countrymum
-
Posts
498 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Blogs
Classifieds
Store
Posts posted by countrymum
-
-
I use RightStart as our math curriculum and really like it. I must think like Cotter in some ways;) I don't however like the games. I find them tedious and too many pieces.
I have used addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts that stick. I am going to order the division one for next year. I love the combination of focused oral practice with me (the game) and then worksheet work. I also just got flashcards for more X practice, i haven't found them necessary for + or - yet. We do some part of facts that stick 3 or 4 times a week till the book is over. I do Rightstart B in 1st with addition facts, RightStart C in 2nd with - facts, RightStart D in 3rd with X facts, and RightStart E in 4th with division facts that stick.
So far i have been able to skip most of the games in RightStart ed2 by subbing in facts that stick and some handwritten drill pages or kumon.
So I would say that facts that stick are very different from RightStart games;) Facts that stick are more efficient and too the point and more targeted to drilling a small set of facts at a time then adding on to it to achieve mastery.
-
1
-
1
-
-
I am using RightStart e2. My oldest is just finishing up D this year for 3rd grade. I've loved it. Almost every lesson has some independent parts and it flows nicely. I've pared it with multiplication facts that stick and also made up a few of my own drill pages as i don't do games well at all! I was about ready to quit after C last year and am so glad I didnt. My daughter is finishing up B this year also. I think C is my least favorite level. It is complicated and parent intensive ( moreso in my opnion than A, B or D). I'd say if its working try D at least for 2 months. That's just my 2 cents. Ive changed math programs in the past and i really see the benifit of sticking to one. They all build a bit differently...not saying you can't switch, but it's really easier not to.
For history, I really like simply charlotte masons guides. They are just the right amount of structure and are a light enough schedule that if we have time and motivation I add to it.
-
I really like and use RightStart math and AAR. I have taught 2 to read with AAR so far. This year we are finishing up RightStart B and D. I am a fan of finding what works for you the teacher and sticking with it all the way up for everybody. You get good at teaching it and learn the stregnths and weaknesses of the program. Sometimes I skip or condense lessons or spread one out a few days. I also often write out a quick drill rather than play a game ( a toddler and baby need me too). Use your space for the basics that build and have the potential to leave holes.
With that in mind, I would take RightStart with any manipulatives you need for about 1/2 the lessons in each book. With a bit of creativity, you probably only need the abacus, those cardboard base 10 cards and abacus tiles, place value cards, and pattern squares (perhaps the drawing tools depending on where you are in c). I'd skip, wait on, or teach another way any lessons requiring the math balance. That with the books won't take too much space and math continuity is important.
Take the next level of All About reading (3 books).
That with paper and pencils is all you need. Do copywork and 2nd grade reading practice from library books. Study British culture for history/ social studies using real places and books. Read library books for science.
If your worried about 2nd grade science bring 1 traditional textbook (Bob Jones, old public school text....) and have the child read it to you for science and reading practice.
-
1
-
-
I had (dark ages;) facebook in college and when it got so big I deleated my account.... Is there anywhere else to get the mom made notebook pages? Or do you know if i can use the HOD new ones without too much trouble? Thanks
-
Thanks about the updating guides now to go with those pages. That makes sense. I think I'm going to start bigger with the notebook pages (we like the looks of them) and an old guide. If its too hard to figure out too many pages I'll buy a new guide;) I am planning to keep my old math (rightstart) and grammar (Abeka) and try putting ds 8.5 and dd almost 7 ( already reading and writing at at least a 2nd grade level) in bigger for a Jan-Dec year.
-
I've been looking at Heart of Dakota recently. I`ve seen some used guides. How much do they change their guides from year to year? I'm particularly thinking of the little hands to heaven, bigger hearts, and preparing hearts.
Additionally any thoughts, reviews, musings......
-
I like Boy of the Pyramids by Ruth Fosdick Jones for this age. It is a light interesting mystery set in Egypt that my children enjoyed. It is not at all scary and does not talk too deeply on religion. Simply Charlotte Mason has reprinted it.
-
1
-
-
I like
Nature in A Nutshell Over 100 Activities You Can Do in 10 Minutes or Less
The really don't take long and the children always enjoy them. They are nature based but have ideas for all 4 seasons. Ideas like dense dip why is it easier to float in the ocean than a pool or watching to see if ants like fake sugar. There is a short like 1 paragraph explanation after each one.
-
The reasons it takes so long are partly me and partly children dwadleing. It can take me time to move from 1 thing to the next with the baby and toddler needing me too. It helps when I have school books and supplies all put and sacked up on the table the night before. It just seems that i have too much to do 1 on 1 with each one. I try to do preschool too about 2-3 timed a week as little guy really likes it. He gets lonely during school time playing by himself.
