AHASRADA
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Posts posted by AHASRADA
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The Homeschool Buyer's Co-op is currently running a group buy for Tablet Class math (Algebra I, II, Geometry, etc.)
It looks like an interesting on-line, self-paced math program. I am also looking at Kinetic Textbooks and a few DVD-based programs.
Has anyone used Tablet Class? Any comments? Comparisons with other similar programs (computer or DVD-based?)
Thanks!
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Personally, I wouldn't turn down an ultrasound if it was offered, but that's just me. With my 2nd child, I had to fight tooth and nail to get one.
I had decided to go with the midwives at my OB's office, and they refused to schedule me for an ultrasound with no medical reason. I had done the blood testing (I think it's called triple marker?), and since that didn't show anything abnormal, there was no reason to do the ultrasound. I came up with every excuse in the book (I breathed paint fumes, I might have taken Advil before I knew I was pregnant, etc.), but they wouldn't budge. I just wanted to know the darned gender, and to be reassured that everything was OK.
I finally saw one of the OBs, and she had no problem scheduling the ultrasound, but by then my little precious bundle was 8 months and so bound up in there they couldn't see anything, so her gender was still a surprise! Nice, but I really wanted to know!!!
If money is really an issue, you might want to think twice about it, but other than that, I can't see any reason not to do it.
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Has this child (I assume your step-daughter?), had any testing done for learning difficulties?
Not to jump to conclusions, but she could have attention issues, and is therefore not paying attention when you cover the material. She could also have working memory deficits or auditory/language processing issues, so the words either don't stick, or do not completely register in the 1st place.
My dd10 has a terrible memory for anything she hasn't seen or experienced. She will remember the gist of a story, but any factual information, names, etc. will be out the window within minutes (OK, seconds). Asking her a question like "Who was the 1st president of the US?" or "Where did the pilgrims land?" would be met with a blank stare, since it involves recalling proper names. With a little prodding, she would likely answer the 1st ? with "the cherry tree guy with the wig" and the 2nd by pointing to Massachusetts on a map. Interactive online visual activities, as well as anything on TV/DVD are what this child retains the best. Still no names, but much more info. and details. I only ask her to remember the most important names and facts, which must be done by constant repetition over time.
Perhaps this child has different issues at play, including adjusting to homeschooling. I just wanted to bring up the topic of a learning difference or simply difference in learning style that may be at work. Try using more interactive/audio-visual resources, as well as narration instead of expecting her to answer specific questions. This way, you will know what she actually did retain, and see where the gaps are. Perhaps it is simply the way the questions are worded (including or asking for specifics she can't recall) that are the stumbling block.
HTH,
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I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through, with the loss of your mother, the immense burden upon you at home, and this difficult decision regarding your kids' education.
I would say, definitely drop something. Does it have to be homeschooling? You have to decide that.
I have a friend whose son went back to school, and so did she. It did wonders for her self-confidence, she lost 100 pounds, and felt like she got her life back.
In my case, I have chosen to drop the college courses I was taking (but I didn't really want to take them in the 1st place, so...), and I have allowed the kids to take over the majority of the housework. My ds13 even cooks dinner on occasion (which he loves to do!) For me, homeschooling is what I do, it's my life's work for the time being, and therefore I prefer to drop/let slide everything else.
I would do some soul-searching and determine what is truly best for you and the kids. If there are relationship/discipline/motivation problems, maybe some time apart would be best for all of you. If it is simply a question of feeling overwhelmed, you might consider cutting back elsewhere, including easing up on academic expectations.
Just a thought. Best of luck on your decision. :grouphug:
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Honestly, I rarely, if ever, think about it (retirement). I am a planner by nature and, under normal circumstances, I likely would have some sort of plan established, but current life is not normal :001_unsure:.
My dh and I are not the debt-types, never had any aside from college loans and mortgage. We've always lived within our means and on one income. Unfortunately, this usually meant dipping into savings to pay for things like new appliances and cars. We were fortunate enough to build a great nest egg from selling 3 homes over 6 years, but that has been blown during 4 years of unemployment/attempting to start businesses.
