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ssexton

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Posts posted by ssexton

    Crunchy folks--How do I boost an immune system using natural/holistic methods?

    in The Chat Board

    Posted

    Ok, speak to me like I'm a toddler, please. I'm not naturally crunchy, but I want to be.   :)

     

    The last two winters we've just struggled with illness after illness--particularly my dh. Last year he had mono and was sick for three months. This year he has battled pneumonia, and while his lungs are now clear, he's still spiking fevers at night. He has a very sensitive stomach (runs in his family) so vitamin c and other supplements can be really hard on him. He has a strong gag reflex, and once it gets going, it's very hard to stop.  He has very little appetite, so getting food into him can be difficult.

     

    We've gone the medical route, and the doctors treat his immediate illness and symptoms, but I want to help him build immunity so he can knock these bugs before they take hold. Any suggestions? I've been reading about bone broth, and think that might be a good place to start. Any other ideas? Another friend has mentioned essential oils, but I have no idea where to start. They are expensive--do they work? Any good, soothing, healthful recipes? Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!

    Starting to panic here...

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    If he is thinking computer science/programming, drafting really isn't necessary.  If he is thinking more like electrical/mechanical engineering than it would be useful, but not necessary.  (There are plenty of engineering students in college that have never taken drafting.)

     

    You might want to consider an elective in Logic ... this would be beneficial for engineering, computer science and law.

     

    For AP courses, I would recommend Physics, Chemistry, and an English course.  (Do NOT underestimate how important good communication skills are for engineers!!!!! <---- sorry, a pet peeve of mine :tongue_smilie:)  AP Biology if he is really interested in it.  Economics would also be a good choice (some undergrad programs in engineering require it). 

     

    Along with a mock trial team, you might want to look and see if there is a robotics team he could participate in.

     

    BTW, I know several people that got bachelors degrees in engineering and then went on to become lawyers.  If a building collapses, its really helpful to have a lawyer that understands how engineering "works."

     

    Thank you, Amy!  I just thought I'd update with this:  I talked to ds, and he is very enthusiastic about the idea of pursuing an engineering degree first, and then going on to law school. I love the idea in that if he doesn't go to law school, he has a very marketable degree. If he does, he has a skill set that makes him unique among lawyers.  Thank you!

     

    Nashville, TN?

    in The Chat Board

    Posted

    We were just there last week for a visit.  This is definitely the cheapest option.  The hotel is huge, they have location signs all through.  Gorgeous inside.  I don't know if it would appeal to your age kids.  The mall has both a Rainforest Restaurant and a Aquarium Restaurant.  Not cheap places to eat.  But either one would be an event for your kids.  We loved eating at Rainforest when we went down to Disney and were in the mind set for spending that much on food.  There is also the usual food court option.

     

    My youngest is 12 and we were not there to do it on the cheap.  If they have read Percy Jackson or seen the movie, the Parthenon with an Athena statue is in the middle of town.  It's about $6 each to go in.  But I don't remember seeing any place to eat close by.

     

    If you go to the Parthenon, Rotier's is a local restaurant that has great cheeseburgers.  It's really sort of a dive, but it's a legend in Nashville.  It's close to the Parthenon on Elliston Place.

    Starting to panic here...

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    Thank you so much for all the replies!! Lori, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to type all that out!! You have given me so much to think about, and I'm printing it out for my file.

     

    To those who mentioned NCAA, I'm on it.  :)  I've been reading up on the eligibility requirements, and of course those are just more pieces to the puzzle.  Oy...

    Starting to panic here...

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    You need an English course in addition to government and economics.

     

    Also I would strongly recommend a beefier science option for a future STEM major. I don't think Apologia will be adequate for someone who wants to major in the sciences.

     

    Thanks, Harriet!  I edited my earlier post--I didn't mean to indicate he wouldn't be taking a fourth year of English. I forgot I had lumped English and history together under Omnibus and neglected to add in the fourth year.  Thanks!!

     

    I had my suspicions about Apologia, and I was hoping someone would address that.  My problem is that Apologia is the only option offered locally.  I was a humanities person myself--I have majors in English and Poli Science and then went to law school.  I am not confident in my ability to provide a beefy lab science on my own, and don't know where else to turn.  Do you have any recommendations? Anything online?  Thanks!!

     

    Starting to panic here...

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    You need *four* years of English. Government and economcs are NOT English courses.

     

     

    Yes! Of course!  :)  For the first three years, history and English are integrated through Omnibus (two separate classes, but they cover the same time period.)  His senior year he will be taking a fourth English class in addition to government and economics.  I didn't write that correctly, and I'll go back and edit.  Thanks!

     

    Regentrude, I don't know if he is a good fit for computer programming, honestly.  It's something he is interested in though, and I'd like to keep the door open to him.  I think we will look at a programming class for him his freshman year for the exposure. We'll see what happens.  I feel much more comfortable addressing his interest in law school, as that is the route I took.  I can help him get there, but the STEM path is much more of a mystery to me.  That's why I'm very grateful for your input!

    Starting to panic here...

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    Computer Programming is very useful to have studied, although not absolutely

     

    necessary.  I recommend AoPS Introduction to Programming.  It is an excellent course.

