Aloha2U
-
Posts
1,888 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Blogs
Classifieds
Store
Posts posted by Aloha2U
-
-
So we'll be GtG next year for K5... and then Geography w/possibly CtC for 1st. Would you teach your dc the Pledge of Allegiance and what the American Flag symbolizes and such... in preK, K or 1st? Those of you who've used GtG or CtC... do they cover it or do you use something in addition?
Thank you,
Melissa
-
We're up as well. Careful... it is a bit lengthy, but fun!
Enjoy,
Melissa
-
My ds and I started K4 at the beginning of September and I have his lessons planned out for the next 40 weeks (including 3-4 weeks of vacation time). However, I've noticed that some do their homeschool year quite differently. I've read that some start their year earlier than September (planning w/40 weeks as well) and others school all year around.
So I'm curious... when do you start/end your homeschool year and why/how do you choose to do it that way?
Please share your experience as I would like to explore our options or, rather, possibilities for the future.
Melissa
-
Jessica, I almost started a similar thread until I saw yours... although mine would have read "Are You a Conversation Killer?"
I just want to tell you that you are not alone. I find that I often pray before going into a group situation and ask the Lord to guide my heart and tongue so as not to be too blunt or come off as being cold-hearted and unkind. I also have a tendency of giving too much information that was not asked for, so I try to keep myself from giving too many details.
Truth be told... I don't think I've ever read a post of yours wherein you came across as unforgiving or uncaring... or turned me off because of your bluntness... that sounds more like me. As others have stated on this forum, you are quite an inspiration to many!
May God Bless You and Your Family!
Melissa
-
I voted Canon over the Epson. We have the Canon i9900 and the Canon PIXMA MP520 and love them both. I also prefer Mac over PCs, but I'm stuck using a PC for the next few weeks until my dh returns with our Mac. :tongue_smilie:
Here are some review links that may help with your decision:
Test Freaks review of Canon PIXMA iP3500
CNET reviews of Canon PIXMA iP3500
Test Freaks review of Epson Stylus C88+
CNET reviews of Epson Stylus C88+
Melissa
-
So I'm curious... do you create a schedule for your homeschool lesson plans (be it yearly, weekly, daily) and just have a mental plan for your daily routine... or do you also plan and create a schedule for your daily routine as well... or are they one in the same?
Please share with me what you do as I am very interested to see how others plan their days.
Melissa
-
I don't have my ds say "Yes Mom" or "Yes Dad" as I know he will be in the presence of other figures of authority at one time or another and needs to learn how to give respectful acknowleagement to them as well. There are times when I do only expect a polite response such as "ok" or a perhaps just a nod of the head, but it is done with eye contact and a positive attitude.
I agree with a previous poster and believe that the attitude is more important. It is the child's heart condition that truly matters. A child can give a respectful and acceptable response, but still have a heart issue that needs to be addressed... at least in my experience. On the flip side, I also believe that I need to be careful not to let pride enter my heart.
You may already have knowledge of these, but I recommend two books to you:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
"Don't Make Me Count to Three!" by Ginger Plowman
Sincerely,
Melissa
-
One of my very first purchases for preparing to homeschool was the Canon PIXMA MP520. I bought it in April, 2008 and have not been disappointed!
My husband was the Chief Photojournalist for many years at a local newspaper (made a career change 6 months ago) and now just does freelance work on the side so we have a Canon i9900 (cost around $550) for his photography needs - high quality photos, etc. Wanting to save the expensive photo printer and needing a scanner/copier as well, I had my husband help me research for a printer/copier/scanner that was high quality but also durable and long lasting... oh, and priced right. He prefers Canon products. We found the Canon PIXMA MP520 on Amazon for $129.99, but now I see that it is only $109.95. I really like the separate ink cartridges so you're not wasting money replacing a whole ink cartridge set when you only run out of one ink color.
So that printer would be my vote. Here are a few links if your interested...
Test Freaks Review of the Canon PIXMA MP520
Have Fun!
Melissa
-
I'm really excited about the planner I've put together/organized, but I'm interested in what others include in their planner and organize them.