So, to save my sanity, I have learned not to think much past the next 6 months. I make sure we have a plan to get by until then, hoping a job will materialize or a business with become profitable; if not, we create a new 6-month plan.
I would love to have the luxury of planning 10+ years out, but honestly, none of us knows what the future holds, so I just don't dwell on it.
Just so you don't think my head is completely in the sand: We do have a small 401k, I am a teacher by trade and currently do afterschool tutoring, so I could fall back on that, we have our children and family who support each other in difficult times, and my wonderful dh never stops searching for ways to make a dime (in additional to currently pursuing his Master's). :)
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Our family's meal schedule is just the opposite. We have a snack between 4-5pm, and eat dinner anytime between 7-9pm. My dd10 goes to bed very soon after dinner, but ds13 and we parents are up until at least 10:30. We get the majority of our readaloud time accomplished at that hour.
I personally cannot bear to start thinking about dinner before 5pm (as in starting to cook). We finish our school day at 4pm, and I need a small respite before I start dinner. I would love to eat closer to 7pm, but with the kids' activities and my tutoring appointments, we rarely eat before 8:30.
I count our flexible meal schedule and later-than-typical bedtimes as a blessing of homeschooling. Incidentally, we wake up between 8:15 and 8:45 and start our school day at 9:30 ;).
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However, I would like to ask that this thread NOT become a health care debate. I'm primarily concerned with the questions I addressed in the OP.
I don't wish this to become a "Mine is better that yours!" thread. :D
Thank you!
Great point, and I apologize if I may have contributed to the debate. I saw a few posts speaking quite highly of Canada's system, and just wanted to provide balance by discussing the other side.
I agree, every country, their systems and ways of doing things, etc., have their pros and cons. There are definite benefits to living in Canada, just as there are in the US.
To address the OP, Toronto is a very vibrant and interesting place, similar enough to living in a US city to be comfortable, and just different enough to be exciting. The related logistics should not be anything too complicated to deal with.
Hopefully you have found the information you were looking for in this thread, and I wish you the best of luck in your decision.
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I have only lived in Canada for 2 1/2 years, and I am sure that healthcare differs between provinces, as well as depending on one's individual healthcare needs.
My personal preference would be to have good health insurance in the US. My healthcare experience in the US has been exponentially more positive than here in Canada. Most people don't even bother trying to find a family doctor (because most are not accepting new patients), so our only option is to spend literally half the day waiting in line at an immediate care office, in order to see the Dr. for (literally) 5 minutes. There is no one to follow our care, and so little time is given to diagnosis (really no time), that I worry if any of us had something tricky or complicated, or that needed to be followed up on. I have visited a couple of hospitals for appointments, and they were both terribly overcrowded. Patients in beds lined the halls, with no privacy. Friends who have given birth here say there are normally 4 women! per room on the maternity ward, with each one's husband and family visiting and sometimes spending the night. I guess you can have a semi-private room by paying $150 per night, which is no big deal, but yikes!
I am sure not everyone has had the same experience, but for me, the primary difference between being a patient here in Canada vs. the US, is the difference between feeling like a charity case, bowing my head and taking whatever they decide to give me, vs. being treated as a valued, respected customer, with options and the power to make my own healthcare decisions.
All that said, the Canadian system is certainly better than nothing, and better than paying 1k per month or more for insurance in the US if you are unemployed or self-employed.
Admittedly, this is a major reason why we are here, in addition to the low college costs. So, we suck it up and put up with the substandard but free care, and look forward to not going into insurmountable debt for our kids' higher education.
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I, too, am perplexed by this dilemma. I have never even thought of telling, expecting or requiring my kids to "get dressed" in the morning. We have outside clothes and inside clothes. When we come home from an activity, we all change into "comfy" clothes (t-shirt, sweatpants, etc.), and stay in those clothes until we take a shower or get dressed for another activity (that day, the next day, whenever). If we take a shower, but are not heading out the door, we put on fresh and clean "comfy clothes"!
You said you are all still adapting to them not being in school. This may mean that they have more "outside" clothes than "inside", and/or that you are simply all accustomed to getting dressing in the AM, because you used to always have somewhere to go, LOL!
