Thanks for the clarification!

Thanks for your reply and answers, Mims! Greatly appreciated! Jennifer

I know what you mean about differing opinions about sonlight's LA, but what I like from the scope & sequence is that the assignments cover lit analysis & the 4 types of writing in a variety of ways. Too be honest, I'm just so tired of planning the whole lit/writing/history subjects that the pre-planned assignments are very appealing to me. Actually following through and completing those assignments would be better for us, because at least writing would be happening. When I'm busy and can't plan, writing just doesn't get done. The other issue for me is that neither of my dc like to write. They can do it when they put their mind to it, but they both HATE it. So, no matter what I use, this I think will always be the case and they will still need much help, direction, & involvement from me--again this makes pre-planned assignments appealing to me. Thanks for your helpful info about the LA. Jennifer

Ah....that makes sense. Have you used core 200 yet? I see in your signature that you are currently using SL 6 & 7. Have you used the LA? If so, what do you think about it? Thanks, Jennifer

Thanks Sue, this is very helpful to know as I had been wondering about the Alg. review as well.

My dd is using Lial's and she & I both have really loved it. Personally, we felt that ch 3 was the worst chapter in the book, and Jann in TX even suggested skipping it. She encouraged us to move on which we have and I must say that each chapter has gotten better. A few tips she gave us were to plan 2 days per lesson and do only the odd problems. Dd does odds on the ch review and all the problems on the cumulative review. Sometimes the ch review may take 3 days. Most of the time, she reads the lesson and then we work most of the problems out together. I do them on the lap whiteboard and she does them on her paper; then we compare our answers and check them against the solution manual. Occasionally when she's baffled, we'll go over the teaching material together then work problems. She generally spends about 75-90 minutes per day doing algebra. Even though this program has worked for us, if you guys are that frustrated (which I have BTDT), I say move on to something else. I'm not sure what to even suggest, but I send :grouphug: because I really do understand how you feel! So, take my tips with a grain of salt! Jennifer

Thanks for the reply! It sounds like the student is fairly independent and you remain involved by discussing the books and helping with writing assignments. I want to be involved, so giving the time for discussion & writing assignments is fine with me. My draw toward sonlight is that all the prep work is done for me. If you don't mind, I do have some other questions: Are the questions for discussion designed to be only oral or is the student encouraged to write answers? How much, if any, do these questions affect writing assignments? How much time does your student devote each day? How many and what credits do you think you will give for the core? Thank you so much! Is the student guide separate from the parent materials? I guess I didn't realize that was the case. Are all of the questions in that guide or the parent guide? You mentioned a concern about the Flames of Rome book. I'm not familiar with it. Would you mind sharing your concern about it? Thanks!

WOW.....Isn't God amazing! Only HE could change your plans and give you that direction and call. God bless you on your endeavor. Our world is so lost and just beckons for the younger generation to heed the call to reach the lost. And I don't mean just in foreign missions, but to be a "missionary" in heart where ever God plants you. My thoughts and prayers are with you! God bless, Jennifer

Sue, thanks for your recommendation. I've read some of your other posts regarding this curriculum. Math has always come easily for me, but geometry was the only math class I struggled in and I think I remember reading that it was the only math class you "hated". (Did I remember that correctly?) I was thrilled to get C's and just get out of the class. It wasn't until the end of the year that things started making sense! LOL! Anyway, teaching geometry makes me nervous so maybe I should check out the hands-on approach. Dd might actually really enjoy that, but I do want to make sure that she can work proofs. Even though to me they are difficult, I do feel they help develop deductive reasoning skills. So, off to check this out.... Thanks, Jennifer

Bumping...

