pgr
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Posts posted by pgr
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I really like MM, but I haven't used the others. Here's a sampling of older threads on these math programs - good luck!! :)
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221476
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180052
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154086
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193441
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194968
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220720
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170574
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1786
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75475
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224486
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164345
I had seen some of these in my prior searches (and "researches"), but missed many.
Thank you SO much for taking the time to post this!!!
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Anyone?...
:confused1:
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Thank you so much for all the replies - I would multi-quote, but every single reply has been helpful, so thank you to each and every one!
I realize that I forgot to mention that I am terrible with arithmetic (but better with things like geometry and algebra - go figure :confused:). I guess what I mean is that I probably would do better with a good teacher's manual holding my hand.
That made me think that I would like Singapore. I printed out some of the sample pages and showed them to DD. She did not take to them at all. I didn't really like the layout - lots of information in bubbles?
Obviously, it's nearly impossible to make a decision (or judgment) based on a handful of sample pages out of context. Also, I have not seen the HIG.
She has been working through Horizons 1A as she wants (she's in Montessori K outside of home right now); the workbook seemed to have concepts she already is somewhat familiar with, so I thought I'd see if it's a good fit before committing to it as our core program for the fall. Well, interest has been waning (this kid loves math), and she seems to enjoy math much more when there's a real life application.
Hence the trepidation...
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We didn't use anything but reading to learn to read. I began reading to daughter the day I found out I was pregnant.
I read and read and read.
I sounded out. pointed to word and pictures. I pointed to letters and made sounds.
I did this or that but really, I mostly just read.
She's a fabulous, fluent reader at 11.
This is exactly what I did with my DD.
Both of my kids learned to read just by reading. They were both early readers. When they went to ps they had a year of phonics in first grade which I think was good reinforcement.I really just read. I read a lot of books of all different types. I used to let each of them pick a book for me to read at bedtime. When they wanted to start reading, they got to pick a book to read themselves too. Ds started at 2.5, dd was 3.5. I remember the first time dd read a book. She said, I want a turn reading (her brother had just had a turn) then went and picked out a step 1 book out of our basket brought it up on the bed and read it. She did much better than I expected - honestly I was shocked. I helped her sound out words she didn't know and every night after that, she picked a book to read herself.
I think the child's desire and reading readiness are the keys here. If the words start to have meaning, and they know the letters and letter sounds, then they can start decoding. Then you just help with sounding out as they practice. They have to want to read in order for it to really happen though.
:iagree: TOTALLY!
As a child, I switched schools quite a bit because we moved frequently, and ended up not having a lot of (consistent) phonics or grammar instruction myself. Even so, language is one of my strengths.
Our DD is 5 and reading at 2nd-3rd grade level, and our DS is recognizing words like no, stop, and hat - he'll be 3 this spring.
What made it happen in our home, I think, is lots of books, minimal to almost no TV, and children who are, apparently, naturally good with language and ready to learn at a relatively early age. I agree the key, as in many areas of early education, is to have all the tools available to them, and look for signs that THEY are ready to take the step.
I don't doubt that there are many children that do much better with phonics instruction. However, I also strongly believe that phonics are not necessary for the child whose brain does not work that way.
I think the most important part at this point is that your DS loves to read for the fun of it!
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I'm continuing (for those who have noticed my other threads :blushing:) to rethink all aspects of my previous plan for next year...
I initially planned to use Horizons for math, and supplement with Math on the Level because I love how it incorporates math into real life (or claims to, at least - I haven't actually held it in my own hands).
I'm hearing a lot about Singapore (and MM and Miquon). My daughter is fairly strong in math, and able to do a lot of calcuations in her head. I think she'd like looking at something from different angles until she "gets it", though not from so many that it gets confusing. I don't think she'd have a lot of patience for continuing to repeat something she's already understood (extra repetition can be skipped, though, right?).
I would still like to use MOL as a supplement.
I've read that Singapore, MM, and Horizons are all generally above grade level.
Any input on how they compare/contrast?
Thank you!!!
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After thinking I had it all planned out for next year, I realized (with much critical help from the boards here...) that I'm casting a net much, much too widely.
I was looking for an all in one LA program, and wanted to supplement with separate resources as well. Don't think that's going to work, at least not without straining student, teacher and budget! I'm starting over, and starting with goals this time...
This is where I need the guidance.
Grammar: I love the idea of FLL, but I absolutely *hate* that it's scripted (running and ducking - I know this is something many love). Would MCT be a "replacement" as far as scope goes? We have mandatory standardized testing in English and Math.
Writing: is WWE also scripted? I was able to flip through FLL at B&N a while ago, but I can't look at (nor can I find samples for) WWE. Does Classical Writing do a comparable job as far as scope goes? What about CQLA?
