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Kim C

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Posts posted by Kim C

    Who does year around school?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Do you go for a certain time and then take a break and then rinse/repeat?

     

    We usually take a break about every 10 to 12 weeks. We take 2 weeks at Christmas and a week in the spring. Over the summer we usually take 2 weeks off, one in July for vacation and one in August for a camp my son does every year. Going year round gives us more flexibility for when life throws us a curve ball and we need to take time off.

     

    Kim

    Who does year around school?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Does anyone hs year around? How do you plan your schedule? Have you found it difficult to hs in the summer months when ps is out and more friends are around? Just something I'm considering. Thanks.

     

    We hs year round. During the summer we do a lighter load and usually go 3 days a week. So, my ds 11 gets a break, but we still make progress. We are finishing math, grammar,and spelling this summer. We also started The Creative Writer, which my son enjoys and looks forward to.

     

    Kim

    Creative Writer -Has anyone here used this?

    in K-8 Writing Workshop

    Posted · Edited by kcunning

    I am looking for something for dd 11 who loves to write creatively.

     

    My ds 11 is on lesson 5. He has enjoyed it so far and looks forward to the lessons. He is very creative and has been working on a novel for a few months now. The Creative Writer has helped him think about things a little differently.

     

    Kim

    If you are using ACS' Middle School Chemistry

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    Are you printing the entire thing out?

     

    This website has great prices on black and white printing -- less than $20 for the entire thing. But, some of the photos are in color.

     

    I was thinking of having the whole thing printed in B&W and then printing off the activity sheets from my own printer.

     

    What is/has everyone else doing/done?

     

    Thanks!

     

    As of now, I am planning to print out the lessons as we go.

     

    Kim

    Algebra for a Visual-Spatial Learner?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    Hi Kim! I always find thinking through some questions helps me better see the solution, so here are some questions for you, in case that helps you think it through:

     

    What *exactly* DID work about Horizons, and then for Saxon when they did work? Was it the same thing(s), or different for each:

    - novelty of a new program?

    - incremental, small "bites" of instruction per lesson

    - simple, visually uncluttered page layout (Horizons)?

    - lots of review of past concepts (Saxon)?

    - lots of variety in each lesson (Saxon)?

    - use of visual DIVE tutorials? (Saxon)

     

    What *exactly* did not work about Horizons and then about Saxon? Was it the same thing(s), or different for each:

    - too slow/fast?

    - too much/little review?

    - too many steps (too incremental)?

    - too many topics per lesson?

    - too abstract in presentation? (i.e., just the steps of equations and no visual representation/explanation of *why*)

     

     

     

    From your DS's age and your comment that when he was young he was bored by the slow pace of Oak Meadow, it sounds like your DS is naturally math-minded and does well with it. However, Algebra (and the Saxon 8/7 pre-Algebra) is a real move into abstract math topics, and on average, students don't develop the abstract thinking portions of the brain until around age 13-14. So, many advanced math students "hit the wall" trying to advance to the next math book in the progression (Algebra), when they are only 11-12 and aren't quite ready or able to absorb it as quickly and easily as they did all of the previous math concepts.

     

    One possible solution is just to slow down; continue with whatever math program the student has been using and connected with, but slow it way down -- take 2 years to do Saxon Algebra 1, by taking 2 days (or more, if needed) to do each lesson). The average student does Algebra in grade 9; so your DS is quite advanced in math to do Algebra in grade 7; so even if you took 2 years to do Algebra, and finished in grade 8, he would still be ahead of half the students out there.

     

    Another possible solution (and the one I would go with) is to plan on putting Algebra off for a year, and use 7th grade to "solidify and explore" -- solidify the 4 math functions, percents, decimals and fractions and very basic "solving for X" concepts; and explore by trying out some other math programs to see math from various perspectives AND to really develop math-thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, do a fun mix of: Singapore 6A/B; Life of Fred pre-Algebra; Art of Problem Solving; Hands-on Equations; and even some of the Keys to Algebra workbooks. Your DS would still be advanced in math then doing Algebra 1 in grade 8, and more mentally developed and ready for algebra topics.

