Jump to content

Menu

sandalwood

Members
  • Posts

    445
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by sandalwood

  1. You know your son best, but I agree that it doesn't seem like much of a big deal even if it winds up taking him an extra year, since he started college at 16.  He will still be finishing college early if he takes 5 years to do it. 

     

    This above :iagree:

     

    Starting at 16 puts a whole different spin on it for me---not many that age or even years older "know" what they want to do at that age----   5 years to get out now is not so far out of the norm---I promise. I have had recently one nephew who went  5 1/2 years and one about 6 or 6 plus a summer school.   Not all their classes transferred to their 4 yr . school and they were not the only ones.     It's not so far out of the norm.

    • Like 1
  2. Just for what it's worth, our geometry was proof heavy.  It was very trying some days (a lot of days) but in the end, I thought it was worth it and I think it really helped in the long run.

     

    I will also say that math is one of the subjects, if I can't do it I get a teacher.   This year we are doing an online "live class" precal. course with other students (that there is no way on earth I could teach). 

  3. I actually had someone give me the Geometry portion.    I had used another curr. for  Alg, etc. I emailed the company with a couple of questions about the Geometry & scope and seq. and they actually recommended to me that for us ( please note, us!) we use something else for geometry.   From what I remember (this was 2 1/2 years ago at least when I emailed) that Video Text was meant to use all of it and that for the entire program to work as planned, to use it all.     Like I said, it's been two years since this came up with me.  In the end, I decided to stick with another math. I really wanted to try it since it had been gifted to me, but in the end I ending up giving it to someone who used the program but had it on VCR tapes and she was thrilled with the dvd's for free.

    • Like 1
  4. We have moved to a new home (same area) since taking the ACT / SAT last year.  I am at checkout with the SAT and this line I didn't notice on the ACT registration I just did last week:

    Make sure that all your information is correct. You will not be admitted to the test center unless:
    • The photo you have submitted matches your appearance on test day.
    • Your personal info matches the info on your ID exactly.

    Of course his drivers Lic. has the old address.  Aren't they just talking about the photo and legal name of the student? 

    Surely this has come up for someone else here recently as often as people move? Of course his address is listed as under personal information on the registration page, hence my double checking!  Thanks!

     

     

    (Here is more info from their site:

     

    Important Policies Regarding ID
    • Matching Names: You are responsible for ensuring that the name you used to register exactly matches the name on the ID document(s) you will present at the test center. If you need to make a change to your name after registering, please contact Customer Service at least 30 days prior to your intended test date. Middle names and initials are optional on your documents; however, if provided, the middle initial must exactly match the first letter of your middle name on your ID.
    • Matching Appearance:: If test administration staff cannot sufficiently authenticate your identification from the ID you present, you may be denied admission to the test center, or your test score may be withheld or canceled.
    • Test center staff are not required to hold your seat if you leave the center to obtain acceptable identification.
    • Prior admission to a test center based on any particular ID document is no guarantee that the same ID document will be considered acceptable in the future.
    • Admission to the test center is no guarantee that the ID you provided is valid or that your scores will be reported. All reported or suspected cases of questionable ID or test-taker identity are subject to our review and approval before, during, or after the test administration.
    • You should keep your ID and Admission Ticket with you at all times while at the test center, including during breaks. You may be required to show your ID and Admission Ticket and/or to sign a test center log multiple times and at various points throughout the test administration.
    • If it is discovered after your test administration that you used a false or invalid identification, your test scores will be canceled, and you will forfeit your registration and test fees. Your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (if you are under 18), your high school, and the colleges and programs you have designated to receive your score reports will be notified and may be told why your scores were canceled. Law enforcement authorities may also be notified when fraud is suspected, and you may be banned from future tests.
    • If you fail to comply with these identification requirements and policies, you may be dismissed from the test center and your scores may be withheld or canceled. If you are dismissed from the test center prior to completing the test because of invalid or unacceptable ID, or failure to comply with these ID requirements and policies, your test fees will not be refunded.)