Spelling: is there a program that incorporates spelling well without requiring a separate program? (Other than doing a ton of reading, which obviously will work in that direction).
Finally, is there any opinion about HOD "Drawn into the Heart of Reading"? Does that go against classical education, i.e is it too much analysis at a young age?
Thank you!
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If you're interested in first grade plans, I can tell you what we did for 1st tjis year. My daughter is not an advanced reader, though, so that's a little different than your situation.
History:
Story of the World (with Activity Guide and lots of supplemental books)
Reading:
Phonics Pathways
Once she was reading decently, we added the Pathway Readers chapter books
Spelling, Phonics, Handwriting and Grammar (it's an all-in-one):
Phonics Road 1
Math:
Rightstart B
Singapore Challenging Word Problems
Spanish:
Elemental Spanish, which we just started in the second half of 1st grade
Science:
Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding
Real Science 4 Kids Pre-level Chemistry
R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Life Science
This is where I went overboard, BUT dd loves science and we never do more than 2 lessons in a week, so in reality it's not as much as it seems. BFSU is meant to be used anywhere from K-2nd grade, so we're spreading it out with the other two mixed in.
Art:
Artistic Pursuits
How to Teach Art to Children
This is dd's other passion, and we only do one lesson per week most weeks, but sometimes 2. They are 2 totally different programs. I highly recommend AP. :)
We don't use a separate writing curriculum, as the LA program I've chosen, Phonics Road, begins to cover that more next year. This year the focus is on learning to spell, read, write, and create proper sentences with correct punctuation and capitalization. We no longer use a separate handwriting program, as handwriting is also incorporated into Phonics Road (and it includes plenty of writing, so with penpals and that, we don't need extra practice writing). DD also takes piano lessons and attends a twice weekly P.E./swim class for home schoolers at the YMCA. Your local Y might have something like that, if you're interested. Ours only costs $18 per 6 week session.
So as you can see, I am also a curriculum junkie. I did not include the things we have, but don't use. If you see the recent thread where people discussed what they would've done differently for 1st grade, you'll notice that a few of us said we would've purchased less curriculum. It is nice to have options, but in my experience, it's made things more complicated. It makes you feel like you ought to USE the things you have, and that's frustrating when you just have too much. lol It's hard to edit, and it's hard not to use it all, so sometimes you try to do too much. I don't believe in the idea that all the different methods confuse a kid (I actually think knowing several ways to solve the same problem is helpful) but I do think it's stressful for ME, staring at these beautiful worksheets and knowing I'd just love to give her one, even though I really don't even like her doing lots of worksheets...but it's there, on the shelf, and it's calling my name. :lol: So that's where my advice is coming from. If you have an easy time editing yourself, then go for it. Buy 50 curricula for each subject. Just don't do it if you're like me and you'll be tempted to use it all. lol
Thank you!!!
Your list is very helpful, and I especially appreciate your perspective! I think we're all like that to some degree - if it's on the shelf, it should at least be given "a chance". Which could mean trying to cram in way too much.
*sigh*
Tell me this gets easier, LOL! (and we haven't even "formally" started HS'ing...)
:)
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OK, I think I can stop worrying about not doing enough! :lol:
My DH helped me clarify something last night - I kept reading all the posts thinking "first grade? But she won't always be just in first grade..." He asked if I'd planned out the entire 12 years of education (looking at my spreadsheet :o), or just first grade.
That question made me realize that my "plan" is, in fact, a compilation of possible resources not just for next year, but for the elementary years in general, or at least grades 1-3. At 4th grade her little brother will be starting first grade, and I will hopefully have a better understanding of what works (for her, at least - then I can start over with DS!) and what doesn't.
One thing I am trying to be very, very mindful of is letting her set the pace, the tone, and the direction. After all, a person really *needs* to know how to read, write, and have a basis in math. The rest is either something that will make them a more well-rounded person, or will be useful to them in their adult vocation (which they will theoretically naturally gravitate toward eventually).
I guess the worst that will happen, if I'm very careful not to push my own agenda, is that I'll have wasted money on things we don't end up using - which is why I'm only buying the "core" stuff in the beginning and going from there.
Anyway, I do appreciate all the input - you guys have been a great help!
BBG580 - it's always great to compare notes! :D It's nice to meet someone else who's new and just starting first grade.
Brasilmom - thank you for sharing your first grade plan as well!
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Like many, I love languages and ended up getting quite a bit of exposure to many (by necessity). I want to share that with our kids, but I don't want to overwhelm...
Thank you for all the input!
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Dropping something in the way of foreign language and critical thinking sounds good - these are areas I have not felt certain with. Well, I haven't felt certain with most of it, really, but I think I need to stop jumping on what did or didn't work for others and just see how it goes for us.
Part of the apprehension is that we're moving to PA, which is apparently one of the strictest when it comes to HS laws.
Yikes.
(Thank you!!!)
