trailofsparks
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Posts posted by trailofsparks
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Bible, reading + memory work
History - History Revealed (Diana Waring/AiG) and SOTW CDs (in the car!)
Latin - Henle 1, with guide
Science - General Sci by Apologia
Geography - memorize (to sketch) world map (as taught in The Core by Leigh Bortins)
Logic - Fallacy Detective and Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (by McDowell and Hostetler)
Math - RightStart Geometry split w/VideoText Algebra
Spelling - SWR
Writing - tbd (have been using IEW for 2 yrs - think we're ready for something else??)
Grammar - R&S - levels 5 and 6 (should be mostly review), then start 7
Memory Work - Foundations - Classical Conversations
Public Speaking - ICC
Art - some sketching lessons (taught intermittently by dh)
Music - Violin lessons and Classical Music for Dummies
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I second the Swallows and Amazons series!
Third it! My ds and 2dds loved these books. We've read almost all of them- we seem to like to break from them once in a while though, and read other books in between. But they always request to come back to them!
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by using IEW and the history-based Ancients and Medieval programs.
I've observed that while he has improved in content and style, he really relies on these spines. Within the framework he does really well and his confidence has soared. For that I am thankful to IEW.
At the same time, I don't want him to rely on this. I want him to develop his own writing style; to step out and burst out with creativity.
Am I jumping the gun on this? expecting more than I should at his age/level? (6th grade and basically writing for 2 yrs w/IEW).
I appreciate any input - suggestions - questions - to help me SEE my son's needs. ::sigh:: Thank you.
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How about the Outrageous Women series by Vicki Leon?
Great! Thank you - a second on that recommendation. Now I really have to check it out :) Thank you!
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Dd11 and I have enjoyed the "Outrageous Women" series. She's read Outrageous Women of Ancient Times and is reading Outrageous Women of the Middle Ages, both by Vicki Leon.
I've made an effort to search out books, biographies and fictional works, and history magazines focused on the lives of women and girls throughout history. In addition to the short bios in the "Outrageous Women books" she's read complete works about Hatshepshut, Nefertiti, Cleopatra, Theodosia, Anna of Byzantium, and Ethelfled (daughter of Alfred of Wessex). She will read about Eleanor of Aquitaine, the real Mu Lan, Genghis and Kubla Khan's female relatives (whose names escape me right now), and Joan of Arc.
Dd also reads descriptions of everyday life for each period we study in history. I want her to know the roles women played throughout history---not just as daughters and mothers and nurturers, but as leaders, innovators and academics.
Yes, exactly - nurturers as well as leaders, innovators, and academia! We have done some reading with biographies of some of the women you mentioned as well. I appreciate your recommendations on the series - will definitely have to check that out. I really wanted to get the Famous Men of Modern Times book, but not without have a female counterpart!! LOL Let's just say dd10 & 8 will appreciate seeing a conglomeration of female bios :D Thanks much.
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They say Henle 1 can be started slowly with a 7th grader. I also notice there's no pronunciation CD with that program, which to me is the only downside.
I think a lot of learning Latin (these are my observations - right or wrong?) has to do with memorization. One thing about Henle that is attractive for me with re: to my ds12 is the inclusion of both ecclesiastical and classical Latin taught; Roman and American culture and history included; among other interesting things. My son enjoys memory work and is very much into history and would appreciate historical context; it would bring it alive for him. I don't see these things included in FF, LC, or other programs.
I would encourage you to consider what would be a "hook" for your dc, and look for good Latin programs with that springboard in mind.
Just sharing thoughts here, since I am in your boat!
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the fact that it's all about MEN - no famous women it appears. I am looking at the FMof Modern Times. My dd10&8 have been pointing this out. Do you know of any curriculum that compares with MP's that includes women of history?
Thanks for any suggestions!
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in my eyes begins with authenticity. I spent several years in a friendship with someone who couldn't return authenticity. I honestly believe she just needed her mask. She became critical of me. . . which might be a natural progression when one person is being vulnerable in disclosing weaknesses and the other is not. I couldn't continue that relationship; it became too unhealthy in that way.