     

     

    While I do believe your assessment that DS is a visual learner, possible VSL, I do have to say that it doesn't sound like he has needed that type of instruction for Math, because neither Horizons, and especially Saxon (starting with 5/4) are visual programs. (Saxon becomes increasingly abstract in presentation by the 8/7 and Algebra 1 levels -- it becomes very much about memorization of formulas, picking the right formula and "plug and chug".)

     

    I do have an extremely VSL who does NOT get abstract math topics without a very concrete visual explanation (in the form of manipulatives showing the WHY of the concept). Even using MUS, which is THE most visual/concrete Algebra program I've seen, it was a horrible struggle for him -- and we didn't even attempt Algebra 1 until he was 14yo -- and we had to do it twice (same with Algebra 2).

     

    From your descriptions, your DS does not sound like he needs the concrete visual aspect of manipulatives that VSLs need -- that, in fact they are distracting to him. (Or is it just distracting to have to USE the manipulatives? Does seeing someone else use manipulatives to explain the concept help your DS??) Maybe just seeing a lecture of each lesson, with the demonstration on the whiteboard of the steps of the process would be all your DS needs. If so, then you might look into the visual teaching supplements for Saxon:

    - Saxon DIVE tutorials

    - Art Reed teaches Saxon math series

    - John Saxon's Way DVD Teaching series

     

    Another general video supplement:

    - Khan Academy (free online video tutorials)

     

     

    If you feel switching programs is the way to go, these all have a video lesson component:

    - Chalkdust

    - Videotext

    - Kinetic Textbooks

    - Thinkwell

    - Teaching Textbooks

    - Math-U-See

     

    And if you feel that you want to switch from Saxon because it was too incremental and spread out for your DS, then you might look at a more mastery-based textbook:

    - Lials Basic College Math

    - Jacobs Algebra

     

     

    Other (for a fee) visual tutorial helps:

    - ALEKS

    - Math Relief (www.mathrelief.com) = Algebra 1; Algebra 2

    - Teaching Tape Technology videos

    - Dr. Callahan DVD tutorials = http://shop.askdrcallahan.com/ (these go with the Jacobs Algebra)

    - IMACS (AP Calculus Prep)

     

     

    Once you can narrow down exactly what worked and what didn't, that will very likely give you a clue as what program will be a good match. Again, your DS is young, so you might also want to think about slowing things down or delaying the Algebra for a year to give his brain time to develop in the abstract and logic areas so the Algebra concepts will "click" more quickly and easily for DS.

     

    BEST of luck to you as you work your way to the best solution for your DS! Warmest regards, Lori D.

     

    Wow! Thanks for taking time for such an in-depth reply. You have given me a lot to think about. My son has always done so well in math and caught on quickly. He can usually do mental math very quickly and give the right answer, even if he has a hard time showing or explaining all of the details. Suddenly everything is a struggle. Maybe he just isn't ready for more advanced concepts.

     

    Kim

    Algebra for a Visual-Spatial Learner?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    My oldest VSL is currently using LoF Algebra combined with Zaccaro's Real World Algebra and Challenging Word Problems (just finishing up book 5). She really likes LoF storyline, illustrations, and relatively few number of problems. Zaccaro's is giving an alternate approach which is always good forthis child. We tried Discovery Math but that was too intense for this child.

     

    I like LoF's built in review. By the end of each book I know that she has thoroughly covered the material.

     

    HTH

     

    Sarah

     

    Thanks Sarah. Maybe we will continue with LOF if the pre-algebra goes well. I already have Zaccaro's Real World Algebra. My son has enjoyed Zaccaro's other books so I think it will be a hit.