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Thank you for all the replies! I appreciate the perspective.
In my "defense" (:blushing:), I may not have explained well enough that I plan to use one primary resource, and the others only to add things as appropriate, needed, or as they tie in with what we're doing.
We have already started "doing" English for the Thoughtful Child and Horizons, as well as reading from CHOW. I am very careful to follow her lead as far as what she's asking to learn and stopping when her attention is waning.
She's at an advanced level in many areas, including foreign language (English is not her first language, but she speaks/reads/writes fluently).
I was planning to use the italicized sources as a primary (i.e. get through the whole level by the end of the year) resource, and all the others just as "extras" (including foreign languages) depending on where my DD takes us herself, and not trying to get through a certain level.
Clear as mud?...
Regardless, I appreciate the responses - I may need to drop stuff fairly quickly (or not start them at all)!
:)
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I have been researching homeschooling, different philosophies, different resources, etc for about two years now. I've gone from considering afterschooling to withdrawing my application to a job I'd interviewed for in order to learn at home with my kids.
Our eldest will be in first grade this fall; she's currently in a half day Montessori K.
After much research and consideration, I *think* I've come up with a plan for next year. I wish I could get to a convention to actually see the resources in real life, and I know that what one family has to abandon right off the bat will be what another loves and sticks to through the end.
With that in mind, I'd love it if you could sound off on my choices...
I do plan to use one source as the main "spine", listed first in italics under each subject, and the others as supplements, usually not daily (especially true for language arts).
Language Arts:
CQLA
Reading list complied from various sources (AO, SCM, etc); working with HOD "Drawn Into the Heart of Reading" maybe one day a week
Getty Dubai
English for the Thoughtful Child
Wordly Wise
Classical Writing
Math:
Horizons
supplement with Math on the Level
Science:
REAL Science 4 Kids
supplement with NOEO book lists for reading
Nature study/journaling
History:
CHOW
"All Through the Ages" for reading
Usborne Encyclopedia of Ancient History
Geography:
A Child's Geography of the World
Critical Thinking:
Building Thinking Skills
Foreign Language:
Sing Song Latin/Latina Prima
Easy Spanish
Easy French
Art:
ARTistic pursuits? (not sure)
Music:
not sure yet...
I think that's it? I'm writing based on memory since I'm at my current full-time job away from home right now....
ACK! I'm starting to get a little panicked! Is it too much? Is it enough? Can I really do this???
(thank you in advance for any input!)
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Thank you so much for all the replies! :)
You have all given me a lot of food for thought!
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Does anyone have any experience with teaching a child more than one foreign language?
My ultimate goal would be to help our daughter to learn enough to be able to communicate and read (at least basic stuff - like a menu, not necessarily a novel) in French and Spanish. I also would like to give her a foundation in Latin.
The question lies in the logistics - do I teach her one language, then the other? Both at once on different days? Different years? Different semesters? You get the picture.....:tongue_smilie:
I have a strong language background, as well as a fairly good knowledge of all of these languages. Our DD is very strong in languages as well, even though she is still very young (starting first grade this fall).
I don't necessarily plan to hit her with all three at once starting in first grade ;), I'm just trying to get a plan together.
Thank you!
:)
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Thank you - that is very helpful. I agree that the only way to know is to try it out; I think I'm going to look at used curriculum and see what I can find...
It's hard when so much of this depends on learning style, teaching style, general level that the child is working at, etc.
I appreciate your input!
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Hello! :seeya:
I've been researching homeschooling for a few years, and will begin learning at home with our eldest this fall. She'll be in first grade, and I'm having a very hard time choosing a LA curriculum, especially since I can only go by samples I find online.
I'm trying to use living books for the entire curriculum - she was an early reader and loves books.
I've looked into LATL (Language Arts Through Literature), but it seems like the general consensus is that it's a terrific idea in theory, with poor execution.
I've also looked at CQLA (Character Quality Language Arts), but I've also seen mixed reviews - poor choice of passages, weak spelling, etc. People have said they ended up using the curricula that CQLA is based on instead - which includes LATL.
ACK!
To say that the choices are totally overwhelming is an understatement.
I'm leaning toward using English for the Thoughtful Child, Wordly Wise, and reading lists from various sources, and also maybe using Heart of Dakota Into the Heart of Reading and Classical Writing Primer?
Help?! I should add that she's a very strong reader, and shows a lot of enthusiasm as well as initiative for learning. This is not a child that will let me take it slow and be terribly relaxed! I am intent, however, on taking it at her pace.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!!!
:001_smile:
How do Singapore, MM, and Horizons compare?
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
I haven't looked at RS, but I will! :)
It seems to keep coming up in the MM/SM discussions as well.
Oh, and can SM CWP be purchased separately? It seems that, at least, would be a good supplement with any math program...
Thank you!