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pinonheightsacademy

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Posts posted by pinonheightsacademy

  1. Analytical Grammar teaches all of the diagramming a student needs to know. We go through the entire book at a brisk pace—typically one unit per week. AG is a very thorough grammar component.

     

    Yes, the course is intended to be a complete English course including grammar, literature and writing. The students complete weekly writing assignments plus a number of bigger, multi-week writing projects. We do use The Lively Art of Writing to teach the fundamentals of writing essays, but our writing assignments are in no way limited to essays.

     

    We assign four novels over the entire course. Students track certain aspects of each novel throughout the unit, discuss them in breakout groups, and complete written literature projects at the end of each novel. It’s a good balance and mix of grammar, writing, and literature for this age group.

     

    My first name is in my signature. I am the only teacher for that course with the first name of Monica. :)

    Thank you for the info.  For some reason I don't see signatures when on my phone looking at the board, but I do now on my computer. It looks like your section for Foundations is during the time my daughter has math class. :(.  

     

    I like that it is a complete English course.  It is just what I am looking for. 

     

    Thanks again!

  2. My dd has taken English 1 this year. I've not been too impressed, but I'm very picky.

     

    The class consists of literature which they read and discuss. This is definitely the best part of the class as they do a fairly good job of discussing the literature. There is a vocabulary book that they are supposed to be working through. The assignments are not posted in the same place as other assignments, and my dd basically doesn't do them. The vocabulary assignments are never due, but there are quizzes. As you can imagine, my dd doesn't do very well on the quizzes since she never does the work.

     

    There are grammar assignments which have to be turned in, and they often have discussion about grammar during class. This is also another good part of the class.

     

    The writing assignments are ok. However, my dd has literally gotten 100% on every single writing assignment and never gets any feedback. This is the one area that really bothers me. I rely on English classes to help my dc learn to write better, and this class has done nothing in that department.

     

    My dd only likes the class because it is super easy and "she doesn't have to spend too much time on English." Also, if you're looking for something that is secular, this is not it. My dd says they do lots of scripture reading in the class.

     

    Hope this helps!

    Thank you for the information!  I do like that the Foundations class also includes literature and grammar.  One of the teachers responded also.  I am hoping this class works out, because it seems to be everything we need.  

  3. I teach a section of the Foundations in Writing class. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. I realize that you seek feedback from families who have had students enrolled, but if you have specific questions about the course, let me know.

     

    As a teacher, I try to give specific feedback to each student according to his or her level. I have a few students who are very capable writers for their age. I do give high scores on their assignments because they earn them. However, I try to give them feedback to help them grow beyond their current levels as writers. I also have students at the other end of the spectrum who struggle with every assignment. I give feedback to each student according to what I think they need.

    Renaissance Mom, I am so glad you saw this and responded.  I have not found a lot of info about the HSLDA classes on any site. I am glad to know that you give feedback, because the main reason I am seeking an online class for writing is to have someone grade and give feedback.   I do have a couple of questions regarding the course.  My daughter has little experience in diagramming, and I wonder if that matters with Analytical Grammar?  I also would like to know, in your opinion, if this class includes enough grammar and literature to call it good for those subjects?  I don't have any state requirements to worry about.  I was planning on doing a separate literature course through another company, however it seems Foundations does quite a bit of literature throughout the year.  

     

    If you don't mind, you can message me your name, so I can enroll my daughter in your session, if the time slot works out.  

     

    Thank you

  4. I do not know anything about the OSU program or the company you'd use for Spanish, but in my opinion, the first thing that she'll need if she's going to stick with any language and actually benefit is to have her enthusiasm rewarded by using materials that allow her to actually be successful in speaking/understanding the language. Hunting out these types of materials is my hobby and passion.

     

    I am not a company spokesman or anything like that,but I've sifted through a lot of junk to find some kid-friendly language learning jewels. In fact most of the materials I recommend are out of print, but still available in the secondary market.

     

    I recommend she  pick a language you get some of the materials that I am about to suggest and get started on studying and using the materials they arrive and work on it over the summer. Schedule time for her to do the language EVERY DAY for 10-20 minutes minimum and help her be consistent. She will see BIG gains and it will feed her desire to keep going.

     

    In my opinion it is very important for people to get "paid" from the efforts with a foreign language as quickly as possible so I would get materials that are aimed at getting you speaking in useful, real-life phrases fast.

