LynnG in Arizona
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Posts posted by LynnG in Arizona
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Welcome back to the valley! We're in Tempe, so I'm probably not much help. My kids love being part of the Chandler Children's Choir, but that's way too far for you to drive. I am a piano teacher (not currently accepting students), but I may be able to connect you with some options in your part of town. There's another program like Eagleridge isn't there? I want to say it's in Ahwatukee. Am I making that up? Wouldn't be quite as bad a drive. I third or fourth the SportsKidz recommendation.
Thank you so much Sara! I would be grateful for any recommendations you might have for piano. I saw that there is a Yamaha music lesson studio not far from our house . . . don't know anything about their classes/method at all. Do you, by any chance?
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I was going to recommend the SHINE newsletter, too, there's a lot of theater opportunities in it. I would think that the gal who runs it could probably point you in the direction of choir/chorus if you don't get any other responses.
I am west of you and so I don't have much to offer, either.
There is a FB group, "Just Field Trips" - the gal only organizes field trips (valleywide), but it is a good way to get in some field trips without actually belong to a homeschool group. It doesn't seem like there has been as many this past year, but I also have been involved in other groups.
Signed up for the SHINE newsletter - great advice. Will check out the FB group as well. Thanks!!
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I posted it because I know students come there from as far away as Luke AFB. So it seemed worth throwing out there.
I also frankly have a poor grasp of geography north and west of downtown Phoenix, having lived in Chandler and Tempe since moving here 10yrs. ago.I completely understand. In some ways I know the Valley like the back of my hand - moved there in 1974! - but I also have gaping holes. Our realtor drove us to whole neighborhoods/areas that were *completely* unfamiliar to me! I guess that's why I explained where I grew up (Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area) vs. where we will actually be moving to. :)
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Any tips at all on a children's choir/chorus? Do any of you have friends with kids in the Phoenix Children's Chorus? How about the Arizona Girlchoir?
I would love some feedback and recommendations!
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I'm in the SE valley. We've been happy with Sports Kidz AZ.
Thank you much.
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Hi
We moved away from Arizona a couple years ago but before we left we did swimming and piano.
For swimming we did SWIMKIDS and loved it. They did an amazing job teaching my kids to swim.
http://www.swimkidsaz.com/
And for piano we did Yamaha music school. Mrs. Heidi is wonderful with kids and loves teaching piano to everyone. http://www.evyms.com/
Arizona is a great place to be.Thank you Jenne - great suggestions!
I agree with you; Arizona IS a great place to be. We are really happy to be moving back there. :)
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-sportskidzaz.org--- has PE for homeschoolers at locations all over the valley
-moezartproductions.com--- is a christian homeschool drama group that has several locations
-http://www.theparsonsfamily.com/fieldtrips.htm This is a site where you can sign up to receive regular emails (Shine newsletter) about things that are going on around the valley...field trips, classes, etc
-there are several Classical Conversations groups throughout the valley although I do not know if they are all full for next year
Hope that will be helpful!
Hawaii to Phoenix...hmmm, not sure if you should do that. :) :)
Thank you, very helpful!! Just bookmarked several of your great ideas - many thanks!
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My daughter attends the Eagleridge Enrichment Program in Mesa (open to students from all over the valley). She's always enjoyed it and gets a lot out of the program.
http://www.mpsaz.org/eagleridgeThank you, Ravin. This program looks great - can't believe how long it's been around! - but it graphs out at around 30 miles away. Probably too far for us, but thanks anyway for responding. :)
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Lynn! So excited to hear you'll be out here soon! My oldest lives up where you'll be...I'm out west and by the 10, so really too far away to have any good information. But welcome back :) Message me when you're back in town.
Barb, I will be SO looking forward to finally getting to meet you! :) Hope you and your family have been well.
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We are getting ready to relocate our family to the Phoenix area, permanently. I am asking for help in getting recommendations for great homeschool/extra curricular activities, classes, and groups. Do you have a piano teacher that seems to work magic? Some art classes that your kids absolutely love? Any help you can give to new Phoenix homeschoolers?
