angela&4boys
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Posts posted by angela&4boys
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What about the National Geographic Visual History of the World? I haven't looked closely at it but my mom got it on a good sale and I'm getting it for Christmas :-). The samples I've seen look very nice.
This looks *very* nice and affordable. It also looks a bit more meaty in comparison to my initial UILEWH vote.
Is there a site where you can read the text? I can only see it faintly at the National Geographic site.
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I'm drawn to this because it seems less intimidating than IEW and a little easier on the pocketbook.
I also like the elements of outlining and (essentially) narrating.
The Hive's thoughts are appreciated,
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History should be fun, eye-opening & thrilling for our children. SWB has made it easy for us. I found no need to reinvent the wheel. I just made a few modifications to her wheel.
Ahhh... perspective I needed.
No real words of wisdom here, but rather a "thank you" for the thoughts shared in this thread.
My 11yo 5th grader loves history thanks to SOTW and the Biblioplan literature suggestions. He makes connections to our Bible studies, is gaining so much knowledge from his readings, and enjoys the timeline and mapping activities. His written narrations are not long, but thorough, and we're just now embarking on outlining and the like.
*I* need to remember that our rich discussions (He loves to ask questions and talk.) will lend themselves to writing in the future and not feel so hard-pressed to keep up with the Jones's. It's so important not to squelch the joy! :)
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My humble vote is for The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History for the following reasons:
- clear, concise presentation
- readily available
- budget-friendly
- internet extensions
- hardback or paperback
- age 8 and up
- combines 4 volumes in 1 (We own and enjoy Ancient World and Medieval World.)
- clear, concise presentation
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I can't resist...
ETC
GWG
FLL
SOTW
MUS
Apologia
CLP Nature Readers
(Do you speak acronymese? ;))
I'm still in the honeymoon phase of WWE as we just started it last week, but I hope to report that it's one of our loves. I read the introductory chapters and SWB makes so much sense!
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We have used the following with varying ages:
Apologia (as another poster said... my favorite)
Considering God's Creation (for the dc that love to cut &paste)
Bob Jones (good for a traditional approach)
A Beka (a bit dry for my taste)
We haven't used, but I have been drawn to:
Christian Kids Explore... series from Bright Ideas
I'm pretty sure you can view samples of them all (with the exception of A Beka) at cbd.com
:)
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Just one more thought, if I may?
We own Startwrite software and it enables me to type out sentences in the font we use to reinforce our FLL lessons. This has helped immensely since I am also using FLL 1/2 with an 8yo.
Warmly,
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I finally found that copying facts *with* the answers did the trick for my guys. Why frustrate them when they can copy the answer at first? After a few weeks of copying with answers only then do we switch to drilling.
We use a very economical download from currclick.com entitled Copying the Facts.
http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=16694&it=1
HTH, :)
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We use FLL 1/2 for our 8yo ds. It was a readiness issue for him and is a perfect fit. I tried it at 6yo and even though it's gentle, it was still too abstract for him. I also appreciate CM's thoughts on waiting and this approach seems to fit somewhere in between her's and Classical.
I have him do all the writing suggestions and we use it along with WWE. We move at a faster pace (4x week) and we do grammar only since we cover narration in WWE.
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I just finished researching grammar choices for our ds's.
We are beginning our third week of GWG for our 11yo and are very pleased.
- clear, no-fluff presentation
- just the right amount of practice (thorough, but not over-kill)
- workbook (no copying)
- (mostly) independent (He reads the lesson aloud to me and once I'm sure he understands the concept, he's off to do his written work.)
For our 8yo, we chose FLL for many of the same reasons. The exception would be independent learning, but he needs the one-on-one.
- clear, no-fluff presentation
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I check out the book reviews on Amazon.com. This usually gives me a good idea of how good the book is and if the age range is appropriate...
This is what I do as well. Additionally, it helps if they have an excerpt to view. It helps me narrow down with regard to reading ability as well as appeal.
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However, be forewarned that they will get "stuck in your head".:D
LOL ~ If it works, it's worth it!
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Wow! That's very positive feedback.
Thank you both,
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For our family, it's Math U See.
Our middle guys are finally mastering concepts. We had tears with the traditional approach and our 11yo (especially) dreaded math. He is no longer intimidated. Just this past week, he commented about how fast he is at long division! Music to a mama's ears. :hurray:
I should note that I placed them about halfway through their respective levels after looking through the scope and sequence and administering the competency exams.
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Do you find it worthwhile for parts of speech memorization?
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The lines are too big for my DD as well, so I just have her write on the bottom line as she normally would write and basically ignore the top and middle line. Works great! I would never be able to pull this program off without the workbook.