     

     

     

  5. Excellent, thank you ladies!    

     

    heartlikealion, I know you had to do it here at one time -- my sis in law flunked it like 6 times over parallel parking!   Honestly, it's been so long since I took mine I don't remember.    I learned how to parallel in drivers ed, but hubby didn't and to this day I always do the parallel parking.   In FL, we had to do it all the time--- several times a week --- here not so much.  Here is a good video I found for my son-- maybe not the best but helpful!http://www.driversedguru.com/driving-articles/car-driving-skills/how-to-parallel-park/

     

    "Our kids just talked with their friends about the driving test.

    Our local testing guy routinely flunks Every Single Kid, so it's good to know things like that ahead of time."

    Beth, this is good advice -- hope not the case but will be prepared for that.  Our testing centers are so far apart, I have to drive over an hour to either one I choose----it is a mess how far they make you go here.  They've closed so many testing stations.

     

     

  6. We are moving for one year.  We are keeping our current house (my sister is moving in) and renting either a small house or condo in a new location.

     

    The new location will be fabulous in the spring/summer/fall for exploration but will be the pits in the winter.  I am not sure if we're renting someplace furnished or not. There are many furnished houses due it being a vacation locale, but if we move into someplace furnished we'd have to move out June-September into an extended stay or something which would not be fun with three kids under 10. 

     

    So, what are the essentials? What would you take with you for one year? What can you live without? We have never done the transfer thing and I don't adjust well to change at all. 

     

    We rented a furnished condo for 1 1/2 years while out house was up for sale when we moved to a different state.  They supplied everything, literally everything.   Sheets, towels, you name it --- it was there.  It was managed through a realtor.

     

    I took my "good" iron (the one there was not good),  a couple of cast iron skillets and some pampered chef since the cookware there was really subpar and cheap, some of my personal towels, bathcloths, clothes and personal items like blow dyer (but they had one!), etc.    My son took some board  games and a nintendo.  We took our computers and used their tvs.  That was it.   We took two car loads there and probably most of the car loads were just luggage.

     

    I would not recommend an extended stay.  We had to stay in a hotel for 1 1/2 months and it was a nightmare trying to homeschool in a hotel.  We tried to go to the library and it was too distracting. Too few tables and people always talking.   We had no problem renting a furnished unit.  In fact, I would do it again.  It proves you just don't need "that much stuff" to live.   It was great honestly!

     

  7.  I'm thinking of abandoning TOG and looking for a more straightforward simple history/literature/writing curriculum that will prepare him for college. Is there such a thing?

     

     

     

    You might consider using a textbook this year (Notgrass, Bob Jones, etc). Easier lesson plans fewer books and then if you want to still add in a biography or other books to read you can. Notgrass has suggested books to read with their history books but not a bunch.

     

    Give your son some options for curriculum (that you have determined to be ones you think will work) and see what he thinks he'd rather do.

     

    You do what is best for your family. Don't load yourself with guilt and what ifs. It will work out fine and make it more enjoyable for both of you.

    I agree, bless your heart!  Don't sweat it.    Homeschoolers have long used materials way before these programs like TOG were written.  

     

    History? Honest to goodness, I'd use a textbook like BJU.  I have used some textbooks with or without the teachers guide. My fav. is BJU if going without a dvd, etc.   Teacher's guides are really helpful.  Assign so many pages per day in the book,  tell him to make notes, answer the questions and study for the test. Done.  

     

    English? Lit/Writing?  Either use Notgrass like posted above for all history, english but if your child needs hand-holding (like mine does) in English, get something like a very explanatory textbook like Warriner's English Grammar and Comp. or Rod & Staff or Jensen's Format Writing, Hands-on-Essays, a text like BJU or Abeka. Wordly wise or something for vocab., just get some things that will hit both lit and grammar.   Last year my son and I did English together using the BJU texts and teacher guide for  both writing/grammar and lit.   That was a great year with both grammar and lit.   Their lit really teaches (at least the new editions) all the different types of lit.  He'll know how to analyze a book if he uses their lit.    And, your son may not need hand-holding in English-- mine just did.  Your child may be more independant.  I know these forums are not fans of the textbook method but that works for us now at the upper high school levels.  It is what it is, you know? But, don't beat yourself up. Oh, and just thought of this.... we also have used Streams of Civ. with Linwood Thompson dvd's as supplements.  That was a good history year, too and we added in novels with that.  

