Matryoshka Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Dd will have already taken Eng 101 and 102 at the CC. I had planned on just having her take a third English course there when she wanted to graduate a year early. But the new plan is to get a Graphic Design AS and graduate at 18 (and maybe then go on to a 4-year for a Business degree, but one step at a time...) So, I'm wondering if instead of taking a third English at the CC, it might be better to take an Econ class and do English some other way (she needs 4 'years' of English, so she will need one more credit of it...) She can write, but she does not like to write. She's also already taken BW's two highest classes (Adv Comp and Expository Essay 2). She really liked those because they focused on analyzing short articles. She also doesn't mind writing research papers if it's something she likes (but she does not need a class that teaches how to write a research paper). I am wondering if it would make sense to just have her work with Mr. Lux (we used him before when he was at WriteGuide), but then I'd like to figure out what kinds of stuff to cover. Eng 102 is a Lit Analysis class, and I know she won't want to do more of that. If she did another English at the CC, I probably would sign her up for the Short Story class, but now I'm thinking a different focus would probably engage her much more. It would also be nice to have a focus so I could call the class ... something that sounds like it could come after Eng 101/102, and could be a full credit (I guess technically it could be just 1/2 a credit, as I gave her a 1/2 credit for the two BW classes, plus freshman English and two CC classes is 3.5 already...?) Any ideas??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) So... this is what you have?? 1.0 credit = English 9 1.0 credit = ?? 0.5 credit = Composition (BW Advanced Comp and Expository Essay 2) 0.5 credit = English 101 0.5 credit = English 102 3.5 credits total -- so, need 0.5 credit of ?? or is it 1.0 credit = English 9 0.5 credit = Composition (BW Advanced Comp and Expository Essay 2) 1.0 credit = English 101 1.0 credit = English 102 3.5 credits total -- so need 0.5 credit of ?? What about something like Journalism? That could be helpful towards any writing she might need to do for ads, brochures, newsletters, etc. as part of the Graphic Design (I both wrote and did layout when I ran my own Desktop Publishing business some years ago, and my years of writing and editing on my high school newspaper really helped out.) Also, Journalism might be closer to helping out with potential Marketing courses for a possible future Business degree... Just me, but I *would* still be including some classic "must read" lit as part of that last credit, whatever you decide on. Maybe a handful of works that are frequently referenced in our culture to help with cultural literacy -- Shakespeare plays, The Iliad, The Odyssey, King Arthur, The Bible... Or maybe do some contemporary works that have movie versions so you can discuss the ideas in both. Examples: - The Help by Stockett -- 2011 PG-13 film by Tate Taylor - Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro -- 2010 R-rated film by Mark Romanek - Children of Men by PD James -- 2006 excellent R-rated film with a very different take that is a spin on ethnic immigrants in Europe by Alfonso Cuaron - The Road by Cormac McCarthy -- 2009 R-rated film by John Hillcoat - Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier -- 2003 PG-13 film by Peter Webber - Life of Pi by Yann Martel -- 2012 PG film by Ang Lee Edited March 28, 2017 by Lori D. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in KS Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 There's a new curriculum that will be out this summer by the person who does One Year Adventure Novel called Bylines... It's what he calls "chronojournalism", combining journalism, essay writing, and citation skills. The idea is that the students look at real events in history and write stories on them. It's supposed to cover various types of essays and looks for bias. We love OYAN! http://www.bylinewriting.com/explore/sample-lessons/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Can she just unschool English? My DD did that for 11th; she read what she wanted (there was a theme/period), researched certain authors, discussed literature online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted March 28, 2017 Author Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) or is it 1.0 credit = English 9 0.5 credit = Composition (BW Advanced Comp and Expository Essay 2) 1.0 credit = English 101 1.0 credit = English 102 3.5 credits total -- so need 0.5 credit of ?? This one. :) The local (very hardcore) high school gives a full year credit for any semester DE class for all their DE students, so I'm going with that. All DE here is on the college campus, regular classes. To give a more detailed analysis of the mess of English credits, for English 9 I've combined what she did in the one semester she was in PS with what we did when she came back home (semester of Center for Lit with writing; she read - well, listened to - The Hiding Place and Romeo and Juliet, then wrote a paper on Romeo and Juliet). Then last fall she did the two Bravewriter classes, and we also listened to Huckleberry Finn. Now we're listening to Jane Eyre while she's