ssexton
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Posts posted by ssexton
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I'm jealous!! I'd be SOOO excited to find a TOG co-op!!! Hope it happens and you guys enjoy it!!
Me too! Would love to have a local co-op!
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I'll put in a plug for Killer Bunnies. My dd10 and ds11 are having a blast playing against each other. They haven't been getting along as smoothly lately, and it's wonderful to watch them play together! I enjoy the game too!
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Thanks so much for the ideas!! Wendy, I love the letter tiles idea. I have a bunch of scrabble tiles--I think I'll pull them out.
Princess Peach, I've been looking at Abeka materials. Have you used the blend ladders at all? I've been thinking about making some of my own. I think this child needs some extra reinforcement reading left to right.
I appreciate the ideas and encouragement. It's been awhile since teaching my older two to read, and I'm a bit rusty I guess! :)
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My ds5.5 is learning to read, and understands blending and can read CVC words. However, he is frequently confused about the vowel sounds. He'll look at "mug" for example, and read "mag, mig, uh...mug." I want him to have a firmer mastery of these sounds and wonder if anyone can recommend some activities, games or something to help? We currently use Phonics Pathways and I just bought ETC 1 today for more reinforcement.
I'd appreciate any thoughts!
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Praying here too.
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Just wanted to clarify that the errors I found with Lively Latin were during it's Beta testing. I'm sure they have been fixed at this point, but at the time I had already printed copious amounts of pages and was ready to move on. I also had problems with errors in Latin for Children, but again, I bought an older, used version, and I'm sure they are now also resolved. I just mentioned those two programs to show the road we took to get to our current program. :)
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We used the beta version of LL, and while I'm sure it's a great program now, at the time I didn't know a lick of Latin, and the errors were confusing. Then we tried Latin for Children. Again, we used an early version, and I hear it's much improved now. The chants we learned were helpful.
We now use The Great Latin Adventure, and we love it! The author includes extensive notes at the beginning of each chapter explaining the grammar and giving tips as to things to emphasize, etc. This program really helped me, a mom with no Latin knowledge, to finally understand how the pieces fit together. I especially appreciated the first (optional) chapter that explained how to pronounce the Latin words we were learning. Not even knowing how to say the vocabulary words was very uncomfortable to say the least! The program includes vocabulary, grammar, translation, and derivative work.
Anyway, just another option to consider. I'm not affiliated in any way with the program or author; I just love the program!
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I put out a 4' x 10' raised bed last year and layered newspaper under the new soil to keep out the grass. However, I got a little lazy with weeding late in the summer and now my icky bermuda grass has taken over my raised bed. I don't know what I'm going to do now. I've got a large raised bed full of bermuda grass, and it's about impossible to get rid of. ugh...
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I've been dealing with a similar situation. My dd is a little younger; she'll be going into 6th grade next year. She's a very creative, hands-on kind of girl, and while she loves experiments, reading and digesting a text is quite a chore. I've determined that I want cultivate a love for science, so I was searching for a way to make it more appealing.
While browsing the free section of currclick last night, I found lapbook/notebooking materials for Apologia's general science (and other programs). There is currently a free sample available if you want to check it out. My daughter will still be reading the text, but this will give her a more active way to approach the materials. I thought it was interesting, as I always thought these types of materials were solely for the younger crowd.
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Well, I just purchased Art Reed's DVDs for Algebra 1/2. :)
http://www.homeschoolwithsaxon.com/onlinevideo.php
You can view sample lessons by clicking on one of the links.
I liked the fact that it is a video of an actual person in front of a board working the problems. I also like the fact that Mr. Reed has taught Saxon in schools and will answer questions via phone or email within 24 hours. He is very personable. I spoke with him on the phone for almost 1/2 hour the other day and he would have talked a lot longer if I had more questions.
I also looked at SaxonTeacher and DIVE but just didn't like the presentation method and the voice -- the voice just about did me in. (I can't imagine giving that to my 14 year old and expecting her to pay attention.) :D But, I know many use these and are happy with them...
:iagree:
This is what I'm planning to use next year for Saxon 8/7. Of course, I've not used it yet, but I've read many good reviews for it on these boards.
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Here's what we're doing:
Math: CLE 600
Grammar and writing: R&S 6, Beta testing SWB's logic writing program, additional writing from history and science.
Spelling: Apples and Pears Spelling books B and C (this is an area of challenge for ds)
Literature: Reading assigned books (some from history others are classics)
Science: Prentice Hall Science Explorers Astronomy, Ellen McHenry's The Elements and other materials. Science fair through enrichment program.
Logic: Logic Countdown and Logic Liftoff
Latin: Great Latin Adventure I
History: put together my own thing using elements from Sonlight 6, Biblioplan, K12's Human Odyssey and History Odyssey. Yes, I have two many resources here, but I got them all used, and nothing fits perfectly as is!
Memory Work: I put together a list of scripture and other materials to memorize. Looking into the CC audios or Living Memory for next year.
We also participate in a one day a week enrichment program which offers science, history, creative writing, drama, PE, and art. DS participates in the First Tee golf program during the summer.
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Here's a site that I love and haven't seen mentioned: http://www.ellenjmchenry.com/id1.html
Ellen McHenry wrote The Elements, a science curriculum many of us have enjoyed. She has a whole section of her website dedicated to free downloads. We played one of her Latin games this morning, and it was wonderful!