Here is a list (in order) of what I am including in my planner:
- Week-at-a-Glance for the current week of lessons
- 180 Days Attendance Form (fill in dates each day we do lessons)
- Time Sheet (fill in time each day we do lessons)
- Reading List for the current week of lessons
- Week-at-a-Glance for upcoming weeks (usually 1-2 weeks ahead of current week of lessons)
- Green Dated Attendance (transpose dates from 180 attendance form at end of school year)
- Report Card and Grade Records for current year (will add in the future)
- Printout of Homeschooling Laws for my state
- Printout of information on my state from HSLDA
- Printout of World Book Curriculum Standards for current year and next 1-2 years
- Course of Study for each year of planning ahead (usually 1-2 years)
- Curriculum/Materials Inventory
Please share with me... what do you include in your planner and how do you organize it?
:001_smile: Melissa
-
Is the whole series being revamped? Or are there things to update in each book? I would love it if there were more for logic stage.
As I understand it, the whole series is being revamped, but I'm not sure as to what the specifics are. All I can say is when I saw the current version on sale on the AiG site I almost bought them immediately, but called AiG with a few questions. I spoke to someone in their education department who suggested waiting to buy the series until the updated versions are released (January 2009). The gentleman I spoke to said the current version is great, but since he's seen what the new one has to offer... he suggested waiting for the new one. You may want to call them for more particulars.
:001_smile: Melissa
-
I just started K4 (preschool) this week with my one and only ds(4) - using formal curriculum. I have materials for K4 as well as other homeschool materials and links on my blog... you're welcome to take a look and see if there is anything that can help you with your planning.
:001_smile: Melissa
-
I think the main thing I am concerned about is in 1st grade I typically introduce history and science whereas K is just reading, writing, math and bible. So I am trying to plan for next year...do I do another year of just the basics? Or add in the history and science? After reading your posts I think I may let him continue to work ahead in math and reading but hold off on the other subjects for one more year.
How does that sound to all of you?
My suggestions for you, although they may not worth much...
By all means, continue to go at his pace in the basics even if he is a bit advanced in those subjects. I would consider him K4/Preschool until your next school year. As far as extra subjects... I guess it just depends on how much time you have and if your ds is interested in more than just the basics. If he is, then maybe you could find/use other appropriate science/history materials for what he's interested in for K5 (possibly covering them informally utilizing the library) and hold off on using your first grade materials until you officially considered him a first grader.
I just started what I consider K4 (Preschool) with my ds (who turned 4 in July) and like you, we are doing the basics... Bible, Math, Reading/Writing... but also adding in Art and Science (these are considered K5 materials - listed on my blog). He loves it! Although this was only our first week, the schedule I planned is running rather smoothly... only my ds wants to learn all day and I have to end our formal lessons as planned so as neither of us become burnt out - LOL! I have him doing Saxon K, but I forsee that we're going to fly through it and add in MUS Primer or start SM1 sooner than planned (next year for K5)... however, I'll still consider him K4 until our next school year (September, 2009). Although I believe my ds is a smart cookie, I have science/history plans for 1st grade that I would not use for K5. So for K5 next year I may repeat our science schedule from this year again to compare/reinforce what he's learned (it's gentle, informative and fun), use the next level on the same topics, or use something entirely different for science, but I will add in some geography/people/history by using Galloping the Globe.
As you may have already gathered, I'm new to this myself so what do I know, but I just thought I'd see if I could help anyways. :tongue_smilie:
Sincerely,
Melissa
-
Well, my Braxton Hicks were actually worse than the majority of my labors...
((((Hugs)))))) those last weeks are the worst b/c of the anticipation!
:iagree: That's how it was for me as well! I started getting BH the last couple of weeks, in fact 38/39/40 just as you are, Elizabeth. Then they tapered off leaving me in much anticipation as well, but thankfully my water broke in week 40/41. I then had short and weak labor pains until I had to be given potocin to make my labor pains strong enough give birth to our miracle baby (otherwise it was a natural and unmedicated birth).
I am sooo excited for you! :001_smile:
Melissa
-
I had tried attending a local HSers' group a few months ago but I don't think that it's for us, at least not a this time. However, I just have to share our experience today with our first open house visit to a local chapter of the International MOMS Club.
Although I held reservations about attending at first as I do not make friends easily, my ds and I met a friend there who had invited us - it was her first time attending as well. I guess it helped that my dear friend was with us so I'd know someone there, but I just have to say that this local chapter is a wonderful group and just what my ds and I need. My friend and I joined the local chapter today, as it may be the only thing that gets us together more often as we would like and it is an opportunity for me to meet other moms as well as my one and only ds to make friends. I'm really excited about this and just had to share it!
