Mommy to monkeys
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Posts posted by Mommy to monkeys
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Math-
You like Horizons and have it, so you're good to go, yes?
History-
I'd say either read through your sonlight books (some as read alouds and some as assigned readers) OR do Mystery of History (still tossing some sonlight books in as the mood hits you/them). I wouldn't try and schedule both if you're already feeling overwhelmed. Too much.
Language Arts-
It seems like you have tons of things for your 7 year old, but not a lot for your 9 year old?
For the younger one again I'd say go with the spelling you have and to pick FLL with WWE OR do CTGE
For your 9 year old you have your spelling, but it doesn't look like you've listed much to choose from for him/her? Which volume of writing strands do you have? You can make grammar/composition work without curriculum if you need to, but it has always proved harder for ME to do it that way despite my best intentions.
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No way would I let any of my kids go out walking where we live. If we lived in a safe neighborhood, I'd let my 10 and 12 year olds walk together, maybe under the right circumstances. But never ever ever would I send my 6 year old (or 5 year old) out walking without an adult. Ever.
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I've had to do quite a bit of streamlining for our homeschool and have landed with CLE for math and LA. They get done consistently. When I was trying to pull other things together for LA, I was unable to stay consistent. Doing it this way frees me up to add in other things without pressure. (We do a lot of Bravewriter things such as Poetry Teas, Friday freewrites, and word games whenever the mood strikes)
My kids also have a reading list with various genres to read through. They narrate each assigned reading. My older 2 do their own science independently (older in Abeka which I don't like, my next oldest does Apologia which I do like). We read aloud. I shoot for an hour a day. Sometimes it's more. Sometimes it's a little less.
My oldest is the only one who has done any testing as we only have to do it every other year starting in 4th. He took the CAT and was in that 9th stanine for everything. I was so nervous about testing. I bought the little test prep book and everything, but once I laid eyes on the actual test. . .well, I wasn't worried anymore. It was no big deal. Seriously. The hardest part was filling in the bubbles. Other tests may be different, but CAT was a breeze after using CLE. (I only test because my state requires it.)
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my twins were both speaking by 3 however, they didn't really start speaking fluently (if that makes sense) until they had to speak to non family members. Are they in preschool or go to regular playdates?
Not in preschool. I have a house full of other kids for them to play with, though. We have the very occasional play date. They're in a toddler class at church. There are not a lot of opportunities where we live. I'd love to move. . .
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Many moons ago, Saxon was what I just assumed we'd switch to. That just seemed to be the "go-to" math for homeschoolers. But now I've heard so many mixed reviews that I don't know.
MeandtheBoys. . .Woah, I'm looking at the ages of your kids and the level of math they're doing. Your oldest is almost exactly the same age as mine. Wow, he's advanced in math. Are you considering him to be 6th grade? He is a young 12 yes?
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Very interesting, Sahamamama. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Just in the past couple of weeks the older of my two twins has started talking a LOT more, although I'm pretty sure no one else would understand him. His womb mate is still making his slow and steady progress. Each day there are things he says that he hasn't said before.
I think the Signing Time videos are on Netflix?
As far as speech goes, there is no local hospital really. I mean there are a few but nothing anywhere close. We have a clinic about 20 minutes or so that does most things. Anything other than the basics and you have to DRIVE. Oh the joys of rural living. (I know many people love it, but I'm not a country girl. I miss suburbia!)
Our appointment is in a couple weeks. Of course I'd be thrilled if they woke up tomorrow speaking in understandable paragraphs. . .
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Can anyone recommend a good atlas or two? (one for elementary and one for older kids)
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We are just about finished with CLE's new Algebra course and I would recommend continuing with CLE even though they don't have further levels available. It provides a solid foundation in Algebra concepts that would transfer to any Algebra II program. FYI, the Algebra course is integrated with probability and statistics concepts but does not cover any geometry.
