the older student but must accumulate 200 points for each book. The point value of an assignment is determined by how much time is necessary for research as well as the length of his essay or paragraph. I love seeing my children focused on learning and enjoying it! I am confident with this arrangement that my high school students will have a firm grasp of World History.NFL who has chosen to work on math and one other subject at a time finished American Government this past summer. He will be working on World Geography soon.
Our Revised High School Social Studies Plan
Freshman: World Geography
Sophomore: World History I
Junior: World History II
Senior: United States History
Why are the classes in this order?
I believe that the Around the World in 180 Days book is one that a Ninth Grader can complete alone. For a student to accomplish 2 volumes of Mystery of History in a school year will require more maturity and self-discipline, so the 2 years of World History are scheduled for the 10th and 11th grades. What I have designed for our United States History course is totally based on self-motivated research and composition skills, so this course is better suited to a Senior who is preparing for college research projects. (There really is some logic in this progression!)What about American Government?
I'm glad you asked... I plan for this to be completed in 8th grade. It is a 1/2 credit course, but using the Abeka American Government book which is meant for 12th grade still requires hard work for an 8th grade student. I still need to choose an Economics course. Any recommendations for an Economics course are welcome. Nothing has really grabbed my attention yet.Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Be brave...step out there!
I just want to encourage you talented moms to not be held back by your lack of confidence. This past semester SEAL was going to start studying Russian using Rosetta Stone. Since we did not have the money to get the course, I had SEAL start "Introduction to Russian History and Culture". This course has been totally made up as we went along. We have used most books that our local library has on the topic of Russia.
I have been so thrilled throughout the last few months to hear SEAL talk about why people believe in communism/socialism AND why it doesn't work. He has learned so many things concerning communism and socialism that I couldn't even have put into words. It is amazing to see that he is reading the factual record of Russia's history and being able to think through what has happened. He has even commented that he understands more fully why we need to study history. It is one thing to tell your child that you need to study history so that you don't repeat the mistakes of those who have gone before you - It is a totally different accomplishment to have a 16 year old tell you that he gets it!
On Saturday after SEAL took his ACT test, he asked if we could go to a local art gallery to see their exhibit of Russian art. We had a really enjoyable time in the children's area exploring so many interesting different activities while SEAL took his time going through the adult exhibits on the first level of the museum. (The art gallery guard even commented to me how SEAL seemed to really be interested in what he was seeing.)
We are going to wrap this course up with a paper (or series of short papers) on different aspects of Russia and its history. It has been a special blessing for this mom to see her son progress in learning on his own and truly succeed at it! Give it a try! Step out there and help your child explore some of his/her interests. You will be pleasantly surprised on where the journey takes you.
Have you "created" any classes on your own? Share please.... It's great motivation!
I have been so thrilled throughout the last few months to hear SEAL talk about why people believe in communism/socialism AND why it doesn't work. He has learned so many things concerning communism and socialism that I couldn't even have put into words. It is amazing to see that he is reading the factual record of Russia's history and being able to think through what has happened. He has even commented that he understands more fully why we need to study history. It is one thing to tell your child that you need to study history so that you don't repeat the mistakes of those who have gone before you - It is a totally different accomplishment to have a 16 year old tell you that he gets it!
On Saturday after SEAL took his ACT test, he asked if we could go to a local art gallery to see their exhibit of Russian art. We had a really enjoyable time in the children's area exploring so many interesting different activities while SEAL took his time going through the adult exhibits on the first level of the museum. (The art gallery guard even commented to me how SEAL seemed to really be interested in what he was seeing.)
We are going to wrap this course up with a paper (or series of short papers) on different aspects of Russia and its history. It has been a special blessing for this mom to see her son progress in learning on his own and truly succeed at it! Give it a try! Step out there and help your child explore some of his/her interests. You will be pleasantly surprised on where the journey takes you.
Have you "created" any classes on your own? Share please.... It's great motivation!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Social Studies - Then and Now...
We have previously used the Bob Jones Press Heritage Studies in the elementary grades. We have also used the World Studies book from BJUP. This is the book from BJUP that SEAL enjoyed. We started to use the BJUP World Geography textbook and decided it was not for us. SEAL has studied American History - That was my first experience in designing our own class, and I was pleased with the results.