Having them move toward independence in a few things means that I can help without them being needed 100% of the time like in AAS. I'm am also not sure whether it's"working" or not. My older child more often than not doesn't remember words. He spells phonetically, but a few weeks later doesn't remember if its pain or pane or payn or sky or skie..... The younger one has a quite visual memory, and I've wondered if studied dictation would help her later...
Really just more thoughts; thanks all
-
1
-
-
We have 4 children.
I have been using All About Spelling (AAS) levels 2 and 3 currently with my 2 school aged children (3rd and 2nd) grade. I like it and it seems to be working fine. Neither can really "spell" much yet but they are young and they do seem to be progressing.
With that in mind, the school day is taking too long. We start around 8:30 and with a short lunch break aren't done till 3 many days. Some of it is dwadling and some is the toddler and baby.
We do All About Reading(oldest is finished) and RightStart math(which I love) so alot is mama heavy. Handwriting for both and Grammar for (3rd grader) are mostly independent. We do Bible, history, science, spanish, ect together for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
It just seems like an independent spelling might help. I don't have any with dislexia that I know of. They both can read chapter books like Childhood of Famous Americans or Little House in the Big Woods. However, they both mix up b, d, p sometimes bet are improving and sometimes flip words when reading.
Any thoughts On shorter days or spelling???? I'm considering Spelling by Sound and Structure and Building Spelling Skills, I'd even look at an old speller. I'm open to about anything now....
-
My kids are younger than yours but I've looked at lots of math curriculum. I am using RSe2 with my upcoming 1st and 3rd graders. One thing I'd say is to ask the people at rightstart about your dd they have some great ideas.
If rightstart is allowing your daughter to grasp concepts and build a good base, I'd be very hesitant to switch before prealgebra. Her are some ideas. Also I think you could jump into Prealgebra after level f. So if you did level d and 1/2 e this year than e and 1/2 f next year finishing F by the end of her 7/8 year then do say BJU or another prealgebra and algebra sequence your not really behind. She sounds like she would really be in 4th agewise this year anyway so that would have her doing Algebra 1 in 9th which is a developmentally great time for lots of kids. Do you really want to call her 5th grade now and have her graduate at 17? Just some thoughts.
If you really think changing curriculums would be good, check out math mammoth. Its similar to rightstart bit more independent and very workbookish and you can either use the full curriculum or the topical ones.
You may want to look at the math mammoth topical books or new review books for your son for practice. I also love Kate Snow's math facts that stick and Kumon books for adding drill to rightstart.
-
I am currently using RightStart 2nd edition A and C with my children. I really like the lessons and its clicking with my kids. I will do D and B next year. However i have 2 additional littles and getting to games often enough is hard and getting harder. I see D says to play games at lest 3X a week. Has anyone found some other way to drill and practice other than just making up problems like are in the game you missed? Any thoughts are appreciated...thanks
-
I have used all levels of AAR, levels 1 and 2 of AAS and some of Abeka letters and sounds (one of my kids needed the writing reinforcement during AAR 2). I think that AAS would be good reinforcement not confusing. Some of the phonograms/ special sounds are a bit different ( ng vs ang ing ong and aas will teach ai and ay ect all separately not when 2 vowels are together generalization) but a lot of it is the same. Both are phonics after all
You may want to start with level 1 just to get into a new feel but especially the 1st 1/2 will be all review. Try to find it used on eBay or Abe books. I have even found the student packs used before. You do want the whole student pack for level 2+ as there are word banks in them, but only the cards are fine for level 1. Also don't speed through AAS teach for mastery. I dropped AAS for a time because I thought it wasn't working. I think now ds was just not ready and I thought that "could spell words in lesson" meant go on. This may be the case sometimes, but now he is in 2nd grade and level 2, we spend a whole week on each step and spell all the dictations as well and review a lot. Merry has good ideas for using it.
Eta. I don't find AAS teacher intensive as I time it for 15 min, and I've found at least with my kids it would take about that long to remind and redirect them through a workbook page;) I'd rather spend my time working with them.
-
I am thinking about doing Berean Builders science in history next year. We will be doing about 1500 to 1800 in history. Would you do Ancient World to start in the beginning or Age of Reason to coorelate with our history? We have already done some of science in the beginning.
-
I am interested in doing hands on science with my 8 and 6 year olds next year. One loves to be read to but the other fidgets a lot. This is why I want something that isnt just read and or watch. We have been reading lots of animal and habitat books this year so i want somethibg other than that.
I have looked at and tried Berean Builders elementary but it seems too wordy or long or something for them...I am open fo modification ideas though. I own Science in the beginning. We have tried it 2x once when older was 7 and once when he was 6. He didnt really like it either time and younger just wiggled and fidgeted and didnt pay attention. Now older will sit engaged through long history chapter spine books though so maybe he'd do better with one of the history ones?..But what about younger??
I have also seen A Reason for Science. Has anyone used that?? Any thoughts about it?.
How about Bob Jones??
Any other thoughts or suggestions? I would like a Christian science program.