     

    Good luck and I'm sure you'll get more posts!  9th is a GREAT year to introduce the teen to being responsible for their work.  They need to know how to be independant by high school/college anyhow.  In college no one is going to tell him when and how to study.  This is a great time to introduce this method of him being responsible.

  8. Thank you. My guy is also in 95th percentile, he's big and active and doesn't get sick, so I probably don't need to worry too much. Easier said than done sometimes though. :)

     

    If he is growing and thriving and happy and smilling and playing and all that good stuff-- I promise it will be okay to have him eat the same foods.   That statement from the pediatrician saved me.   It really does get better, I promise. 

     

    One a side note...

     

    Honest to goodness, I have a nephew (no allergies) who ate hardly anything but hotdogs literally for 12 years in childhood and today he is a healthly grown man -- almost 30 now. He would refuse to eat if he didn't have a hot dog.  Not only did he just about eat only hotdogs, but just he only ate those red weiner things -- that was his favorite.  We used to worry he would just turn into a hotdog or something and he is fine.   :lol:

  9. You've gotten some awesome advice for sure.  

     

    Sometimes we can't "make" anyone do the right thing or the "best" thing.  It's sounds like she does need to talk to someone.  Yes, there are attorneys who only specialize in bankruptcy.   She can get a free appt. with one and at least find out fees/costs, regulations, etc. Like I said, it is not as easy as it used to be.    Then, of course when it is all said and done there is a court date, etc.   It is not the walk in the park she thinks it might be.  Back in the day (before homeschooling, a long time ago so rules probably have changed!!!), in MS you met at a federal courthouse with others who filed bankruptcy and you acutally were called up one at a time to a long table in the front of the room and met with several people  and asked a few questions and they signed off on it --  it is not the walk in the park she is probably thinking it is.  It sounds like she just needs some guidance but she probably needs some counseling like others have said.  Do you know if one of the churches in your area does free credit counseling by those who have been trained to do that???  That might be a good start. I know when we lived other places, that was an option at several of the bigger churches.  Here is a couple of links from a super quick google search about b'ruptcy court just as an FYI... again this may not be correct in your state!

     

    http://www.attorneys.com/bankruptcy/what-to-expect-when-you-get-to-bankruptcy-court/

     

    http://www.moranlaw.net/341.htm

     

    I wish her the best and I hope she figures it out.

     

     

  10. . He eats sunbutter and jelly sandwiches, hummus, etc. what other proteins can he have when I don't have cooked meat available? What can I keep on hand for him?

     

    I know this is not the answer you are looking for but I have a son with multiple food allergies and when he was young it was a nightmare to deal with.   Total nightmare, always worried about what he would eat and who might feed him if I was not around.

     

    I expressed the same thoughts to the pediatrician about his nutritonal requirements.   I was worried about what he ate and hitting the "right" nutritional needs, etc.  This wise, long practicing pediatrician told me something like, "He looks mighty healthy to me, don't worry about it."  I had a child that was growing, in like the 95th percentile on the growth charts and a tad chubby.  His reply may seem flippant but that gave me a HUGE sigh of relief. I quit worrying about it that day and for probably 4 years we just had the same meals, same snacks. If in this season of life the snacks are sunbutter and jelly sandwiches and your child likes them --- it's okay, I promise.  It will get better and the further testing will tell you exactly what you are dealing with.

