eksargent
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Posts posted by eksargent
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Thanks for all the feedback. Much appreciated! Still looking for the "perfect plan".
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I feel like I do. Some subjects I need my hand held. History is one of them. I was surprised when I started reading the lesson plans. I'm getting discouraged and I haven't even started yet.
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Question...I'm using Abeka History for grade 8. The lesson plans are designed for a classroom. Am I missing something? Are there just basic homeschool lesson plans?
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Thanks! As I said, I had a list of requirements that I wanted out of a curriculum. Christian, accredited, somewhat independent, academically advanced, spiral, quiz/test based, and most of all appealing to my boys.
I have high hopes that Abeka is the answer. I will check out the yahoo group. Again, thanks for all the input!
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I purchased the Abeka DVD curriculum for next year. I have tried Sonlight, Calvert, and a mix of other things. Nothing worked the way I wanted it to. I have a list of requirements I want out of a curriculum. I got my hands on all Abeka had to offer at our homeschool conference. I really loved it. So...I want to hear from those of you who have used it. Pros? Cons? Likes? Dislikes? How do your kids feel about it? Is it academically on par with other curriculums?
Please share what you wish you had known before you started on this path.
Thanks!!!
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Thanks for all the input! I love hearing from everyone!
I am going to finish the curriculum. I am not going to use the teachers manual. I was hoping this would work long term, so I didn't have to go on the curriculum hunt for next year. No deal!
Also, I use CLE math and LOVE IT! I wish I liked the other subjects they offered, but I'm not a big fan.
I don't get how anyone does Calvert...each subject has an objective. introduction, instruction, and application. Do that for each subject for each kid...ug! My house would be a wreck and we would never eat a home cooked meal.
It's just nice to know I'm not the only one dumping money into the black hole of unfulfilled curriculum.
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First, I tried Sonlight. We didn't like it. I wanted something a little more independent and a little more structured with quizzes and tests.
Next, I bought Calvert. We are a month into it. I love the academics of it. I don't like that I am "teaching" every subject to each of my boys. The subject matter is straight forward enough that they could do it on their own, but the manual is written to the parent. It's too much skipping around. I also don't like that the schedule is set in stone. If you miss one subject on one day...you're off. I spend more time flipping around, getting to where we should be, and reading through each subject's objective, introduction, instruction, and application! I feel like pulling my hair out.
Now, I'm feeling horrible that we've spent all this money on another curriculum that will not work for us. I want permission to dump the lesson guide. We can get through the curriculum by the middle of summer. (We are playing catch up because we moved twice in 1 year.) For example, I can tell ds to read 1 chapter a week in history, do the vocab and review questions, and be done with the book in July. I can do the quizzes and tests orally to make sure he is getting it.
I know some of these curriculums work great for other families. They are both great programs. They just don't fit us.
I'm even more stressed that I don't have my curriculum picked out for next year! I fell in love with something, sold dh on how great it would be, and now eating those works.
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i skip the enrichments usually, we have 5 children and 3 are in school right now (5th 3rd, and first). for the most part, i try and follow the manual, esp. the phonics portions. sometimes when we are behind, we skip the science experiments. i have a love/hate with calvert. but all in all, i stick with it. just bought 6th for next year.
amy
My biggest challenge is this...I sit down with ds and start reading his lesson. I get him started and begin with other ds. Either one ds is waiting for me to answer a question, or the other ds is waiting to be told what to do. Do you block out time for each child? Since every subject needs direct involvement, how do you organize for multiple children? I guess that's what my real question is. :confused:
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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For those who use Calvert...do you do it exactly as instructed or do you change it at all? I like the instructor's guide, but it slows us down. I know the curriculum is not meant to be independent, but I think it could be. If you will, please share with me how Calvert works best for you. Thanks for sharing!
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I ordered from Christian Light at a conference. They did tell me I could ask for "seconds" when placing future orders. If a light unit isn't in perfect condition (bent corner, floor copy at a conference, etc.) it is sold at a discount. You have to place your order by phone and ask if there are any seconds available.
That's the only cost saves I know about for CLE.
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That is wonderful!! The best math program is the one that works for your kid. I love finding just the right fit.
Just fyi, most people around here consider TT a little behind so their 6th book is like 5th grade, 7th book would be 6th grade exc. - still a great program, just funny that they label the books that way.
I would agree. TT must be somewhat behind...I was just surprised there was wasn't a bigger gap. KWIM.
Now...if I could just get my other subjects running as smoothly...:001_huh:
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Last year (my 1st year homeschooling) was a disaster in math. My curriculum of choice was highly recommended and widely successful with many of you on this board. For me...a flop.
After some research I found CLE (Christian Light Education). I started my 10ds in level 400. For those who aren't familiar, each level includes 10 "Light Units". Each light unit has 17 lessons including 2 quizzes and 1 test. Today, ds is starting light unit 407. He has gone from an average ps student to a math loving kid!!!
I am looking ahead at high school math and trying to determine what courses he will take. I love CLE for elementary and middle...I'm just looking around at other high school options. So, I checked around and found Teaching Textbooks. I printed some placement tests and gave them do ds. He tested into the 7th grade. I was shocked! He isn't gifted or advanced. We have just found a great program that works for him. He "gets" it. He doesn't forget it. He likes it. I love it. I don't have to "teach" him. It's almost completely independent.