I have removed the rest of the post since I have changed my plan....Here is a link to our revised High School Plan. I will post the other years' plan shortly. :0)
What are some your favorite textbooks or plans for social studies? I would love to hear of them. PLEASE SHARE!!! : )
I have removed the rest of the post since I have changed my plan....Here is a link to our revised High School Plan. I will post the other years' plan shortly. :0)
What are some your favorite textbooks or plans for social studies? I would love to hear of them. PLEASE SHARE!!! : )
Rosetta Stone Homeschool Language Programs
My children have recently developed a strong desire to learn other languages. SEAL would like to learn Russian and Spanish. NFL is interested in German and is considering a second language also. After hearing this and talking with my parents, the younger children have climbed aboard also!
The programs we are hoping to buy (eventually) are Russian, German, Spanish, and Sign Language. We have several different motivating desires- using it in work later, communicating with DAD's family who speak only German, helping translate for church, and the list goes on. Perhaps DRAMA QUEEN wants to meet Dora!
We are talking about the kids (individually) spending a summer in Spain, Costa Rica, Moldova, Germany, or Mexico when two years of language study have been successfully completed.
PLEASE share in the comments - Have you used the Rosetta Stone Homeschool Program? What do you think? I would love to try their program and review it on my blog. Two years are recommended, but do you have a differing viewpoint concerning how many years of language students should pursue?
The programs we are hoping to buy (eventually) are Russian, German, Spanish, and Sign Language. We have several different motivating desires- using it in work later, communicating with DAD's family who speak only German, helping translate for church, and the list goes on. Perhaps DRAMA QUEEN wants to meet Dora!
We are talking about the kids (individually) spending a summer in Spain, Costa Rica, Moldova, Germany, or Mexico when two years of language study have been successfully completed.
PLEASE share in the comments - Have you used the Rosetta Stone Homeschool Program? What do you think? I would love to try their program and review it on my blog. Two years are recommended, but do you have a differing viewpoint concerning how many years of language students should pursue?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Elementary Science - Then and Now...
Up until this year, we have used all Bob Jones Press Science textbooks. BJUP texts use a broad coverage of general science each year - as many publishers do. They present science from a biblical viewpoint, and they have experiments which can be completed in your own home using household items.
This coming year we are changing our approach. Rather than covering a broad view of science for 7 years (K-5 through 6th grade), we will be studying 7 different areas of science - each in depth for a whole year. I am excited because we will be able to grow our scientific interests in each of these fields. The textbooks we will be using are from Apologia. Astronomy, Botany, Zoology 1 (Flying Creatures), Zoology 2 (Swimming Creatures), Zoology 3 (Land Animals), Anatomy & Physiology, and eventually Physics & Chemistry (being written right now) are the courses that my children will be able to delve into thoroughly.
I am VERY excited for what the future holds for our children in the focus of elementary science. My children are eager to learn also. When "NFL" was sick recently he read the whole Exploring Creation with Astronomy text just because he wanted to read it! "Nurse" has started Botany and plans to finish it during the summer. "Horse Girl" is doing the same with Astronomy.
We will be starting with Anatomy & Physiology. We will have a 6th grader, 5th grader, 2nd grader, and a Kindergartener studying this subject together. Since one of my goals is for our children to learn on their own, the older two will read the text and complete their notebooks independently. I will read and help the younger two with their Junior Notebooks. I hear that the Junior Notebook is really exciting!
"Spunky" wants to keep the BJUP science books as something to read for fun, and she carried all 6 of the books to her bed during Quiet Time recently. It looks like she will receive a double feature of science.
What do you do for elementary science?
What texts do you like?
Do you do experiments?
What have your children enjoyed?
This coming year we are changing our approach. Rather than covering a broad view of science for 7 years (K-5 through 6th grade), we will be studying 7 different areas of science - each in depth for a whole year. I am excited because we will be able to grow our scientific interests in each of these fields. The textbooks we will be using are from Apologia. Astronomy, Botany, Zoology 1 (Flying Creatures), Zoology 2 (Swimming Creatures), Zoology 3 (Land Animals), Anatomy & Physiology, and eventually Physics & Chemistry (being written right now) are the courses that my children will be able to delve into thoroughly.