taking English 101. What about something like Journalism? That could be helpful towards any writing she might need to do for ads, brochures, newsletters, etc. as part of the Graphic Design (I both wrote and did layout when I ran my own Desktop Publishing business some years ago, and my years of writing and editing on my high school newspaper really helped out.) Also, Journalism might be closer to helping out with potential Marketing courses for a possible future Business degree... This actually sounds like a great idea. The CC used to teach an English class in Writing for the Web which I would have had her take, but apparently it's no longer a thing. The only sticking point would be how to implement. I can design a curriculum/scope and sequence/syllabus or something, but I cannot be responsible for deadlines or checking her work. This will just lead to Epic Battles - which is why I was thinking of Mr. Lux, but I'm not sure he'd be the best choice for Journalism. Are there any online courses out there? Or if I could find someone Mr. Lux-ish to go over her work, any idea on materials to use to put a course together? Just me, but I *would* still be including some classic "must read" lit as part of that last credit, whatever you decide on. Maybe a handful of works that are frequently referenced in our culture to help with cultural literacy -- Shakespeare plays, The Iliad, The Odyssey, King Arthur, The Bible... I think I may have birthed the Most Stubborn Girl in the World. She refuses to read any more, and the more I push, the harder she resists. She does not have an LD. She just doesn't wanna. She used to read more in elementary, but by middle school it's become more and more difficult - now she doesn't want to read anything, I thought I was doing great with her in 7th, till her older sister told me she was reading the summaries on Shmoop and that's why she was able to fake having read the books. :glare: So that's why we're listening to the books. And we can discuss them along the way (it's all in the car). Fortunately she's a good auditory learner. So while I completely agree that I'd love to include more Lit going forward, I'm not holding my breath. She's seen lots of Shakespeare plays (live and on screen), when her sisters were in middle school we all listened to The Iliad, Gawain and the Green Man, and Beowulf, and she did read King Arthur and a large book of Bible stories when she was in 4th or 5th. We also went through Greek, Norse and Egyptian mythology back then. Hopefully at least some of that will stick... I do hope I can keep getting her to listen to stuff in the car, but she's even becoming more resistant to that. Already she will only agree to listen to books when going to certain places, and only in one direction. :glare: Edited March 28, 2017 by Matryoshka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted March 28, 2017 Author Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) Can she just unschool English? My DD did that for 11th; she read what she wanted (there was a theme/period), researched certain authors, discussed literature online. Would be lovely. Read my section on Most Stubborn Girl. ;) I do understand kids like your dd exist - heck, my own dd18 is currently reading Wittgenstein in German for fun - but this is not that kind of kid... I am hoping someday she will get that inner drive, but in the meantime, she needs to get through high school. Left to her own devices, she would play Sims and watch reruns of her favorite TV shows all.day.long. Edited March 28, 2017 by Matryoshka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) The only sticking point would be how to implement. I can design a curriculum/scope and sequence/syllabus or something, but I cannot be responsible for deadlines or checking her work... Perhaps outsource the grading to a local mentor -- maybe a journalism student at the local university? As for materials, here are some ideas: - IEW Journalism Basics - High School Journalism: Text, Workbook, Teacher Guide - Cambridge Academy: Online Introduction to Journalism - Adorable Chaos: Journalism Courses for High School Homeschoolers -- suggestions from a homeschool mom who is a journalist - DIY Journalism Curriculum for Homeschoolers - Homeschool Journalism based on resources from Poynter News University Website ...She's seen lots of Shakespeare plays (live and on screen), when her sisters were in middle school we all listened to The Iliad, Gawain and the Green Man, and Beowulf, and she did read King Arthur and a large book of Bible stories when she was in 4th or 5th. We also went through Greek, Norse and Egyptian mythology back then. Hopefully at least some of that will stick... Sounds like you've covered what you can, and continue to work in what you can. Good job! :) ...Left to her own devices, she would play Sims and watch reruns of her favorite TV shows all.day.long. What about using movies as a way of getting some last literature in? Once a week, watch a good film version of a classic lit. or contemporary (see ideas in my first post) lit? ...I think I may have birthed the Most Stubborn Girl in the World. She refuses to read any more, and the more I push, the harder she resists. She does not have an LD. She just doesn't wanna. She used to read more in elementary, but by middle school it's become more and more difficult - now she doesn't