Aloha2U
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I haven't read the previous posts to see if this was already mentioned, but have you considered Kid's Answers Magazine by Answers in Genesis
Melissa
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It was suggested that I could start using IEW's Poetry Memorization as early as kindergarten. Would this be...
Developing Linguistic Patterns Through Poetry Memorization sold by IEW
or
The Grammar of Poetry
I'm not sure... Please tell me when you started using these.
Thank you,
Melissa
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I've found so many wonderful things on the Answers in Genesis website that I want to get and incorporate them in our homeschool journey. I am very interested in knowing what others may use from AiG.
Melissa
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I am very excited about starting Spell to Write and Read with my one and only ds4. Have you considered it?
BHI won "Phonics Company Excellence in Education Award!"
The Old Schoohouse Magazine recognized BHI for the outstanding curriculum, Spell to Write and Read, a unified language arts program for all ages and learning types. Homeschool blogger says "SWR is used in public and private schools, in many homeschools, and is a favored choice for ESL (English as a Second Language) tutoring for dyslexics, and adult literacy programs. Students who have failed with other spelling and reading programs find success with SWR."
Check out BHI Books for SWR Materials
Check out this Homeschool Blog by Britta McColl (endorsed SWR Trainer)
Check out Morning Star Learning for SWR Materials
Check out the SWR Group at Yahoo!
I hope these links may help you!
:001_smile: Melissa
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Spell to Write and Read
Melissa
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One cute idea: We bought little pretend passports from AC Moore and then each time we started a new country, I'd print off small pictures of the country's flag to place in the passports.
I've never been to an AC Moore site...can you provide a link for the passports you mention?
Thank you,
Melissa
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...and had to add it, as it seems appropriate with all the research I've been doing for our homeschooling journey and questions I have about... well, everything!
"The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while conditions are still unfavourable. Favourable conditions never come." C.S. Lewis
Melissa
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This is just a general question, because this inquiring mind would like to know. Why did you choose one over the other and when/how did you start using it?
I'm interested in your experience as it may help me continue my rough planning for the future.
Thank you,
Melissa
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I'm looking at purchasing Galloping the Globe to do with my one and only ds for K. For those of you who have used GtG, what do you recommend as must have books at home, in conjunction with the library?
Also, it looks like GtG requires Considering God's Creation (science)...however, it seems that those who use Considering God's Creation are actually implementing it at an older age/grade level...did you use this w/GtG? Did you use CGC just for GtG or did you already plan on using CGC as your science curriculum?
Please help me clarify... and share your experiences with GtG. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Melissa
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We've used a combo of these to create a history rich environment.
We have listened to Dianna Waring's tapes for year, mainly on long car trips -before the guides came out = ). They are worth listening to. Very enjoyable, informative and good discussion starters becasue not everyone will agree (as has already been stated) with her concusions.
We have used the VP cards to memorize a timeline (160 cards). We've spent time reading the cards, discussion the art, etc. We used the timeline cards as a jumping off point to read many biographies and historical fiction.
We have used SOTW as read-alouds and to create our own timeline from using the Homeschool in the Woods timeline figures. I did get one of the activity guides to do in conjunction with the books but one of my kids hated doing the activities so we ended up skipping that.
We've also purchased the SOTW CD's and my 8 & 4 year olds have listened to them for hours as they've played.
Thank you, I'll look into these DW tapes and SOTW CDs in the future as well.
If you want to do geography in K5 or 1st, you could look at Galloping the Globe (what we did), the Audio Memory Geography Songs, and consider MFW ECC. There are new things that have come out in the last few years that I'm not familiar with. You'll have tons of fun.BTW, My husband and I looked into Galloping the Globe and think it will actually be a great idea, so thanks again for the tip. I know I've seen others mentioning it in the forum. In fact, I looked back and you mentioned it in one of my very first posts not too long ago, but it just didn't sink in until now. LOL! Also, from that same post you had mentioned a few other things as well... here are a couple...
Toss the Abeka stuff, all of it. It's not that it's bad, so much as that it's not necessary or the best, kwim?........Read the D'Aulaire books. Just read broadly across a variety of genres and you won't need ANY of that Abeka stuff, honest. You'll save a ton of money, have way more fun, learn more, and not get burnt out....