I have always been a person of few close friends. Each of them are very different from each other and most of them are very different from me. But all of them are authentic and accepting.
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and am praying for your brother, you, your family during this agonizing time.
Cheryl
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Percy Jackson and the Olympians (series)
Hardy Boys
The Kingdom series (cc)
The Seven Sleepers (series, cc)
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of the program, because of the supposedly new and great Essentials of the English Language book which will be available next school year. I used to enjoy grammar, but that book killed it for me. We spent 2 (very frustrating) yrs in this CC program and, because having a command of English grammar is very important to me, we will be using Rod & Staff levels 5 & 6 next year. Now, because of EEL, I think ds12 will breeze right through these 2 levels and, I anticipate, start R&S level 7 before the year's over.
The writing portion, IEW, is excellent. This really helped ds12 writing skills along. In our class, the tutor made time for students to read their papers (or portions of them) to the class. It was very motivating to be able to write for an audience. The students got to learn from each other as well (they were all using the same writing assignment) since some were good at using humor, others added information, or personal experience.
As you already know since you are in Foundations, tutors make or break the validity of the program. If you have a chance to visit the class, meet the tutor, get your hands on the new EEL book, I think these experiences would help you make your decision.
One last thing, being in community with other like-minded families was the big draw for us. After 2 years, I realized that was wonderful, but the academic part is equivalent to using a boxed curriculum. There's nothing wrong w/boxed curriculum if it works for you. One thing I've learned about myself is "boxed" doesn't work for me. I like - and need - to make my choices. It's good to spend time evaluating who you are beforehand!
HTH,
Cheryl
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Imo, this program moves slowly and seems constraining. It's also fairly expensive when you add up the different levels. Spell to Write and Read made more sense to me. To be fair, I bought AAS Level 1, looked at it, and sent it back. I was already using SWR, but thought the struggles my dd was having could be better overcome with a different program. I was wrong. Instead what I did was to tweak my teaching style to meet her learning style, which fit the bill instantly!
HTH,
Cheryl
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is because we school year round. It allows for more flexibility, less stress, and demonstrates that learning is a part of "real life". We don't have to spend time reviewing lessons or remediating. To me, there are no cons. My oldest is 12; we've been at it the whole time and have experienced no burnout. Btw, we are a family who doesn't get much in the way of vacations either :) Oh, we do tend to school a lighter load through summer.
HTH,
Cheryl
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Heather, Kathy, JudoMom, Lisa,
Thanks for the suggestions and the WTM link. I'll look into R&S and AG. I appreciate it.
Still listening for other suggestions. I like exhausting all options.:bigear:
Cheryl
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I'm looking for a rigorous grammar program. No bells, whistles, or fluff. We've spent 2 yrs using Classical Conversations: Essentials of the English Language (EEL). Whereas I like the idea of it, and my dd10 and ds12 memorized a lot of definitions and usages, their application to writing and understanding/command in general is lacking. I don't feel the program (the way we used it/didn't use it) laid a sturdy enough foundation for us. I feel like I need to make up for some lost time in this area.
I'm considering Shurley, starting at level 4 (5? 6??), but have doubts. I hear it's rigorous, but with all the chants/songs that I won't use. . . .
I want a program that is thorough in teaching, including diagramming sentences, and does not have a lot of repetition.
Other curricula we've used successfully, just to give you an idea of what we like:
SWR, RightStart, Life of Fred, IEW, Classical Conversations (Foundations and Essentials programs).
Adding for next year, 7th grade: Apologia Gen Sci, History Revealed, VideoText Alg, Latin (not sure of text yet) maybe LNM, or start Henle very slowly.
Thanks for any suggestions/input/questions!
Cheryl
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Not sure how to delete this.
7th grade plans
in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges
Posted
Paula, what are you using for Japanese? Thanks!