For a student doing well in CLE 700, I think they could move directly into the Algebra course. Otherwise, I would suggest doing part of the 800 level. There is definitely some overlap between the concepts in 800 and the Algebra course so this will help provide a stronger foundation than just the 700 level.
DS would probably prefer doing it that way. He really does like CLE math (as much as he can enjoy any math, anyway).
I had just always assumed we'd be doing Algebra in 8th grade.
I've been reading the threads and some have used CLE 700 4 days a week with LOF pre algebra once a week. I very very much like this idea. I'm going to mull it over a bit, but it sounds like a possible solution for us (especially considering we'll get a head start on level 700). CLE 700 with LOF pre algebra in 7th and then CLE algebra 1 in 8th? This could work, right?
DS is doing really well with CLE math. We're talking 95 or higher on every single test and quiz. If there's a way to stay with it a bit longer and still stay on track to do Calculus by 12th grade, I'd like to do that.
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I would guess the middle school forum will have the most related threads. That is when most people hit the pre-algebra/algebra I must switch phase. CLE isn't the only curriculum that doesn't go all the way through high school and even some that do, shouldn't. :)
What to use after CLE Algebra?
Which Lial's book to Use After CLE 6
When to Switch from CLE to TT Algebra
If you're wondering when to jump from CLE to Saxon for pre-algebra...I'm reading through these on my coffee break. . .interesting stuff!
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How much of your stuff is actually due to homeschooling and how much to simply living with six children?
I have not found homeschooling to increase the stuff we have by very much, except for a few books I would not otherwise possess - but I found that simply having children expands the possessions by all the stuff they use to play, craft, explore.
What she said. We don't have a lots of THINGS per person compared to most Americans, but it adds up! And while I'm working with one child, the others are getting STUFF out. And it piles up, so we're playing clutter catch up constantly. We're just doing the best that we can with it right now. I have twin toddlers that contribute hugely to the chaos. When spring time comes, we'll do another big purge.
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I know this has been discussed before, but I'm not sure what to search for. CLE math brings up tons of things in the search.
DS is 12 and in level 607 in CLE's math. I know we have to switch maths at some point because CLE's sunrise only goes through Alg 1.
Where do we go next?
Do we switch now or wait another year and then switch after Level 700?
DS doesn't like math but is very good at it (he LOVES science).
I'd love some suggestions.
And I don't feel as though I need to haul out big bucks on a video program. Math is my strength, and I feel confident enough with it that I can do it with him.
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OP, the school system here would mean enrolling in preschool program at 3 if the child was delayed enough. They also base delays on academic skills/what is needed for the school success. I didn't bother when my son turned 3 and aged out of early intervention. You can work with them at home just as effectively given what you've described. I am really replying because any child with a speech delay should probably have a hearing exam by an audiologist. It might be worth asking for that, though they are probably ok.
I could go for the hearing exam.
But enrolling in the preschool program? Ugh. Ugh. Double ugh. I'm hesitant to get involved in anything through the school system, firstly because I don't think preschool would help, and secondly (but just as important) once you're in with a child with speech delays, how hard is it to get OUT? I really don't want to open a can of worms.
I've been making a concerted effort to work on speaking with them. We read a lot. I ordered several sets of flashcards with words to try and stimulate some discussions, we do fine motor activities every day and I'm trying to be more aware of engaging in conversation with them (or trying to!) They seem to really like toddler music, so I'm trying to sing those songs more with the motions. . . I'm willing to put in the time and effort. HOPEFULLY it pays off. And now I'm not sure what we're going to do.((Sigh))
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Well, it is encouraging to know that everything very well may be fine. I think I will push to get them evaluated and just see.
JFSinIL-that's a very interesting article. Whether they have their own actual language or they just enjoy mimicking each other, I really don't know. But they very much enjoy doing it! My mother said my brother and sister (twins) had their own language but were still talking much sooner than this. I have twin nephews and I don't believe they did . . . Just interesting.