Well, I'm finally seeing the light and I'm tossing the ABeka stuff. Oh... I checked out some D'Aulaire books from our local library and both my ds and I love them! ;)
Thanks again & again!
Melissa
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Hi Melissa, Hope you didn't think I was being snippy there. I'm glad you filled in with that extra info and your sig, because now your question makes sense!
No problem, I should have given more info in the beginning... you're right it makes more sense!
I like the AiG science (though I haven't yet used it), and my two cents is it could be the same way, better at a later stage. So don't just look for what you like. Look at it seeing what AGE it's best for. It's easy to rush into things too early and find out they are much more practical later. As far as science for K5 and 1st, well you're typically talking just supplementary there, because most kids are still learning to read. The more time they are spending on phonics, the less time they have for gravy stuff like history. The kids you hear doing history and this and that in K5 are sometimes already reading, just a word to the wise. Your MAIN focus in K5 and 1st is still the basics: math and learning to read. They have little to no concept of time at that age, and it wouldn't matter one particle whether you did history or just read fairy tales aloud to them; it's all one in the same for them at that age. So I suggest, just my word to the wise, that you start with the basics (SWR and math), get those going, and then add in other things as you have time, energy, and interest.I understand what you mean and I agree with you.
As far as science goes... although I plan on using God's Design for Science by AiG, it will be further down the road... not for K5 or probably even 1st... whenever I believe that ds is ready for it - I think I didn't clarify that when I mentioned it just previously.
For us, we did SWR and RS math 1st semester of K5 and started adding in things 2nd semester (geography, FLL, etc.), as her reading took off. It was like you could see the load lighten and that she was ready for more.That's a great point, thanks for mentioning it.
Did you know there's a really great yahoo group for VP users?http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vp_elementary There's a big spread in how you can use the materials.I did join the group a month or two ago, but sometimes forget about asking questions there. I'll try to utilize them more. BTW, hope you don't mind me asking but are you a moderator for that group?
I'll tell you why *I* use VP and have stuck with it all these years, and you can see if it resonates with you. I've used VP since 1st grade with my dd (OTAE, NTGR, MARR, and now starting into Explorers to 1815) because I hate history and find it's a curriculum I can wrap my brain around. For me, VP quantifies history, so I can tell exactly what I need to cover. I can see the big picture and how it all fits together. I'm so NOT a history person, so seeing the big picture helps me IMMENSELY.Oh and how it resonates, this is exactly me too! This makes me feel even better about using VP.
I believe that we'll do some geography for 1st and then start OT/AE in 2nd, however, thank you for the other tips... I'll keep them in mind just in case our plans change.
I do think WTM's suggestion on what big categories to study each year fit really well with the way kids progress.Oh, that leads me to another question OT... I am currently reading through an older version of TWTM on loan from the library. Do you recommend one version over the other (older or newer) for a helpful guide to the classical approach. Also, I've heard of Teaching the Trivium... what do you think of that guide?
BTW, if you spend a lot of time on history in the school year, sometimes it's easier to nail most of your science in the summer... That's just my experience and word to the wise.Thanks again, you've made some great points and this is yet another helpful one. I appreciate your time, experience and wisdom! I'm sure I'll have alot more questions in the future and I hope you'll be around to comment on those as well.
In fact, I appreciate everyone's feedback. This is a great forum! I'm feeling the love! :001_smile:
Past my bedtime now... better sign off with these happy thoughts.
Melissa
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We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!! DW tapes and guides. The full program is meant for 5th and up, but there are wbs for elementary children that are just great.
Diana has done a fantastic job at lining up Biblical and secular history and shows God's hand in ALL of history better than any other curriculum I have seen. Her updated guides are soooo much better than the older ones. The articles in the guides are fantastic, and the program is broken up into 9 units in each guide. Each unit has 4 weekly phases which address all types of learners. Have you seen the samples at her website? You can download the first unit of the two updated guides, both the teachers and students. You can also listen to samples of the cds. I could not be happier with all that we have done with DW!!!