Often I look for info, opinions, and experiences from you all before making decisions about curriculum. I just wanted to share my experience with this program.
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Thanks for sharing. I'm trying to make my decisions for next year and this is my pick for science...so far.
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I'm listening to Pandora right now. http://www.pandora.com
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:grouphug:
I just need to know people are praying...or thinking...of them.
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Well, my husband would say the same thing. And, I would strongly disagree with him!
Just let it go...be strong...and know that if you are REALLY THAT CONTROLLING you won't argue back with her!!! :lol:
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I just moved to Alabama. We joined a YMCA and today was our 2nd PE class. Upon arrival today...they shared the news that a mom had passed away. I don't know her. I never met her or her kids. She had 6 children. They were 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 18. The Y was raising money for the family because the 18 year old was battling cancer. So sad.
I am beside myself with grief...and I hadn't even met her. Her service is tonight and her burial is tomorrow.
Along with homeschooling, she was the CEO of Jesus Offers Bread Mission which offer help to thousands of people.
Her name is Vicky Lynn. Please pray for her family. That is all I can ask for. I have offered to help (although I am a complete stranger), but I am hopeful we can pitch in!
She lived in Chelsea, Alabama. I have to share...that might be the nicest place on earth!
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I advise you to simply skip any more posts on this board that mention "swine flu" "h1n1" or anything else that might possibly be about this "simple flu" since obviously you don't need any of the information in them.
For the record...I never said "simple flu".
And I would like to add that I get lots of information and support from the folks on this site. I am shocked that sharing my experience and information (which is why we are all here) has prompted you to tell me to "skip any more posts on this board that mention Swine flu"...since I am the one that started this post.
Respectfully disagree. Share your story. But stop short of telling me...or anyone here...what to do.
We all have the same goal in mind here. We all want happy, healthy, educated kids. Keep that in mind when you post to someone.
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I'm sorry, I really have to disagree. Let's look at the deaths OK? Deaths mean they are definitely confirmed.
• During the 2004-05 Season, 47 deaths in children were reported to CDC.
• During the 2005-06 Season, 46 deaths in children were reported to CDC. This is nation wide.
So far in just my state, Florida, this flu has killed 132 people, of those 20 have been children (scroll to the bottom for deaths in the state and ages). The report is from October 20, so I'm sure it's grown.
If you are so aware of flu in this country, I'm sure you are aware that Southern states, including Florida do not get their "flu season" until late January or early February. Unlike the Northern states that often start flu season as soon as the weather cools down. When we lived in MI flu shots came out with the pumpkins, down here in FL flu shots are usually out in with Turkeys or more likely, with the Christmas trees.
You don't have to be concerned with this flu and that is fine with me. But your post makes it sound as if I'm being silly for my concern. Well, since my State has had 1/2 the number of child deaths as the whole Country did in 2004 and 2005 and the fact that we are not even close to flu season yet. Yeah, I'm a little concerned. Yeah, I want all the information I can get about it.
Am I barricading my doors and keeping my kids isolated? NO, we participate in two different co-ops, play outside with the public school neighbor kids daily, go out to eat, and shopped at the mall this past weekend. But have we done better washing our hands this year? Yes. I also talked to my neighbor and asked for a head's up when her kids get vaxed (she really doesn't want them to, but hasn't decided yet). Why? Because if they get the mist my kids will play with hers outside only, where the chance of shedding and catching it is less (at least in my mind it is).
I advise you to simply skip any more posts on this board that mention "swine flu" "h1n1" or anything else that might possibly be about this "simple flu" since obviously you don't need any of the information in them. As for me, I would like to thank my fellow boardies in asking all the question I don't think of and helping my family and I get all the information we can. Let's keep on talking about it!
Thanks
Melissa
Hi Melissa. I actually live in Florida. My child had survived the "swine flu". I never said anyone was being silly for being concerned. I simply think information is key. I was just sharing what I know first hand.
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Whoever told you this does not understand the nature of influenza.
With all respect to you, I would disagree. :)
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Whoever told you this does not understand the nature of influenza.
With all respect to you, I would disagree. :)
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I agree with everything stated except this (the no more part):
The regular flu takes lives every year. The H1N1 hasn't presented itself as such a threat in decades. That's why I said H1N1 takes "no more". Year over year...I think you might agree.
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Here is a link to the Centers for Disease Control.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
And information on the 1918 pandemic, which was also h1n1.
Research shows people in 1918 caught and died from that pandemic in 1 day. This is not the case here. Further research shows people born before 1960 have an immunity. The same immunity my son has since he has been exposed. A vaccine the opportunity for your immune system to have exposure to the infection and build up immunity.
I'm just saying there is no need to be fearful. Be informed. When I was diagnosed with RA I had to learn about my diagnosis. Those with the same diagnosis decades ago were crippled and died. With knowledge and today's medicine, I am not that statistic!
Abeka History
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
Thia, I did join the Facebook group. So, thanks for that tip!