Maryalice, thanks for the summation of your experience w/Lial's. That's very helpful! Jennifer

Maryalice, I know you said you used different programs for different children, but did you or your dc have a preference? Does the Lial's geometry offer the same depth of explanantion that Alg. does? Thanks, Jennifer

I didn't realize that TT had a book--I thought it was completely computer based (which is why I had never considered it for dd). I'll have to research this now. Thanks for the info! Jennifer

Lisa, I'd love to participate in this discussion, though I'm not sure I'll have as much to offer as others. After 9 years of homeschooling you'd think I'd have this all figured out, but HA! Each year I've learned something new and I've tweaked to try and make things better. I have constantly battled trying to do TOO MUCH every year. And like you, much of our literature/language arts has been history driven. While I don't regret that, I do agree with you that it has often been a large amount of our time. This year has been different with less history focus and more science focus (just because of my dc's interests). I really would love to hear how you and others have used literature as your foundation. This intrigues me. And how do you see implementing it in high school and still accomplishing goals for college entrance? It just sounds as though what you've found is a way to simplify things yet get more accomplished with greater retention. So please expound on your journey. Thanks, Jennifer

I hadn't heard that about TT Geo. Is it considered a more proof heavy geometry? Do you mind elaborating on why you're going to a more computer based program vs. a book? Thanks, Jennifer

This year I have about killed myself putting together my own curriculum for a number of subjects. History has been the biggest thorn in my side because I can barely keep up with the reading & discussion, writing assignments, test designing, etc. So, I've got to find a more student driven approach that still keeps me involved, but literally does most of the work for me. I've followed WTM chronological approach to history since 1st grade & dd will be in 9th. I know this is a different path for us, but I think it might prove spiritually & intellectually stimulating for dd. What is your overall impression of this core? How much teacher involvement did it require? How would you describe the critical thinking aspect of the core? How was the language arts? Any comments.... Was there any testing included? Thank you, Jennifer

My dd and I both have really enjoyed the Lial's Intro to Algebra text. The explanations in the text have been thorough and easy to understand. Plus dd's confidence in math has really soared because she comprehends the concepts. So, what would you suggest as a geometry text that might provide a similar teaching approach? Thanks, Jennifer

Sweethomealabama, The book you're referring to looks very interesting. I also looked at the 40 Reproducible Forms book that was also listed on the same page under "customers who bought this also bought....". I don't know if you've looked at it yet. If you need help with organization that book looks like it would definitely provide you with ways to form a structured plan. Though I've only glimpsed at the samples online, this program reminds me of the way Write Source teaches writing. Not to muddy the waters, but I didn't know if you had ever looked at it. They have handbooks and graded levels. They are available quite cheaply on amazon. You can see samples at Rainbow Resource. HTH, Jennifer

All of you are getting ME excited about reading The Iliad & Odyssey again. I haven't read it since college....a LONG time ago. LOL! Thanks so much for your helpful replies! Jennifer

Wow, I hadn't even considered this for history. I was only thinking "literature". That's a great idea. Thank you!

Thanks, Regentrude. I had already decided to get the Homeric epics; glad to know you all found them to be among the most beneficial. I value your opinion! Jennifer

Did you add any other guides or info or did they suffice to bring about enough socratic discussion of the books? Thanks, Jennifer

Julie, thanks for responding. Since you've used Vandiver, which of her lectures did your son get the most benefit from? Thanks, Jennifer

It sounds like you and another poster agree that Great Authors may be the best choice for us to use with Great Books. Of course, I've read nothing but excellent reviews of Vandiver, so I know we'll be picking some of those. Have you used them for your student or did you use them to self-educate yourself for lit discussions/analysis? Thanks, Jennifer

I've been perusing the TC lectures for literature for our high school studies. I've heard many great things about Elizabeth Vandiver's lectures, so I'm sure I'll be buying those. My question, though, centers around lectures that could coordinate with the Great Books study laid out in WTM. Three lectures overlap in their coverage of many of the titles, but I have no idea as to whether or not they would be helpful for "literature analysis & interpretation" and worthy of high school credit. Do any of you have any experience & feedback on the following titles? Western Literary Cannon in Context by Dr. Bowers History of World Literature by Dr. Voth Great Authors of Western Literary Tradition by varied professors (Vandiver included) Thanks, Jennifer