Joan, Thanks so much for your insight. Glad to know your son is enjoying the class :). How strong an essay writer was your son when the class started (prior to Sept)? Do you (or he) feel like Ms. Walker is helping him get stronger/improve in writing? I wonder is the main purpose of the class to learn how to write with brevity and conciseness (sp?) or learning to write fast (timed) essays? Sorry, to sound like a broken record... I'm just trying to figure out what route to go this spring... Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! Sangita

Being a 1st generation Indian born and raised in the U.S, growing up my parents always stressed doing well in school and college. It was VERY important; my father always said (lovingly) "education creates opportunity". My parents were both born and raised in an upper middle class Indian family in India. My great-grandfather sent my father to England to study at Oxford University. My father still recalls his steam boat trips back and forth in the 50's and life in England and living in a boarding house owned by a sweet old lady (grandmother type), who would always put hot water bottles under his covers to keep the bed warm for him! Amazing stories that I cherish. Through his upbringing and his grand-fathers desire to have his grandsons educated those values were passed down. During my elementary and hs years my family and I would visit India during summer vacations. I'd get to re-connect with uncles, aunts cousins etc. My cousins were always curious about my school, what I did, learned, schoo mates... etc. For a time (3rd and 4th grade) my parents moved back to Mumbai and I and my sisters enrolled in a Catholic school. What a shock!!!! I went from recess and crafts to 7 subjects and learning sanskrit. I had 2 tutors to help keep get me up to speed. Along with uniforms, strict school rules and yes, being slapped with a ruler if you misbehaved. Well, my sisters and I really had a hard time adjusting the first year and eventually convinced my parents to move back to America. By, the time my father was able to secure a job in the U.S we were getting acustomed to life in India and the education system. Zooming forwarding to my college education, I wanted to be a fine arts major, but my dad said "No, you need to get a degree in something you can earn a good, comortable living." So, I got my degree in Computer Science/Math. At the time I was not a thrilled about it, but now I see my dad's point. I was able to get a job right out of college and support myself. (I still took art courses while in college.). Indians believe education opens doors to material sucess, good prospects for finding a equally educated spouse and bringing honor to the family. My parents (as most parents are) wanted me to do well in school, but weren't forcing me to excell and be the best in everything- probably b/c we were raised in the U.S. The competition is much greater in India b/c all the kids are excelling. All this to say- Yes, education is VERY important in India, it's roots are historical, social and economic. Now that my husband & I have kids of my own, we are trying to strike the right balance of education, social, and cherished family time... enjoying each day... they'll be adults before we know it... Just my 2 cents! :) Sangita dd(14),dd(12),dd(9),ds(6)

Hi all! Has anyone taken the AP English LA course with PA Homeschoolers? If so, my 10th grade (15 yo) wants to tackle this class next year and I had a few questions - 1) Which teacher would you recommend? 2) How many hours daily (on avg) was your dc devoting to this class? 3) dd has very good grasp on grammar usage/mechanics. But, she needs help in polishing her essays (being concise, improving style, strong conclusion). Is that something that the AP Eng LA teacher will help dd in? In other words, do the students turn in essays and the teacher returns it to them with revisions and pointers on improvement and the students then submit a final draft?? or does the teach only work on essay content? Hope this makes sense. Currently dd participating in local persuasive writing class. Each week she has to turn in a persuasive essay on a certain top and an essay critique on a historical speech, political candiate or news commentary. The class ends in Dec. Her teacher is offering a spring class on short stories. The class will read/discuss short stories and write essays analyzing them. They'll discuss literary elements found in the stories and at the end of the semester each student will write an original story using these elements. Dd took a similar class with the same teach LAST spring (great works of literature). Her teacher said she was planning to discuss the same literary terms as last spring, but with short stories. Dd has taken writing classes with this teacher for 2 yrs and has enjoyed them. SO, here is my dilemma- should I enroll dd in the short story class in the spring (Jan-May) or have dd take a progym tutorial with Cindy Marsch (www.writingassessment.com)? I emailed Ms. Marsch and she said she could work with dd on refining her essay and improving style. But, if PA homeschoolers AP LA teacher will coach dd on essay improvement. Should I use Cindy?? Cindy is the more $$ than the local writing class, but we can save up the money if that's the better option. Anyway, SO sorry to ramble, but if anyone can tell me about their experience with the AP Eng LA class and how teachers critique the essays that would be very helpful! Thank you for ANY advice you can give! Sangita dd(14 soon-to-be 15! next month) dd(12 soon-to-be 13!! next week!), dd(9), ds(6)

Renee, My dd was considering taking AP Govt thru' PA Homeschoolers this year (9th grade), but decided to take AP Human Geography instead. My dd is considering taking it AP Govt next year (10th) along with AP US Hist. b/c a fellow homeschool mom told her, there will be overlap in these two classes and one will re-enforce the other (her son took both at the same time- but he is a really smart kid). But, I'm a little hesitant b/c of her 10th grade class load. I was wondering, how many hrs daily/weekly did your dd need to complete AP Govt assignments/readings etc? Also, what did she think of the teacher (thru' PA Homeschoolers)? Thanks so much for your help, Sangita dd(14),dd(12),dd(9),ds(6)

Julie, Thanks for the post. I'll definately check out Sister Wendy's book. Perhaps our library will have it. The videos would be a get addition. I saw that the Teaching Co. also has a dvd set on great artists, but it's $$$, and can't spend that much money at this time. Thanks!