I am also wondering if this clothing battle is a remnant of school days as well. Did you have these same battles when they were going to school? If so, they (and you) may just not have gotten used to the idea that choosing what to wear in the AM has become a non-issue.
BTW, do these battles waste time, drive you crazy and get you flustered, causing their school work to begin LATER than planned? If so, this could be their payoff. How about forgetting clothes, they stay in their PJs or wear whatever they want, until it's time to go to an activity. If they really want to go, they will decide what to wear quickly, I'm sure. If someone is less motivated to go than the others, and makes everyone late, remove a privilege or activity for that child, or make them late for theirs, etc. This is a more natural motivation and consequence than fighting over what to wear at the kitchen table!
I guess I would say to get to the root of the problem. What is motivating them to continue this behavior, and cut it off at the root! And, pick your battles ;).
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I think you have a pretty good plan. Wait until the fall, and see how she does. You could work on reading to her over the summer, helping her to develop the habit of sitting still, listening to a story and narrating back to you what happened, in order to prepare her. Nothing schoolish, just for fun, and only for short periods of time (15 min?).
I definitely would not start reading SOTW to her if she isn't going to understand, grasp or retain anything. IMHO, you (and she) will really regret it later, since she will have "missed' all the fun of ancient Egyptians and such. "Plowing ahead" if she isn't ready or interested will only frustrate both of you, waste your time, and chip away at her love of learning.
In the meantime, you might want to work on introducing her to the concept of history. A timeline or something similar works well for this. Ancient times is difficult for kids to comprehend, it was so long ago. You might relate it to your own family tree, learning a bit about how life was different when you were a kid (no computers, no VCRs, no video games, no "children's TV" channels, no cell phones!), then to when grandpa & grandma were kids, then their parents, and their parents. Once she has a grasp of that, you can work backwards in generational chunks on paper to show her how long ago ancient times were (be prepared to use the whole wall, LOL!) Once she gets a feel for what history is, she might be more amenable to learning about it.
Once you do begin SOTW, break it up into small chunks. Each chapter is divided into 2 or 3 sections. Only do one section a day. If it helps her to focus and sit still, have her color the accompanying picture and/or look at the photos in a history encyclopedia or correlated library book while you read. Make good use of the literature suggestions and activities in the activity book. I began SOTW with ds in grade 2 and dd in grade 3. We would always use related library books as bedtime stories, and they loved that. If she is into activities (crafts, etc.), the deal could be that she can do the activity if she pays attention and does her best to narrate what she understood.
I used to have (and sold) the entire SOTW vol 1-4 on CD. I thought we could listen to them in the car and save my voice. However, I realized that when I read it aloud, I pause periodically to check for understanding, summarize and explain concepts and unfamiliar vocabulary, and the kids interject their own questions and comments. This is much more difficult to do with the CD (especially while driving!), and they didn't end up benefitting much from it. So, back to tiring mom's voice!
In a nutshell, if you think she might be capable of comprehending SOTW in the fall, and it is only a question of sitting still, work on establishing that habit with baby steps over the summer. If you think she needs a bit more time to mature and become familiar with what history "is" before she can learn from SOTW, do that.
Just my $0.02. HTH,
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http://www.multiplication.com/order.htm
Memorize in Minutes
My son with dyslexia typically has problems with memorizing, so when I found this book I decided to try it. It worked great! He knows all his multiplication facts.
:iagree:!!
I tried Times Tales, which is similar in that it uses stories as mnemonic devices to help the child remember the facts. Unfortunately, Times Tales only has stories for the upper facts, and we could never get that far with only memorizing. "Memorize in Minutes" has stories for all the facts.
Both of my dc were very successful with this. In fact, I was never able to memorize all of the facts, either. Even in HS, I would have to start at a fact I knew, like 6x6, and count up on my fingers. It was awful! Now I even use the stories in my own head to correct my dc's work!
You will need to give them timed tests to work on speed, and eventually the facts will become automated. However, the stories are extremely helpful and empowering, since the child has something to search for in his mind when trying to think of the answer, instead of just a jumble of numbers.
HTH,
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I agree that they are both good supplements, but in different ways (and on opposite ends of the process).
