MAJOR QUESTION....please share your thoughts

[sheryl]

While it's true we are a smaller family and I homeschool one child...my 11 yo/6th grade dd, I feel all I do is read and I don't have time for much besides homeschooling.

 

Here it is in a nutshell.

 

We use alot of Abeka, but BJU math and supplement with MOH, Apologia and other books.

 

Regarding History and Science only.....do you read the Abeka/BJU style daily lessons for these 2 subjects? I always have up to now and don't have time for much else, like keeping a clean home and making a decent meal. Throw in Bible study and other events that take us out of the home, horseback riding lessons, etc etc. I make the time to teach Math and LA, but for the core subjects I'm having a hard time fulfilling my other responsibilities and interests b/c all I do is READ and homeschooling and read and homeschool.

 

If I stopped reading Science and History this year, then how does that work? It's been years since I've been in school and honestly I've forgotten most of it. If I don't read these 2 subjects I'll not know what she does! And, if she were to ask for help, I wouldn't be able to help her reason through it.

 

Any suggestion?

 

Thanks. Sheryl <><

[lionfamily1999]

Well, could you have her read them to you, OR could you do like I do? I'll skim the subjects and have dd tell me about it. If something sounds wrong I check, otherwise, I trust her to be honest and do what she's supposed to do. Those two subjects especially carry too much for me to preread.

[sheryl]

Well, could you have her read them to you, OR could you do like I do? I'll skim the subjects and have dd tell me about it. If something sounds wrong I check, otherwise, I trust her to be honest and do what she's supposed to do. Those two subjects especially carry too much for me to preread.

 

Yep, that's exactly it. Well, I'm stubborn ;) and have felt that I "need" to read them to dialogue later. But, like you said, there's sooooo much and I'm having a hard time pre-reading.

 

Ideally that would be great, but I have other things to do. This year I'm having her write a short 1 page summary for history...1 page summary for EACH CHAPTER. I'll incorporate your idea then of having her narrate back to me from each chapter as well. That's easy with history. We'll have to try science....same technique, or perhaps reading it to me.

 

It just takes soooo much longer reading out loud than it does silently.

 

Thanks.

[lionfamily1999]

Yep, that's exactly it. Well, I'm stubborn ;) and have felt that I "need" to read them to dialogue later. But, like you said, there's sooooo much and I'm having a hard time pre-reading.

 

Ideally that would be great, but I have other things to do. This year I'm having her write a short 1 page summary for history...1 page summary for EACH CHAPTER. I'll incorporate your idea then of having her narrate back to me from each chapter as well. That's easy with history. We'll have to try science....same technique, or perhaps reading it to me.

 

It just takes soooo much longer reading out loud than it does silently.

 

Thanks.

Well, you could just skim it, or tackle the books like a good novel (woohoohahaha) and let her refresh your memory as she goes through it.

 

It's tough.

[lionfamily1999]

I read ds's lit books but I only skim the main text if necessary. He outlines Kingfisher history and it is pretty easy for me to scan the text and find what I need.

 

You might consider looking for a more homeschool friendly package. Abeka and BJU were meant for schools and it shows.

I use Kingfisher......... Listen to Cadam, she knows what you're using :lol:

[HSMom2One]

I am exactly where you are in that I only have one child that I hs. It does take a major focus to serve as teacher to an only because they need us for companionship and interaction all that much more. Speaking from my heart here, I've decided that because of this -- something just has to give. I try not to worry about having my house look perfect all the time. It is more important that dd has what she needs from me during this very special and crucial stage. There is such a narrow window of opportunity for this, and so I want pour good things into her life while I can. Keeping up with dd's schooling, her horse lessons and connections with other kids is very high on my list of priorities during this time. I have older children that are raised and gone, and so I know the reality of time slipping by.

 

Knowing how much to read truly is a dilemma. This may or may not be for you, but one of the reasons I use TOG is so I can read the Teacher Notes instead of all the student reading assignments. The notes give me the information enough to have discussions and follow along with what my own dd is learning. I like this approach a great deal and it is working well for me.