My dd (9th grade) is currently taking a art appreciation class thru' our local homeschool co-op. Every week the teacher discusses a particular artist and his style of painting/drawing, then for the remainder of the class the students try his/her technique. Does anyone know of some good texts for studying great artists (with color pics)?? For example dd has already studied (Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Durer, Monet, Matisse... and will be studying Norman Rockwell, Wyeth, Dali etc). I've been getting biographies off the internet, but I'd really like a engaging text for her to read alongside this class and be able to put it on her transcript (under course description). Thanks so much for your help, Sangita dd(14),dd(12),dd(9), ds(6)

Hi all, I'm trying to form a general plan for dd remaing hs years (she in 9th now), so we've been discussing APs. Dd she is very strong in English, and wants to take both AP English Lang & AP English Lit during her hs years (probably 10th & 11th). My question for those who have btdt, is it worth taking both of these APs? If not, which AP is better to take? (or looks better on a transcript)? Can dd get college credit for both or only 1 or the other? Also, are both just as time intensive? Thanks so much for your help!

Here's the link for homeschool state codes - http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/testright/resources/homeschool_codes.pdf

I didn't realize they required a photo id for PSAT? I know they want one for SAT, can someone verify for me? (I didn't see it on the college board website) thanks!

bump... I'd like to know too!

Christal, I'm considering Omni III for dd (9th grade), and saw your post about adding in BJU US Hist book. Do you know if the Omni III teacher CD or text includes BJU chapters? Do you I have to add it in?? I would really like more history reading in Omni and it would be a great BIG time save if it was already done. Also, is there any "questionable" texts in Omni III that might be for more mature students?? Thanks so much!

Elizabeth, Thanks for the great link to Shmoop guides. I have a silly question to ask, how exactly do you use these guides with your dc? Do you let dc read the entire novel then discuss themes together? Or have dc summarize each chapter? Or pick one of the study questions and have dc write an essay? Thanks for sharing & explaining how you use these guides! Sangita

Enotes looks great. I had a question though.... I haven't subscribed to enotes yet, so I can't see all the content. But, I saw they provide essay questions, compare & contrast essays etc. Do enotes lit guides also give a suggested answer to the essays?? (especially if I have't read the book yet ... lol) Thanks! Sangita

Thank you all for your suggestions! Of to looks at enotes! and another looks at LL... thank you again...any other suggestions?

Thanaks Tammy, What spine would you recommend? It's hard to decide on a book spine b/c either there are no samples online or they are'nt in local book stores. Any suggestions? THanks

Stephanie, what history spine do you recommend for hs? Specifically for 1600-1850? (that covers US & Asian countries well)? Thanks! Sangita

:bigear: Anyone??

Katie, Thanks for your post. What your describing is exactly what happened in our MC homeschool group. Two dc from our group didn't do well individually, but their group score allowed them all to compete at States, and placed in the top 15. With this new rule, it's very unlikely our MC kids would make it to States as individuals where there are such strong teams (GT schools, magnet schools, Eng & Sci schools) in our area... Also, our dc thrive and enjoy the team comaraderie. It's just a shame, I hope more people contact MC foundation and board members and express their concern and disappointment.

Oh, I should add, I was planning to use Omnibus III for dd, but I wanted more history reading and a friend how had used Omni III a few years ago, said many of the books would not be her first literature choice. So, now I'm not quite sure what to use. I also looked at TOG, and that looks like a ton of work....

Our oldest is starting 9th grade this year! So, I'd like to glean some information from you ladies. Dd plans to continue her 4 yr cycle by studying early modern (1600-1850) What history spine to you all recommend?? Do you follow WTM exactly? Does your dc read spine, list important dates/events/people, study GB, then use Timetable in History, write book context page, write book notes and finally discuss text and write a composition? This seems overwhelming, especially the discussing GB part (I am not a lit major! So, I feel a bit inadequate in discussing literature. Also many of the books I haven't read, and honestly I don't think I have the time to read them. I'm teaching 3 others and one of my dc has LDs, so majority of my time is spent teaching her). Can you all enlighten me as to how to do this daily? That would be so helpful. Thank you!! Sangita dd(14),dd(12),dd(9),ds(6)

I called HSLDA today and was forwarded to our local (MD) representative. But he wasn't in the office. So I had to leave a phone message, briefly describing the MC decision and am waiting for him to call me back.

Totally :iagree: Thanks for all your great advice. Jann!! My dd is actually looking forward to your class next month!!! :)

Hi all, I'm *trying* to decide what literatures guides to buy dd for next year. She'll be studying early modern (1600-1850) or if our plans change she may study (1600-present). But either way, I'm really interested in finding out what are some of your favorite literature curriculums?? I've looked at Smarr Publishers, Lightning Lit (hs guides), and Excellence in Literature (if I bought these I'd like to buy English III (American) or English IV (British) to go with the same history time period). I've looked at LLftLOTR and while it looks good, dd has read the LOR series twice, so doesn't want to read it again. I'm looking for guides that don't just ask comprehension Q's but also include a good amount of literary analysis and writing. So, what are your favorites?? Thanks a bunch! Sangita

Thanks for the idea. Yes, I'm considering calling HSLA today. Don't know if they can help b/c MathCounts is a private organization. But, its worth a shot. Sangita