Here's some information to help:
~I grew up in the Phoenix area, but lived on the east side of the valley. And while I have visited regularly, I have been away a long time. We just bought a house that has 7th Street & Greenway (just south of Bell) as the major cross streets - an area that I'm pretty unfamiliar with. Although, it's really not that far west from Paradise Valley Mall.
~I will have a 3rd grade daughter and a 2nd grade son in the upcoming school year.
~We are particularly looking for piano lessons. They've had about a year of Simply Music lessons. I am looking for another Simply Music teacher (not sure there is one in Phoenix) or a traditional piano teacher that keeps things fun. I have no interest in dealing with a "rigorous/rigid" music teacher who takes him or herself way too seriously . . . my eldest daughter had a grim violin teacher like that who pretty much ruined her love of music.
~Also looking for swim lessons.
~My daughter is particularly interested in a chorus or choir. No experience.
~My son needs some physical activity . . . strongly considering tae kwon do since Dad has a lot of experience in that. Considering Boy Scouts as well (we've never participated before).
~Both kids love art, and I have absolutely no art or creative ability. Would love some nice supplemental art classes.
We are open to other options too. Spanish would be lovely.
Thank you in advance for any input or recommendations you can give!!
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We use Math in Focus, but it's a Singapore program based on My Pals Are Here, so I think I'm ok to answer.
Some of the 4th grade word problems in the Math in Focus program are difficult! But, generally, my kids get bar models. I have read that MIF has more word problems practice in the text itself compared to other Singapore programs, but are you using Challenging Word Problems?
What I did was purchase FAN Math Process Skills and Problem Solving. I know of nothing better for stepping a child through bar models and word problems. They are really well done. The problems advance to just as challenging as the Challenging Word Problems books, but they clearly model and stair step the child there. I don't think we'd be nearly as competent without working through those books. I alternate with FAN math followed by the same level of Challenging Word Problems. We started with Level 1 in either late 2nd or early 3rd grade and just worked our way through. We are now settled into using them one level behind our MIF text work. So far, that has been fine. We're seeing tough stuff in MIF, but we saw it in 3rd grade FAN math too.
I would prioritize FAN math over CWP, if you already use CWP. The FAN math will help him learn the methods. If you aren't using CWP, it may be that you need to provide more practice.
Thanks for the recommendation and link! Can you buy this only through the Singapore site you linked?
My older student (still at home) is using Math in Focus 2B. So you would recommend starting Level 1 with her anytime . . . or do you think we could jump in with Level 2?
I love the idea of things being *taught* a bit more explicitly than they are in CWP. At least, from what I can remember; I used Primary Mathematics with both of my oldest (now graduated) students. I am liking Math in Focus for the same reason.
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Math in Focus. Colorful yet simple graphics coupled with solid instruction. Great combination! (And I did Singapore's Primary Mathematics with both my older girls, who are now graduated.)
HTH.
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Math in Focus . . . we've been very pleased with it. (I did Singapore's Primary Mathematics with my two older girls, long since graduated.) Great, simple graphics coupled with solid instruction. Great combination!
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The Westing Game . . . I remember it fondly from my childhood (my 5th grade teacher read it aloud to us), and my own girls (now young adults) loved it too.
Cheaper by the Dozen
The Narnia Books, but you probably already know about those
There are many more, but that's what really stands out as my absolute favorites for that age.
I agree that A Single Shard is beautiful.
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Kuovonne, here is a post I did a few months ago on the same topic:
I am almost always the outlier when it comes to this question, but I like to answer anyway just to give a different perspective.
For students working on grade level (ie, NOT a typical-ability 4th grader starting AAS Level 1), I think about one level per school year is approximately right. At least, that's how my normal kids have progressed. I do "suck the marrow" out of AAS and cover every extra word, every dictation phrase/sentence, and add in frequent reviews as well. I can see where it would be possible to do "just" the new teaching from each level and go much faster, but I think the dictation and review are some of the most important aspects of the program, and not something to be rushed through.