What ages/levels did you use DW? If DW is meant for 5th and up, what did you use for the earlier ages/grades?
Melissa
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WOW!!
We too have been listening to Diana Waring for years and I somehow missed the Ford Factory detail!!
That aside whether true or false, I have found NO curriculum to be 100% accurate. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!! DW tapes and guides. The full program is meant for 5th and up, but there are wbs for elementary children that are just great.
Diana has done a fantastic job at lining up Biblical and secular history and shows God's hand in ALL of history better than any other curriculum I have seen. Her updated guides are soooo much better than the older ones. The articles in the guides are fantastic, and the program is broken up into 9 units in each guide. Each unit has 4 weekly phases which address all types of learners. Have you seen the samples at her website? You can download the first unit of the two updated guides, both the teachers and students. You can also listen to samples of the cds.
I could not be happier with all that we have done with DW!!!
Oh I wanted to add that:
Answers in Genesis (Ken Ham organization) was so pleased with Diana's work that they teamed up with her to create an AIG version of her guides and cds!!!!!!! They are basically the same content just different layout with a few pluses, and a few added tracks to the AIG cds. You can view samples at the AIG website store. :o)
I saw the AiG/DW version and thought that I may want to try it in the future, but not sure how I would incorporate it w/VP. Any suggestions?
OT... I'm also planning on using AiG's God's Design for Science series.
Thanks,
Melissa
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Melissa, what ages/grades are your dc? It would be easier to reply if specify what you need. That way people can discuss things that apply to you. If you're wanting more general or broad information, don't forget Cathy Duffy's reviews and top picks books. Not that I agree with everything, but it would help you get the big picture.
Just trying to get general information on what's available for history curriculum in the realm of the christian, classical approach... what are their main differences... and what is covered and when. I believe that I am getting a much better understanding though, from this thread and others on the forum.
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but it's my understanding that TOG isn't just History but it has other subjects incorporated as well. Is it possible to do the history program without the extras? So far I like VP the best and since I already plan to use most of their materials recommended for others subjects (with the exception of SWR for LA), it seems that I am most likely just going to stay the course with VP entirely. One observation on VP's history is that they do a whole year of geography for 1st (I like this idea and the materials too) and then start with the OT/AE history in 2nd. However, I noticed that easyclassical.com, who follows some of VP recommendations, start geography in K. Does STOW and TOG incorporate geography and if so when?
Questions for VP users:
If you've used VP's history what do you like or dislike about it? Did you follow their suggestions completely or did you change things up a bit and how? Did you start with Geography in K or 1st? Oh also, what pattern does VP follow? (ex. SOTW has 4 periods with 3 rotations)
Although this may be rough planning for the future, I like to be well prepared and educated in the different materials available to us. Please know that your responses are greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Melissa
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Could anyone please tell me the differences in these history curriculums. When and why do YOU choose to use them? Which grades/levels do you implement them?
Tapestry of Grace
Veritas Press
Story of the World
Diana Waring
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Thank you, Melissa
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Choice #1: Buy the 11 book set of God's Design and let me ds pick which books he wants to work through. I like the easy set-up and layout of this program. The info looked pretty good and meaty (from my flip through at the conference) but probably we would often cover more than one lesson a day since it is broken up into pretty small bites. I noticed that often the activities aren't actually experiments but realize that is partly due to the fact that there is an activity for each little bite of information, plus, some things are hard to experiment with (ie. the planets etc). Like having a few worksheets to check understanding.
I haven't used any of these, but I can tell you that I plan on using God's Design in the future.
Just FYI... I almost purchased the complete set of God's Design for Science curriculum in advance through AiG because it's on sale. I called AiG and spoke to someone in their education department who suggested waiting to buy God's Design until Dec./Jan when the updated version comes out. 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. So depending on when you wanted to start, you could buy one or two of the current books to begin with until the new ones are out.
Hope that helps you,
Melissa
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...in my head, LOL! :lol: & :confused: (I'm not sure which of these smilies to use, so I choose both.)
I have so many questions and not sure which to ask or sometimes how to word them without confusing everyone else. I start to research one curriculum or subject which leads to another, all the while having spurts of... Oh--I like this, but maybe this is better, or maybe both. I can't help but to research and plan...
