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angela&4boys

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Posts posted by angela&4boys

    For those using MFW, do you use the suggested language arts or choose your own?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Hi Angela,

    I'm not a MFW user, but thought I would post because I'm planning to use CLE LA next year as well.... and I keep playing around with what to plug in for writing. I would like to use Lost Tools of Writing someday, but I don't think it will be next year. I'm thinking about trying WordSmith Apprentice hoping it will be gentle, appealing, for my will-be 6th grader. Although I don't use MFW, I do prepare a grid-like schedule for him each week - I try to alternate LA and writing assignments.... So, going by MFW's grid maybe you could do CLE LA for the 3 English days and whatever you figure out for writing on the 2 Writing Strands days. If you think that won't be enough writing, you could always flip-flop it every other week. If it means I lack time for a light unit or two - I'm not too worried about it - we'll just keep plugging through and possibly switch to AG for 8th/9th grades.

     

    P.S. I've also considered R&S for the composition lessons alone. If you end up doing that I would love to hear how it goes!

     

    Thanks for your thoughts, Lynn. And I'll let you know how R & S goes if we go that route. It's likely we will. I like their no-nonsense composition instruction. And as for CLE, we've given it a trial run and the boys have done very well with it. The have not retained much in the way of parts of speech, so the spiral review has been excellent.

     

    However, another option I'm contemplating at this point (at least for our 7th grader) is a Daily Grams and Jump In combination. I like the daily review of grammar and punctuation in DG. It's a practical amount. And I also like the non-threatening, incremental approach to writing in Jump In.

     

    Ackk! Decisions! :001_huh:

    For those using MFW, do you use the suggested language arts or choose your own?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    LOL....:lol: (I have to stop laughing to type)

     

    Even though I use what Marie's already chosen, there are still times with those choices that I scale back or play mix and match. If there is a longer writing assignment in ILL (intermediate language lessons), I might trim back and not do a dictation lesson from the unit study (like Bible memory verse will just be recited instead of one more dictation/copywork that day), or we haven't written a lot of letters this year either (one of the unit study ideas in ECC and ctg at least). and I'm at a point in the year, where we've sat down ILL for a while to do more writing exercises.

     

    When my oldest was juggling Progeny Press and grammar book and writing strands.... hmmm... I let her mix and match as needed and she got to plan it out some times.

     

    There were some weeks she'd work in her grammar book (Applications of Grammar) for 2 or 3 weeks in a row at 5 days a week, while also reading Progeny Press materials for 4 or 5. Then we'd take a break from literature. and do some WS assignments for a week.

    I figure she's in book 6 of WS, so it's ok....

     

    -crystal

     

    Thank you for a peak into how you approach la, crystal. It's very helpful and relieves me a bit in terms of tweaking some according to the workload. :)

    Anyone transition from BJU Science to Apologia?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    There is another thread going around regarding BJU Life Science and Apologia General that you might find helpful. We went from BJU 6 directly into Apologia General. It is apples and oranges. The learning style of Apologia is very different. BJU is more "here you go with the facts" type of learning. The teacher presents the material, the student learns the material and takes a test. Apologia is more conversational style, independent learning (although I do teach the lessons [or at least discuss them]). The dc must think more and apply the learning. The "on your own" questions require the dc to draw conclusions and reason out the answers. I noticed in Physical that the tests were "tricky". The dc had to figure out what the test was asking then apply the formula or theory to a hypothetical problem.

     

    Ackk! This does concern me a bit. Ds struggles with the BJU questions as it is. He's a perfectionist though and usually ends up with at least a "B" on his tests, but more often an "A". I can only imagine how it might be with Apologia. While I appreciate the critical thinking aspect, I don't want my ds to hate science. Kwim?

     

    I did check out the other thread, and I'm really not sure where to go now. I'm officially in a pickle. I just don't know what else is out there...

     

    Thank you for pointing out the other thread and for your thoughts.

    For those using MFW, do you use the suggested language arts or choose your own?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    For the younger grades I use WWE and FLL 1-4

     

    I do use their spelling recommendations, R&S 2 in 2nd and Spelling Power grades 3rd and up

     

    For the older grades I use Analytical Grammar, IEW, and Progeny Press lit guides.

