titianmom
-
Posts
481 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Blogs
Classifieds
Store
Posts posted by titianmom
-
-
Well, I wish I had found CLE earlier, but we're starting at a higher level in CLE. I really can't help you on 1st grade or around the 100 level work.
I recommend that you call them at 1-800-776-0478 and ask the friendly folks at CL about the 100 level. They'll tell you exactly what is covered, also.
First, if you belong to christianlightfamilies, go ahead and check out the S & S. It'll prob ans most of your questions.
I can only tell you about the 600 level, which prob won't be much help to you ;).
I can quote my daughter, though. She said to me, "Mom, it's hard to make math interesting, but at least CLE doesn't bore you to death."
I think that sums it up, no? :) And the LA is much the same as the math in style. Learn a concept, practice, review old material, throw in something interesting/entertaining like a mental game, do some spelling work, punctuation, review the new concept, do something from a previous level (review), go back to reviewing the new spelling words, do some Capitalization exercise, then move on to something new again.
Does that give you an idea of what the spiral method is like? It keeps them moving by not bogging them down with a ton of similar exercises that bores them to death.
I think that's important in a workbook format. However, there are kids that need to focus on one topic for several pages, say (mastery) before moving on to something else or reviewing old work. IF your child is like that, then CLE may not be for you.
But yours is young. I'd ask the group on Yahoo.
Kim
-
I think they only have samples of the lower grade reading course. But I know they plan to update the site with more samples.
The good news is, for $2.90 plus shipping, you can order one of their Light Units for LA or any of the others and check it out for cheap.
Their diagnostic tests are only $2 ea.
You can get an entire sample packet for an entire grade or pick and choose, I think for $10 plus shipping.
Just a thought.
Kim
I have often wanted to look at CLE's English (not reading) but they do not offer any samples of it online.I guess unless one goes to a convention one will not know about it. :confused:
I am happy with BJU, but am always willing to try something different should it appeal to me.
-
GET the diagnostic tests for your kids.
Really. Don't just assume that junior will be able to handle 1st grade LA because he did fine in other programs. Their approach is (unique? I think there are others similiar out there but I'm not sure), and their program is challenging.
Kim
-
I just switched to CLE math, LA, and Reading this year and I think they're great products and I highly recommend them. THeir spiral approach is really pretty effective, but some folks may have problems if their kids are either weak in LA and Math or just need the mastery approach to math. Mastery is when you do a billion problems of the same kind until you get it before moving on.
I highly recommend that you take their diagnostics series (cheap! $2 ea) before picking out the LA and Math. You'd be surprised where they'll land after the results. My daughter normally does 7-8th grade work in most other programs out there, very bright kid, and she barely made it through their 600 level math and LA and flunked the 700 level stuff. But, their levels do overlap so she is almost where she should be in other programs, etc. But the point is, it isn't light fare, your kids will learn with their materials.
If your child is pretty average or above and adapts well to a variety of programs, he/she will have no problems thriving with CLE.
CLE is challenging without being frustrating, and that's it's selling point.
Now for the caution: They are re-writing their math and LA program, converting it over to their new Sunrise format. The Sunrise conversion has been completed up to 8th grade in math, and higher, I think, in LA. They are also re-writing all of their history texts, etc and going to the sunrise approach. I think it will be fabulous when finished, but their history IS NOT classical in approach.
They plan to finish up math through the 11th grade and not 12th, because no one has been buying their stuff in upper high school! Sad. Anyway, it may be a few years before they get 9th-11th completed!
The Mennonites don't advertise, it's just the way it is. So, their website isn't the greatest. I think, personally, the new Sunrise in LA, Reading and Math is one of the best kept secrets in homeschool--esp because their prices are so reasonable.
Kim
-
After 6 years, now, I did stumble upon a good math, reading, and LA program by a vendor who has done this for about 30 years and I'm finding it's the best kept secret in homeschooling, because their stuff is so cheap. And it's good, too; most kids are at least a couple of years ahead using this stuff.
Highly recommend it up to about 8th grade:
Christian Light Education. http://www.clp.org
I'm the same way, although I suspect I'm even worse than you. "Boxed" curriculum tends to 1) be too dumbed down, 2) have glaring weaknesses that require supplementation (which kind of defeats the purpose of using boxed curriculum in the first place), and/or 3) be terribly expensive (at least for my budget). However, it can be the right solution for a lot of people even though it typically doesn't work for me. -
My personal feeling about Sonlight Language Arts is, if you really don't want your child to do anything but read, then Sonlight is for you...
But...