 

As for science, we are in a small co-op that uses Apologia. I read part of what dd is studying, but skim over a lot too. I go with her to the class and listen in as her teacher guides the group in the labs and activities. This way I am involved, but it is less demanding. Do you have any resources through outside classes or co-ops that can be combined with what you are doing? If so, it does take some of the pressure off.

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

[sheryl]

I am exactly where you are in that I only have one child that I hs. It does take a major focus to serve as teacher to an only because they need us for companionship and interaction all that much more. Speaking from my heart here, I've decided that because of this -- something just has to give. I try not to worry about having my house look perfect all the time. Mine is far from kept....just even trying to do the basic here...LOL! Also, I'm "teaching" my dd "life skills". That's spending time together and teaching/learning aside from books.....ie, cooking, sewing, etc, etc. It is more important that dd has what she needs from me during this very special and crucial stage. There is such a narrow window of opportunity for this, and so I want pour good things into her life while I can. Keeping up with dd's schooling, her horse lessons and connections with other kids is very high on my list of priorities during this time. I have older children that are raised and gone, and so I know the reality of time slipping by. I totally agree. I mentioned house, but I tell her again and again, "get your h'school work done, so we can have free time." I constantly remind her it's more important for me to be her mother and teacher. Eventhough I know all mother's "teach"...I'm referring to the legal aspect of educating our dc.

 

Knowing how much to read truly is a dilemma. This may or may not be for you, but one of the reasons I use TOG is so I can read the Teacher Notes instead of all the student reading assignments. The notes give me the information enough to have discussions and follow along with what my own dd is learning. I like this approach a great deal and it is working well for me.

 

As for science, we are in a small co-op that uses Apologia. I read part of what dd is studying, but skim over a lot too. I go with her to the class and listen in as her teacher guides the group in the labs and activities. This way I am involved, but it is less demanding. Do you have any resources through outside classes or co-ops that can be combined with what you are doing? If so, it does take some of the pressure off.

 

She is also in a science co-op using basic Apologia labs, but it's pretty basic.

 

Well, these are all things to consider. Back to the drawing board...

 

Our dd's have horses in common. Does your dd compete? Mine just started earlier this year and enjoys it. I ride with her.

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

 

I use Kingfisher......... Listen to Cadam, she knows what you're using :lol:

 

OK Lion, what do you know about what C knows that I don't know...:lol:

 

C, did you use Abeka/BJU and switched? Why?

[HSMom2One]

Judging by what you've shared, I think you already know what is best for your child and what you need to do...and I'm confident that you are going to figure out what adjustments need to be made. :)

 

Yes, I noticed that we each have an only at home and that there is a horse connection. My dd has not yet competed, but plans to go on to do that at some point in the near future. She is a very good rider, and is learning English style. She just attended a really great camp last weekend and had the opportunity to jump for the first time. She was very excited!!

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

[Mallory]

I have several kids, and there is no way I could keep up with what my olders are reading. In fact there are some times when we are doing a lesson together and I have missed half of the instructions or intro, even if it is short (helping the little ones usually).

 

But I do feel that being able to tell me what is going on, with a clear summary of reading or instructions is an important thing to learn too. So when I am not up to speed I expect her or him to be able to catch me up.

 

I also feel like it is important to keep my house clean, but I expect my kids to do much of the daily work- dishes, picking up, thier laundry, cooking/meal planning, and so on. There is plenty of work left for me to do- shopping, bill paying, deeper cleaning, taking care of the little ones, lesson planning. My older three are a great help to me around the house.

[lionfamily1999]

OK Lion, what do you know about what C knows that I don't know...:lol:

 

C, did you use Abeka/BJU and switched? Why?