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Thanks for the ideas, everyone. I've been thinking about the "out of the box" thread, and I think it was the one that mentioned creative problem solving. There was a charter school that challenged the students to come up with ways to make the school library quieter. To solve the problem, the children learned about sound waves and other concepts--using problem solving skills while meeting state standards. I'd love some ways to do something like this in our home. But how? That's the $6 million question. Mommybostic, the calendar you mentioned might have some good jumping off points.
I also appreciate the history of science resources several of you mentioned. Thank you!
Anybody have any math ideas? Anyone know anything about Lego education resources and have any recommendations?
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My son is eleven and finishing sixth grade this year. He is an engaged student and his special area of interest is history--especially American and military history. I'm thrilled that he is motivated to read and watch documentaries on his own in this area, but I also want to encourage an interest in the math and science fields. We are using CLE 600 this year along with Prentice Hall's Science Explorer. He's doing well and learning the material, but he's not really engaged. And I've not covered nearly as much science with him as I would have liked, given it's not a big area of interest for me (not a good excuse, I know!) I want to change this though.
After reading the "out of the box" thread, I'm wondering if you have any ideas to help light a fire in these other areas? I've considered snap circuits and maybe even some of the lego robotics kits (he loves legos). I'm not sure where to start with those. Maybe a study of the history of science? Any suggestions? And how do I incorporate actual science into this (scientific method, content, vocabulary, etc?) I'm definitely a box checker and need some help with some creativity here! I'd welcome both specific product recommendations and ideas for implementing this type of study.
Thanks!
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Well, I loved MFW RtR, but have you taken a look through the books it uses? The first 12-13 weeks use Augustus Caesar's World as a spine for the study of Rome. My 6th grade ds and I loved, loved, loved it! But, my 5th grade dd really didn't enjoy it much. With some of your dc on the younger side, and due to the length of time devoted to this resource, I'd look it over carefully and see if it would be a good fit for your family.
I agree with the pp about the science book being a lot of cutting if your dc aren't fairly independent. But we did have fun with it. :)
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Reporting a little late here, as we were out of town yesterday. I finished Fireflies in December yesterday in the car. It was an easy read that really held my attention. I finished it in one day.
I've also been working through A Short History of Christianity, but it's going to take a while to finish. There is so much history packed into every paragraph that I need to read it in small bits so I can take it all in.
My ds 11 has decided to participate with me, so here is his list (from the beginning of the year):
The Great Brain at the Academy
Cheaper by the Dozen
How to Train Your Dragon
Me and My Little Brain
More Adventures of the Great Brain
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I read The Help this week. Amazing book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The characters were amazing, and I've been thinking about it for the last few days since finishing. Thanks to all who recommended it.
Next up is Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich. Pure fluff, but my library hold finally came through. I hope to read another (yet to be determined) book also.
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Which Saving Dinner cookbooks are you referring to? I see that the author has quite a few. I would like to invest in just one....so would love recommendations on which. Thanks.
Jules,
I'm using Saving Dinner: The Menus, Recipes, and Shopping Lists to Bring Your Family Back to the Table, by Deanne Ely. I've only used a couple of recipes from the book so far, but I like it! Mine is a library book, and I'm considering buying one of my own when I have to return it.
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Learn to use herbs & spices.
This too! One of the recipes I tried from Saving Dinner called for fresh cilantro. Oh my! It was so good, and I recognized it as the magic ingredient found in my favorite Mexican recipes. I know, hard to believe I'm just learning this at 41 years old, but better late than never! I also love lots of garlic!
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Consider getting on that waiting list first. Nourishing Traditions is an absolutely FASCINATING book and will teach you a lot. But it is INSANELY overwhelming if you are just making the switch to Whole Foods! NT will leave you feeling a little helpless and a lot overwhelmed. Read NT, let it settle in, switch to whole foods, re-read NT, pick up a few things, practice, practice, pick it up, read it again. I can almost promise 1/2 of those folks on the list aren't reading it for the first time, lol. Also, I don't know where you stand on grains, but NT does have a lot of emphasis on grains.
Baby steps. Baby steps guarantee you make a LIFE LONG change.
Thank you for this! It is a bit overwhelming! My grocery bill this week was twice what it normally is. I think I need to slow down just a bit.
What I did this week: avoided high fructose corn syrup, bought whole grain tortillas and rolls, and (drumroll please!) I cooked kale for the first time. To the poster who recommended The World's Healthiest Foods, thank you! It held my hand through the whole process of preparing and storing it, and the results were good. My family actually ate it. My children weren't thrilled, but they managed without any complaints.
I've checked Saving Dinner out of the library also, and it looks good. Not too big of a stretch for a newbie. I've just got to figure out a way to bring my grocery tab down a bit.
Thanks!
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Saxon 1/2 - that's my guess.
Thanks!
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:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:
Praying here for Frosty, your sister, and all the kitties who love him so much! Thanks for the updates!
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Oh, that's exciting! We're currently using CLE 6, and we were planning to jump to Saxon and the Art Reed DVDs for algebra after CLE 7. Any idea what level Saxon he might be ready for after CLE 6? Thanks!
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Thanks everyone!! I've requested a bunch from the library! Thanks for reminding me about allrecipes, Frontier Mom--love that site!
Nourishing Traditions has quite a wait list at our library. Must be good! May need to consider buying it. Sounds like it will take me on quite an adventure, chadzwife! I have a lot to learn, I really do.
Thanks for all your help, everyone!
Gamewright games: your favorites?
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
We love Sleeping Queens and Wig Out. Slamwich isn't my favorite, but my ds5 loves it!