     

    We use WTM recommendations for grammar and writing so for us that means Rod and Staff and writing a la SWB.

     

    We did.. we wont next year. It just wasnt a good fit. :) (Pll and SP) So we'll use SWO, FLL, and Im trying WS before ordering WWE

     

    Okay, Mamas. More questions, pretty please? :)

     

    How do you practically apply what you've chosen? Meaning when the grid has "English" for the first three days and "Writing Strands" for the last two, where, or should I say, how do you plug your choices in? Or do you consider how much writing they will have each week that's already contained within the program? Hope I'm making sense. It's late. ;) I just don't want to exasperate them with writing and grammar, but I don't want to underestimate their abilities either.

     

    (I can hear crystal saying, "That's why I use what Marie's already chosen." ):tongue_smilie:

     

    Your thoughts are immensely appreciated!

    Anyone transition from BJU Science to Apologia?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted · Edited by angela&4boys

    Can I ask you why you are not continuing BJU science? I am considering their science next year, but have never used it.

     

    Well, the teacher-intensity of BJU. My understanding is that 7th grade is a lot more challenging, and science is not my strong suit. I think Apologia may be more home school friendly for our particular circumstances.

     

    My son did BJU 5 and 6. He is doing well with Apologia. As far as content, BJU sailed smoothly to Apologia. But in terms of course expectations in daily work and testing, I think they are different animals. My son did have some learning curve going to Apologia. Tests with BJU were much easier. Apologia requires memorization of terms with definitions, and there seems to be more critical thinking involved in some of the questions. That includes daily work questions, study guide questions and test questions. It's not all regurgitation of what you read. Some of it is just learning facts - same as BJU - but, some of it is applying what you are learning to different situations. This can be tough occasionally, but it seems like it's getting easier. I don't know if it's the material is easier with the modules we've been doing, or that we've adapted to the way the text questions you. Personally, this has been a plus and what I would expect for a jr. high course. The only other thing to get used to is the lab write-ups. It was a lot of writing for ds at the beginning of the year. He is used to it now, so not a problem anymore. They have been very good for ds's writing skills. Ds has gotten better with including steps and observations in order. We still aren't perfectly there, but I know that he'll have loads more opportunity in 8th and he'll get better at this. So, I would expect a little learning curve on implementation of the course, but otherwise no problems at all. We love Apologia! I thought my son would miss BJU's colorful text, but he doesn't. He loves Apologia even with all the lab write-ups. :) I recommend the switch.

     

    Thank you for this very thorough response! Wow. :) This is just what I thought may be the case from previous reviews and comments. I'll admit it's a bit intimidating, but dh is a civil engineer and thinks ds is up for the challenge. I just know that ds would balk at the critical thinking questions, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

     

    We used the BJUP 7th grade science, and it was a huge step up from grade 6. Very, very thorough, and we learned a lot! (We read it together.) We didn't even finish the whole course because there was so much there. I let ds look at Bob Jones and the Apologia texts. He chose the BJ. He will be well prepared for high school biology.

     

    I'll confess, it does look like an excellent course. I bet I'd learn a lot too! Biology appeals to me, but this ds isn't ecstatic about it or science in general for that matter. I do think it is likely one of the very best in terms of college prep. I just know I'd need the DVDs if we went the BJU route though. Hmmm.

     

    Thanks so much ladies. You've given me a lot to ponder. Counting the days until our state convention...

    For those using MFW, do you use the suggested language arts or choose your own?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I guess I'm just a rebel!

     

    I think all we homeschoolers are rebels at heart.;)

     

    We used PLL for 2nd grade and it was fine for that level IMO. Very gentle introduction to L. Arts and did not require much work. We started Rod & Staff in 3rd and now are using R&S for 4th grade. I wanted a more structured traditional program and my dd does well with it. We use R&S for spelling - I wanted a program that she could use independently.

     

    I have R & S in my possession. I may use it for the composition instruction alone.

     

    Next year my 7th grader will use MFW EXP1850...

     

    That's where we are at for Jr. High (Yikes :eek: my kid is going to be a Jr. Higher)

     

    We'll be using EXP to 1850 too. :) And lol. I'm a little intimidated by the whole Jr. High thing myself.