"Key to..." is great as a first introduction or foundational program. If you are using something else as your "central" math program, "Key to..." provides excellent review, practice and cementing of concepts.
LoF is wonderful at stretching the student's understanding of the concepts and especially their application to word problems. If they have a good understanding, LoF will force them to look at what they know in a different (and fun!) way, and apply to them "real"--well ironic and silly, but at least fictionally "real" situations.
My ds worked through the 1st 2 LoF books along with Spectrum workbooks and R&S math, and he loved it. Unfortunately, we chose to use LoF this year as his first introduction to Algebra, and he is getting lost. I wish I had used a step-by-step foundational program first, then used LoF for application. Oh well, time to backtrack :).
HTH,
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I'm not sure if the LBC ones are in color or not. Yes, Queen's are in color, but really only a very few pages (the pictures for picture study). I agree it is nice to have those in color, but it is a trade-off: have maybe 10 or 15 pages in the whole book with a color photo, but tear out at least that many due to religious content.
I would look seriously at the LBC books. I have the originally hard cover Serl books, and while a write-in format would have been nice, they worked very well for my ds, even without color! If you like the LBC books in every way other than the color (if they are indeed B&W, I'm not sure), you can always look up the pictures used online to find a color image to view. You could even have your dc study the B&W version, and then compare it to the color version, how his feelings and impressions were different, the effect of the color choices on the mood and impact of the picture, if the colors used were the ones he had imagined, etc.
Just an idea! I guess my point is, don't discount LBC just for lack of color, and don't put up with losing content for religious reasons in Queen's just to get the pictures in color.
HTH!
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But I would try to do whatever it took to make this actually FUN for you; including the involved people might make it more fun than the hassle it's sounding like it's becoming, and then perhaps they could reciprocate by cooking you food and a relationship could develop. Maybe you could take them shopping too. It sounds like there'd be less stress for everyone that way.
:iagree:
Personally, I have never heard of Muslims requesting new/different pans for cooking. This sounds like more of an orthodox Jewish/kosher requirement. Although, since these are apparently visiting students, they may not have eaten at a non-Muslim's home before, and are just being overly cautious.
It is very kind and hospitable of you, not only to be hosting them, but to be making every attempt possible to accommodate their needs. Really, it should not be that complicated. Kosher meat, no products made with non-kosher gelatin (since it could be made from pork bones) and no alcohol products. I'd say make a vegetarian meal and call it a day! (if that's easy for you).
I strongly agree that this should not be stressful for you as a hostess (nor for the students, who could be uncomfortable, worrying about what will be served). Why not make it potluck? Or, the students could bring their own ingredients, and teach you how to cook some of their traditional foods? If you really want to expose them to American food (the real stuff, not McDonald's), do it Thanksgiving style, with a kosher turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes/squash, turnip, maybe even pumpkin or pecan pie (just no vanilla, and no pudding with gelatin). That would be safe, very traditional, and reasonably easy (especially if you use an oven bag for the turkey--love those!).
Focus on making it a day of cultural sharing and understanding, and it should be fine!
HTH,
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laughing out loud when someone told me the one dollar piece is called a "Loonie."
Oh yes, and don't forget that the 2-dollar coin is called a "two-nie" :lol:
It's true, there are little things, like the letter "z" is pronounced "zed", zip codes are "postal codes", and bathrooms or restrooms are called "washrooms". But again, these are all regional differences that could be found just by moving to another region of the US.
Be as informed as possible, but don't worry ;). Life is an adventure and a journey. Buy a GPS, join AAA, make sure your seatbelts are fastened, then sit back and enjoy the ride!
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If you're an American citizen living in Canada, what sorts of things should we be looking at/asking about? Umm...
How do taxes/passports work?
As American citizens, you are technically always required to file taxes in the US (assuming you make enough money worldwide to merit filing). Since you will likely be paying and filing taxes in Canada, and those taxes will likely be more than what you would have paid in the US, you shouldn't have to pay again in the US, they just want to know :glare:.
As for passports, you just use your US one. When you cross the border and they ask where you live, tell them Toronto. If they (rarely) ask why you live there, tell them due to dh's job. No biggie.