     

    Kim

    Algebra for a Visual-Spatial Learner?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    My 11yo DS is a visual learner and I think a Visual-Spatial learner. For K through 2nd grade we used Oak Meadow, which he enjoyed. However, he was getting bored by the slow pace so we moved to other things. For math, we moved to Horizons. We saw it at a homeschool convention and he liked it. However, by the end of the 3rd grade, it brought tears every time the book came out. So, we looked at a friend's Saxon books and my ds liked that. So for the past 3 years we have been using Saxon. We're finishing 8/7 now and once again he is near tears with math. So, now I need to figure out what to use for Algebra this fall. Any suggestions? My ds is easily distracted so anything with blocks/manipulatives probably would not work. We will be using LOF Pre-Algebra with Biology this summer as a break from Saxon, but I do not yet know how it will work..

     

    I would love to hear what has worked for other VSL learners.

    TIA,

    Kim

    Please tell me i am crazy (or not!)...i keep considering Oak Meadow for my younger?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I dont know why, but i keep considering Oak Meadow for my youngest. He will be entering 2nd next year, and is very artsy, craftsy, loves stories, reading, projects, hands on........he is also accelerated in most subjects, so i dont know if Oak Meadow would even work for him...we would stick with Beast Academy and Math Mammoth for math, and Lively Latin......

     

    Thoughts? Could Oak Meadow be a fit for an accelerated 2nd grader?

     

    In my experience, no. We used Oak Meadow 1st and part of 2nd. My son is artsy and he loves stories. He loved 1st grade, but he was bored with the 2nd grade material. He didn't enjoy it because it just moved too slowly and he wasn't learning enough. We didn't even finish the second grade. Luckily, Oak Meadow has a great re-sell value so I got a lot of my money back, which went toward other curricula to finish 2nd grade.

     

    Kim

    2012/2013 Curriculum: What do you plan to use?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I've been thinking about this for months. :tongue_smilie:This is what I have as of now:

     

    7th Grade:

    K12 Human Odyssey with Oxford Press Medieval & Early Modern

    Saxon Grammar 7 (I think)

    Grammar with Giggles

    Killgallon Sentence Composing for Middle School

    Writing with Skill

    Creative Writer

    MCT Caesar’s English I

    ACS Middle School Chemistry followed by Thames and Kosmos 3000 kit

    Algebra I – Either Saxon or Jacobs

    PE at YMCA

    Art at co-op

    Piano

    Gymnastics

    Irish Dance

    First Lego League for 2 to 3 months in the fall

     

    Kim

    Hake Grammar 8 - workbook needed?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    I picked up the Hake Grammar and Writing 8 teacher's manual and student text at our local homeschool book sale last week. I was told I needed the workbook as well but after looking through it I'm not sure it is necessary. Does anyone have any experience that would be willing to share about this?

     

    TIA!

     

    The workbook is the writing program that goes with Hake Grammar. If you use another writing program, then you do not need the workbook.

     

    HTH

    Kim

    Is it REALLY ok to skip Hake 5 and start with 6?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    I let my oldest DS choose which grammar program he would like to continue with (among 3 that I approved of), and he chose Hake. His comment: "It seems like this one will be a little bit more work each day, but I know how much doing the daily review in Saxon math helped me, so I bet this will be the same." :D:D

     

    When I looked at the scope and sequence, all 4 levels seemed essentially the same. When I compared the tables of contents, it seems that each level starts at the beginning.

     

    If he has already completed FLL3 and MCT Grammar Island/Town/Voyage, will he be fine to start with Hake 6? It seems like there are a couple of things in Hake 5 he hasn't covered, but he will get these things in 6, right?

     

    My gut says go with Hake 6, but I need someone's permission. :) :) Or -- should I go with 5 to be absolutely sure he doesn't miss anything, even though it's below grade level? Or -- should I use Hake 7, since all of the info from 5 & 6 will be reviewed, and he has a firm grasp on basic grammar (but not punctuation)?

     

    After having done Hake 5 and most of 6 with my son, I say you can definitely start with Hake 6.

     

    Kim

    Oak Meadow Chemistry?