want to read anything, I thought I was doing great with her in 7th, till her older sister told me she was reading the summaries on Shmoop and that's why she was able to fake having read the books. :glare: So that's why we're listening to the books. And we can discuss them along the way (it's all in the car)... Wow. Well, clearly you can't push such a resistant child. Just curious: have you asked her what the deal is? Has she said why she's so resistant to reading, or even listening to audio books? And actually, what you describe does suggest a possible hidden LD that she's very successfully masked. Some children with disabilities mask with hostility, anger, and stubbornness to shove people away so that "no one will know" that they can't do something. Those strong emotions can also signal that the child is experiencing fear, panic, anger, or denial about not being able to do something that they "know they should be able to do". Could there be a vision issue (like, convergence misalignment) that actually makes it painful to read? (So, getting vision therapy type of screening to rule that out.) Or a processing issue that means she can only read at a very low level? (So, getting a full evaluation to if there are any issues in any areas.) Might be worth looking into some testing in your last year of school, and if there is an issue, getting that documented so that DD would have the paper trail needed for free helps in college, should she be willing to look into taking advantage of that later in life. Without being officially documented sometime during K-12, any disability accommodations would be on her own dime once in college. ...I think I may have birthed the Most Stubborn Girl in the World. She refuses to read any more, and the more I push, the harder she resists. She does not have an LD. She just doesn't wanna... ...I do hope I can keep getting her to listen to stuff in the car, but she's even becoming more resistant to that. Already she will only agree to listen to books when going to certain places, and only in one direction... Could there be a level of high-functioning aspbergers or autism? That can make connecting with people or understanding the thoughts / emotions / reactions of others completely foreign to one with autism, and I could easily see how that could carry over into disliking literature, because literature is so much about this thing that is completely foreign and incomprehensible... Aspbergers/Autism also frequently causes "locked" thinking and obsessive thinking -- in this case, being locked into refusing to read because it "doesn't make sense" due to the emotional content being so foreign, and then becoming more obsessive and limited about even doing audio books. Sorry... doing some uninvited armchair diagnosing here, so please disregard if there's nothing of help. Just wishing I could be of help. :) BEST of luck as you finish up the last of your high school credits! Warmest regards, Lori D. Edited March 28, 2017 by Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) I dunno. My ds used to LOVE to read, like, I couldnt buy or borrow books fast enough for him, at least a novel per day for years. Now, this year, hes super busy with a too demanding schedule (oops, but it was of his own choosing) & he won't read anything. Not even fluff stuff like Tom Clancy that he used fo read in a few hours. Its a few things- one, he's spending all his free time gaming at night, two- he has such little free time, three- hes bored with all the genres he used to read & i think burnt out on reading (I go through that too). I told him he needs to read 2 more books this year to complete English- his choice. Hes doing Eng 101 over tye summer as next years sr yr english. I think since your dd already has 2 college credits in english under her belt, I wouldn't be worried about skill. Have you laid it out for her that she needs one more half credit & asked her to help plan it? Maybe give the choices of: CC class, lit on her own with a minimum number of books, movies as lit with a list, or xyz online class (journalism, etc) Edited March 28, 2017 by Hilltopmom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 How about a public speaking class? Another possibility might be a theater class or a movies as literature class? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted March 28, 2017 Author Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) Perhaps outsource the grading to a local mentor -- maybe a journalism student at the local university? As for materials, here are some ideas: - IEW Journalism Basics - High School Journalism: Text, Workbook, Teacher Guide - Cambridge Academy: Online Introduction to Journalism - Adorable Chaos: Journalism Courses for High School Homeschoolers -- suggestions from a homeschool mom who is a journalist - DIY Journalism Curriculum for Homeschoolers - Homeschool Journalism based on resources from Poynter News University Website Thanks, there's some good stuff there. I'm also remembering that the local high school has a couple of journalism classes - she can't take classes there, but maybe I could get the teacher to do some tutoring/assigning/evaluating? What about using movies as a way of getting some last literature in? Once a week, watch a good film version of a classic lit. or contemporary (see ideas in my first post) lit? Using movies (documentaries) for