If you want them to actually learn something useful, try another curriculum.
Sorry, but I thought Sonlight STUNK.
I used it years ago, hopefully they've improved a lot. But I was not impressed with about 99.9% of what Sonlight offered.
I'm looking at their Science, though, but now I've read that they still confuse their experiments and text. STILL, after 6 years. are They give you good books, their lesson plans and worksheets reeeeeeek. So maybe nothing has changed.
Why in the world would anyone like Sonlight is what I want to ask. I do 1000 percent better writing my own curriculum, and I don't even know what I'm doing, LOL.
Kim
Every single time someone asks me about a particular curriculum I pull out their trusty dusty catalog and begin, well, yawning. :sad:After schooling 11 years I have read several of their scheduled books and, well, bleck! To me there are so many better selections out there. :confused: I especially find one of their more popular programs completely uninspiring. I find I have a very hard time recommending it, and that is so sad because I know so many use and love it! I instead catch myself turning their attention to Winter Promise, Sonlight or Tapestry of Grace...anything but the curriculum they have set all their hopes and dreams upon! I feel horrible, terrible, awful...and yet I continue on. :blushing:
Is it because I have not actually used the program, only read the books? Perhaps because they do not list all their books in the catalog so I do not see how meaty and interesting it can truly be? Is it because WP, SL and TOG have spoiled me considerably? Or, do you think perhaps it's because I am a big fat opinionated know-it-all who is rather delusional? :blink: :lol:
I hate that I cannot be objective. That I cannot say, "Oh, I hear that is a wonderful program dahling. I am SURE you will love it!" Instead, I am a dirty wet blanket dashing their hopes and dreams of a blissful school year; sucking the life right out of their wonderful happy plans. Telling them my true opinion. :sneaky2:
My only solace, I must confess, is that no one seems to listen to me...:w00t:
-
-
I'd like your honest opinion. I actually have a library discard of the Usborne Intro to Chemistry and it looks interesting to me, so I'm looking into this as a possibility for next year.
THanks!
Kim
-
ON Homeschoolreviews there were several bad reviews, saying that it ins't very meaty at all and they felt for the grade level there should be a lot more to it than there is.
??
How indepth do they go into chemistry and physics? Do they talk about covalent compounds, for ex? Alkanes, Isomers, Alkenes and Plymers,LOL?
Thanks, I need to know the truth about Rainbow. :)
Kim
-
DOn't tell me there's another one out there I need to take a look at, LOL.
I'm debating over RS4K and Science Explorer...
Now I'll have to take a look at Rainbow.
Sigh.
Kim
-
:)
I'm thinking of just sticking my PH book and the Physics I from RS4K book into my girl's hand and saying, "So, which is it?"
:lol:
Isn't looking for curriculum fun? :D
Kim
-
Hi,
Many on the RS4K site are saying you don't need level I nec. But I'm checking out the facts right now. I'm also looking at Prentice Hall's Science Explorer.
What are the cons of Science Explorer for homeschooling?
THanks,
Kim
(I've used some of the Earth Science ones, but I had to modify a lot of it because it was for a younger child. The temptation is not to do the experiments at all, at least for us. I also think the pages are on the busy side. What do you all think?)
-
Using software, build any kind of timeline you want easily on the computer.
Works for me.
Kim
-
Hi all,
I'm on a discussion group with RS4K and I'm hearing now that you don't really need to take the level I courses before moving into the level II courses.
My daughter will be in the 7th when she starts RS4K, and I can't see us finishing much before High School if she has to take the level I courses, too.
So I need your input.
ALso, are there folks out there that didn't care for RS4K, and why? (Not the price, I know that it's high, LOL. But if it's good I'm willing to pay for it.)
I want to do the chem II and the Physics II (hopefully it'll be done by her 8th year) and then work on Astronomy more before high school science rolls in and the requirements have to be met for college entry level stuff.
Appreciate your input,
Depending on my ans here, I may have the physics level I complete set for sale soon.
Kim
-
Good point. I mean, come on folks: They say lasagna causes cancer. And if you use aluminum foil, you're giving yourself alzheimer's.
I wouldn't hit the panic button just yet. I think we'd be better off not standing right in front of a micro while it's cooking, maybe, and stay out of the sun.
Kim
This article has an excellent, reasoned approach to the issue. I'd worry more about excessive sun exposure and grilling food than microwaves.The article also has some excellent tips on safe microwaving (e.g., no plastic yogurt containers in the microwave.)
Janet
-
The end of MacDonalds....
that'd be a good thing, tho.