  11. It would be on her credit report for the next 10 years.  ANYTHING she bought be it car insurance, a car loan (if she was so lucky to even get one), a credit card would cost more for YEARS.  Forget a mortgage for the next 2-3 years if not more.  I used to work at a bank and it was quite a hurdle to get over.  If she got one, she'd have a higher interest rate and now they get substantial down payments which might not have been the case 10 years ago and all the bust with the housing market.    Even folks with good credit are jumping hurdles.    What was frustrating when I worked at the bank was to see people who didn't really "have" to claim --- file it--- it and then being surprised when they were financially ruined for a while.  Even a apartment deposit, ultility deposit,  water deposit,etc. will be more when she files.

     

    If she can survive at ALL I would never recommend it.   If she had $100,00 in medical bills for cancer and couldn't work that is one thing.   At 53, she may not get over the hurdle for a while and then she is close to retirement age.  Where will she live, etc.?

     

    Also, just as an FYI they tightened up the rules on filing bankruptcy. I am not so familiar with the new laws but it is not quite as easy as it used to be.  Plus it cost money.   A lawyer will ask for his fee upfront to file and it can easily be $1000 or more to do everything by the time they do it if complicated.  She'll deal with it forever.

     

    Best case scenario is to take a job (or two) and deal with her debt head on.   Most dr.'s will work out payment arrangements but not sure about a "tummy tuck" dr.  That's more like a luxury surgery.  And then this:

     

    I've gently tried to persuade her into getting a full time job but so far she is not interested mainly because she feels it will jeopardize her chance of getting established because she will not be available for appointments.

     

    It just sounds to me like she needs a major wake up call and an action plan.   Not everyone wants to work full time but sometimes you just have to do things to survive, you know?

     

    • Like 3
  12. Do you still have to parallel park on the road test in MS?   I had heard it was no longer done, but then online I read some comments that made it seeem like maybe you do?  Anyone know? It's over an hour to the closest testing site, so I can't exactly just pop over there.

     

    Any moms had a teen in MS mom's teens had their road test lately?

    Thanks!

  13. In my area, the public high schools and the way fancy prep school have blown us off, while several church-affiliated schools have been willing to accommodate an extra. Anyone else had the same experience?

     

     

    I was dealing with this this morning for my junior ds.  There are no schools in my city that offer the PSAT (not a huge surprise given there are only a handful anyway), so I looked at the College Board website and started searching radially.  Closest is going to be Dubai, I started calling the schools on the list but the only answer I'm getting so far is "yes, we offer the test, but your son can't take it."  Like so many things here, I guess in order to have it work out I'll have to come up with wasta (influence, or clout); I had asked around the expat websites as to where he could take it, and the responses I got were largely "he doesn't need to take the PSAT."  Well that wasn't my question.

     

    So I'm hoping, but not hopeful.  Otherwise I guess he'll just have to miss it and perhaps take the SAT in the spring.

     

    I had trouble last year as well.  We could take the PSAT as homeschoolers in that state, but I had to go through MANY hoops to get my child in.  It was very discouraging and very anti-homeschooling from the teacher over the test.   He did let us take it but after many emails and about 4 phone calls.    Had I not wanted my child to take it so bad, I would have just walked away from it and not dealt with it.

     

    This year (we have moved) we are able to take it through our homeschool group who is using a private Christian school.  They will let our students take the test with their students-- easy peasy.  It is a joy compared to last year.

     

    I don't mind the distractions in the hall or taking with other public school kids, etc.  I feel like that is "life" and as homeschoolers it is important to get our child in different testing situations so that when they get to college, etc. they don't flounder.   Distractions are everywhere -- work, school, etc.  Just my opinion.  I like having my child tested that way.  I feel that each test we do before the big ones (like ACT, SAT) is just preparing for that test.  I don't want my child to walk into the SAT with no testing experience with other random students.  Maybe I am an odd one.  I will say after where my son took his PSAT last year, he left with a BIG appreciation for homeschooling.

