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Brenda in FL

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Everything posted by Brenda in FL

  1. Here's what Saxon has to say: If your student is to begin a new book soon after completing the previous one, we recommend using the placement tests to assess his or her preparedness for the next level. Rather than completing one lesson per day, complete one test each day and begin taking lessons at the point where the student's mastery drops below 80%. This way, you can bypass the material that is meant as a review of the previous level. - See more at: http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/homeschool/saxon-math-homeschool/resources/faq#previous Since we do math year-round, I have followed this advice with all my kiddos and for all the levels so far (we are at Alg 2 now) and it has been fine. For the lower levels I also do the oral assessments. For the middle levels, I also do the investigations, and every fifth mental math. For both levels we do a fact sheet with the test.
  2. We are up to Challenge II with the oldest. You should check with Classical Conversations themselves for articles and statistics on students that have graduated nod gone on to college after completing all the Challenges. I know that I have seen articles on that topic. I think starting when your oldest is at 3rd or 4th grade is ideal. I do see where my 11 year old, who is on his 5th year in Foundations is ready to move on. My oldest had one one year of Foundations and Essentials. I tutor Esentials, and. I see that the 3 year cycle approach really,works for these students and parents. I am surprised about the Latin scenario described by an earlier poster. Latin is actually one of those seminars like math where a student can work at their own pace, and be getting a preview or review of concepts during seminar time. The key is that the parent has to take on that role of teacher and not rely on the tutor. The tutor has them for only 30 hours of classroom instruction per year, the parent must oversee their student's progress at home. My daughter has gotten behind, but we are using a Catholic homeschool syllabus to be sure that we will successfully complete the course even if not on the same CC schedule. Being a bit behind has not hindered her participation or understanding of topics in class. I hope that might encourage some that are intimidated by the latin portion. Back to the OP, we are a family for whom CC is working effectively. We have some of the best challenge directors on our campus, and the families are committed to the Classical approach. I hope that you will have a similar experience if you opt with CC!
  3. I agree with Kinsa. To stand guard is an idiom. both words together form the verb.
  4. The reed-kellog diagrammer is really very helpful. I don't believe I ever had to download anything to use it. I guess my computer already had silverlight. Have you tried it yet to see if it would work without the download? I've never had any computer problems related to it, if that's what you are worried about.
  5. I had this game as a child as well. I remember the adults who played all complained that the questions were too difficult, even the lowest level questions! We enjoyed it.
  6. About 6 minutes into the above link, you can hear what she has to say!
  7. Teacher vs. tutor - I have found that I need to prove this through my actions at home in order to convince my kids that I have not only the final word, but the first word. I review the weeks worth of assignments with them, letting them know my expectations and what level of work will qualify for an A or a B, etc. This will allow you to pace his work so that he does have time for the extracurriculars. Focus on the items that rely on the class discussion: debate topics, reading the literature books, at least being familiar with the scientists and their discoveries even if the paper does not get completed, mock trial. Don't allow anymore than 1 hour per day for the study of Latin and maybe even math. I found a video on YouTube of Leigh Bortins speaking to a group of moms in Florida. The burnout question came up and not having time for other pursuits. Her response: You are trying to do everything that is in the guide! Maybe if he sees that your input will give him more time for his passions, he will stop relying on the guide and tutor. I have two kids in challenge and it is a balance to get the work done efficiently. Maybe by the time the third kid starts, I'll be up to speed!
  8. Interesting. Thank you for posting your experience. DS is also interested in the Design school. He and DH are going to the open house later this month.
  9. My 14 yo is similar - she doesn't mind the 1 week vacations, but doesn't ant to be gone for two weeks. She does have a great attitude though. She'll let us know that she doesn't want to go for so long, but she isn't is disrespectful and doesn't bring her disappointment along on the trip. Not wanting to miss out while away on vacation - normal.
  10. Thanks I downloaded from Amber's link as well. here's my link (in case 10 people download from the previous 2 links) http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/fine-art-pages-freebie/?c1051L
  11. I can't help you with sale prices/times; however, I do recommend you that you become a Lego VIP member so that you can rack up the points when you do buy it (if you buy it from Lego). Traditionally they give double points on purchases during the month of October. So, even if you can't get it on sale, you can purchase another Lego set later using the points you've earned! Every 100 points gives you $5. That's a potential $35 if you buy it during a double point promotion. Do you have a Lego store near you? Sometimes the catalog will come with a % off offer listed near the address label for the local store. I haven't noticed one for quite some time now though.
  12. http://downloads.peacehillpress.com/samples/pdf/WWEandWWSexplanation.pdf
  13. Or one of his other books titled A Short History of Nearly Everything?
  14. My daughter's goal is to go for Stars and Stripes with AHG. I received the equivalent Girl Scout award back in the day before the Gold award was introduced. (First class?). It helped in getting college scholarships from local organizations. Someone recently posted that GS with gold Award enter the armed forces at a higher rank, maybe she'll chime in here. I think the benefit for college admissions is that it shows a high level of passion and commitment in reaching the achievement that isn't easily equaled in many extracurriculars. As far as the Christian component in AHG, it will probably vary by troop. And would be a good question to ask troop coordinators and Pioneer/Patriot unit leaders of the troops you are considering. Stars and Stripes does require a religious award and a spiritual walk essay.
  15. Another suggestion to use a realtor. Their commission is usually equal to the first month's rent. So it's not much, but they are making a contact for when you are ready to purchase a home. So you may want to ask for some recommendations for a realtor, if you think you will be buying in the future. You can also find some listings on realtor.com and craigslist. But both times we've used a realtor to find a rental house, they had many more listings to choose from. Be prepared to write a letter about your family and situation and provide financial info. We have found that it is helpful when a landlord is choosing between prospective tenants. The rental market was hopping when we last moved, and we had to work fast to get the house we wanted.
  16. Our dry erase boards serve double duty by providing a smooth hard writing surface on the table as well. Our table is covered with a table cloth and a sheet of clear vinyl (from walmart). We get marker board (shower board, tile board, whatever it's being called these days) from Lowes and have it cut to size.
  17. Is your stuff from a couple of years ago the new editions? There is a new foundations guide and CC now has their own timeline cards and song. It seems like it would be a good way for you to meet like-minded home school families and make friends in your new community. You could talk to the director about partnering with another parent for tutoring. The other parent can take over once the baby comes. That could save you some money.
  18. I know of families that enroll for Essentials but do the Foundations memory work at home. Maybe that could be an option especially if the Challenge levels are in your longer term plans.
  19. Also keep in mind that a 4 person tent will probably hold 2 people comfortably. If you want a tent for 4 to 5 persons you will want to look for a tent labeled maybe 6 to 8. (Tent experts can chime in here.) I agree that it will be difficult to find something large enough and rainproof in your price range. We have had very good experiences with the REI brand tents.
  20. After tutoring Algebra 1 for several students this past year, using Saxon, my advice would be to move on to Algebra 1 (based on her 87 test scores) and repeat Algebra 1 if necessary rather than repeating another year of pre-algebra.
  21. This time I was able to open it. Yesterday I was getting the same error messages as everyone else even though I was logged in.
  22. Yes - once you accept that this is the way she needs to do gifts it will be much easier for you. My MIL operates with lists as well. It was uncomfortable at first because I found out very early that she will buy everything on your list! But with so many people that she needs to buy for (and gift-giving is her love language!) it became a necessity. So take control - ask for one or two reasonable items and then offer your child's list to her before she asks. That way you can ask for something that will really be appreciated, and you can take the pressure off your child until she is older.
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