     

     

    I used MFW's language arts. Of course, I'm the weirdo on the internet who likes Writing Strands and even wrote notes to help others who are ready to throw it out. but not trying to keep you with something you don't like. just saying I'm the lone weirdo who likes it. :lol:

     

    You're doing EX1850 next year if I remember? Have you considered the idea of something like IEW's history themed units to use? Those are going to cover a lot of writing skills.

     

    And if you aren't keen on the grammar choice -- well, it might help to know what you're not keen about All in One series so that other suggestions might work better?

     

    The other MFW component at 7th grade level is Progeny Press. I like those.

     

    -crystal

     

    Lol, crystal. But probably the wise weirdo! ;)

     

    Ad yes, we'll be using Exp to 1850. However, this ds used SWI A last year and the Medieval Based History Lesson this year. He just found it way too tedious.

     

    It looks like I may just stick with CLE LA, adding in R & S for composition. I definitely like the looks of Progeny Press. It's on my list to check out at our state convention in May.

     

    Thanks so much, everyone! :) I [heart] MFW.

    Do you use a curriculum that you consider to be a real miracle worker?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    CLE Math!

     

    I found out the hard way that our 12yo ds was not retaining much from MUS. He needs the spiraling review of CLE. I am so glad that he is constantly reviewing concepts.

     

    On the other hand, our 9yo ds was bored with MUS and CLE gives him the variety and challenge he needs.

     

    ETA: I still really like MUS and appreciate their logical sequence, but it's just not for these two guys. ;-)

    Which did you prefer CLE 6 or BJU 6 and why?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    We have used both BJU and CLE. One ds like it while the other despised it. I'd say the most significant difference is that CLE is more incremental like Saxon and is in workbook form. Also, the lesson is mainly within the student's workbook. Meaning, there is a TM with extra sample problems and explanations if needed. It is very similar to the LA so you already probably have a good idea to their approach. It's really quite similar.

     

    In our case, we decided to switch both boys to CLE. I felt they needed more review, and I liked the simplicity of CLE. And I agree, the BJU TM is a stinker! :tongue_smilie:It's just so darn big!

     

    All that being said, if your ds is thriving with BJU, I'm not sure I'd be looking elsewhere. If you're still uncertain, you could order one lightunit to have him try out, setting aside BJU for a week or so.

     

    My 2 cents,

    MFW users ~ Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    ... I was trying to find the time to create my own, when I realized MFW had done it for me!...

     

     

    Exactly, Dorinda! :)

     

    We are doing 1850 to modern this year... Young Person's Guide to Knowing God has communticated spiritual concepts in ways they can understand. And Tales of Persia has given us a totally different perspective of Iran and what God is doing there.

     

    I am really looking forward to this for 2011/2012! Goodness, that sound so far away...

     

    I'm looking forward to starting this in the fall with my two older dc, :hurray: ever since I heard David Hazell talk about it on one of his cd's a few years ago.

     

    Yaay! :D

     

    we loved Bible in 1850MOD. Young Person's Guide -- my first thought was "will this work:, but it really fit my oldest daughter's need even though I "thought" she was "beyond" -- it was so much of what she needed.

     

    tales of persia -- awesome!

     

    THUMB prayer -- very special moments for us praying scripture together..

     

    the study at the very end -- a little harder than other parts, but doable in small sections. I was glad to see a Bible study based in Revelation that was more "mission and home coming" and "worship" focus rather than focus on "end times" -- that was good! harder to use, but still good.

     

    -crystl

     

    Well, crystal, my box is on the way. I'm so excited! I'll be stalking the UPS man on Tuesday. ;)

    MFW users ~ Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    crystal,

     

    Thank you so much. Your posts are always amazingly thorough and helpful. I appreciate the morning giggles too. "Charlotte"... our funny story... almost named our number four that, but turned out he was a boy. ;)

     

    I think that my guys will do well with the two programs. I like the fact that they are both older end and they both love American history (and we haven't had too much of it). Additionally, one ds loves animals, so this will be his year for science. The other loves physical science, so next will be his.