I am VERY excited for what the future holds for our children in the focus of elementary science. My children are eager to learn also. When "NFL" was sick recently he read the whole Exploring Creation with Astronomy text just because he wanted to read it! "Nurse" has started Botany and plans to finish it during the summer. "Horse Girl" is doing the same with Astronomy.
We will be starting with Anatomy & Physiology. We will have a 6th grader, 5th grader, 2nd grader, and a Kindergartener studying this subject together. Since one of my goals is for our children to learn on their own, the older two will read the text and complete their notebooks independently. I will read and help the younger two with their Junior Notebooks. I hear that the Junior Notebook is really exciting!
"Spunky" wants to keep the BJUP science books as something to read for fun, and she carried all 6 of the books to her bed during Quiet Time recently. It looks like she will receive a double feature of science.
What do you do for elementary science?
What texts do you like?
Do you do experiments?
What have your children enjoyed?
PLEASE SHARE!!!
How we ended up here....
My first year of teaching at home I taught "SEAL" first grade and "NFL" kindergarten. We also had a 1 yo daughter, "Horse Girl" and a 4 month old daughter, "Nurse". I have a degree in Elementary Education and had already taught K-5 for two years on the island of Guam where I met my husband. "SEAL" had attended a local private K-5 program. I had been interested in teaching him at home all along, but my husband's reaction was not positive at first. "SEAL" wanted to stay home b/c we were leaving for school close to 7:00 each morning. Finances became an issue, so my husband decided to give home education a try. His mind has been changed forever.
We have been educating our children since September 11, 2001. Yes, our first day of school was on 9/11! My husband called me while we were working on making flags, and he asked me, "Are you watching tv?" At the time that seemed like a really dumb question, but the tv stayed on a lot over the next few days. Needless to say "formal" schoolwork didn't get off to the best start, but we learned a lot during those difficult days for America.
Our first year I used Bob Jones Press curriculum, because I like their products and was familiar with them already. That first year was pretty decent in my opinion. Somewhere along the way we switched to HomeSat. I was very pleased with the teachers on HomeSat. I still think they are great! Watching their lessons taught me much about teaching early math.
I went through some health issues, as well as pregnancies, and although we continued home schooling it was not as structured an organized as I felt it should be. My kids were doing well in Science and History particularly, but we were a bit behind with Math. "NFL" knew how to read but did not enjoy it. When "NFL" was in the fifth grade we purchased the Robinson Curriculum. We followed much of the RC philosophy, but we have not used their reading lists. I know one of the first big changes was that of reading for an hour every day. Six months later, "NFL" followed me around Wal-Mart as I shopped....reading his book as he walked. That was HUGE for our family! My husband stated that if that was the only positive change that came from our curriculum switch that it was worth it. : ) I like it when dads see the benefits of home education!
Since the Robinson Curriculum used Saxon Math, we made the switch also. My original "ruling" was that if they scored below a 90% on a lesson, they had to correct the problem and redo the lesson the next day. Needless to say we had some attitude issues at the beginning. We also trudged SLOWLY through Saxon 6/5 and Saxon 7/6. Now we are still using Saxon Math, and we are pleased with the thorough coverage of mathematics in the whole series of Saxon. I do not use the newest consumable Saxon books but the earlier edition hardback books and paper. (My husband wanted them to do all of their math work on graph paper, and that has made their work so much neater!)
As a result of reading Dr. Art Reed's newsletters I no longer require 90% on every lesson. I do require it on tests though! "SEAL" finished Algebra 1/2 in April and is working diligently on Algebra 1. He is already halfway though the book and consistently getting 90% or higher - frequently 100%. My girls are just starting Saxon 5/4, and they have gotten off to a much better start. "SEAL", "NFL", and "Horse Girl" are all planning to finish a whole math book between now and the beginning of next school year!
For history and science, I continued using BJUP textbooks. In general the children just worked through them on their own in elementary school during their reading time. (Reading time increases slightly with each grade level.) When "NFL" and "SEAL" reached high school we were introduced to the Apologia Science curriculum, and we gradually switched all high school texts. "SEAL" has commented several times how he enjoys Apologia Science and understands their textbooks so much more.
