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Hericane

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Everything posted by Hericane

  1. We started with level 1, called Nancy Larson Science 1. It works for kids ages 6-9, lots of flexibility for younger or older depending on what they need, their speed, etc. I was able to teach my two older children together and it worked great. We've done Science 2 and they are chomping to start Science 3. I apologize for not getting all of my info on the signature. I'm still learning how all of this works. I wish I had more time to chat and browse. I'm dealing with elderly parents needing care, part-time jobs, plus the normal chores. So my time is tight. Not complaining, just excuses for not getting it all done, yet. :001_smile:
  2. Several years ago, I met an wonderful man who was still shearing sheep at age 87. I asked him how he chose shearing for his life's work. He told me this story: When I was 12, I stayed home from school one day. My dad asked me what I thought I was doing. "I already know everything they can teach me. So I'm going to stay home and sleep and play." My dad said, "Well, if you're too smart for school, I guess you're just right for shearing sheep. So either get yourself out of bed and go to school, or you help me shear sheep. I've been shearing sheep ever since. But, I wished I'd gone to school when I had the chance. So, there's always the alternative. Learn or get to work. There is no free ride. OR, here's another idea. Make the math real and relevant. (Remember when we said, Why do I need Algebra?) Do you have a budget for meals. Put her in charge of it, figuring out expenses per week, day, meal. She can be the master shopping list and coupon organizer. Of course there must be recipes that structure the shopping. OH, and nutrition guidelines that restrict or focus food choices. I'm guessing that if she's in charge of meals, recipes, coupons, nutrition, shopping, organizing the pantry, etc. she might learn how math works and is needed. There's also division, fractions, etc in every step of this. She might also learn to appreciate you by seeing (a part of) everything you manage, juggle, and handle while homeschooling. :D
  3. I've been using Nancy Larson Science for three years, and my kids wouldn't want anything else. When I first saw NL Science, I wasn't sure it was for us. I was used to free-wheeling. I wasn't sure about the scripting, too restrictive for my free mind? Here's what I found. Following the script, my kids automatically got reading and language arts lessons during science. The script included questions that seemed simple (to my adult mind) but actually put the kids into critical thinking mode for their answer. There's career exploration in how the booklets are described. The kids learned study skills so well and easily, they began applying the same techniques to their social studies to figure out what was important in a paragraph, and remember it for later. Nancy Larson is so subtle in how she weaves so much learning into science, it's easy to miss on the first look. (Can't see the trees for the forest.) My kids are bright, even gifted. BUT, they are also ADHD and one is LD on top of that. My ideas of free wheeling science was just craziness for them. They need the structure NL Science provides. BUT, they won't sit still long (like most programs with reading). This is not a problem with NL Science. Nancy Larson gets how unique kids work. There's a short reading followed by an activity, then review, maybe more reading, and an activity. The lessons are very Montessori in that there's seeing, hearing, touching, moving, and acting. I know when kids see, hear, & touch the learning it sticks. My kids sit still, focus, and love learning. It's like winning the lottery! I'm not stressed, they aren't fussing. It's a slice of heaven. I wanted to extend the program and make it last longer, stretch their little minds, or just give me more "slice of heaven" time. So I wrote to the NL Science homeschool manager (I'd met her at a conference). She sent me a literature list for each lesson in the program, so we take that with us to the library each week. She also created some learning activities that pull the science into other topics, and my kids love doing more research, creating oral histories, and seeing that learning in one area really connects with everything. I haven't found any program or company that puts so much into the lessons. I just didn't "get it" at first. Now I/we get it. My kids tell me we will be doing Nancy Larson from now on. "No other science Mom, this works for us." Nuf said.
  4. When I first saw NL Science, I wasn't sure it was for us. I was used to free-wheeling. I wasn't sure about the scripting, too restrictive for my free mind? I'd forgotten, it wasn't my free mind that was important. It was what worked for my kids, so they could learn and feel successful. I can't tell you the tears I've spread watching a child struggle, yell, "I'm just too stupid Mom.', when I know she is smart, when I know he is talented. My kids are bright, even gifted. BUT, they are also ADHD and one is LD on top of that. My ideas of free wheeling science was just craziness for them. They need the structure NL Science provides. BUT, they won't sit still long (like most programs with reading). This is not a problem with NL Science. Nancy Larson gets how unique kids work. There's a short reading followed by an activity, then review, maybe more reading, and an activity. The lessons take 25-30 minutes and are very Montessori in that there's seeing, hearing, touching, moving, and acting. I know when kids see, hear, & touch the learning it sticks. My kids sit, focus, and love learning. It's like winning the lottery! I'm not stressed, they aren't fussing. It's a slice of heaven. Here's what I found. Following the script, my kids automatically got reading and language arts lessons during science. The script included questions that seemed simple (to my adult mind) but actually put the kids into critical thinking mode for their answer. There's career exploration in how the booklets are described. The kids learned study skills so well and easily, they began applying the same techniques to their social studies to figure out what was important in a paragraph, and remember it for later. Nancy Larson is so subtle in how she weaves so much learning into science, it's easy to miss on the first look. (Can't see the trees for the forest.) I wanted to extend the program and make it last longer, stretch their little minds, or just give me more "slice of heaven" time. So I wrote to the NL Science homeschool manager (I'd met her at a conference). She sent me a literature list for each lesson in the program, so we take that with us to the library each week. She also created some learning activities that pull the science into other topics, and my kids love doing more research, creating oral histories, and seeing that learning in one area really connects with everything. I haven't found any program or company that puts so much into the lessons. I just didn't "get it" at first. Now I/we get it. My kids tell me we will be doing Nancy Larson from now on. "No other science Mom, this works for us." Nuf said.