Dont' know how many burgers I ate there (or threw away) because it was obviously microwaved, LOL.
Kim
I read this recently and I know some friends who got rid of their microwave. Do you think there is any reason to believe this is true?Edited: Ok, those who voted maybe, does the possibility affect whether or not you use a microwave?
I know I'm sort of breaking a board rule, but would someone explain why my asking this question is bad? For the life of me I can't figure out how it could have offended anyone.
-
I think a lot of this is natural in a way. I realize we shouldn't covet other people's things, but we ladies often see our homes as a reflection of ourselves and it bothers us when things aren't what they should be.
I get frazzled over mess sometimes and go through the house fussing "I want my house back! Pick this mess up!" :001_huh: (Espression on kids/husband's face)
But things can fry you when you're in your house most of the day and it isn't as it should be. I even have trouble sleeping when there's chaos everywhere. I insist on cleaning the house before a trip, just so that I don't have to see disaster when I get home all tired out, etc.
We can't take it all with us when we go, and I hear the next house is a real mansion :hurray: :party::thumbup:
:)
Remember, this is just the dressing room. The play hasn't even started, yet.
Kim
Colleen, I totally understand. I get caught up in comparing my house to those I know in real life and it REALLY gets me down. I haven't looked at the pictures you mentioned, but I did see the pictures on your blog of your house. I would love to have your picture window. You have a cute little house, but I can understand where you are coming from.You don't know HOW I stress when I know people are coming over here to pick up their child from a playdate with my kids or to pick up my child to go with them! Oh, how I stress. For the longest time I wouldn't invite a few of my closest friends over. One of them finally convinced me that they are coming to see ME, not my house. It is very hard though when we're sort of "stuck" too. No money to fix it up because we're paying off some debt and just plain living. I guess we could give up cable and our cell phones and the DVR and some meals out, but those things are important to us right now.
:grouphug:
-
I browsed it in the library a while back and liked it.
Kim
-
Hello everyone. What a joy to read your pleasant responses! I, too, admit major jealousy after scrolling through the pictures of kitchens. I repent. I used to live in a big ol' house, with a gigantic kitchen that I re-did (mostly) myself. I papered and painted and polished and scrubbed for 7 years, and finally had it absolutely perfect. New countertops, appliances, tile, flooring, it was a dream to me. Then my dh lost his job and after 4 months he found a new one...far, far away from my home. We moved from a 3,000 sq ft house into one not quite 1,600. I had to give away furniture, books, crafts that had been purchased for 'that spot in the old house that it was perfect for'. I had to give up my perfect kitchen for one that appeared to have been built for a couple who never cooked at home. Tiny doesn't come close. I have about 3 feet of counter top, total. No pantry. Old appliances, ugly wallpaper, just turn around to touch all 4 walls. So, for the 2 years we have been living here, I have been discouraged about what I left behind. I began slowly purging ugly stuff and painting and papering and cleaning and decorating and...complaining. My dh is a wise man, and would not buy beyond our means. So he is willing to commute an hour to work and I am learning to be content with my tiny kitchen. So, after admiring all the beautiful pictures, I went into my tiny kitchen that never seems to get clean because I resent it...and I started to clean and polish the old sink and rearrange the little counter to allow more working space. I shined the oven and reorganized the fridge. I moved things around to give the appearance of more breathing room. I organized my spices and cleaned my cabinets. I fluffed the curtains. I moved country crafts on the walls. I made it mine for the first time. I stood in my tiny kitchen this morning and said *thank you* that I have what I have. I am truly a blessed woman to have, not a tiny kitchen any more, but a cozy, precious one, that now belongs to me. I looked out my window and saw a beautiful forest, and flowers blooming and wrapping themselves on the deck railing. I watched the hummingbirds fuss over the feeder hanging outside my window. I saw the tiny butcher block 'island' table...a mere 2 ft. square that you have to squeeze past to get to the sink...sitting in the middle of the room, that my dh hauled a long way home so that I could have a 'country red' workspace to make bread on. I saw the cookbooks collected over 25 years all in a row, sitting in my little cabinet. I just *saw* so much. I have so much. This is my home, my little cottage in the woods, that I share with my family who loves me. So for tonight's supper I made fresh bread and roasted chicken and made a wonderful vegetable mix of fresh vegetables and herbs from my 'garden on the deck' and a crispy Italian salad and fresh peach cobbler. It's all about perspective. Thank you all for helping me to regain mine. Many blessings~
Ginger :001_smile:
I appreciated this. It really is all on how you view things, ;)
Kim
(it's that "learning to be content in all things" thing that Paul talked about...I'm still working on it. :tongue_smilie:)
-
I lived in a parsonage for a few years. Everything in it was 17 years old and on it's last leg, and it was really cheap when they installed it, LOL. But, on the brighter side, I could have all the kids over and not worry about them ruining anything, etc.
