Kim in Appalachia
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Posts posted by Kim in Appalachia
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It is hard to make these decisions, isn't it?
My dd has liked Omnibus. She likes the layout, knowing what is expected each day, and she likes having that textbook. My biggest problem is that is goes so fast, and if we slow it down we loose the layout that she likes so much. Because it goes so fast, the program works with her strengths, while making her weakness worse. She is a fast reader. She is very good skimming material, and pulling what is needed or relevant out of it. Since Omnibus focuses on the "big picture", she never has to read a book in-depth, and I have been having a hard time doing that with her. (I tried to add some extra things this year, like making context pages for the books, and writing some seperate summaries, but it has been hard to keep up with).
We are doing Ambleside "light". She will be reading 7 novels, 3 bio's, the history book, 3 devotional books (one will be one of the worldview recommendations), and doing the poetry (plus something for geography and 3 books on economics/gov't). Shakespeare and Plutarch will be covered as a family, as well as the composer and artist study. This is still a lot of books, but reading them slowly. I want her to slow down and to be able to clearly narrate each section of the book she reads. I want to force her to read more slowly, getting the idea that we are studying these books, not just reading them for fun. She reads every book the same. It could be Herodotus, Song of Roland, or Nancy Drew.
She likes to read, so this is why I'm giving Ambleside a try, I have been tempted to go with BJ English, or something similiar just so I could work on her "problem" areas. We shall see what happens in 10th grade.
One other reason I like Ambleside is the amount of time we spend on US history. This will enable us to cover all the history and government for the required HS credits.
If you ds really likes Omnibus, and he is keeping up with the work and getting a lot out of it, it might be hard to switch him. My dd liked the idea of spending so much time on US history, so that helped convince her that we should switch.
I would not want miss the 20th century, so I would not do a schedule that did that.
I would think, that even with 2 kids in different time periods, you could still have good discussions, since both have covered those time periods at least once before. But I understand how having them together makes it easier. I have my 10 and 8 year old together for that purpose, but next year I will have to seperate them.
Those are just a few thoughts. I have been going a bit crazy planning and thinking about HS for my dd. It is overwhelming.
HTH
Kim
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For my dd, I think I will push my sister in the clinque direction instead of the Bare Escentials. My dd has oily skin, and I've always heard it was a good product. If my sister insist on spending lots of money on make-up I think that will be the best way to go.
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someone told me (but I can't remember who, or if that person was a good source) that the make-up were made by the same companies (like Lancome-Loreal) but the cheaper stuff was "watered" down. I have no idea how to figure out if that is really true. I like my loreal, but if lancome is the same but "better" maybe I should try it. But I also may give MK a try. Everyone around here loves it.
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Thank-you for the web site. There are certain things I do really like. My sister bought me Philosophy Hope in a Jar (dry skin), and I love it. but it is sooo expensive. I have some MK blush that I love, and I've been using Loreal foundation and other stuff.
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Ok, I'm not one to wear a lot of make-up. What I buy normally last at least 1 or 2 years. Lately, however, I'm starting to wear it more (I am getting older :D) My question is, is it worth it to buy the really good stuf?
Right now I have Loreal. My sister is really into Bare Escentials, and my friends in the area love MK. When I see how much the "better stuff" cost, I avoid it and buy my normal stuff at walmart. But is the other stuff better? My sister and my friends say it lasts longer (I think they mean the foundation, but maybe everything). If it does last longer, than I would think it might be worth it to spend more. But just looking at the price difference is a little overwhelming.
I'm not just considering this for myself. My sister wants to get my dd a Bare Escentials starter kit (probably at Christmas). But I'm unsure if I want her hooked on expensive stuff.
So what does everyone use? And is the expensive stuff worth it.
Kim
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While we have enjoyed it I will not continue with the books, nor do I think I will use them for my other children.
The curriculum is very good. I liked the discussion questions and summas, especially from Omnibus I. My dd liked many of the books. The course is not meant to be an in-depth study of the books, but rather a broad overview. You discuss themes and ideas, you compare the works, but you never go in depth with the literature.