  5. If you're looking for a secular science program, then look at Nancy Larson Science. They will be at the Great Homeschool Conventions (like Memphis).
  6. When I first saw NL Science, I wasn't sure it was for us. I was used to free-wheeling. I wasn't sure about the scripting, too restrictive for my free mind? Here's what I found. Following the script, my kids automatically got reading and language arts lessons during science. The script included questions that seemed simple (to my adult mind) but actually put the kids into critical thinking mode for their answer. There's career exploration in how the booklets are described. The kids learned study skills so well and easily, they began applying the same techniques to their social studies to figure out what was important in a paragraph, and remember it for later. Nancy Larson is so subtle in how she weaves so much learning into science, it's easy to miss on the first look. (Can't see the trees for the forest.) My kids are bright, even gifted. BUT, they are also ADHD and one is LD on top of that. My ideas of free wheeling science was just craziness for them. They need the structure NL Science provides. BUT, they won't sit still long (like most programs with reading). This is not a problem with NL Science. Nancy Larson gets how unique kids work. There's a short reading followed by an activity, then review, maybe more reading, and an activity. The lessons are very Montessori in that there's seeing, hearing, touching, moving, and acting. I know when kids see, hear, & touch the learning it sticks. My kids sit still, focus, and love learning. It's like winning the lottery! I'm not stressed, they aren't fussing. It's a slice of heaven. I wanted to extend the program and make it last longer, stretch their little minds, or just give me more "slice of heaven" time. So I wrote to the NL Science homeschool manager (I'd met her at a conference). She sent me a literature list for each lesson in the program, so we take that with us to the library each week. She also created some learning activities that pull the science into other topics, and my kids love doing more research, creating oral histories, and seeing that learning in one area really connects with everything. I haven't found any program or company that puts so much into the lessons. I just didn't "get it" at first. Now I/we get it. My kids tell me we will be doing Nancy Larson from now on. "No other science Mom, this works for us." Nuf said.
  7. Lamolina is right on. Where are these districts? City/State/School District? How do you find them? Let's help families find these. THANKS!!
  8. I need some help, please. Maybe I'm lost in the woods, but I've just heard that some school districts actually help the homeschool families in the area by purchasing (approved) curricula and books. How does this work? Where are these school districts? Is this a growing trend? I'm really wanting to gather as much info as possible, then I'll know how to approach my local school district. Or maybe there's a general list of reasons schools want to help us. ?? I've also heard that some school districts support homeschool families in other ways. What ways? Where are these school districts? Like I said, maybe I'm lost and the only person that doesn't know about these. But, I will be SO grateful for any help you can offer. Thanks!!
  9. You've suggested so many wonderful options. You sound like a professional educator and we really appreciate your help. I've passed along the info to GM.
  10. You've all been so helpful. Thank you and blessings! I found out from GM that, "He has add and bipolar. He was placed in our home becuz he was cutting himself - badly! Has been in counselin for 6 mo. not harming himself anymore but lies to us ALOT and is too lazy for the class. tries to drink and smoke. The principal said he was wasting his own time and the schools. Never gonna graduate. he put out no effort. thinking online classes. i can get him back on track when he strays." I appreciate so much you being open and encouraging and suggesting options for her. I'll pass these along. If you have more ideas, keep them coming ladies.
  11. This sounds like a great option. I'll pass it along. Much thanks. Do you have experience with this or can share more info?
  12. He has ADD and is bipolar, and he was cutting himself. GM says he also was sneaking smokes and alcohol.
  13. I hate to admit I'm ignorant about this, but I am. Is this for all states, or state specific. I like the idea that the schools would/could pay for his online classes, curricula, etc.
  14. They live in Hutchinson, about 35,000 population in middle of KS.
  15. Here's what GM says: He has ADD and is bipolar. He was placed in our home becuz he was cutting himself - badly! Has been in counseling for 6 mo. not harming himself anymore but lies to us ALOT and is too lazy for the class. tries to drink and smoke. The principal said my gs was wasting his own time and the schools. Never gonna graduate. He put out no effort. I'm thinking online classes. i can get him back on track when he strays. Thank you all for your help and suggestions. They live in Hutch which is about 35,000 population.
  16. I'll try to get more information about learning problems that might exist.
  17. I think there have been problems both at home and in ps, and that's why granny is now mom. She has raised her own children, but never homeschooled or taught. Counselors at ps said he can't deal with a classroom environment and needs to be homeschooled. That's all the details I know.