Yet another great idea! Wow - the Hivers are on their game tonight! Thanks Anna.
Now I just have to decide! Why ,oh why, do I have to be so analytical?
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The lines are just too big for older users, so we will be skipping the workbooks even though I like the idea of having the stories, narrations, and copywork already figured out for me. Now, I just have to figure out what stories I will be using.
I printed the samples out and came to the same conclusion. I had hoped to minimize prep time for me. [pout] However, we do own StartWrite and I plan on taking advantage of it for handwriting and copywork. It is nice to customize Bible, history etc....
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It was nice to start with very easy levels so we could all figure out how it works, and moving ahead is very easy with the text to look at. Since we haven't been very good about copywork, I though we should get up to steam with that before we started with dictation.
Thank you Mallory. This sounds like a great plan. I may start them out in an easier level and move at a faster pace until we level off.
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I received my copy just last week and I'm overjoyed with this program. :DFinally! Something that gives clarity to the ideas of copywork, dictation, and narration. What a treasure with regard to SWB being both a home-school mom as well as an English teacher at W & M.
I'm particularly interested if anyone uses it below the suggested grade level. I find that my boys are on par with narration, but they are lacking in the area of dictation.
The Hive's thoughts are appreciated....
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Welcome! I'm impressed! Those are great choices. :)
Warmly,
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How long and for what grades have you homeschooled? 10 years ~ PreK-8
Did you know from the start you would homeschool or did some event point you down this road? No, I felt lead to when I saw our eldest struggling in a conventional setting. I went to the library and found "How to Homeschool: A Practical Approach" by Gayle Graham and that is what gave me the courage to start.
Were you homeschooled? I wish!
Does anyone in your extended family homeschool? No
What method and materials did you use your first year of homeschooling? Sonlight and A Beka
What method and materials are you currently using? Eclectic... see signature below.
What books, ideas, etc. have helped shape your homeschool? First and foremost, our desire to instill a love for the Lord hence the Bible. Additionally, in terms of academia, The Well-Trained Mind (including the forums!), The Charlotte Mason Companion, and For the Sake of the Children.
What has been the most challenging aspect for you? Balance
What aspect has come naturally for you? Commitment
What are your favorite homeschool memories thus far? The snuggle time on the couch when we read, the passion they have had for science thanks to Apologia, the meaningful friendships developed through our co-op, watching the boys grow closer as brothers, and sharing their day with their father around the dinner table.
What is the best advice you've been given? Don't get so caught up in academic achievements that you stifle the joy in your homeschool.
What advice do you give others just starting this journey? The same as I was given.
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The pace of Horizons has become a little overwhelming for ds (and I don't feel like he's truly learning the concepts)...
This is exactly why we switched to MUS. (Although we used another traditional text.) My eldest ds could not master a concept before the next was being introduced. We actually used MUS for both ds's one year and when they started saying how "easy" it was I became concerned it wasn't rigourous enough. So, we switched back to a traditional text and I was quickly reminded of the need my guys have for mastery. We are back to MUS and math is no longer a stressfull subject in our home.
As for the instruction from Mr. Demme, it has been a Godsend for us. Both boys have done well with his explanations. There have been very few times that I have had them watch it over, but when that's necessary it does the job. (And fwiw, I watch it with them.) I also like that they watch it on Monday and the rest of the week the concept is cemented through the exercises but with plenty of review. Also, if someone else hasn't mentioned or you haven't already viewed them, they have excellent video samples on the site.
I have to admit that the unconventional sequence was something I had to get over. Once I did, I realized that this is the math they both needed. We are happy again with math and there are no tears!! Now, when they say it's "easy" I just smile because I know they understand the concept and will master it. :)
All that being said, I agree with the other ladies. You have to find what fits your and your children's needs.
hth,
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Our faves in no particular order:
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SOTW (via Biblioplan)
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CLP Nature Readers (my boys' top pick)
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Apologia
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Math U See
- Copywork & Narration (inspired by The Charlotte Mason Companion)
- Notebooking pages (from notebookingpages.com)
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ETC
Wow! I like seeing this list. I don't feel so non-commital. Now if I could just find a writing and grammar program we were happy with.... :)
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SOTW (via Biblioplan)
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We do it alongside Biblioplan and love it! It definitely helps me beef it up for my 11yo (5th grader)and I have a 3rd grader as well. I don't know if it would cause you to feel your schooling was history-centered, but it is very flexible relative to TOG.
Warmly,
Please share experiences with Imitation in Writing series...
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and suggestions.
I have printed samples from both Imitation in Writing and IEW's Theme Based Writing and plan on giving them a practice run after the Holidays.
Warmly,