My main complaints have to do with the speed of the reading. It is too fast. Even a very good teacher would have to pull the kids along. Also, I would prefer to slow down and really digest the books. I also had a problem with how mature some of the books were. We did skip 12 Caesars, and this year we are skipping Cantebuy Tales. While I do think that books are the best way to approach the topics, some were very graphic (12 Caesars and Plutarch lives were the worst, IMO)
My oldest is a strong reader, and she skims material she finds offensive, but my next dd studies every word she reads. These books would truly offend her, and probably cause her nightmares. And I don't think I want my boys reading these until they are older.
I do think the text is a nice resource. I plan to hold on to the two I have in order to draw from them in the future. But next year I am switching my oldest to Amblesideonline. The others will follow that route as well.
Kim
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I tried to search the boards, but couldn't find it.
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I can't seem to make up my mind about English for 9th grade, but as of today here is my plan:
Lit-will come from Ambleside. I did make some substitutions from the free reading list, but we are going to read the books in the 12 week term, going slowly. I plan to use online study guides for some help, as well as creating book pages for each book (list of characters, setting, summary of plot, etc...) She will do at least one narration a week from Lit. (We are following all of Ambleside next year)
For grammar I'm using a hodge podge of things. I plan on getting Editor-in-Chief. I also am going to get worksheets from Rod and Staff. They are for grades 6-8 from their old series, but their 8th grade grammar goes beyond what I have in my Warriner's Composition and Grammar: A Complete Course. I will use the above text to cover the topics, then give the worksheets. (or I will just go over the worksheets with her)
I'm also going to use Vocabulary from the Roots up on CD. I plan on having her work through the CD's slowly.
Writing: I'm using the Warriner's course. I like R&S, but I think Warriner's has better exercises to help think about writing. I had thought of using IEW's US History VOL I. I still plan to look at that when I go to the curriculum fair in May, but I really like Warriner's.
I plan on making sure I don't overload our schedule. We will work through everything slowly. I really like the CD's for Editing and Vocab because then I don't have to correct them. :001_smile: We will probably have 2 days a week set aside for writing instruction, and 2 for going over the books. One day will be for reviewing grammar, and checking over her CD work.
These are my plans as of today. Of course, in another month I may change my mind.:tongue_smilie:
Kim
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When she can stick with it, it works great. The key is planning. She prefers to spread her points out through the day. She will eat a very low point breakfast (like 2), and a low lunch, so she can have a snack in the afternoon. A good snack is that Laughing Cow cheese (the light, a single wedge is 0 points I think), with whole wheat crackers (I can't remember the brand of crackers, they are very good, whole wheat and only 1 or 2 pts for 10).
She also likes to fill up with veggies. She loves asparagus, and will roast it in her oven and eat a big plate full.
For a family the key is to have special food that is only for you. Special crackers, or other snacks that no one else may touch.
Don't let yourself get over hungry because then you will eat too much.
My mom also likes to have a hot cup of tea. She uses no sugar, and having a tea lets her feel like she has had something.
I hope you do well with it.
Kim
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My oldest starts HS next year. It has been a struggle because she is not into academics. She is a decent student, but really she could care less about her grades. She is a typical teenage girl, with her mind everywhere but on school. I have worried that I will be unable to reel her in, but I have been working on my attitude.
I worry that I will not provide her with the education she should get, or that as the oldest of 5 she will get completely loss in the fray, but I have been trying to change my vision.
My goal is not to be the most incredible teacher for every subject she does (becuase I can't be), but to encourage her to learn, to keep working and not give up even when it is hard or boring. My new motto to her has been, "I'm on your side!" I am not here to criticize her every failing, but to help her succeed.
I know that HS is going to take a lot of work, and I have been gearing up for it. I have been trying to make sure that I create realistic goals. She will not do any work that I can not teach her. She is not good on her own, or even with an internet class. She needs constant attention and interaction to keep on tract.
We have been doing Omnibus, but next year we are switching to Ambleside. We need a slower pace so that we can focus on the basics.
I guess basically, my advice is to have a clear view of your child, know what you need to cover and take the time to plan how you're going to get there. It is only four years, it will go by :auto:.
Kim
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with my oldest dd. She took Latin. They use Wheelock, and it has been a good class. She is having a hard time with it, but she is not an aggressive student.
I would say that Scholar's online is for advanced/type A type students. Their classes expect a lot. It seems like the teacher has been good, and she is always available if you have a question.
Despite the struggle my dd has had with the class, she would like to take other classes with them. I'm not going to let her, because honestly she is not a good fit to their program.
