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tex-mex

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Posts posted by tex-mex

  1. Do you think she will need the blue answer key book or will the solutions CDs cover the answers from the textbook?

     

     

    I have the complete set -- along with the Keys to Algebra set. We're about to begin using it -- 8 chapters from finishing TT: Pre-Algebra. Yay!

     

    From using TT:Pre-Algebra, we used the answer key daily. I liked the tests as they proved mastery before moving on to the next chapter. And it also helped to see a long past problem "pop" up on the test -- that showed if son recalled concepts early in the chapter. Son hates the lecture CD -- but uses the same CD to review Practice Set if needed.

     

    Ideally, the solutions CD should be used also if the child is independently working on the book and really struggling with a concept that is beyond the parent's grasp. I am assuming the parent feels confident in not needing the answer key or solutions CD? I do recommend them!

    -- Pat

     

    --------------------------------

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13.5 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (22 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 5 years

  2. Honey,

    IMO, those kids were flat out rude to you and the assistant. As a former schoolteacher, I would not expect that type of behavior -- and I taught in some rough inner city schools! My students were always taught to be respectful. (Believe me, I had some REAL delinquents... LOL) It really sounds like there is a problem with the teacher's allowance of the behavior to escalate to this situation -- is she afraid of confronting the kids? Or the parents? I would have spoken to the parents and the Co-Op Board on Day One... you should too. I suspect the kids are being kids -- but do not respect the teacher's authority as she is allowing this to occur. Not good. And the learning process is being disrupted -- texting, rude comments, not being on task, etc.

    -- Pat

     

    --------------------------------

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13.5 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (22 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 5 years

  3. I'm very sad and I need a hug. My husband is insisting on putting ds9 in school this fall.

     

    <<We can talk about it later. I think he needs some experience of change and interacting with other kids in a different environment. If he does not learn how to do that, he will be afraid of change which is natural but not always a good thing. I want him to know he can survive, overcome his fears, and that fear can be exaggerated.>>

     

     

    W-e-l-l... as a former 3rd/4th/5th public school teacher, my impression is that IF your son is indeed experiencing some fear/anxiety... my personal opinion is that kids at these age levels (boys, especially by 5th grade) can be very cruel and ostracizing to those who don't "fit in". Teachers can only control what they see in the classroom -- but at recess/lunch/before/afterschool times, kids can be bullies. And most adults have no clue what is going on. And the child will not tell you in most cases as they seek acceptance from the bully... due to wanting to be liked by a popular student. (Yes, surprise... many bullies in my experience ARE the popular kids.)

     

    Go ahead and show hubby my opinion... I really don't wish to cause harm by adding fear. However, if your son does have some social skill issues or fear/anxiety... try taking a gentler route to finding a friend via a group, club, or organization like AWANA or scouts. Within the safety of your guidance, most HS'ers grow up past the anxiety phase and become confident by the teen years. It does take time. But they do not get subjected to peer bullying while figuring all of this out.

     

    Hope this makes sense!

    -- Pat

     

    --------------------------------

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13.5 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (22 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 5 years

  4. It did not go well.

     

    I only wish I could leave tomorrow too.

     

    Today just sucked.

     

    ((HUGS)) :grouphug: I'm really sorry she didn't take it well at first. But I gotta give you props for standing your ground and saying what you felt. You are not her caregiver or parent... your mom loves you and came around. Just love her like Christ would and overlook the unkind words. Little steps, my friend... little steps and those 3 months will fly by! Best wishes!

  5.  

    You submit an enrollment form and start attending meetings. The 4-H year usually starts around October. There is usually a "new member" packet that explains opportunities, expectations, etc. for each club.

     

    Our club has its own set of by-laws that outlines expectations for attendance and the like. Some clubs are much more laid back about that sort of thing.

     

    We chose our club based on the fact that it's full of homeschoolers, so we are like-minded in many things. Our club also had leaders in things that my dc were interested in.

     

    The highlight of the year for my dc is county fair, where they get to display their projects from the year, and earn ribbons and cash awards. They also get to sell their market animals at the Junior Livestock Sale at the end of the fair. I've even incorporated county fair projects into our homeschool curriculum.

     

    Our club ususally has community service projects and fundraisers during the year. I'm sure you're used to that from scouts.

     

    Thanks Jackie for posting this! :)

     

    I love what you've done! I have a question for you... we belong to a 4H club made up of HS'ers. However, we are hitting a "wall" so to speak as to our focus. We meet once a month and focus on a wide variety of items. Much of it doesn't fit the time allowed, unfortunately. May I ask how your club runs a monthly meeting?

     

    Here is our club meeting:

     

    1:30 Meeting Begins/Officers follow & run mtg/announcements/reports

    2:00 Project time/Guest Speaker/Group Activity

    3:00 Recreation Game & Snacks

    3:30 Dismissal

     

    We vary the project time, guest speakers, etc from time to time... not always offered. We've never done a formal 4H project from the official 4H curriculum. How is this done in your group?

    Thanks in Advance,

    Pat

     

    --------------------------------

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13.5 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (22 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 5 years

  6. It is almost embarrassing to admit that my mom is one of those moms who has lived her life through me. I've known it pretty much all along and I have allowed it.

     

    I am what she is too afraid to be but kind of secretly wants to be. So I think she is both proud and resentful if that makes sense?

     

    Part of me wants to say "This is MY life!" But the other part of me loves her and feels badly for her and the things she missed out on so I keep enabling her. Maybe I need therapy.:tongue_smilie:

     

    And this is something I am only going to admit once: part of me wants to go to Malaysia so I CAN live my life out from under her microscope. I can't believe I just admitted that. Now I feel guilty and awful.

