AZJessica
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Posts posted by AZJessica
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On 2/6/2019 at 10:47 AM, hollyhock2 said:
I'm starting this one, too, because I have a rising 10th grader, and because it's the only one not started. 🙂
Plans for next year so far:
Math - MUS Geometry
English - homemade literature and composition, some tied to history, composition across subjects
Science - Master Books' Survey of Archaeology and Geology
History -
mostly MOH 3, some of 4Notgrass EWH book 2Electives - Intro to Rhetoric, and I want him to pick something he's interested in, will also give him 1/2 credit of PE
Have you used Master Books before? I'm considering using the Survey of Physics, Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry or the Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 2 for my 9th grader next year. I don't know much about them - I saw them at a local homeschool resource store for the first time today. My kids get turned off by too much tie-in to religion even though we are a religious family. The Master Books elementary materials that I looked through seemed to reference religion more heavily than the high school survey books I glanced through. Any insight is appreciated - thanks! :)
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14 hours ago, SilverMoon said:
I used Guesthollow's free chem schedule with a grade spread, but not nearly that wide. If memory serves it'd best fit the middle two, the little one could maybe tag along absorbing whatever they absorb, but I wouldn't use this alone for an 8th grader.
I had never heard of guesthollow so thanks for sharing. I checked out the outline and it's giving me ideas - thank you!! ?
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1 hour ago, Amateur Actress said:
I was going to suggest Christian Kids Explore Chemistry, which is geared for 4th-8th grade. It's by Bright Ideas Press. Not sure if you could work around the Christian parts or not.
https://www.brightideaspress.com/shop/christian-kids-explore-chemistry/
Ok thanks! I'll check out samples and see what it's like ?
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34 minutes ago, parent said:
I'm trying Noeo Chem I this year. They also have two more levels. It is from a Christian publisher, but their science doesn't contain Christian content. I also bought their Physics I, but haven't looked at it yet. http://logospressonline.com/noeo
Which level Noeo Chemistry are you using for which grade level student? And, what do you think of it so far? Thanks ?
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1 hour ago, BusyMom5 said:
I'm in a similar situation. My 2nd grader just isn't that interested so she's doing something else. My other kids- 5th and 8th, are doing RSO Chemistry, the 8th grader I'm adding Science Fusion workbooks. My 10th grader us doing Holt. I think RSO is about right for 5th and 6th, but 7th or 8th need a little more added.
Ok thanks! I'll check those out! Maybe I'll just give my 2nd grader something else to do for science like you
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Hi all!
Do you have any experience with a chemistry curriculum that can be used across multiple grade levels? I have 4 kids (2nd, 4th, 6th 8th) and would LOVE to be able to do Chemistry with all of them at the same time but have the older ones go deeper with their learning and experiements. I tend to like the classical approach but am not really limited by that. I tend to also lean more secular in my curriculum choices. I might also like to do half the chemistry and the other half physics - not sure if that's a good idea or not? Anyhow, I need to get science going for this year and would love any advice you can share.
Thanks!! ?
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3 hours ago, 8FillTheHeart said:
The beauty of homeschooling is that you get to make the decisions. What you decide on, that is the education your children will receive.
Some people tie literature to history. Some don't. Some use all textbook resources. Some put piles of books together and create their own curriculum.
The only wrong answer is not educating your children. The how's in how you go about it are as varied as the number of homeschooling families.
What do you want to do? How do you want to approach it? What are your educational goals behind the approach you have decided on? Are they age/grade level appropriate for each child?
Once you answer those questions for yourself, you will have your answer.
Those are great questions to consider. And I appreciate your point that it's my decision - I'm still breaking out of the mold of regular schooling and worrying about what's going on at school.
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Hi all! We are just starting our homeschool adventure with 8th, 6th, 4th and 2nd graders. I'm looking for advice on reading. All of my kids can read and appear to be generally good with comprehension.
Since we are new to homeschooling, I'm wading in kind of slow. Just for reference, right now we have math (Saxon & Math U See), grammar (FLL or GFWTM depending on grade level), spelling (Spelling Power) and writing (WWE or WWS again depending on grade level).
Do I just have my kids read books they're interested in? Do I try to have reading tie in with writing assignments? Or Do I pick up History and have their reading tie in with that? I would love some direction or ideas or stories about what has worked for you! I'd like my kids to be challenged but also really enjoy their reading time ??♥️
Thanks in advance!!
Jessica
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Thank you for the advice about possible Dyslexia - I will definitely pay more attention to it.
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4 hours ago, HomeAgain said:
I had to stop and really think about the custom curriculum thing. My first thought is inclined toward "no", and adapting learning style to the curriculum. But I do think that as you get more comfortable and you have subjects that each child works in independently, you do tend to pick things that work specifically for each child. And that some of us allow them to have input, too, so there's that angle. My youngest sat down with me and went through Latin programs to find one that he wanted to do. He's not his brother, and cartoons or songs make him want to scream. I could have picked up one that I had on the shelf, crossed out half the work, rewrote parts as straight dialogue or story....but I'm not into that level of editing right now. I wanted quick and easy, which means he got to look at a handful of samples online and pick one that he preferred. We had a similar thing happen with math. What worked for one was torturous for the other.