Kim
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and I mean a really good teacher. Out of 13 years in PS and 4 years of college I can count on 1 hand the number of teachers that left a real impression on me. Those teachers were the ones that went out of their way to help me learn, not just get through the material, but grow in my understanding. What you discribed would help with not just connecting with and learning your material better, but in learning how to learn.
What you described does sound like a lot of extra work, but only you can decide if it is worth it. It will be worth it to at least some of the kids, but what is the cost to you? The only problem I see is if doing all that extra work causes you to burn-out. You may not see tangible results, and the other teachers are sure to keep pooh-poohing you.
If you get tired, and want to take it down a notch, I would drop the typed questions (though I think they are great!), but I would not drop the reading aloud and discussions in class.
I'm not saying you should drop the questions, only that if you start feeling stressed over it all to let it go and know that the discussions alone will be helpful.
I hope you don't let the other teachers discourage you, and I really hope you are able to keep up your pace. Your students will benefit from it.
Kim
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I will read a page or two at the table, or right before bed. If I am into a book I will keep it with me just to read one more page.
I run for exercise, but a friend of mine has a stationary bike; she reads while she bikes. I may have to eventually look into that....:001_smile:
Kim
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I'm glad your BP is down. I couldn't imagine you trying to eat any healthier than you do, or getting outside and doing more.:) Maybe you could avoid stress?!! ha, ha!
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:iagree:
with everyone else. Get to the ER. Call you doc first so he can meet you there.
If you are still not showing any internal signs of a stroke, you probably need a nuerologist. It could be a long list of problems.
My prayers are with you. Let us know what the doc said.
Kim
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I've been wanting to anyway, I just couldn't seem to make the time.
Kim
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Matt was more concerned over the fundus height. He thought that was a lot, but he is assuming that she took a good measurement. Also, she should be able to hear 2 heartbeats if it was twins. He would be happy to check it out for you! If he gets a chance, he will probably call tonight.
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If your current school district has failed the "no child left behind" standards, you might quailfy to have him sent to the other PS for free. Just a thought.
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OT, but high blood pressure and that trip to Williamsburg sound like a bad mix.
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:)
that 5cm is a big discrepancy at 20 weeks. Midwives are generally very conservative, and she would not recommend it if she didn't think it necessary. There can be a lot of complications with twins that she would not want to handle.
He also said, if you want, to calculate the price of gas. The drive down here might be worth it.:001_smile: (unless, of course, it would freak you out to have your brother do your ultra sound)
Kim (who would love it if you had twins. Aren't you glad I read the boards!!)
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next year I am planning on using BJ Physical Science. My dd is not a science person, nor is she very self motivated with her school work. I have 3 other children that I will be teaching, as well as a 3 year old. I am trying to decide between getting the DVD or just teaching it myself with the help of United Streaming. There is also the option of using the DIVE cd along with the United Streaming.
I would get the DVD but the price is so hefty. I am already planning on using the BJ DVD kit for French. if I paid for United Streaming I could use it to supplement other subjects, as well as use it for the other kids.
Has anyone used the DIVE cd's for science. we tried them for Saxon, but my dd hated it. But she hated Saxon. I have to admit, the DIVE cd for Saxon was boring. Is the science the same?
I have to admit that I am finding the choices for HS overwhelming. I am planning on using Amblesideonline for history/lit, but I'm even questioning my sanity on that. Maybe more online, or DVD options would be better.
I want her to have a good experience, but teaching all of the kids can mean she doesn't get the best of me.
At least math is covered. We switched to Lial's this past year and she likes it. (A HUGE thank you to Jann in TX, this has been the first year that there have been NO tears during math!)
Thanks for listening. Any advice appreciated!
Kim
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I e mailed them yesterday to ask what happened to their science cd's. I am thinking of using it in the fall for BJ Physical Science. I can't decide between using the DIVE cd's or BJ DVD's.
Kim
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but we have 5 kids, and college is so expensive. (side note, we do save for retirement. as my mom says, you can take loans out for school but not for retirement). I will encourage my dc to not go into debt for ungrad, but rather work as well as going to a state school or to a school that provides a lot of help. We will probably help out with the living expenses.
There are a lot of options out there, and if a person really wants that education he/she will find a way.
What can we use for high school french??
in High School and Self-Education Board
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with the DVD. I would think, since you know some French, that you could use any standard curriculum. Foreign languages should be taught systematically.
Kim