I know there are some kids who are natural spellers, who might be able to go much quicker. But for most typical students, the additional practice provided by the dictation is extremely valuable. It actually works to review a lot of English grammar and writing skills, beyond "just" spelling. Oh, and my kids have also enjoyed using the optional readers that go along with the program as well.
So given how we use the program, approximately one level per week is pretty comfortable, which works out to about one level per school year.Kuovonne, I also have a second grade daughter and she is about 40% through AAS Level 3. We can easily take about 4-7 "sessions" for each step, which often works out to about a week and a half of school time since we do spelling a max of 4 times per week. We too cover 4 dictation sentences per day . . . that seems about right for their maturity and developmental level. My daughter is a bright little girl but I think her head would explode if we tried to review everything, do a ton of new teaching, spell the new words, read through the extra words, AND do 12 dictation sentences in just one or two days!
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My son just finished AAR Level 2 a few weeks ago, and our hot-off-the-presses AAR Level 3 just arrived a day or so ago.
To answer the OP's question, my son read a few Mr. Putter and Tabby books while we were waiting for AAR 3 to get here. He breezed through them - comfortably, but still a small stretch in a few areas. I imagine he could also start Frog & Toad, Nate the Great, etc.
I am continuing with AAR Level 3 because I just trust the program so darn much at this point. Our previous three levels have given my son a REALLY firm, solid foundation in phonics - more so than his older sister, whom I taught to read without AAR. I love the systematic approach and the quality readers that feature such a lovely variety of stories. He has enjoyed the activity pages. For me, it is pretty much the IDEAL reading program that I wish I had 16 years ago when I taught my first child to read. :)
I know that we *could* just start reading books, and that is in fact what I've done with all my other children at about this point. But I appreciate the systematic instruction so much that we are continuing with AAR 3, confident that we all have lots to learn from it. In fact, I'm rolling my second grade daughter into AAR 3 as well, even though she has not done AAR up until now. Even though I started teaching her to read about two years before her brother, he has pretty much caught up to her thanks to AAR . . . and I hope to instill a rock solid foundation in advanced phonics in *both* of them now.
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I am in a similar boat; we finished AAR Level 2 just a few days ago. We are re-reading the Part II reader from that level, one story a day, until I can get my hands on Level 3. Easy peasy. :)
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I'm going to bite the bullet and get the Teacher's File Box subscription... but there seems to be soooo much stuff, and it's so hard to search around.
Can anyone recomend any can't-miss worksheets or workbooks? I'm interested in educational, of course, but I know they have lots of arts and crafts kind of stuff too.
I'm definitely going to use Beginning Geography, the Ancient History History Pockets, and some of the Daily Practice books.
(I also have a 4 year old who likes doing worksheets and crafts and stuff, so if you have any recommendations that your 3-4 year old liked, too, I'm all ears!)
I like Evan Moor's Reading Comprehension and Daily Word Problems, both for 1st grade. Pretty painless, but worth the short amount of time we spend on them.
HTH. :)
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I have an Electrolux Ergo Rapido that I use on our laminate. I like that it's cordless (goes on a base to charge), is very lightweight, and is easy to clean/maintain. My favorite feature is the removable hand vac. Reviews are somewhat mixed on it, but I've had it for about 1.5 years and had no problems. I bought it at Costco because of their great return policy.
Ditto. I will say that I feel like each one seems to have maybe a 2 year life in it . . . I think the rechargeable battery tends to die a slow death by the end. And definitely clean the brush/roller on a regular basis, especially if you have a hairy dog as we do. But overall, this is the best option I have found.
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I'll chime in too. I have an almost 6 year old son who is about 85% through AAR Level 2.