     

    --------------------------------------

    Well, I think what you have shared is perfectly normal. Family relationships can be such complex and impossible to be perfect. I really think if this is what you and hubby WANT to do. (You have peace about it to move overseas...) Then, my dear, take the plunge... and do it! ;)

     

    You need to set a "healthy" boundary line for your mother's behavior. You are a grown woman -- when you got married, the cord was severed and you began a new chapter with hubby. Living close to her has not helped the fact she is in control and you are not. Believe it or not, time will heal wounds of separation and she will come around to the fact you are living your life the way you want. If she doesn't get over it, continue to love her -- but do not allow the "toxic" guilt to control you into doing her wishes. She wins -- you lose. Plus, think about what role model you want to show to your kids? Distance for a period of time may help you find your "voice" and strength to be independent. If you allow your mom to control you, you will become resentful and deep down -- bitter over choices you said no to because mom wigged out.

     

    Someone else mentioned this book. This book may help you to say NO to your mom and take control of your life:

    http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310585902

  7. My children did The Geography Colouring Book, which I like for background/map information. The older one (it is pretty adult) listened to The Teaching Company cultural anthropology tapes. And they did the Klutz geography book and Material World, Women in the Material World, and Children Just Like Me (or whatever the child equivalent is called - can't remember exactly).

     

    A geographer on the boards recommended the projects listed in the education section of the National Geographic site. She said they were exactly what geographers wished would be taught in school. It is a list of projects, which might be just what you are looking for.

     

    HTH

    -Nan

     

    Excellent! :001_smile:

  8. We watched a lot of travel videos, Planet Earth, and some National Geographic Videos from the Library. Books like Material World and The Hungry Planet? were fascinating reads. My son enjoyed "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman.

     

    Wow! Thanks! The Hungry Planet and The World is Flat sound really interesting. :)

  9. We use the Usborne Children's World Cookbook (Internet Linked) to read about the food preferences and then cook a cultural meal for each area we study. It is actually a lot of fun and a great way to remember the region.

     

    Yes! This would be right up our alley! We'll be focusing on the 7 continents -- this would allow us to cook a meal from a country on occasion!

  10. Hi,

    Planning next year's World Geography class for my soon-to-be 9th grader. I am curious how many of you used additional supplements for this class -- beyond the textbook? Any suggestions for literature, dvds, movies, trips, cuisine, or activities would be appreciated. :)

    Thanks in Advance,

    Pat

     

    --------------------------------

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13.5 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (22 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 5 years

  11. Well, my university did teach me all of the required courses... however, I did not feel I learned much until I began to actually teach in my own classroom. (LOL) I learned so much from fellow teachers, good/bad administrators, students, parents, being a District Mentor teacher, serving on district/county committees, teaching at good/bad/dangerous schools, etc. Pursue the needed education -- it is needed -- but with experience comes wisdom.

     

    I taught at various schools throughout Southern CA and each one helped my teaching skills. I was determined to become a principal and changed grade levels. However, I soon grew disillusioned with the system and began to experience burnout: no one cared. I do agree with everyone that classroom management is key -- be fair and consistent. Even the worst behavior will (eventually) be tamed. You are in charge. Be prepared to have some administrators not back you up and be on your own. You may even be lucky to have an administrator who cares and disciplines.

     

    The last school I taught at was a Charter (K-8) School. It was a wonderful experience! They mandated parental involvement, a "1-2-3" strikes you're expelled policy, and excellent curriculum like Saxon Math and WRTR (Spalding Phonics). And my administrator was so awesome! Turns out the majority of parents were former homeschoolers and they started the school. Very rigorous education and it was an eye opener for me to see HSers in a positive light.

     

    I do have to admit learning how to write an effective lesson plan does help. :) Last week, I knocked the socks off the fathers of our Homeschool Rocketry Club when I had to lead an activity. They asked what book I got the lesson from... (LOL) I told them I made it up. My professors would be proud.

     

    You asked what ages/grades I taught:

    Preschool (2/3 year olds)

    1st Grade (6 year olds)

    Kindergarten (5 year olds)

    3rd Grade (8/9 year olds)

    **4th Grade (9/10 year olds)** -- Charter School

    5th Grade (10/11 year olds)

    6th Grade (11/12 year olds)

    SDC Resource Class (7-13 year olds)

    Special Ed (1st Grade - 6 year olds)

     

    HTH -- Pat

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (21 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 4 years

  12. You'll do fine. I agree with the others... just try not to overdo it, relax, have fun, and make this a memorable time. There will be ups and downs, trust me. (LOL) Times you wonder what on earth am I doing this for? But it is very much worth the sacrifice!

     

    -- Pat

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (21 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 4 years

  13. If yes, does it still apply if it is not "recognized tribe"? The tribe is supposedly recognized culturally but not federally? I don't really understand it but that is what I was told.

     

    *****************************************

    :) The previous poster was correct that being a Native American is considered to be a minority status. Whether the tribe is recognized culturally or federally does not matter. (That is whether they have sovereignty, land rights, $$$, and can govern themselves.)

     

    It would be ideal to register the baby with her tribe -- despite your concern -- I think you will be fine as it sounds you are a relative. When the child grows up, they can take advantage of scholarships for college. I wish my parents had pursued getting my sisters and I on the roll for that reason. (We are Mescalero Apache & Hispanic) I hope all goes well.

     

    --Pat

    Former K-6 Schoolteacher (15+ years)

    Mom to a wonderful DS (13 yr old)

    and awesome Hubby (21 yrs of marriage)

    HS'er for 4 years

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