I read this article this morning: http://uk.businessinsider.com/direct-instruction-vs-inquiry-learning-2015-4 "Initial instruction when dealing with new information should be explicit and direct." "Often derided as “drill and kill†or making children “parrot†what is being taught, the UK report and other research suggests that memorisation and rote learning are important classroom strategies, which all teachers should be familiar with." "In the early years of primary school, children need to memorise things like times tables and poems and ballads so that they can be recalled easily and automatically. Education is also about curiosity and innovation and there will be other times when rote learning will be unsuitable – for example, when students explore a topic that excites them and where they undertake their own research and analysis." Go Classical!

I should've mentioned that the vet said she is fine, medically. The Humane Society had her checked out before we adopted her and we had our own vet look at her already.

:lol: Love this! My new aphorism!

About 6 months ago, we adopted a 7 year old kitty from the Human Society and this cat throws up.all.the.time! She is super nervous and hides a lot. She hid for several months, just in the past month or so, she's been coming out, but now she's throwing up throughout the house, several times a day! It is driving me bonkers! We have 2 other cats (7 years & 1 year) that are indoor/outdoor, they all get fed IAMs. She prefers to stay inside, has her own bowl, her own water, her own litter box, pretty much her own room. She's mean to the other cats and they're scared of her, but she's scared of people. Any suggestions or ideas? I'm tired of stepping in throw-up every morning, can't get rid of her. ETA: I should've mentioned that the vet said she is fine, medically. The Humane Society had her checked out before we adopted her and we had our own vet look at her already.

Foundation level. We really want/need the community of a solid group. I am enticed by the weekly science and art, but not fond of the memory work or the presentation of facts. I guess it's silly to not agree with the core concept of the program, however the community... science experiements, friends, art projects. We need that or something like that we haven't been able to find, ever.

I know this thread is old, however I'm not sure how to bookmark it except to post :) Besides, it seems like a good thread to bump :D

These are great idea! After trying all sorts of things, I realized mine need to get tired before sitting down for school. We started playing 'Ring-a-round the rosie' because that gathers everyone, then standing in place, we do some stretches and excercise (jumping jacks, running in place), finally everyone gets tired, so we go sit on the couch to read picture books. Afterwards, a craft/coloring/painting related to the reading, by this time all the youngers are done and want to go play on their own so we start school work. It takes about 20 -30 minutes.

Co-op

I just ETAed my post :) No, I don't have a text yet. I was thinking of using a spine 'Children Just Like Me', plus Geography through Art or something along those lines. Do you have a better idea? (That link was fantastic!)

Good to know, but I still need to pick one or the other - there is no 3rd choice. :) ETA: Oh Hunter, Thank you! That link is rockin awesome! Thank you, thank you! What a fabulous book - do you have any other great ones you know of teaching other subjects, like maybe nature study or sciences?

Wow...I was this close || to going to an informational meeting, but figured I'd check here for pros/cons first before I spent the time. Now I shudder. As a seasoned homeschooler, I should've know better!

If you HAD to choose, which would you cover first for early elementary (k-2): A year of: American History: Vikings to Colonial Or a year of: Geography: Children around the world

nt - wrong board

Smirk. Can smirky, smirkish be a word? And gloat is really good

Vindicated is an excellent word, but it seems positive. We're looking for a negative word. :) To me, smug is more like "You just proved it, I'm better than you" and self-righteous is like "Obviously I AM Better than you, no matter what."

Not having luck with Google. What is a good adjective to describe some one or something that has an "I told you so" feeling or mentality?

You rock! Thanks for sharing. Looks great! Have you checked out Rechenka's Eggs? Mine loved it and it is Ukraine/Russia.

Thank you! This is a tremendous help and a great resource I didn't know about. Thank you, thank you!

nm :) shiny, happy people holding hands.

Oh! You are fantastic! If only everyone could react like this :wub:

You could always start a TOG co-op or just make friends with homeschoolers that don't use the same stuff :)

I'd go with TOG because you're homeschooling...CC reminds me of a private school, with all the positive & negative benefits of a private school, but I could be waaaay off. TOG seems to keep the family/children together in more ways.

:bigear: Looking for picture book lists by geographical areas.

Is there such a thing? We loosely use FIAR for our Geography studies, however I'd love to have a guidebook or website that lists really good picture books by geographical location. For example, Ferdinand is an excellent book and a springboard to discuss Spain, Wee Gillis takes us to Scotland. Ideas?

If you can boil them, you could pickle them with pickled beets. Sounds strange, but they are really very tasty and pretty. Scrambled eggs do freeze, just a slight change of texture. Egg drop soup is yummy.