-
I didn't use to. Then i took an Orton Gillingham class. Now I over use it... replace w with wh in other words. All of my in laws use it correctly.
-
1
-
-
Babies and homeschooling can be a challenge. Good luck
-
1
-
-
I think it was not changed as much as level 1 was. For instance the new student workbooks will work with the old teacher books. The website at least used to have a correlation page. You could check. I think you'd be fine saving some money and going older here.
-
1
-
-
I am doing early modern next year with my 3rd and 1st graders. I don't want SOTW. I am open to only American history or all of world history shying away from some or the more terrible topics. I am happy to design my own or use someone elses plan. I have plenty of ideas for novels and biographies. What I need is a spine or a way to tie it all together. Any spine or program ideas?? Please tell me why you recommend it too?
-
Ktgrok did you drop Notgrass too?
-
I have a kindergartener and a 2nd grader this year.
I have kind of done my own thing for science and history for the past 2 years and this year. I have gotten some books and ideas for history, geography, Bible from Simply Charlotte Mason (SCM). I also used their outdoor secrets set one spring. I have used some of Berean Builders science in the beginning. I have also written my own plans for an around the world science and history study for kindergarten and Greek+Roman history last year. We are currently doing the Middle Ages study from SCM and hopefully finishing Berean builders science in the beginning this year. I am also looking at doing parts of Little Hearts to Heaven with my kindergartener who doesn't like to sit still.
I would like to do American history next year perhaps with a bit of world history for context but not necessarily. I would like ro combine both kids (1st and 3rd). I want more hands on projects than SCM schedules. I am lousy at adding them in and I think my next year 1st grader needs/likes hands on. My older does great with read and narrate (and has since kindergarten) but my younger does not. I also am thinking more of a unit study approach would be nice...perhaps combining history, science, geography, art, music... I have phonics and math and that I love already.
Any thoughts?? With reviews (pros and cons) please;) (I do have some ideas but i want to hear what you all think.) Thanks
PS I will have a toddler and baby next year too;)
-
I think explode the code has too much reading in the workbook too fast. Example level one has 2 sentences to read then pick the best for a picture...
I do like the get ready, set, go for the code(ABC) to learn the consonants though. Great for preschool or a k who doesn't know consonants;)
Memoria press first start reading is great and very OG compatible. I've used it with AAR when I need extra practice. All you need are First Start reading A-D I think for kindergarten. E is in the MP 1st grade set. You also don't have to buy them all at once. You may want the teacher book for word lists you dictate excetra. It does have a lot of handwriting in it- great for reinforcement but hard if child isn't ready. It includes spelling with the phonograms too. It is more OG than Spalding. You can see samples at Rainbow resource and memoria press is very helpful if you call them.
The complete set with all books for k and 1 and teacher books. You can buy them separately too:
-
Abeka letters and sounds k workbook (about 14$) and basic phonics flashcards(find used everywhere). You really dont need the rest abeka sells. Or christian liberty press adventures in phonics workbook($10) and their flashcards. If you can find your flashcards or want to use index cards to make some you could do this for either too. I assume you know how to teach phonograms;) Just drill them as they come up in the books.
-
1
-
-
I have the original edition with the blue and white books with no other color on them. I have 32 yellow phonogram cards numbered 1-32 in the bottom R corner. I have 174 green word cards also numbered in the bottom R corner. Also if you look at the last few lessons in the book it should tell you which cards are introduced last and there I'd s picture of the cards that includes the #.
Another thought, if this is the older plain blue and white edition they don't make the student book for it anymore. Keep that in mind when selling it.
Spelling
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted · Edited by countrymum
More info
I am stuck with spelling with ds 8 almost 9. We did AAS 1-3. It did not seem to help his spelling at all. Then we did most of Rod and Staff spelling 2 (misses 2-10 out of 12 each week-normally 3-5.) this year. His reading took off and so did his writing at the end of last year, so I have increased his reading and writing also this year. Currently, he is reading Farmer Boy and Silver for George Washington and doing lots of copywork and writing with me spelling it for him. His spelling has perhaps improved a tiny bit this year. He can spell cvc words and a very few sight words. I think this is more due to copywork than our spelling.
For next year:
I have Traditional Spelling 1 from Memoria Press (perhaps add in more OG style phonogram drill)
Go back to AAS (when did experienced users see improvement)
Make my own with my language toolkit from EPS and my notes from the Orton Gillingham training I took?
Try How to teach Spelling from EPS https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/002898/How-to-Teach-Spelling.html?trackcode=googleBase&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp002898&sc_intid=002898&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlI6_ppWs6QIVAz6tBh2wBgBiEAQYASABEgIxavD_BwE
I am a firm believer in OG for reading for any dyslexic student. It is what I used to teach ds to read. He knows all the phonograms. I am not as sure about spelling though. (Also he may or may not have dislexia. He does have spelling trouble though. Little sis spells better.)