     

    The following resources are good for any beginner, but especially for interested kids/teens who have no background with the language. I would not sign up for language courses, yet. Instead I would invest that money in resources that are really useful and have a high-level of output.

     

     

    1989 Berlitz Jr books are useful, if you can find one with the audio cassette or find a native Speaker to read/record the audio of the book for you.

    1989 Berlitz Jr German with Cassette on eBay and

    1989 Berlitz Jr Spanish with CAssette on eBay, though you might also be able to get them through the library.

     

    If you don't have a Cassette player or can't find a native speaker then the 2003 Berlitz for Kids Language Packs are newer and come in a German and Spanish versions. The ones I linked both come with CDs so that may work better for you.

     

    In my opinion both the 1989 and 2003 Berlitz series each series has their own strengths and would complement each other very well.

     

    Angela Wilkes German for Beginners and Spanish for Beginners are friendly, useful books. These slim, visually appealing volumes offer an over view of the language and grammar skills you'll learn in a Language 101 course, but in a comic book format and without the drill. The newer versions come with audio CDs so you can hear how everything is supposed to sound.

     

    LinguaFun Cards are card games that help you build basics sentences in the target language. The Spanish and German version are currently available on eBay and Amazon with CDs (older versions came with cassettes).

     

    Also, these may be a little pricy compared to other books but if your kid REALLY wants to use the language, then BUY THEM. Today.

    Kids Stuff Spanish

    Kids Stuff German

    They contain tons of every-day phrases that you would actually say to a child or in a home setting.

     

    This last resources doesn't have a German version (that I'm aware of) but is a pair of Barrons workbooks that are different from most other kids language workbooks because it is NOT waste of time Spanish Everyday with Audio CDs and  Spanish for the Young Action Words.

     

    I would have her learn to read in Language 1 (using YouTube videos, this won't take long at all) while waiting on her orders to arrive and I would have her work on these materials starting ASAP and all through the summer, she can use the audio cds/tapes to help her pronunciation, but once she is reading she won't be reliant on these audio components at all.

     

    I can link you to some "easy readers" if you are interested to help her practice her reading above/beyond the books I've listed here.

     

    If she's made good progress with the material through the summer, then revisit the idea of signing her up for an outside class for $$$.

     

    These materials will get her able to speak and say things useful to kids fairly quickly and if she's not motivated enough to stick to it with these, then I probably wouldn't fork over the $$$ for outside classes just yet.

    Thank you so much for all the resources. I will check them out!

  5. There was actually a study out a year or two ago that said it’s actually easier to learn to languages at once......I’ll try and find it. I don’t remember the mechanism.

     

    This is going to sound weird, but is she musically inclined and does she memorize lyrics easily to songs (without trying)? If she does she will probably have an easier time than you think. If she doesn’t than one may be enough and do the other free on Duolingo until next year? The $$$ on the second class would be my concern.

     

    I’ve learned Spanish and French together and have not had a problem. I agree with those who say it depends on how motivated she is. I think some people just have an ear for it. I have a couple of friends who each spoke 5+ languages fluently by the end of high school and that made me think for some people it just comes naturally.

    Yes, she is musically inclined.  She plays both violin and piano.  Also takes five dance classes.  Just reading that makes me think two languages may be a bit much to add to her plate.  lol.  

     

    I think we will go with my first plan.  Enroll in live online Spanish 1 for next year.  We will see how that goes and if at some point it doesn't seem like it would be too  much she can add in German.  

  6. My daughter would like to learn both Spanish and German starting next year.   I had been looking into one or the other. For German, we were thinking of using the OSU program. Spanish would be through a company with a live class.  

     

    She is pretty motivated, but I am worried it would be too much.  Has anyone done this?  

     

    I know it depends on the individual. However, we are new to high school and have never learned another language.  I appreciate opinions from veterans :) 

  7. Has anyone used Classes by Beth?  I can't seem to find much in the way of reviews for the classes. (I did search the forums, but really didn't find anything).  There are so many options now for live online classes, but i keep going back to look at CBB.  

     

    If your children have in the past or are currently taking any classes, I would love to hear your opinion.

    Thanks!

  8. I am thinking about using this for one of my children next year. I see a lot of posts/reviews regarding Algebra and up, but not much on the 7th grade class.  Has anyone had a child take this class?  This child does okay in math, but she just doesn't love it. I think she would benefit from a live class and being accountable to someone other than mom and dad.  

  9. My DD is 6, currently in a private Christian school (1st Grade). We love the school and have no problems with the education she is receiving. However, she is currently having some issues and we are going to need to bring her home for some time. The school is using mostly A beka books with Saxon math.