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I'd say skip the the first LU completely. Skip the quizzes but do the tests. The lessons are very long, but if most of it is a review, your child will probably whip right through and be able to do two lessons in one day. If they are able to do this, crossing out some of the same types of problems is no big deal.
We've flip-flopped with many things in our homeschool career. CLE math is the one thing we've stuck with for years. I think you'll love it. :)
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At 3 your school system is likely the only free option. I wouldn't bother with that.
Hmm. I guess I don't know much about the system. We'd being going through the school system? This bums me out. We're in a very poor area, so I'm not sure how great their special programs are. I could be wrong. We'll see what the doctor says next month.
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To me it doesn't sound like huge red flags, but something to keep an eye on. I wouldn't start early intervention at all, it if fine to wait and talk to your Dr. about. My twins were very late talkers. They also had articulation problems that we eventually did speech therapy for. I think the articulation problems were separate from the late talking. But, they were going to talk when they were going to talk. And, you know what? They eventually did. At turning 3 ( I cannot remember exactly, but I think they were still at the single word stage, maybe stringing a few words together) But between 3 and 4 is where they really started talking.
So, keep an eye on it, but don't worry too much. Maybe you might put them in speech, but I don't see any huge red flags right now.
HUGS It's hard to be a mom sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice if we could wave a wand and have our kids do everything when we want them to?
I'm trying not to worry. 6 months ago they said NOTHING. So they've really made progress. I'd love that magic wand.
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I don't have twins but my 3 year old ds did not really start talking until right after he turned 3. Like your boys he could say words but just did not talk a lot. Which at first distressed me because my dd basically talked out of the womb. Seriously, she would wake up at 2 years old and say, "Mommy, let's talk!" She talked so much at two often people would ask me how old she was and would be shocked she was two. "She speaks so well. She is so articulate." I would often be told. Anyways, fast forward to ds who seriously did not talk hardly at all until 3. I asked the pediatrician and she kept assuring me....he is a boy and he is your second. Now, he talks all the time and talks a lot. He really went from a boy of few words to having plenty to say. So, I understand the worry you feel but for whatever reason in a few more months....you may not be able to get them to be quiet. ;) I only share this with you so you will know it is possible for some boys to go from hardly talking at almost 3 to suddenly carrying on conversations a few months later.
Oh, I really hope this is what will happen for my boys.
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Our speech wasn't delayed, though mine didn't have older siblings to communicate for them (which is possibly a bigger factor than twins). However, one of my boys did have delayed use of nonverbal communication (didn't point to communicate until 16 months and we "worked" on it, waved spontaneously way late/probably school age, was late with shaking his head yes/no--though I'm not sure when he did that, etc.). Those types of delays are much more worrisome than speech delays generally (excepting apraxia perhaps). If they had those nonverbal things at appropriate times (pointing to show you things by a year is a big one), I would be less concerned. It does sound like they are speech delayed but progressing, they have siblings who might be talking for them, and your other kids were slower to talk as well.
Hanen materials are available to parents and might be helpful if you want to try some work on their speech. I am pretty sure they have a program for late talkers without other underlying issues like the nonverbal stuff.
They both are good at pointing things out. One is more likely to say, "Bird right there" while the other to just say "Bird".
They have older siblings that talk to them, but no one is really talking for them.
Found the Hanen site and will read more on there tomorrow.
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Hmm. . .but they turn 3 so soon. Does it make sense to call Early Intervention if they wouldn't even qualify for the program next month? Is it so awful to wait one more month for the doctor appt. to see what she thinks? Whether I'm over reacting or whether we really need help? All these guidelines. . .100 words, 300 words, 2 words together, 3 words together. . .I can't really connect with "what that means" if that makes sense. They can say all the things I listed but I have no clue how many words that is? And when they say kids of a certain age should say 3 words together does that mean the very occasional, "dirty poo poo" "I love you" and "bob and larry" count even though most of the words are one at a time here and there?