I know there are many Canadians who homeschool, but I thought I remembered CleoQ saying that many homeschoolers in the east do so sort of under the radar. Has that been a problem?
Yes, only an issue in Quebec and I think Newfoundland. Toronto should be no big deal.
What do you wish you'd known before you moved?
Can't think of a whole lot...maybe that their spelling is slightly different, LOL! I think the most important thing would be to contemplate the distance from family and friends. I live in Canada, but my family is only 2 hours away across the border in the US, so I have a foot in both worlds. Personally, I would prefer to be here just across the border than on the other side of the (same) country.
I wouldn't worry so much about the "a different country" aspect, as just a different geographical location. What if you were moving to Chicago, or Dallas, etc? What questions would you ask and what would you want to research? Maybe cost of living, crime statistics, weather, homeschool groups and activities... Do the same for Toronto. It's a job, it's the same continent, the same language, I wouldn't worry about it.
Best of luck with the job hunt!
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I don't see any reason why you can't follow TWTM's suggestion to "flesh out" SOTW with a 7th grader. Having him read and possibly outline sections of the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, do research on selected topics presented, and even add in some historical fiction (you can use the Sonlight catalog as a reading list).
Also, SWB has written an ancient history book for teens and adults. I don't know his maturity or reading level, but this might be something he could read on his own to add more "meat".
The important thing is to do SOTW as a family; even let him do the reading aloud for little sis sometimes (or even most of the time!). If their relationship allows for it, putting him in the position of "teacher's helper", asking her the comprehension questions, etc., will help him learn a great deal by evaluating her answers, etc.
BTDT with overplanning, overbuying curriculum. There is so much great stuff out there, especially online and FREE, not to mention the library. I vote for sticking with SOTW and a good history encyclopedia, and letting his interests and imagination (as well as a few increased requirements from you) take him to the desired level.
My $0.02, FWIW.
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the Singapore computer math program
Yes, my kids loved this too! There are 3 Singapore Math CDs, one for P1/P2 called Rainbow Rock, another for P3/P4 called Vroot & Vroom, and the last for P5/P6 called Wiggle Woods, and cost about $20 each.
I had forgotten all about these! They have different "buildings" to visit, some give instruction in concepts, others practice them, and still others give challenging problems to solve. He could do the problem solving in Rainbow Rock, and/or begin Vroot & Vroom to become familiar with next year's material.
Also, don't forget to visit http://www.freehomeschoolsoftware.com/ Of course, the software is not "free", you pay about $6 "shipping and handling" for each CD, but it is still a great deal. They have tons of titles on lots of different subjects. You could look for some specifically for math, many of which use strategy and problem-solving to play games, if he likes that. There are also grade-level CDs, like Clue Finders 3rd grade, etc., so he could be reviewing the previous grade's material or getting ready for the next, not only in math.
Then there's Time4Learning, which covers all subjects, but is a subscription-based program, so it would be more expensive. You can sign up for a free trial, though, and see if he likes it. If so, $20/month for the summer isn't bad.
HTH!
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How often do you...
...clean under appliances?
...wash all the walls in the house?
...wish windows, inside and out?
...go through rooms, purging extra stuff?
Never, never, never, and a few times a year ;). Honestly, we usually move every 2 1/2 years or so. I clean under appliances if/when we buy a new one, or when we move them out, I never wash walls or windows (except maybe upon moving in) unless they have an obvious drip or junk on them.
As for purging extra stuff, I do this with each clothing season (remove clothes that don't fit to make way for new), holidays (remove unused toys to make room for new) and school year (remove books and supplies we are finished with to make room for new). Other than that, I purge when packing (I am not dragging this to the new place!) and usually again upon unpacking (I don't need/have room for this!)
Hope my confession makes all you busy homeschooling moms feel better about not "getting around to" the major cleaning, and if you do, feel superior and enjoy it!
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I am here to 2nd the notion that, between OM and Calvert, OM is likely a better choice for so many reasons.
I have been considering using either OM or Calvert for years. Every year, there is a reason why neither one would be "ideal", and so I continue to pull together my own stuff. Then, about now, I start wishing I had just gone with something at least somewhat "complete".