"Hello, my name is Melissa and I am a planner."
I just want to be well prepared for both me and my ds... to know and understand all the resources which are available to us and ultimately decide what will help us reach our goals for homeschooling. Is that too much to ask all in one night?! Brain, don't fail me now. Or as Pooh might say...
Think! Think! Think!
I'm sorry for running on at the keyboard. I have a few questions to ask, but I guess I needed a little venting first. :tongue_smilie:
I know that using the Christian, Classical method is the way for us. My questions lie in the details, details, details. Which I know will answer themselves in prayer and in time. At this time, however, I would be much obliged and hope it isn't to much to ask, if anyone using the Christian, Classical Method would share their favorite curriculum choices and when you implemented them in the grammar/logic stages. Also, in addition to TWTM, is there any book(s) in particular you have used and recommend for a Christian, Classical method guideline?
This forum has been a huge blessing to me and I am so thankful for the knowledge that I've gleaned from it thus far. Thank you for reading my ramblings and I hope you all have a good night, I mean day, I mean... oh Good Night! :sleep:
Sincerely, Melissa
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Beginning Geography published by Evan-Moor...
- Beginning Geography 1: How to Use a Map
- Beginning Geography 2: Land Forms and Bodies of Water
- Beginning Geography 3: Continents & Oceans
Here is a link to amazon, but I would recommend trying to find them used somewhere...
Veritas Press starts Geography in 1st grade using vol. 1&2 as well as some other materials, but I saw that Easy Classical recommends vol. 1&2 for Kindergarten. Here are their links...
http://www.veritaspress.com/products.asp?dept=1010
http://www.easyclassical.com/Kindergarten_curriculum.html
I'm not sure that this is what you were looking for, but I hope it helps.
God Bless!
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I'm not ready to begin history with my ds just yet, but I am researching and doing some rough planning for the future. Athough I've found some curriculum I'm interested in, I'm not sure what to do and when. I'm hoping for a little guidance from those of you who have used these materials.
Which of these do you recommend and for what age/grade did you implement them? Is there something else similar to these that you prefer for starting history with the christian classical method?
Mistery of History
Green Leaf Press
History Alive - Ancient Civilizations and the Bible by Diana Waring - or others by her such as...
History Revealed: Ancient Civilizations & the Bible - Full Family Curriculum Pack by Diana Waring & AiG
Any feedback you can offer is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Melissa
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I disagree with not having items priced. As a shopper, I won't ask unless it is something I really, really want. I do not want to have to wonder if someone picked up an item and put it back down on the wrong priced section, or if the owner will forget which section they originally put it in.
You can get pre-priced stickers at the dollar store. Put your items in sections and have the kids price them for you.
I prefer to see items displayed in categories instead of price. Group kitchen together, decorator items together, books...
Make sure you use a similarly styled sign in all your locations. That way people know they are following signs to the same sale and don't get misled by another sale closer to the entrance of the neighborhood.
Bottles of soda, water, and donuts do sell well.
Have a free box close to the curb. It is amazing how many people will stop and head to the free box first. Then they will look around because they stopped to look in the box.
I like to use old sheets in the lawn to lay out clothes by size. Especially kids clothes. I hang up adult clothes.
I only, only, only take cash. If someone only has a check, then I just tell them that I will hold the item for them for 30 minutes for them to go get cash. I will not hold it longer than that.
I like to put a fair price and a "firm on price" note on larger items or more expensive items. Especially one that a person may want to talk you down on. If they lowball the price, then I ask to get their phone number and I tell them that if it doesn't sell that day, then I will call them and we can discuss a price. I have no problem sticking to a price if you tend to buckle, then discuss a price ahead of time with your hubby and tell the lowballer that your husband won't let you go any lower.
Never let anyone in your house to use the bathroom or to try something on.
Keep things arranged nicely. People will go through during the day and tousle times. Keeping the sale orderly will make it look like you take care of you things.
Use a fanny pack for the money, but if you don't have one, use a zip lock bag in your pocket. Don't keep 100's or 50's in you pocket. If someone uses a larger bill that requires you to give up a lot of change, then ask them if they have something smaller. They will often have a smaller bill.