I've never used Abeka or BJU. Dd uses Kingfisher and SotW. Ds will use Kingfisher and the book recommendations from SotW :lol:

 

C has used both, so she is better suited to answer than me. I just felt bad seeing this question sitting with no response and so I answered from my notreallyknowing point of view :p

[PeterPan]

If you're feeling like you're reading too much, maybe you are. I do agree that it is nice to have SOME time you spend reading with her. My dd is the same age, and it is good for discussion. That said, I wouldn't read anything to her that she can read for herself. In fact, with some things like BJU science (is that one you're doing?), you'd actually be doing a DISSERVICE to read everything to her. You might modify for a LD, but just in general she NEEDS to build her reading comprehension by reading texts for herself. So you want to keep an appropriate balance.

 

What you might be feeling too is a readiness to shift to a different mode next year. Just because you've been doing it this way doesn't mean you have to continue next year. There are plenty of options for online or dvd science, history, etc. If you outsource some of those, it might leave you free to do the ones you really enjoy. One person has been suggesting to me the DIVE physical science for next year. If we don't do that we may do the BJU Earth Science using the dvd's. If we do Omnibus next year, I'll probably get audiobooks for as many of the books as possible, just to cut down on the amount of physical reading aloud we do. They say at VP's school they actually read aloud all those books. I figure an audiobook is good enough, maybe better.

 

So yeah, if you want permission to tweak, you have it. I read some, but not as much as you, lol.

[sheryl]

If you're feeling like you're reading too much, maybe you are. I do agree that it is nice to have SOME time you spend reading with her. My dd is the same age, and it is good for discussion. That said, I wouldn't read anything to her that she can read for herself. In fact, with some things like BJU science (is that one you're doing?), you'd actually be doing a DISSERVICE to read everything to her. You might modify for a LD, but just in general she NEEDS to build her reading comprehension by reading texts for herself. So you want to keep an appropriate balance.

 

What you might be feeling too is a readiness to shift to a different mode next year. Just because you've been doing it this way doesn't mean you have to continue next year. There are plenty of options for online or dvd science, history, etc. If you outsource some of those, it might leave you free to do the ones you really enjoy. One person has been suggesting to me the DIVE physical science for next year. If we don't do that we may do the BJU Earth Science using the dvd's. If we do Omnibus next year, I'll probably get audiobooks for as many of the books as possible, just to cut down on the amount of physical reading aloud we do. They say at VP's school they actually read aloud all those books. I figure an audiobook is good enough, maybe better.

 

So yeah, if you want permission to tweak, you have it. I read some, but not as much as you, lol.

 

 

Hey Elizabeth, I hear what you're saying. And, we do supplement Abeka history with MOH. They both have gaps and together they fill each other in, but it's sooo much.

 

2nd semester we'll start Science and again supplement with Apologia. But, it's sooo much. It seems no one program is completely thorough. I thought by combining one would fill the other in, but it's too much, right?

 

My dd loves to read, so that's not the issue. The issue, I guess, is me. If I stop reading then "how" can she and I dialogue on material I haven't read and know not a thing about?

 

That's where I am with it. I'll check back. Sheryl <><

[PeterPan]

Wouldn't it be easier to use TOG or Omnibus or something that is conducive to conversation, giving you the talking points? Even the BJU science can be done independently by the student and then you come together to discuss using the prompts in the tm. Have you tried any lit guides? Same idea. She reads the book and then you come together to discuss.

 

Or just keep going the way you are. I probably would have too, if I hadn't introduced a toddler to the mix. ;)

[sheryl]

Wouldn't it be easier to use TOG or Omnibus or something that is conducive to conversation, giving you the talking points? Even the BJU science can be done independently by the student and then you come together to discuss using the prompts in the tm. Have you tried any lit guides? Same idea. She reads the book and then you come together to discuss.

 

Or just keep going the way you are. I probably would have too, if I hadn't introduced a toddler to the mix. ;)

 

 

Well, there are 2 main points here.

 

1. I'm spending MUCH time pre-reading science and history, in addition to fully teaching math, language and misc that I do not have time for much of anything else.