    I would be reluctant to send a kid who wanted to study Computer Programming and

    no programming background.  When your child is done with that, AoPS has a Java

    course too.  CTY (Center for Talented Youth) has some awesome-looking computer

    programming classes.  PA Homeschoolers has an AP Computer Science class.

     

    Thank you for these resources!!  I didn't realize AoPS had programming classes--for some reason I thought they were exclusively math oriented. I appreciate the help!

     

    Thank you also for the feedback on AP classes. It is what I suspected, although I'm always surprised when I look around and don't see many homeschoolers in my area pursuing them.  I don't know that we need a top university, although we would certainly be thrilled.  Money will be an issue and merit scholarships will be required, unfortunately.

     

    Thanks again!!

    Starting to panic here...

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    Ok, here is my requisite introductory message that begins, "My son is starting 9th grade next year, and I'm in full blown panic mode..."  :)

     

    My ds waivers between wanting to follow a more STEM oriented field like engineering or programming and wanting to be a trial lawyer.  He is very strong in the humanities and capable in math and science.  What I don't know is how to structure his high school years so as to keep all of his options open.  Here are our current plans:

     

    English: 4 years of Omnibus

     

    History: 3 years of Omnibus; one additional year of government and economics.

     

    Math:  Alg. 1 taken in 8th grade; Geometry through Calculus with Derek Owens.

     

    Science:  Biology and Chemistry courses and labs taken through local tutorial (Apologia); Physics with Derek Owens.  One other lab class, but not sure where.  Maybe dual enrollment? Online?

     

    Foreign Language: German 1 taken in 8th grade at OSU.  Planning to complete up through German 4 (AP) at OSU

     

    To graduate he also needs .5 credit keyboarding; 3 credits of Bible; 1 credit PE and 1 credit fine arts or performing arts (per our umbrella)

     

    How does this plan look?  Please, please let me know if something is lacking or adjustment is needed! Also, what types of electives should he pursue for a STEM degree, and how do we find them?  I'm imagining he should be taking some programming classes? What about drafting?  It's so hard not to compare with PS, but my nephew who is beginning college this year as an engineering major has taken drafting in school for 4 years! I just want to do the best I can to equip my son with what he needs to be successful.  

     

    What about AP classes? Dual enrollment? Merit and/or sports scholarships will be necessary unless he wants to live at home and attend a state university that's about 30 mins away. It, however, does not offer engineering...

     

    He is hoping to participate on a mock trial team that is forming this year in our area, and in the process he'll hopefully be able to connect with a local attorney and get a feel for whether or not this is something he wants to pursue.  He's also a golfer and spends a lot of time volunteering with our local First Tee program and golfing on the homeschool team and local tournaments.  He's a good kid, who is busy, and we need to make the best use of his time.

     

    If you've made it through all this--thank you from the bottom of my heart!!  I greatly appreciate any wisdom you can share!

     

     

     

    Recommendations for DIY homeschool convention or inservice training

    in General Education Discussion Board

    Posted

    I wasn't able to make it to anything other than our small, local conference which, admittedly, is very life-style oriented.  I could really use some inspiration before starting school next month, and I was wondering if anyone would like to share links to some audio lectures that they have really enjoyed?  I've listened to (and very much enjoyed!) most of the PHP mp3s, and would love to learn of other ones. 

     

    Thanks!!

    ..

    in The Chat Board

    Posted

    I really can't imagine my oldest giving up her dolls until she goes to college! Even then I doubt she'll actually give them up just store them somewhere. She doesn't exactly *play* with them as much but she loves dressing them up and making/decorating their house. Her best friend has a digital camera and they make little skits with the dolls too. I know of quite a few older teens (16+) who still have them as more of a collection.

     

     

    My dd12 is exactly like this! She designs her own furniture and accessories out of odds and ends and makes skits, too!

    Unit study for middle school dd?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Thank you, Moon!! I've looked at this before as a possibility, especially since my dd would love to study about Canada. My only concern is what if she doesn't enjoy Anne of GG? (gasp!!) Then she will fight me all year. :) I'm a big Anne fan (even gave this particular child the middle name of Anne--with an "e") so I think it looks like fun! Do you read many other works? How much time are you spending on it a week? What are you using to beef it up? Thanks for the reply!!

    Unit study for middle school dd?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Can anyone point me to some resources (or something already planned!) for my dd who will be in 8th grade next year? She is very, very tactile. She is bright, but not at all academically motivated at this point. I'm looking for some ways to engage her, while still getting in the skills she needs for high school. She will be doing science and Latin at tutorial, and algebra here at home. She doesn't enjoy history at all, and I've never been able to spark an interest in this area! She's young for her age, and she really enjoys helping her brother with his phonics work--his program incorporates lots of games and pieces that can be manipulated and sorted. I think she would enjoy notebooking and making flip books, but so many of the resources I've seen are geared to much younger kids.

     

    So, my question...Can anyone recommend resources for me? Or ideas for me to incorporate more tactile experiences into her daily work? I think she would enjoy a unit study approach, and I think I may finally be at a place where I could pull it off. :) I'm looking to cover language arts (writing, literature, and grammar), American (and some Canadian) history, geography, and maybe artist/composer studies?

     

    Thanks!!

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