This year, I was fortunate to find a good deal on a used Calvert set for Grade 7, so I went for it. It has been fine. It is nice to have everything pre-planned, and there are additional comprehension questions, writing activities, maps, etc. in the manual. It is a great program if you like the "traditional" approach, and using textbooks (we don't so much). My overall impression was that, while it is a good program, it is most definitely not worth the hefty price tag. When I checked the pricing for the textbooks alone, it seems Calvert is charging $400-500 for the lesson manual! Yes, there is a lot of effort that went into planning the curriculum, but I would rather do that work myself and save that $$ for real books! The other drawback I found, is that lessons are planned daily. Therefore, each lesson lists which topics will be covered and the texts to be used that day. This could be convenient for some, but since most of us have some long and some short days (due to activities, etc.), I find myself using the manual as a "guide", meaning copying all the assignments for 4-5 days, then plugging them into our own weekly schedule sheet where it is convenient for us. The most negative consequence of using Calvert this year, is ds beginning to say "I hate history" when he has to read his textbook. When I remind him that he actually loves history, he says, "Well, not like this, tons of boring facts and dates, bla, bla; it needs to be a story!"
Obviously, OM is the antithesis of this scenario. In a nutshell, OM is "lighting a fire", which Calvert is "filling a pail."
Needless to say, I'm considering OM5 for dd next year, and a few OM courses sprinkled through HS for ds.
In your case, I would get OM, and supplement if needed with library books, and anything else as the need presents itself throughout the year.
Best wishes for an easy decision and successful year!
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I am doing Saxon 5/4 with dd in Grade 4 (age 9/10). We did RightStart for Grade 1 (bad fit), and have done Saxon 2, 3, and now 5/4.
Many parts are easy, but it works very well for setting a solid foundation. True, it can be boring and tedious, but the constant repetition and review is what my particular dd needs.
We usually supplement at least one day per week with something a bit more colorful, with more graphics, and more creative problem-solving, but stick with Saxon as our base.
To answer the OP's question, I would also suggest using the placement test, and/or comparing the scope and sequence of the two levels you are considering to determine the appropriate level.
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I have been intending to use LL8 with ds next year for quite some time, mainly for the literature portion, but it provides writing instruction as well.
I would also like him to go through a sequence of IEW (SWIs and SICCs), since it seems to set an excellent foundation for writing.
I am trying to set a plan for HS, following either LL or IEW, or both, throughout.
So, here are the options:
1. IEW and do something else for lit. (Sonlight, etc.)?
2. LL with only the IEW TWSS, applying the principles to the LL assignments
3. LL combined with one IEW single-semester program (SWI or SICC) per year
4. Other suggestions?
Comments/thoughts/ideas?
Thanks!
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I have been using R&S English 3 this year, and do not have the teacher's manual. I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever implementing the program, and it's wonderful!
It may be more useful at the higher levels, where I would be less likely to know the answer, and I would use the TM for math, but for Engilsh 3, not necessary!
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I plan to teach my kids to drive the same way I learned: automatic 1st, stick 2nd.
There are so many vital aspects involved in learning to drive (eyes on the road, oncoming traffic, pedestrians, signals, using the mirrors, changing lanes, etc.), that I want them to master those before worrying about shifting gears.
I do think it is important to learn to drive a stick, since it can be essential in an emergency if that is the only vehicle available.
My dh taught me to drive a stick after I had been driving for 3 or 4 years. We needed to trade in my (automatic) car from highschool, and when he saw how much $$ we could save by buying a stick, and the only reason we couldn't buy one was because I didn't know how to drive it, he said, "tough", and taught me.
We haven't owned a stick since then, but I am so grateful that I did learn in case I ever need to drive one. I am also grateful that, when I did learn, I already knew how to drive, and was able to concentrate on learning the shifting on it's own.
What do I serve with chili?
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
:iagree: I always serve cornbread with chili. You can cook them in muffin tins to make for a neater presentation (rather than cutting into squares).
A green salad would be nice, and if you feel like you need another, cole slaw would work very well.
Good luck!