2. But, if I DON'T pre-read then how can I "guide teach" or carry on an intelligent conversation. She'll be far beyond me in learning content and I won't know didly squat.

 

We set to start BJU science for 2nd semester. We started using BJU math this year which is awesome. Does the science give enough teacher prompts to "catch you up" w/o having to read ALL of the lesson?

 

HELP! Sheryl <><

[HSMom2One]

Knowing how much to read truly is a dilemma. This may or may not be for you, but one of the reasons I use TOG is so I can read the Teacher Notes instead of all the student reading assignments. The notes give me the information enough to have discussions and follow along with what my own dd is learning. I like this approach a great deal and it is working well for me.

 

I'm quoting myself here....but wanted to bring it up again. Have you ever considered TOG? The design of the program would help you with the very thing you are concerned about. I can cover the TN's in a fraction of the time it would take to read all the book material.

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

[Melissa in CA]

Hey Elizabeth, I hear what you're saying. And, we do supplement Abeka history with MOH. They both have gaps and together they fill each other in, but it's sooo much.

 

2nd semester we'll start Science and again supplement with Apologia. But, it's sooo much. It seems no one program is completely thorough. I thought by combining one would fill the other in, but it's too much, right?

 

My dd loves to read, so that's not the issue. The issue, I guess, is me. If I stop reading then "how" can she and I dialogue on material I haven't read and know not a thing about?

 

That's where I am with it. I'll check back. Sheryl <><

 

Ok, I personally would start by dumping your extra science and history supplements. One good science program and one good history program is enough. Your dd is only going to be able to retain so much info, there will ALWAYS be gaps of some kind no matter what you use. Let the extras go! If SHE wants to read them, then great, but you do not have to do so. :confused:

 

My ds has begun using BJU's History. I have yet to read a single chapter, but he likes it so much that he tells me what he has learned. Also, I know he is learning the material because he passes the tests (which are hard) with A's and B's. I'm good with that. I can't learn everything with him. I am a wife and mother...not just a teacher. As a wife, if I did not take care of things in my home, I would be failing my dh and frankly he is top priority, not my ds. Shocking, I know.

 

Some things I must stay up on with my ds....like his math and english. History & science? Not so much. There have been several times my ds will say, "Hey mom did you know...." And I will answer, "Nope, why don't you tell me about it." He does, in detail. Do I always know if he has every. single. fact correct in the retelling? Nope! But, I'm OK with that. :D

 

Let some things go Sheryl....seriously...or you are going to burn out and be of no use to anyone. ;)

[christine in al]

okay, this is about as awkward as can be said, but somewhere I found a guideline from SWB about moving our kid's toward independent learning.

 

I THINK it was a handout from a lecture that is posted with her MP3s of teaching middle school.

 

my 10 year old is using History Odessey because level 2 is designed to be completely independent. It's not for him yet, but soo close. And rather than having him do summaries, we are working on outlining. ( per SWB )

 

caveat: It is secular, _I_ find it to be neutral, but my sensativites may not be the same as yours. a benefit of looking at a secular history curriculum is that you can put your own personal take on it.

 

Anyway, by 6th grade , moving dc to independence seems like a good thing.

good luck.

~Christine in al

[Elizabeth in MN]

I have an only child and she's ten. I know what it's like to run around all day long looking for those socialization opportunities!

 

I have a pretty simple set up for home schooling. It's the only way I can get it done along with everything else. There is no way I can teach everything that needs to be learned and I keep that in mind. Our children have DECADES of learning still ahead of them. With the exception of core subjects (reading, writing, and math) I view the rest s fun and remind myself to not stress over it too much.

 

This age is the age that we start letting our kids take over the work, which for me is both scary and a relief. Chores are good for kids, they help build self esteem. So all the lists I use to have to do when my daughter was four we are starting to share. For example, my daughter loves to mop. I let her do it. Sure it might not be perfect but she's *learning*.