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    We used it this year (with the lab component) Here are my pros and cons.

     

    Pros:

    Clear pacing of lessons.

    Specified which problems to do from book.

    Labs matched up with subject well.

     

    Cons:

    Writing assignments given were more creative writing than scientific. We skipped those.

    Labs not very in-depth. Next time I would use LabPaq.

    It used the book's end-of-chapter standardized test practice as the chapter tests; I would have preferred a test format where student works problems, etc.

    Only answers given, not solutions.

     

    I have other cons, but they have to do with the textbook itself. As the previous poster mentioned, even the full TM does not have solutions. Also, we have found the book at times to be unclear and/or incomplete in its explanations. I purchased a cheap text by Chang, just as a reference for clearer explanations . Dd also used Khan videos quite a bit.

     

    I purchased the OM syllabus because I felt the need of a little hand-holding in the planning and pacing. In the end, I could have done without it.

     

    What I'd really like to find before my next child gets to chemistry is a much better textbook with content geared for a traditional high school course rather than AP. Most of the texts often recommended on this board seem to be AP content. I'm all ears if anyone has a great text to recommend! :bigear:

    Thanks for the replies. I think I will keep looking. I'm all ears for other suggestions too.

    How does this look for 7th grade?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    Jacobs Algebra

    Stewart English

    Killgallon Sentence Composing

    IEW U.S. History Based Writing

    IEW Windows to the World Lit. Analysis (co-op)

    Vocab from Classical Roots

    Explorers Bible Study

    Apologia General Science (co-op)

    Art of the Argument (co-op)

    Spanish for Children

    Atelier Art

    Community Chorus

    Year-round soccer

     

    For history we're debating between HO Early Modern, Notgrass America the Beautiful, and BJU American Republic.

     

    How's it look? Have I forgotten anything? Any input on the history debate?

     

    At first it seemed like a lot, but then I started listing our plans and found it is similar. :) I can't help with history.

     

    Here's what we're doing:

    Saxon Algebra 1

    Saxon Grammar 7

    Writing With Skill

    The Creative Writer Level 1

    Vocabulary from Classical Roots A & B

    Chemistry - Not sure which cirriculum yet

    K12 Human Odyssey & Oxford Press books for Medieval/Early Renaissance

    PE (local YMCA homeschool class)

    Art (co-op)

    Gymnastics

    Piano lessons

    Irish dance class

     

    We do math, grammar and history every day. We do science twice a week. We will do one vocabulary lesson a week. I'm not sure on the writing schedule yet. My ds is a very reluctant writer (unless he's working on his book) so we will take it slow to begin with, alternating between WWS and The Creative Writer.

     

    Kim

    ds (11) - Saxon 8/7, Saxon Grammar 6, K12 Human Odyssey, CPO Earth Science, AAS 6, Voacb from Classical Roots 6, piano, gymnastics, Irish dance

    Saxon grammar

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    This is our second year using Saxon Grammar. My son likes it and he retains the material. I go over the lesson with him. As we go through the lesson, I have him do the examples, and then he does the practice and review problems on his own. When he's done I check it and we go over anything he misses.

     

    It usually takes about 20 minutes for us to complete a lesson.

     

    ----

    Kim

    DS 11: Human Odyssey Vol 1, Saxon Math 8/7, Saxon Grammar 6, Vocab from Classical Roots, All About Spelling 6, Just finished CPO Earth

    Middle School Chemistry?

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    I am considering using ACS Middle School Chemistry in the fall and I would like to hear from other who have used it. What did you like? What didn't you like? How long did it take you to complete it?

     

    Also, I would like to hear about other 7th grade chemistry curricula that others have used and enjoyed. My 11 yo son wants a hands on curriculum. I have also looked at the Thames and Kosmos kits. Are they worth the $$?

     

    Thanks!

    Kim

     

    DS - 6th grade: Saxon 8/7 Math, Saxon Grammar and Writing, CPO Earth Science, Human Odyssey, Vocab from Classical Roots 6

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