So why am I sharing this and why would anyone care about my experience today? Well, good question. I just wanted to share so that if any mom out there hasn't heard of this group (like I hadn't) but is interested in something outside of a HSers' group or Bible Study group, etc... then you can go to the International MOMS Club website and look for a local chapter in your area. I truly believe it is a God send for us!
God Bless,
:001_smile: Melissa
-
Thanks everyone! I have and will be temporarily without a computer for a while, but when I do get the chance of it (as I'm on my parent's computer right now) I'm going to check out all of your suggestions!
Many thanks again,
Melissa
-
Google Docs - is that what you're looking for?
Thanks for this! I'll give it a try. BTW, how do you post your daily schedule, etc. to your blog?
Thanks again,
Melissa
-
and link them to your blog? For example I have several files that are both Word and Excel that I would like to be able to link to my blog without having to change them to a jpg file and insert them in as a photo. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you,
Melissa
-
Jane Austin heroine: I'm Elizabeth Bennett indeed! :001_smile:
I recently saw a questionaire for determining what flavor of gum you are... I'm cinnamon, but I can't find the link to pass it on.
Melissa
-
I love hot cocoa. I have recently discovered Thomas Hammer's White Coffee Mocha - hot cocoa with caffeine, but without so much of the coffee flavor (aka the liquified burnt toast flavor).
Melissa
-
Homeschool Name: Hunt Classical Academy
Homeschool Motto: Seeking knowledge, understanding and wisdom in God's light.
However, my FIL wanted our homeschool name to be... Git-R-Done School! I think this is what we'll put on our classroom door. :lol:
Melissa
-
I spoke with the Gary in the education department at AiG today and he said the new edition would be available at the end of January, 2009.
Melissa
-
When I last spoke with someone in the education department at AiG, I was told they would be released towards the end of December 2008 - beginning of January 2009, but you may want to call and ask to be sure. :001_smile:
Melissa
-
I am not a coffee drinker either, but my dh definitely is. He used to drink Starbucks coffee for years and then switched to Thomas Hammer. Although my dh made the switch I had a hard time finding something I liked there until recently (even though I'm not the coffee drinker). :lol: Here is what I would recommend at Starbucks...
- Grande Soy 2 pump Hot Chocolate (that means 1/2 the chocolate) with or without whip cream
- Toffee Almond Bar
- Pumpkin Loaf
If in the future your dh gives you a Thomas Hammer card...
- 16 oz. White Coffee Mocha - basically a hot chocolate w/caffeine but w/o so much of the coffee taste. (You could even add a bit of flavor to it like a Snickers White Coffee.)
- Pumpkin Loaf
:001_smile: Melissa
-
Melissa,
A quote that I feared gave the wrong impression about Omnibus. And a quote that the poster later admitted was not a direct quote but was rather her impression about the theology. There is a big difference there.
1). I didn't "later admit it." Someone read what I typed and implied that I said Omnibus was misquoting Scripture. I see a difference because I'm not accusing Wilson or Fischer of twisting Scripture because that's a serious accusation that I don't want to direct toward people I consider brothers and sisters in Christ (despite our differences starkly reminded to me here today. May I remind I have used and recommended VP and other Reform products for 8 years. I'm certainly not trying to be unfair here.)
2). Second, "For God so loved the Church" is IN Omnibus I. It is not just my impression about their theology, or a "lens" through which I read it. I read it. I read it to various people, in context of the paragraphs. All of my friends found it quite interesting. I was trying to be as absolutely gracious about it as I could be in my earlier phrasing. That was a turning point for OUR family. I'm glad it won't be for yours!
I guess when you have other Reformed people acknowledging that VP/Omnibus does have a tone and "leanings" and statements/assertions that even they're not comfortable with--then that speaks volumes to me, with regard to the OP's question.
Jennifer, I was hoping you would respond to that and clarify for the record. :) I just want to let you know that I didn't doubt you for one second, still don't, and I agree with you. Many thanks again for your feedback and comments! :)
God Bless you and your family,
Melissa
Please post your weekly plans here...
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
Here is our Week-at-a-Glance. We do lessons Monday through Thursday.
Session I
Devotion (15 min.)
Math (30 min.)
Phonics (20 min.)
Handwriting (20 min.)
Character Building/Manners (5 min.)
Break & Snack (1 hr.)
I walk dog and ds rides his bike
snack
Session II
Science (30 min.)
Art (30 min.)
Read Aloud (30 min.)
BTW... I posted our week 3 update on the blog (sig. line).
Melissa