I know it is nice to have nice things. But the reality is, it can become your master. You worry about it all the time, clean it all the time, obsess over the niceness and worry someone is going to come in and bang your cabinets or scratch up your nice, new dining room table, etc.
Not much diff than a car. When I was young I went shopping with my dad to buy a car for the first time. There were 2 cars on the lot in my price range; one was a nearly new,stripped down mustang, and one was this reaallly nice sup'ed up camaro - silver with maroon interior and all the latest gizmos (at that time).
Anyway, I kept coming back to the camaro and sitting in the driver's seat. And then the Lord spoke to me very plainly and said, "If you buy this car, you won't own it--it will own you." And he reminded me that I'd be one of those folks that parked their car out in the north-forty at an angle to keep it from getting scratched, etc. Washing it every other day, etc.
In other words, an obsession.
So I bought the mustang. Never had a moment's problem with it all the years I had it.
God is faithful and knows what he's doing.
:)
Kim
I know I shouldn't covet, but...I do. And now I made the mistake of looking at the threads with pics of people's kitchens and dining rooms and I want to cry. Or I should say, I don't want to cry, but I feel like I'm going to.:sad: I'm salivating over everyone's spacious, beautiful kitchens, modern cabinetry, big appliances ~ heck, I'd take any one of those things. (And I'd take a dining room, too, for that matter.) I'd take a dishwasher. And a kitchen window. And cabinets that weren't made when JFK was in office. I'd take a normal-sized fridge. And oh, so many other things that are assumed to be standard by so many people. People in our culture, anyway. After I view threads like that, I make myself go look at photos in "Material World" as a reminder that I do have it better than many, many people on this planet.But it is hard to be well-organized and keep a clean home and still have everything outdated and inefficient and, in some cases, in a permanent state of disrepair. What is so odd is that I read people on this board all the time talking about their tight finances, but one would certainly never know it from their homes. On the other hand, our finances aren't tight, and for that I am truly grateful. But farm income becomes farm expenses, that's the cycle. Everything else is secondary.
I guess instead of saying, "Go hug your kids", I'll end by saying, "Go kiss your cabinets" or "Go hug your dining room table.":tongue_smilie:
-
I am assuming that they're just tacking onto the end of SOM. I can't imagine going thru and re-writing a classic, LOL. That would be a bit insulting IMHO. But, you never know...
:)
Kim
-
Doesn't seem that anyone knows the ans to this one.
Thanks anyway.
Kim
-
Yes, it's been around forever and it is recommended by many. I think this guy did Curious George books, also. We still watch Curious George and I'm 46 and my daughter is 11, LOL.
FYI, if your budding astronomers really get into it and later on in late elementary/early high school you want to hit Astronomy again, check this out. I can't wait to use this:
Look at Math & Cosmos. It's fabulous. The music one isn't bad, either.
Kim
-
Hi,
THis might be a silly question, but since SOM isn't copyrighted and is in public domain, it may not be a silly question.
It has been updated a few dozen times I think. Are the updates just extentions, or has SOM been completely re-written over time?
I'm studying the middle ages and don't need anything modern, so I'm wondering if I can just pick up a really old copy and be done with it.
Or, is it wiser to pick up a newer copy?
:)
Kim
The future of Homeschooling...good or bad?
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
Some how, the one in Sales was merged over here and someone deleted my revision, so I'm doing it again!!!!!
How is the economics at your home affecting your homeschooling decisions?
Do you think there's been changes in homeschooling that is good or bad over the last 25 years??
What do you think of the curriculum that's out there? Good? Bad? Doesn't matter? Do you think economic changes are going to effect some homeschool family publishers? (It's expensive to publish, just FYI.)
Anyone been around since the beginning of homeschooling? Tell us some of your stories of how it was when you first started, etc; esp the difficulties so that people understand where we've come from. Thanks!
Is there a possibility that we could become a little, ah, lax and get spoiled a bit with all of the "make it easy to homeschool" material out there?
Or is that impossible? LOL. It's still a challenge to homeschool, I know that. Plus, I'm not wanting to start wars, I just want to examine the changes going on, so no slams, please.
I've seen and heard things that bother me, but I"ve decided to change my approach, here, and just let that stuff go.
Thanks!
Let's just have some discussion, here that's helpful.
Kim