     

    Thanks again! :)

    MFW users ~ Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted · Edited by angela&4boys

    We have used ECC, R2R and Exp- 1850. We really enjoyed all of them but I think Exp - 1850 has been my favorite. It was really great and everything flowed well. I was sad to leave it behind when our needs changed, but I know I will have another chance to use it with my K'er in a few years.

     

     

    Thanks, Christina. I must confess that I was surprised to see that you were no longer using MFW. However, I certainly understand when a need for change arises. I'm so glad to hear Exp - 1850 was your fave. I'm getting close to a final decision and there's just nothing else out there for us after the process of elimination.

    MFW users ~ Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I really liked 1850MOD a lot! I've used all of MFW's program except high school (which we start this summer) and I think 1850MOD was my favorite.

     

    I just have too much to say about what we gained that year. We loved Tales of Persia and learned so much about the gospel of John from non western perspective. We loved praying scripturally together as a family with the prayer guides in that year.

     

    We learned plenty of history with it all. Lots of book basket.

     

    I just feel too rushed right now to type an answer that makes a lot of sense. But we gained such a greater understanding of so much that happened in the 20th century, and we had fun in the science. We had a great year at the academic fair that year with our displays that we had to have 2 tables to display fun stuff.

     

    I had a 6th and 3rd grader in the program. 3rd grader used the younger supplement. She really liked the workbook and learning just a few facts and fun things, and she really loved her own read alouds.

     

    good year.

     

    This thrills me to hear! :D

     

     

    and EX1850 was too....

     

    -crystal

     

    :bigear: Anxious to hear more when you have time...

    MFW users ~ Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I must say that for us Exp to 1850's has been a really great year. The curriculum is enjoyable and complete. My kids had a good grasp on American History and so do I! George Washington's world is a great book as are all the spines. We love the read alouds too. We are studying the states and presidents and the kids love that especially the states because we get to learn all kinds of interesting info. about them. Science is fun and interesting (we love God's Design books and of course the Apologia Botany is good too).

     

    This is what really appeals to me. I think my boys would love what you've pointed out.

     

    I was thinking the other day how much I have enjoyed this year and I feel good about it, I don't feel gaps or overwhelmed at all.

     

    And this is what struck my heart chords the most. I have felt overwhelmed and that we've had gaps this year.

     

    I am looking forward to 1850's to modern.

    I hope that helps, at this point I don't really have any cons to the curriculum--I am sure it is not everyone's cup of tea but we love it.

    Stacey:D

     

    It's so nice when you find something that works for your family. Thanks so much for your input! :)

    MFW users ~ Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    We have previously used MFW's K and Adventures. We enjoyed both immensely. However, I decided to piece something together for the past few years for our two middle guys with the exception of HOD's BHFHG. Anyhow, I'm looking to combine them again for their 5th/7th and 6th/8th grade years and would like everything planned out. I am looking forward to spending more time teaching than planning. I also want to make sure little brother gets some quality mommy time too.

     

    I'd really appreciate any opinions regarding either program and general thoughts on what you feel your dc gained from them.

    Anyone not like HOD? Need your honest opinions....

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Our 9yo did Bigger this year, but we used it in a modified way. He read the history independently and did not do every activity. Overall it was a very good year for us. Here's a list of my pros and cons:

     

    Pros:

     

    • Christ-centered
    • balanced approach ~ I really appreciate the mix of CM and traditional methods.
    • doable ~ The activities and amount of work are realistic.
    • stream-lined and user-friendly ~ *Love* the two-page spread of the day's assignments. You do not have to flip back and forth through multiple TG's.
    • deceivingly rich ~Carrie has a gift for intertwining the Bible, character, and history. We've had wonderful discussions.
    • affordable ~ There' soooo much jammed into this one TG. I think it's a tremendous value.
    • book selections ~ For the most part, they're the cream of the crop.

    Cons (very minor):

     

    • book selections ~ While our ds learned a *lot*, I think the history books lack in illustrations and/or photos for the visual child. He's highly visual, but did quite well in spite of it. Also, with regard to science, he really enjoyed the One Small Square series, but he balked at A Pioneer Sampler.
    • a few activities ~ A few of the mapping activities were unrealistic imho. The maps within the history texts were very hard to discern... almost blurry. And a *few* of the science he had already encountered and we just skipped them.

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