  14. I would give up an extra subject before I gave up a core subject.  I would do all the core subjects first, then the extra ones. Not sure about what state you are in, but those are basic classes needed to graduate.  If you don't do them now, you sure don't want to squeeze a bunch of classes in your last two years  just to graduate? You don't want her carrying the load of two sciences with labs her last two years or anything! 

     

    Sometimes we have to play "good cop, bad cop" as mothers.    Tell her this is high school and she just has to start earlier and start her on a time schedule.  Even if college is not in the plans, some type of job is.    She has to learn time management.   At the high school level, school is generally just long when you squeeze all the subjects in.   Even if she was in public school and got home at 3:30 or 4, she'd have homework for 2-3 hours.

     

     I say mainly start earlier, and do more in those hours.  I'm assuming in that 9-2 she is also eating lunch sometime.     Give her daily on paper a print out of  her schedule & classes & what you expect.  Give her accountabilty for getting it all done.  So, show her what she needs to accomplish in those classes each day (on paper) to be able to do the extras.   Just like in a job--- you are expected to turn in projects, etc. on time.  

    Don't want this to sound harsh, I promise.  That's just what I would do.

  15. Looking for an elective to meet state requirements in "keyboarding" or "computer applications" that needs to focus on using computers in business like office programs, etc.,   What in the world do you use?

    This is for a teen boy who can do any kind of  programming, etc. already on the computer.  We just need to do something to say we did it and we have not had much use of office programs.  Any suggestions?   I saw a lifepac course (business something) but it said "keyboarding" was a prerequisite in the fine print.  

    Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

  16. What about virtual labs?  Viewing dissections might be quicker than actually digging in. OR, if labs are slowing you down, there is a thing that does  1-day lab intensive- ALL the labs in 1 (or maybe 2?) days. I think it's done in multiple locations across the US. My friend does this, I can get info if no one here chimes in first.  Those are probably over for this year, but if it were me an "live" labs were important to us I'd just save the labs for next year.  In my state, ther eis no requirement that a credit must be completed in a single typical school year.

     

    Absolutely dig out the records from the science week and see what can be applied to BIO- then mark those sections off your to-do list.

     

    I would also skip the On Your Own questions if they really slow her down. Just read over them with thr answers.

     

    ALso, are any activities/clubs/classes ending for the year?  Once our co-ops, Bile STudy, Musical, volleyball, and dance classes finish up it;s like we suddenly gained an extra 50 hours every day, LOL! So we can easily do 1 module/week instead of taking 2-2.5 weeks for each.

    No, no activites.  We've been low key since the move.  But, I know what you are saying.  Coop and 4 H has consumed us at different times before the move.  The only thing we are doing a LOT of is helping my elderly parents with stuff. Like today, we had to drive over there (30 min. each way) to go mow the lawn.        I think maybe you are talking about Landry Acad. or something like that.    There is not one close to here.   I wish there was!  I have heard both good and bad about it but more good.

     

    I have moved four times in the last three years, two of which happened during the school year and one of which was an interstate move. I feel your pain.

     

    That said, Apologia Biology is already pretty light. I don't think you can realistically count it as a full course unless you complete it.

     

    In high school it becomes much more difficult to compress a course. You need to both cover the material, and you need to cover enough hours in order to give a course credit. Credit hours are determined by the time you put into the course. You may need to consider extending your school year into the summer.

    :iagree: Thank you :)  We will probably at least go till the end of June if all goes well.

     

    Read the chapters, take notes, complete OYO/study guide/experiments. This takes about 5 days per module so you can get through 6 more modules if you work on the weekends. Apologia tests are lots of memorization. I would cover the material rather than focusing on test prep.

     

    Great thoughts, thanks!

    You could just have your student read the last chapters and not do the prep for the exams.  Or have them do some of the prep but not take the tests, depending on time.  And/or drop any time consuming labs.   2nd half is definitely easier.

    Yes, the 2nd half seems like a breeze compared to the cell stuff at the beginning.  I guess in hindsight, that's a good thing.

     

    Thank you all! You've had some great ideas and I appreciate it!

×
×
  • Create New...