[sheryl]

OK everyone. Thanks. Truly, I value each response and for me I will re-read each response, take a long hard look at what you're suggesting compared to what I'm doing and PRAY!

 

I'm trying to do it all and you're telling me that is not realistic. Why am I this way? It bugs me.

 

Melissa, that's exactly what I said in my post....or I've said somewhere to someone. I'm a wife and mother. That's more important than being teacher. While it's true I don't need a perfectly clean house, I do think there is "value" in keeping it a little more tidy than I have been....for 6 years...:lol: And, I do understand. God first, dh, dc.....that's a divine design.

 

I'm needed to still work with my dd in the math area. Language I'll teach alongside her as well, so it's just the history and science.

 

It will work out. Thanks. Sheryl <><

[Melissa in CA]

I'm trying to do it all and you're telling me that is not realistic. Why am I this way?

 

Cuz you're human! :lol:

 

Melissa, that's exactly what I said in my post....or I've said somewhere to someone. I'm a wife and mother. That's more important than being teacher. While it's true I don't need a perfectly clean house, I do think there is "value" in keeping it a little more tidy than I have been....for 6 years...:lol: And, I do understand. God first, dh, dc.....that's a divine design.

 

You probably did...but I'm terrible about reading previous posts. I just barrel in and have my say, even if someone has already said it. It's all about me, ya know. :lol: ;)

[PeterPan]

Well I'm with Melissa that I don't see why you need to do TWO perfectly fine programs. I just decided not to say it, figured you had your own reasons, lol. And yes, you can do the BJU science teaching on the fly. They have full questions and answers in the tm. Get the videos next year and give yourself an even further break! Just from my looking at them, I'm thinking Omnibus is probably easier to pick up and teach on the fly than TOG.

 

Not sure how to say this, but you're spending the time because you HAVE the time. Kwim? I was in the same position a few years ago. Even doing something as simple as starting to read ahead for your NEXT year of history/lit (say for Omnibus 1 or TOG) will add something more to your plate, just enough to distract you and help you determine where you want to streamline. That's what I did, and it actually was helpful.

[sheryl]

Well I'm with Melissa that I don't see why you need to do TWO perfectly fine programs. I just decided not to say it, figured you had your own reasons, lol. And yes, you can do the BJU science teaching on the fly. They have full questions and answers in the tm. Get the videos next year and give yourself an even further break! Just from my looking at them, I'm thinking Omnibus is probably easier to pick up and teach on the fly than TOG.

 

Not sure how to say this, but you're spending the time because you HAVE the time. Kwim? I was in the same position a few years ago. Even doing something as simple as starting to read ahead for your NEXT year of history/lit (say for Omnibus 1 or TOG) will add something more to your plate, just enough to distract you and help you determine where you want to streamline. That's what I did, and it actually was helpful.

 

E, Thanks for that. You too M. You're both right...I'm just digesting this. LOL!

 

I do agree that with an only I "may" have more time on my hands. On the other hand, it takes more to keep an only plugged in and it's very time consuming establishing and maintaining those social opportunities. But, overall I need to really think that this IS true. It's a choice I make to spend that time. But, like I said, there are TONS of things I'm not getting done so I'm using my time appropriately. I have an INTENSE Bible Study every TH and it's very time consuming. I need 4 eyes...so much to read.read.read....

 

So, like M, do the rest of you not worry about NOT knowing EVERYTHING.YOUR.DC.are learning? That makes the most sense to me b/c I can't.keep.up.anymore. Would it be true then that just about ANY program who offers tm's with comprehension check "questions" will suffice? Or, perhaps a combo......she can read silently and/or read aloud to me when she knows strong content is next....bolded words, underlines, vocab/definitions, etc. THEN, in my tm ask her the comprehension check questions to which I have the answers. That will reinforce what she's learned AND give me that "overview" of learning subject content w/o reading every.single.word...............someone suggeted this I think.

 

What do you think of that? S <><