  18. I don't know details, and they don't matter. My dear friend in Kansas wrote that her 16 yo grandson has come to live with her and she will be homeschooling him. He only has two credits and she has no idea where to start. My dc are younger and I don't know what curriculum works for high school kids, especially those that have learning challenges. Can you help her? What would you recommend? Her husband has health challenges, she just lost her own mother, and she owns/runs a (gently used) clothing store. She is such a good person with so much on her plate. Please send suggestions. I'll pass them along and get her involved with the hive. THANKS!!
  19. I don't know details, and they don't matter. My dear friend in Kansas wrote that her 16 yo grandson has come to live with her and she will be homeschooling him. He only has two credits and she has no idea where to start. Can you help her? What would you recommend? Her husband has health challenges, she just lost her own mother, and she owns/runs a (gently used) clothing store. She is such a good person with so much on her plate. Please send suggestions. I'll pass them along and get her involved with the hive. THANKS!!
  20. I read that you didn't have the ladybug certificate, but I haven't heard what happened. Please fill me in. Did you call Nancy Larson's office? Did you email them? Did you get an answer? Did they fix the problem? I've heard super stories about Nancy Larson Science and their customer service. Please give us an update on what happened. Thanks.
  21. Just wondering, did you contact the NL Science customer service reps? I've found them very helpful. They will suggest extra research activities, send literature lists, and put you in touch with other HS moms so you can compare and see what works for them. When I've needed extra for my advanced child, they've been super helpful. They really care about helping us, not just getting a sale.
  22. Have you used left-handers spiral notebooks with your lefty. They REALLY help. I found this site: https://www.leftyslefthanded.com/Lefty_Five_Subject_College_Rule_Spiral_Notebook_p/605755.htm It might be helpful. Left-handers International has some products and really interesting surveys and reports about how left-handers see the world differently, and really how being left-handed influences every decision in life.
  23. :iagree: with everyone who loves Nancy Larson Science. I've used Sc1 and Sc2 with my children and with a co-op group. It is absolutely "Open and Go" and teaches so much more than just science. If you are drooling over the program and choking over the initial price, then here's my story. We compared the shelf of programs and books I've bought, then not completed, to see how much I'd wasted on these. Then we checked mileage and receipts for getting "science experiment stuff", oh and my husband asked me what my time is worth and figured the cost of my time (and stress) during all of these trips to get "stuff". Well, you've probably guessed the answer. It was SO much cheaper to buy Nancy Larson Science and have everything included. Oh, no more downloading and printing worksheets, photos, these are included. No more creating quizes, worksheets, these are included. So instead of pretending I am Superwoman who can do it all, I just open NL Science. But what do you do with the kit after you've taught it? You can sell it and recoup most of your money. OR, (drum roll) you can teach science for your local co-op and be paid. Since most of the kit is non-consumable, we just ordered more student packs for everyone in the class, and I added an extra $50 for each DC in my science group. (You could charge what makes sense to you.) So the program ends up free, plus gives me money to buy more:001_smile:
  24. I think I've converted everyone I know into a Nancy Larson Science fan. Why do I care so much? Well, because we learn so much more than just science in every lesson. We get so much more for our money than just science. Oh, and other families can re-use it when we are done. Yes, there's real science, and the vocabulary is rugged. But my kids "get it". They use the vocabulary in conversations. They explain the concepts to grandma. They look at nature, leaves, plants, bugs, bees, birds, and talk about how they are similar. They play a Living/Non-Living game with each other when we go for walks. They look at their hands and leaves, then trace the veins in each and talk about circulatory systems providing nutrients to living things. 'Know what I call this? Critical Thinking. I don't need to buy special books and lessons for Critical Thinking because my DC learn this and use it through their NL Science lessons. Then there's the study skills they learn. Nancy Larson uses so many learning techniques with each concept that everyone learns it completely. She teaches them to find the important information/concepts/words within the text. They learn to highlight only what's important. (Wow. If only I'd figured that out early. I wouldn't have yellow & pink highlighted college books that no one wanted to buy.) Now, my ds looks for important words/dates/concepts in our history lessons. He asked (yep! he asked me) if we could learn history like we do science and highlight what we need to remember. (When's the last time that happened?) I asked him to give me an example, and he picked out exactly what was important about the Pony Express to highlight. We also learn to write nonfiction paragraphs, how to structure information, how to ask questions that help people "think". We learn to learn. So how do I pull this off? Am I the goddess of teaching? Nope. (I could wish) :lol: It's the scripting. When I follow the script in the lessons, my dc learn everything, all the extra subject matter, the concepts, the critical thinking, everything. When I "wing it", I become mesmerized by my own voice and all the things I can think of to talk about, pull in, etc. My dc aren't mesmerized. They are lost! So I finally figured it out. Keep it simple, sweetie. Follow the script. Don't reinvent the Ferrari's wheel. Just roll with it and enjoy the ride :001_smile:
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