history right now. We're watching lots of American Experience, then she's going to self-study for the US History 2 CLEP. She also watched Netflix's Crown all on her own (realized when she started asking me all kinds of questions about British royalty) and we just watched the first season of Victoria together. Wow. Well, clearly you can't push such a resistant child. Nope, you really can't. Sometimes carrots (incentives) help. Sometimes. And actually, what you describe does suggest a possible hidden LD that she's very successfully masked. Some children with disabilities mask with hostility, anger, and stubbornness to shove people away so that "no one will know" that they can't do something. Those strong emotions can also signal that the child is experiencing fear, panic, anger, or denial about not being able to do something that they "know they should be able to do". Could there be a vision issue (like, convergence misalignment) that actually makes it painful to read? (So, getting vision therapy type of screening to rule that out.) Or a processing issue that means she can only read at a very low level? (So, getting a full evaluation to if there are any issues in any areas.) Might be worth looking into some testing in your last year of school, and if there is an issue, getting that documented so that DD would have the paper trail needed for free helps in college, should she be willing to look into taking advantage of that later in life. Without being officially documented sometime during K-12, any disability accommodations would be on her own dime once in college. I have had her go through a complete Neuropsych workup twice, with two different doctors. First one, they said she was depressed and it was coming out as anger. Second one said looks like she's oppositional, but just to me (and to a lesser extent dh). Yay. Neither found any LDs, ADD (which I was thinking could be an issue - especially with her screen addictions) or Autism-spectrum issues. And she's been seeing a developmental optometrist who does vision therapy since she was a toddler because her older sister has issues so I just brought her in to make sure. Believe me, he could make up issues with her and I'd believe him and pay $$$, but the most she's ever gotten is a +1 bifocal because I insisted there must be something causing her to not want to read. She wears them out because she likes how she looks in them (they're just clear glass on top), but never wears them for close work, at least not at home. :glare: I even got the blue coating to reduce eye strain because she's on the computer so much. But she never wears them for that. :glare: When she's not being a stubborn mule, she's actually my most affectionate child. She just wants to do things Her Way. My mantra with her has been 'compliant children make boring adults'. And that if we can someday point all that Will in a positive direction she could be a force to be reckoned with. At least it helps to tell myself that... :lol: Edited March 28, 2017 by Matryoshka 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 How about a public speaking class? Another possibility might be a theater class or a movies as literature class? Oh, public speaking would be good! Usually under communications at the CC, but since they have to organize & write their speeches first, I'd go ahead & call it english ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootAnn Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 I have no experience with them, but there is a one-semester Journalism class that Bright Ideas Press Academy is offering. Journalistic News Writing BasicsOne semester- fall onlyTeacher: Jamie AndersonRecommended Grade Level: 9-12Day and Time: Fridays at 1pm ETPrerequisites: NoneCourse Materials: “Journalistic Writing: Building the Skills, Honing the Craft†byRobert M. Knight ISBN-13: 978- 1933338385, and “The Associated Press Guide ToPunctuation†by Rene J. Cappon ISBN-13: 978- 0738207858, and/or “JournalismBasics†by Megan HorstDescription: This high school class will introduce students to the craft of journalistic news writing. Whether or not students become journalists, this writing class will help them grow to be better writers and newsreaders. Understanding the styles of writing used in various documents can help a student put what is read into perspective. After a brief bit of journalism background and a punctuation presentation, students in this class will learn about news writing and get the chance to do some interviewing & reporting. Students will be shown how reporters utilize strong nouns and verbs, pare down adjectives and adverbs, describe with concrete detail, and avoid clichés and the passive voice. Students will be introduced to journalist’s “bibleâ€: the AP Stylebook. The main text for the course has been described as “accessible, humorous and engaging.†The instructor of the course aims to do the same with each class of students. One reviewer said the text is useful for all writers—journalists, essayists, novelists, playwrights, and poets, to help them write in clear English. Throughout the semester, students will attempt to write news articles in “clear English†so that their final project is a newspaper full of their own articles. They also have a Speech class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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