To make things easier during a busy time. I round off numbers. If someone owes $25.25 I just round it to $25. Much easier than digging for change.
If you want to do a two day sale. I put up a sign on Saturday that all items will be 1/2 price from 12 to 3 on Sunday. I have had several people come back to see what was left!
I make tables out of cardboard boxes or totes from the garage. Any time except for clothes I put up off the ground so older people can get to them.
If you are in your garage, use old sheets or tarps to block off items that are not for sale. People will drive you nuts asking about that hedge trimmer all the way in the back.
Only price in increments of 25 cents or up. Use zipper bags to group items like socks, hair bands, small kid toys.
Use a safety pin to clip two pieces of one outfit together. They will get separated otherwise.
Have a power cord available for people to try any electric items.
Have a radio going on a happy station. Old 50's music is good. People will linger to hear the end of a song that they like and it makes them feel good. People who are happy spend more money. They use this tactic in grocery stores.
If you sell somethings for freinds: Have them use a different sticker than you do. Then when you sell an item, put thier sticker on a piece of paper or write down the item and then price. Don't try to keep money seperate. It is much easier to track what money goes where and then pay them back in the end.
When it is all done, box up you unwanted items and take them immediately to the Goodwill. Otherwise you still have a house of junk you don't want.
:iagree: Excellent Advice!!!
Oh Yeah, we also had a free box everyday and that was a huge hit. We actually had one gs'r who selected a few small toys from it (packaged happy meal toys) and then wanted to give me a few dollars for them.
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and I suggest holding the sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday... depending on how much you have to sell. Here is the pattern for garage sales in our area:
Friday - drew the most people (busy all day) and had the most items sold - items sold for the price we were asking or maybe with a slight reduction.
Saturday - drew more people in the morning and then another rush in the afternoon (2nd busiest day)- reduced prices
Sunday - the least amount of people and smaller sales - prices drastically reduced
If you only had two days to do it, then I'd suggest Friday and Saturday depending on the area you are in.
Also, I asked all of our extended family members and friends if they had anything they wanted to sell at my garage sale. We used different colored ink/stickers to keep things separate and know who earned what. When someone bought an item I took the sticker off and just put it on a piece of paper with that person's name (each person/family had their own tally sheet). At the end of each day, we tallied each sheet and distribute the funds accordingly. I kept a little side list of the major items just in case a sticker came off.
As stated before by:
Place large items close to the curb to also catch folk's eyeWe had large items on both Friday and Saturday and this helped tremendously. We placed some out by the curb and some around or behind the tables of smaller items and made sure to the distort the view of smaller items from sight so that you'd actually have to get out of your car to look at the rest and it worked!
Be open to bargaining. I loved when someone actually offered a price and I could say SOLD!
Hope that helps!
Melissa
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I'm realizing that I need to come up with more creative ideas for my preschooler than what I have.
I will be working with my ds on SWR (phonograms and such) and Saxon Math K, but I am looking for help with a few extras:
...like a more structured bible study (considering BJUP Bible Truths K4)...
...readiness skills, manners, chores, social studies, science/health (I have ABeka K4-1st materials but not sure if I want to use them or get rid of them)...
...story/tutor time (possibly Sonlight readers or just living books?)...
...cooking, crafts, and field trips... (the Idea Book by Terri Wilson of HOH)
Hands on Homeschooling would cover all these topics and more so I wouldn't need BJU or ABeka, just some read aloud materials. However, I've read that it does require some prep time and planning ahead to make sure you have materials on hand.
With that said, I'm really hoping to get some feedback on HOH to help me decide if I should spend the money on it... or do something else.
I've been trying to plan for homeschooing both now and in the future and I think that I'm losing my mind with all the research. LOL! Please help. :bigear:
Thank you,
Melissa
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Has anyone used Hands on Homeschooling?
Please share your experience... as I'm looking to purchase the curriculum for age 4, but would like some feedback before I spend the money.
http://www.handsonhomeschooling.com/age_4.htm
Thank you!
Newby HS'r welcomes comments...
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
oops, see new thread i just posted