This year we went to a homeschool conference, and I discovered the Apologia elementary science books. My friend loaned me her copies of Astronomy and Botany. "Horse Girl" and "Nurse" are interested in science again! "Nurse" asked if she could stop the 4th grade science text she was using and begin Botany. This summer "Horse Girl" (going into 6th grade) is doing Astronomy on her own, and "Nurse" (going into 5th grade) is studying Botany on her own! Next year "Horse Girl", "Nurse", "Spunky!" (2nd grade), and "Gentleman" (K-5) will be doing Anatomy & Physiology together! I am ready to start the next school year right now. Well, if I had all the books purchased I would be.
I think this post is long enough, but in future posts I will be sharing how we home school now in each subject area. I would love to hear from my friends about their teaching goals and ideas. Please share in the comments regularly.
We have been educating our children since September 11, 2001. Yes, our first day of school was on 9/11! My husband called me while we were working on making flags, and he asked me, "Are you watching tv?" At the time that seemed like a really dumb question, but the tv stayed on a lot over the next few days. Needless to say "formal" schoolwork didn't get off to the best start, but we learned a lot during those difficult days for America.
Our first year I used Bob Jones Press curriculum, because I like their products and was familiar with them already. That first year was pretty decent in my opinion. Somewhere along the way we switched to HomeSat. I was very pleased with the teachers on HomeSat. I still think they are great! Watching their lessons taught me much about teaching early math.
I went through some health issues, as well as pregnancies, and although we continued home schooling it was not as structured an organized as I felt it should be. My kids were doing well in Science and History particularly, but we were a bit behind with Math. "NFL" knew how to read but did not enjoy it. When "NFL" was in the fifth grade we purchased the Robinson Curriculum. We followed much of the RC philosophy, but we have not used their reading lists. I know one of the first big changes was that of reading for an hour every day. Six months later, "NFL" followed me around Wal-Mart as I shopped....reading his book as he walked. That was HUGE for our family! My husband stated that if that was the only positive change that came from our curriculum switch that it was worth it. : ) I like it when dads see the benefits of home education!
Since the Robinson Curriculum used Saxon Math, we made the switch also. My original "ruling" was that if they scored below a 90% on a lesson, they had to correct the problem and redo the lesson the next day. Needless to say we had some attitude issues at the beginning. We also trudged SLOWLY through Saxon 6/5 and Saxon 7/6. Now we are still using Saxon Math, and we are pleased with the thorough coverage of mathematics in the whole series of Saxon. I do not use the newest consumable Saxon books but the earlier edition hardback books and paper. (My husband wanted them to do all of their math work on graph paper, and that has made their work so much neater!)
As a result of reading Dr. Art Reed's newsletters I no longer require 90% on every lesson. I do require it on tests though! "SEAL" finished Algebra 1/2 in April and is working diligently on Algebra 1. He is already halfway though the book and consistently getting 90% or higher - frequently 100%. My girls are just starting Saxon 5/4, and they have gotten off to a much better start. "SEAL", "NFL", and "Horse Girl" are all planning to finish a whole math book between now and the beginning of next school year!
For history and science, I continued using BJUP textbooks. In general the children just worked through them on their own in elementary school during their reading time. (Reading time increases slightly with each grade level.) When "NFL" and "SEAL" reached high school we were introduced to the Apologia Science curriculum, and we gradually switched all high school texts. "SEAL" has commented several times how he enjoys Apologia Science and understands their textbooks so much more.
This year we went to a homeschool conference, and I discovered the Apologia elementary science books. My friend loaned me her copies of Astronomy and Botany. "Horse Girl" and "Nurse" are interested in science again! "Nurse" asked if she could stop the 4th grade science text she was using and begin Botany. This summer "Horse Girl" (going into 6th grade) is doing Astronomy on her own, and "Nurse" (going into 5th grade) is studying Botany on her own! Next year "Horse Girl", "Nurse", "Spunky!" (2nd grade), and "Gentleman" (K-5) will be doing Anatomy & Physiology together! I am ready to start the next school year right now. Well, if I had all the books purchased I would be.
I think this post is long enough, but in future posts I will be sharing how we home school now in each subject area. I would love to hear from my friends about their teaching goals and ideas. Please share in the comments regularly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)