mamaneale
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Posts posted by mamaneale
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As far as exercise goes, do you have any interest in walking/running? There are lots of "couch to 5K" program plans available for free online, and it looks like your kids might be old enough to do it with you and/or ride their bikes along while you train. Or will your husband join you? Signing up for a local 5K race might be just the commitment you need to get you moving, and maybe you could all do it together as a family by doing your walks/runs in the evenings.
Also, Jillian Michaels has some VERY effective work out videos. One of my favorites is called 30 Day Shred. It's about $7 on Amazon, each workout takes about 1/2 an hour to complete, and you will see results pretty quickly doing it just 3 days a week. You need some hand weights -- 2 or 3 pounds each to start with -- or cans of soup work well in a pinch. :) I recommend setting your alarm clock about 40 minutes earlier and doing the workout before you shower.
If you find online groups to be motivating, you can join http://www.dailymile.com to track your workouts. It is easy to make cyber-friends on there to encourage you and share the journey.
Once you make a plan just take it one day at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed by the big picture; daily goals are better to focus on. You CAN do this.
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Oh yes... Khan Academy has a computer programming playlist as well (http://www.khanacademy.org), and another site to check out would be http://www.codeacademy.com. We haven't explored this second one yet, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source.
Hope this helps!
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Also check out this great free tutorial:
. “Learning HTML for Kids”
http://www.goodellgroup.com/tutorial/
We've used both Alice and Scratch with great success.
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Thanks for the input; I am leaning toward just picking up the Evan-Moor ones, or something similar.
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Thank you, Lizzie. I am looking for straight-up geography, too, and am wondering if I would be served just as well by getting an inexpensive workbook (like Evan-Moor, for example), or if there is something special that makes this worthwhile, even if I don't do all of the extras. Any thought on that?
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I'm heavily considering McRuffy Math for K (before we start R&S math 1). Is it too difficult for a four year old?
Just had to chime in here -- I've started my last two preschoolers in Saxon K and it has been fun, motivating, very hands-on, and perfectly suited to preschool. From there I move on to a more writing-based program (MUS for us).
I know that doesn't specifically address McRuffy, but it may be an alternative to consider if you find McRuffy doesn't fit.
:)
Donna in Idaho
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I am a huge MUS user, but I've started most of my kids with Saxon K for fun math games and basic skills, then moved to MUS when they are ready for more writing.
Donna in Idaho
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Would any one be willing to share what they liked and did not like about this curriculum? I am considering it (the US book) for my soon-to-be 7th and 5th graders (with a 2nd grader and kindy along for the ride).
What additional recommended resources were you glad you purchased, and which ones could you have done without?
Also, how long would you estimate each lesson takes? Is it better done as a group or independently?
Thanks so much!
Donna in Idaho
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I was lurking on this post because I have had the same question... And I think I am going to go with A Beka. Thanks, everyone!
;)
Donna in Idaho
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La Clase Divertida is fun, though I don't feel that the workbooks and flashcards are very teacher-friendly. But the kids are doing a great job and they get a kick out of the video teacher.
:)
Donna in Idaho
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I am in my 6th year with TOG; have used the classic and have now switched to the redesigned version. I think redesigned is definitely easier!
For the ages that you are teaching, I'd say let them soak up whatever they can and *enjoy* history. I guide my kids into the main thoughts and ideas of the week (which is usually very easily done), but I try not to *force* them to stick too closely to the predefined objectives if they are otherwise loving the topic and learning lots.
Now, my oldest will be starting junior high next year, so I will definitely be stepping it up then, but even at that age, I'm not convinced that I am going to go with the tests/quizzes/evaluations yet.
And by the way (I hope I don't get into trouble here...), I don't even *look* at the teacher's notes at this age; I'll save that for later. ;)
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I have enjoyed reading them to my kids and discussing the content. I would encourage you to check out the reviews at Amazon.com and preview them at the library. There seems to be some disagreement as to the accuracy of the history as she has written it, and there is a definite slant to her writing (good for oral discussions). I prefer them as a supplement rather than a stand-alone curriculum.
:)
Donna in Idaho
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I would encourage you to make sure you get time on the schedule -- even if it means doing less with the "littles", because you are on the downhill slide with your 15yo on the way to graduation. You need to make sure that child is equipped for the next step (whatever that may be).
Just my $.02. :)
Donna in Idaho
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We are a houseful of happy meat-eaters. And we're proud of it! :)
Donna in Idaho
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http://www.myaudioschool.com has links to some great audio stories... Always a nice change. :)
Donna in Idaho
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My 11yo just bought his own laptop in November after working and saving for three years. We use BeSecure as a filter, not because we don't trust our son, but because we don't trust everyone else. He gets to play computer games only on Saturdays, but during the week he uses his laptop for animating his own movies, learning computer programming, and, in general, playing with the programs that he has. So far, so good. :)
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I agree with mom2att -- I have learned so much from my #3 (out of our four). I definitely believe there is a "third child syndrome"! Gotta love those precious kiddos, marching to their own drum! :)
Donna in Idaho
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Kissing is reserved for family members only. Hugs are fine and encouraged for friends.
Donna in Idaho
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Wow! What an amazing project! My 10ds and I had fun checking it out.
Donna in Idaho
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My kids (ranging from 3 to almost 11) LOVE poetry books by Douglas Florian. His poems are funny, make use of wonderful plays on words, and lend themselves to easy memorization. The illustrations are beautiful. We first discovered this author at our library, and now it is a Christmas tradition to add one more book to our set each year. I highly recommend them!
Donna in Idaho
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Wow, thanks for all of the suggestions. I have many of these books -- Aesop's, D'Aulaires, Famous Men, and many others. I just bought the History Pockets from the sale and swap board... so it sounds like I'm well on my way. Any suggestions on what order to teach the topics? I suppose I could go with the table of contents on the pockets, and add readings in... ?
All advice is greatly appreciated!
Donna in Idaho
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Can anyone give me a short list of the "don't miss these" topics for an Ancient Greece unit study? For example, I know I want to teach about Archimedes, but I'm not sure what else to cover.
I only have a month to cover Greece, and I want to make it fun and hands-on for my kids (ds age 10.5, dd age 9.5, dd age 6, and ds age 3.5). I'm not concerned about going "deep" as much as wanting to make it memorable and interesting. I have a lot of books on the topic but not enough time to cover everything.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Donna in Idaho
MOH vs SOTW
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
Is it fair to say that Mystery of History and Story of the World are pretty similar, except that MOH presents its information with a strong biblical worldview? Are they otherwise pretty equal in teacher-friendliness (ie ease of lesson planning), amount of hands-on activities, and the level of interest they excite in the elementary aged child?