So now that I think about it, I do think that as you go on you tend to look at things that meet each kid's needs better. Group lessons are done with a balance of everyone's needs, but individual lessons can be tailored. Though I will say I'm glad that when I started tweaking I went through the free resources here first, figured out what I was looking for, and then slowly looked for things that I'd be willing to pay for instead of jumping in with one costly program after another.I really like what you do - having the kids participate in picking their programs. I hadn't even thought that one program might have songs and cartoons that could drive a kid mad! ? Getting their buy-in has to help them have more of a sense of ownership over their home education. And I would have zero idea how to edit a program to fit our needs at this point. ok - I need to go find the free resources and start there to see what I'm even looking for! Thanks ?
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4 hours ago, mamamoose said:
Is your oldest an independent personality? Do you think he/she might work independently? Are any of your others independent workers? That will determine a lot! My oldest works alone and can handle quite a bit of work because she is very academic! But my younger two are exactly the opposite! Some days we just don’t get to Science and History with them! I wouldn’t even worry about those two subjects except with your oldest until after the first quarter next year. And I would also start with math curricula. We use 3 different Maths here! They all have a placement test (Beast Academy, Math Mammoth, and Right Start), so placement was the easy part!
Interestingly (to me at least), my oldest is my most dependent. She would love to have me glued to her side at every moment. The other 3 are more independent and able to self motivate. Its really calming to hear that I do not have to have every last detail pinned down before we beign. And yes, it sounds like math will be the first thing for us to figure out over here. Thanks for the suggestions that have placement tests!
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3 hours ago, 2ndGenHomeschooler said:
I have homeschooled from the beginning so this advice might not apply to you but thought it might be something to consider. I chose our curriculum for several years based mostly off my teaching style rather the kids learning style. I figured if I couldn’t or didn’t like to teach it, it wouldn’t get done! For example, I am not a Arts and crafts, Pinterest mom so those type of programs were out. My sister doesn’t like to read much so literature based programs aren’t a good option for her. So I chose what I liked and then adapted for what my kids needed. Some programs made this easy. Story of the World has an activity guide with review questions, extra book suggestions, projects, recipes, and games.
As my kids got older and were more independent I started to customize a little more. I adapted our math program for years for one DD who struggled but eventually I needed that time in another area. By then, I had a pretty good grasp of what she needed to do math more independently and it was easy to choose a program that was a good fit for her.
Homeschooling four kids can take quite a bit of time. As mentioned previously, it’s important to balance the needs of the student, the needs of the teacher, and the needs of the whole family. It’s ok to go light in some subjects so you can spend more time in others. It’s ok to combine content subjects so you’re not teaching four different things in every subject. It’s even ok to combine in skill subjects if you have two who are close in skill level. (My older two do the same English.) I definitely agree with choosing one or two subjects to get started. Get them going, see how they fit, then choose the next one. Try some free or low cost options to help you sort out what works before you spend a lot of money. And don’t get stuck trying to pick something “perfect” for every subject, for every child. There’s no such thing. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. Good luck!
Great advice - ya, I would like to have it be "perfect" from the start but that is just too much pressure! ? and yes, I am really hoping to find a good way to combine content subjects to maximize time. Do you have any recommendations of good free or low cost options that you feel are worthwhile to check out?
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17 minutes ago, learning123 said:
I also have homeschooled from the beginning and now that I look back, I see that I underestimated my children's- even the ones with learning delays- internal drive to learn. I always felt I had to be the perfect teacher and find the perfect curricula. So @2ndGenHomeschooler is right. There is no perfect curriculum and I would add, no perfect teacher! However, they really will come in wanting to learn, to succeed, to feel good about the work they do. They will let you know when a curriculum is not working. Listen to the tears or/and complaining- from them and from yourself! Nothing's set in stone, luckily. If you overprepare this summer and find that you have to change more than you expected this fall, then you are doing really well responding to what your children and you really need.
None of my children have successfully overlapped anything as hard as I sometimes tried...It doesn't work for everyone, but I always wished it would. One of my children requires complete attention in order to work- this means the others get to do a lot independently. Finding several stellar online courses for the older ones has made their own work-burdens more fun and rewarding- they love the competition and interaction but also have the luxery of quiet study time outside of those classes. Those are the "add-on" classes like Latin that I cannot realistically teach.
This board is the best site for specific curricula recommendations you will find. Names will come up again and again like Saxon, Lukeion, Sonlight, MODG, etc. I don't use all these but see their names over and over. If I ever have a question about a curriculum I find, I do a quick board search.