We absolutely do not even attempt to cover a lesson a day. In fact, for many regular (non-story) lessons, we take about 3-4 days per lesson. We break the fluency sheets into small bites - at this point, we cover them a bit more quickly than before, but it still takes at least 3 days at this point. So on Day 1, I might do the new teaching, plus half of a fluency sheet. On Day 2, I might do the activity plus another half to a whole of a fluency sheet. On Day 3, I might have him finish the remaining fluency sheet(s).
Then for a story lesson, I'll spend Day 1 reading through the fluency sheet, discussing the vocab word(s), and asking any pre-story questions. On Day 2, he will read the story and we will cover any comprehension questions.
We make kind of a big deal about awarding a sticker at the end of every lesson. Then, he earns a small treat after every 5 lessons. Just to keep things light and fun. :)
I'm actually thrilled at the solid phonics foundation AAR is giving my son. This is my fourth time teaching reading, and I truly wish AAR had been available for all of them! :)
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Lynn, may I ask how long your daily lessons took doing it this way? Sucking the marrow, and all.
Donna, we probably average about 15 minutes per session, 4 sessions weekly. Often that might slip to 3 sessions a week if we got busy or had distractions.
Another point that I didn't mention before is that there is a bit of a developmental issue with going through AAS too quickly. By AAS Level 2, the kids are writing full dictation sentences, often 5-8 words in length. The complexity and length of these sentences increase somewhat by Level 3, and then half way through that year, the "writing stations" are added in, in which the kids are supposed to use several of the spelling words to write original sentences.
So assuming a child is typical-ability and working roughly on grade level (ie, not going through the program remedially), I don't think many super young kids are going to be ready for that level of writing and dictation - from a maturity and fine motor skills standpoint. Something to think about, anyway. :)
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I am almost always the outlier when it comes to this question, but I like to answer anyway just to give a different perspective.
For students working on grade level (ie, NOT a typical-ability 4th grader starting AAS Level 1), I think about one level per school year is approximately right. At least, that's how my normal kids have progressed. I do "suck the marrow" out of AAS and cover every extra word, every dictation phrase/sentence, and add in frequent reviews as well. I can see where it would be possible to do "just" the new teaching from each level and go much faster, but I think the dictation and review are some of the most important aspects of the program, and not something to be rushed through.
I know there are some kids who are natural spellers, who might be able to go much quicker. But for most typical students, the additional practice provided by the dictation is extremely valuable. It actually works to review a lot of English grammar and writing skills, beyond "just" spelling. Oh, and my kids have also enjoyed using the optional readers that go along with the program as well.
So given how we use the program, approximately one level per week is pretty comfortable, which works out to about one level per school year.
HTH. :)
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I just started using this with my rising 1st and 2nd graders in conjunction with a combination of the Complete Book of U.S. History and miscellaneous read alouds.
I think it's perfect for these ages. Maybe even good for up to 4th or 5th grade, depending on the child . . . but perfect for early elementary. Each chapter is a "story within a story" where a parent or grandparent is giving a short biographical sketch about a U.S. historical figure to their children/grandchildren. The stories are brief; the one I read today took about 8-10 minutes to read, but presented a nice "living books" overview approach to the person in question.
In summary, I think this will make a lovely supplement to an early elementary U.S. History curriculum.
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Well, I only have the free version, but I created lists for each AAS step based on the word lists in each step. I saved each list with the name of that step, so Step 14 List 1 for example. Then I just pull up that list and let DS choose whatever he likes. For us it's just an easy review and I don't require it for every step, just if I notice he's having difficulty with the words/rules in a particular step. I'd let them play and get an idea of the different games, then if you notice words in a particular step that really needs reviewed you can require specific games that you think would work best for review.
Thanks, Skeeterbug. I didn't even realize that you could just let your child pick from the variety of games. Anybody else?
Phoenix-area WTM'ers ... need your help please!
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
Oh, good to know - thanks!!
Sounds like at least some overlap with Simply Music. We've been thrilled with Simply Music, but the nearest teacher is in Casa Grande! And I am actually tempted to make the drive, maybe on an every other week basis or something.
Really good to know that Yamaha might be a great option too.