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My twin boys will be 3 in less than a month. . .they still aren't really talking. There are a lot of words they CAN say IF they want to. . .animals names and sounds. . .they know ALL the letters of the alphabet and their sounds, they can count, say Good Night, Please, Help me, I love you (if I'm putting them to bed and they don't want to go. . .), mommy, cracker, sippy cup etc. But they still don't talk very much and the words they use are only used on THEIR terms. One talks more than the other, but NEITHER talk a whole lot, except when they're talking gibberish to each other (which they both find to be hilarious). My other boys have been late talkers. . .but not like this. I have everyone around me saying, "They're twin boys! Don't WORRY. They're FINE!" But I am a bit worried. They've made slow but steady progress in the past few months, but I still don't know how delayed is acceptable. We have their 3 year well check next month and I don't know whether I should be worried going into it or not.
I read to them, play with them, and talk to them. It's not as much as when I had an only child, but I also have a whole house full of other kids who talk to them too.
I'm not concerned about any of their other areas of development. Their fine and gross motor skills are great. They walked before a year and were climbing everything shortly after that. They are cuddly and affectionate. They both take you by the hand to lead you to what they want to do with you rather than speak to you and use grunting noises to emphasize that they want something. . .that just seems soo behind for almost 3 year olds. Has anyone else had twins with REALLY delayed speech?
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We are using CLE for LA and Math for my older two right now and it's getting the job done. They can complete it mostly independently, but we still go over every lesson every afternoon to make sure they understand and mistakes they made.
If you need to let Bible time together go for awhile, so be it (especially since they have their own plus Awana). They're getting the Word, and I'm a big believer that kids seeing you LIVE the Word impacts them just as much as you reading it to them. And you're having plenty of opportunities to live it out right now with what you're going through.
Again, prayers for you and your family.
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I vote Phonics Pathways all the way. There are even games in the book that would work really well in a group setting.
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One more thing, having a house full of just little ones was more mentally stressful for me than now having some older kids in the mix. When I felt like I was the only grown up, I started to lose it by naptime. Now I know my older kids aren't adults, but they aren't little kids anymore and we relate to each on different level than we did a few years ago. They don't frazzle me like they used to. In fact I think they help me stabilize quite a bit. That's the difference for ME in why I needed the afternoon break a few years ago but can live without it now.
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Ok, now I feel guilty for taking my afternoon "sanity break" :-) I really do look at it that way though and figure if I don't get some alone time, there's just no way I could make it until 5:00 when dh gets home. Actually, I think my kids are spent by about 1:00 too so I'm not even sure I could do school with them anyway. As it is, my 2nd grader reads for the hour, and my 1st grader listens to books. So I guess it's a win for all of us.
I don't necessarily think you should go without. My oldest is 12. Your oldest is 8. There's a big difference in work load there! I've never had 5 as I jumped from 4 to 6, but when my oldest was 8 we were still able to get an hour of quiet time in every day(most days anyway. . .).;) I think what made it work back then was focusing mostly on the 3'rs, reading aloud a lot, and the rest only happening when we were having good days. Find what works best for you. There's no one right way.
Needing to simplify K, 3, & 5
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
LA- You're using Rod and Staff already. If that's not working for you, we are liking CLE.
History- I like Ellie's suggestion of SOTW. You could let Jim Weiss read it and make it even easier.
Science- Well, science and I don't have a good track record. Looking at the ages of your children and what they're doing already, I'd let your older one take over his own science using the Apologia you're already using. Your 3rd grader can use library books or check out some of the ambleside selections for science. Having field guides around the house is an easy way to feel like science is being covered as well.
Bible- If you're really looking to simplify, you don't need a Bible curriculum Pick a place and start reading little bits at a time. Stop and discuss. Start in Genesis. Or start in one of the gospels. Or simply have your own personal devotions and share WITH them the next day/later that day what you're learning. And then toss in some memory work for everyone.