I have to smile when you said "funhouse." Is that secret code for "crazy house"?
It is very encouraging to hear how many options there are for homeschooling lessons - especially the online courses like you mentioned. Most of my kids are very motivated to stay on top of their work in school so that makes me hopeful that they will be willing to make it work.
It sounds like I need to really start diving into the different curriculum to really see what they all offer. Someone in this thread mentioned putting the samples in front of my kids and seeing how they react to it. I am glad to have a couple months to prepare.
And "funhouse"? Yep, that's me trying to be super positive! ? I'm sure it will be much more like a crazy house when it comes down to it ?
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5 hours ago, BlsdMama said:
Are they all reading solidly? If not, you will need to think about reading instruction.
For many math curriculums, they publish placement tests. Saxon is an example of this and Teaching Textbooks is another.
I think your intuition is good - start with the basics then fold other subjects in as you feel able.
Everyone at my house does not get a custom curriculum. I take it into consideration, but I also want to recognize that you have four children to teach and it is completely acceptable to choose curriculum that isn't teacher intensive. This isn't being selfish, it's ensuring that school gets done. I went through a phase where I wanted to use what I considered the best, a highly intensive, teacher dependent curriculum, and it was exhausting and I wasn't able to spin all the plates. It is very acceptable to balance between the needs of the student, the needs of the parent, and the needs of the family. ?
It's May. If you haven't really dug into The Well Trained Mind and read it like a book, do so. There is so much more to it than just recommendations. I also remember loving Educating the Wholehearted Child - an old book and one that closely looks at the atmosphere of the home and how homeschooling fits into that. Take some time this summer and get the kids into routines that will help facilitate good school days - reading, getting up at a regular time, their chores, etc.
Grab a notebook and as you read, jot down goals for individual children. This will also help you choose your curriculum. I also start with math. It's the easiest for me to choose - I'm less attached to it. ? I also make the grid.Gratefully yes, they are all reading well enough. I notice a little bit of what I'd call lazy-reading where they don't bother to sound out a word they don't readily know and don't care to figure out what it means but that can be overcome.
Yes I am spending more time with The Well Trained MInd but have to admit that the plans are overwhelming and since I have no experience, it doesn't click the way it does when you have experience to relate it to. Like when people say "you will know what your child needs and can make adjustments accordingly" I feel like I would way prefer to have a checklist to work off to know what they need to know - does that make sense?
I appreciate your point about addressing how teacher intensive the curriculum is that we choose. I am concerned about juggling 4 kids but they are each capable and 3 of the 4 are very motivated towards their school work already so I hope that will come across when they come home. Beside homeschooling, there is the house to run and my sanity to maintain ?
Thanks for the additional book recommendation - I will check it out!
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23 hours ago, Momto5inIN said:
I started when my kids were in 8th, 6th, 4th, K, and a toddler, so I remember well when I was in your shoes! I agree with all the previous advice given. I just want to add that you need to remember to give yourself grace and flexibility because a lot of the first year is not really academics but figuring out your own groove and flow to your days and you will likely need to make many adjustments to your expectations.
And tell your hubby that your budget it about twice what you really think you'll use so you don't feel guilty when you hate something and need to toss it and find something else ?
Great advice - thank you!
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Thanks for the replies - yes that's a good point about curriculum that doesn't work, that it's just part of the cost of starting up.
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Just now, Jean in Newcastle said:
How old are your children?
13 - heading for 8th grade next year, 11 - heading to 6th, 8 - heading to 4th and 7 - heading to 2nd
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Hi all - I am new here and borrowed a copy of the Well Trained Mind from a friend since I'm considering bringing all 4 of my kids home next year. It is super overwhelming to try to wrap my head around all the curriculum choices and how it will all flow and where I can have things overlap. It feels like there will be so much to do that I could get lost in the funhouse!!
My questions:
what tests/resources do you use to figure out what level you children are at for their various subjects? Mine are all at level at school right now
How many subjects is good to start with? I mean, I'd love to cover Latin but reading, writing, math, science and history is probably sufficient until I feel we've got it working?
Referring back to tests, do you test each child to figure out their learning style and then everyone gets custom curriculum?
I want to be able to cut this big opportunity of homeschooling into bite size pieces that I can tackle but I don't even know where to start so that's where I'm at.
I guess, what else should I be asking?? ?
Thanks in advance for any insights
middle school logic curriculum
in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges
Posted
Hi all!
Second year homeschooler here looking for curriculum advice from those with much more experience 😀
I need a Logic curriculum for my 7th grade son. We haven't done any logic work so far. What have you used that you liked for your kids?
My son really likes to point out "loopholes" in directions that I give him and statements that I make so I feel like he might really enjoy this topic if its presented in a engaging way. When my friends overhear him, they like to say "He's an engineer in the making!" 😆
And maybe I'm completely wrong that logic is what I'm looking for! Thoughts?
TIA!
Jessica