     

    I have read many reviews on this board and know that a lot of people do not recommend the A beka videos. However, I feel it would be an easy transition for her using the same curriculum and also for us, having never homeschooled before.

     

    For those who currently use this program or have in the past, can you give an idea of how long the school day is? Is it the same as a typical 8-3 school day?

     

    The reason I am set on using a beka is that when she is ready to go back to the school, she should be at about the same place as her classmates.

     

    Thank you for any input.

  10. I have been using and printing worksheets for my dd from handwritingworksheets.com. I know they have print, D'Nealian (which we use) and cursive. You can change the line size, have starting dots, use a word or sentence, etc. It is probably not as fancy and extensive as Start Write, but it is free! I did go look at the start write site and it looks great as well!

  11. I learned about Roku when reading these boards and I think it is a great solution for us. We have been talking about a way to ditch our high cable bill. $25 of our monthly bill is for renting the boxes! We live in a very rural area so no competition, just the local company or Dish or DTV (which we were considering).

     

    Does anyone know if you can get Discovery Streaming on the Roku? Or maybe with a blu ray wifi unit? I really know nothing about either one of those.

     

    I think the only thing my husband would miss as far as live TV is the news channels. Can you get live streaming of Fox News with the Roku newscaster channel?

     

    He also likes to watch hunting shows, but I am sure that would be covered somewhere, perhaps with Netflix?

     

    Thanks!

  12. Thank you for the reassurance. I think my plan will be to go with HOD and use CLE for math, LA and reading. I may pick up one of the other science programs to work on with her over the summer along with starting SOTW1. That way we will have more time to do experiments, activities, etc.

  13. I keep ending up on the HOD site but just can't make up my mind. I like the idea of having the schedule made for me since it will be my first year of homeschooling. I studied the sample week for Beyond. I was wondering, for those who have used it, if the science is adequate for a first grade level or do you use a different science curriculum?

     

    I have looked at many of the science samples offered by different companies and read many of the science threads on this board. It just seems to me like they are more in depth than what I see on HOD. Of course, only seeing one week of the guide makes it tough to get the whole picture.

     

    What do you do?

  14. Hi everyone! I have been reading forums and posts on homeschooling and curriculum for about four weeks now. I have a daughter in K (will be 6 in May) at a Christian school and we are feeling the need to bring her home for firstgrade. We have no problems with the education at the school as the students do very well in high school and beyond. I am sure you are all aware of the things we struggle with sending her off every day and then hearing about her day when she gets home! Just because it is a Christian school doesn't mean it is a perfect place for her.

     

    I have been researching many curricula including CLE and HOD. I was able to purchase some used CLE materials (Bible, TM and light units, a social studies light unit and science TM). I purchased these mainly to get an idea of the progam and to see if I thought it was something I could do.After looking through them I really liked them and think my daughter would also. I do have some questions, if you don't mind.

     

    1. She has just started reading and is doing quite well. She reads by herself the little books with words such as "The red hen was in the pen". She tries to sound out big words and does quite well. Would I start her in Learning to Read?

     

    2. She can write all her letters and numbers, although not always neatly! The style of writing she was taught is called D'Nealian. I see that most progams use what I believe is manuscript. Will this be a problem for her?

     

    3. The school she attends uses mostly A beka books with the exception of Saxon math. If in the future we needed to put her back in school, would this be a difficult transition, meaning will she be behind in subjects like math and LA?

     

    4. What do you use for history for first grade? I have read that many people use Stories of the World, but I am worried that is too deep for her. Any thoughts? What about American History?

     

    5. Has anyone used a mixture of CLE with HOD? I really like both and can't make a decision between them. HELP!

     

    6. Does anyone incorporate other programs such as Explode the Code, First Language Lessons, etc. Or is CLE/HOD adequate on their own?

     

    7. I would like to know if CLE has a laid out lesson plan? I can't seem to find anything in the teacher guides I have. I am sure it is as easy as do lesson 1 on the first day, lesson 2 the next, etc., however I really like how HOD has it all laid out. I am not a very organized person and this would be helpful for me!!

     

    Sorry to be so lengthy, I feel a bit guilty about all the questions, but I have been writing down my questions for awhile now and these were the issues that keep coming up for me. I am trying to learn as much as I can before we make the leap. Being honest, most of this research

    has just confused me. Lol. :confused:

     

    Thanks for any input. I do appreciate it!

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