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sdobis

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Everything posted by sdobis

  1. I'm currently working on my kids' schedules for this coming school year and find myself dealing with the same concerns as always. Is less really more when it comes to curricula? I find myself wanting to use multiple books for each subject and am not sure how to fit it all in. On the other hand, different curricula offer different teaching styles and change of pace. Which side do you tend to fall on? Do you successfully (or unsuccessfully) use numerous curricula, or do you pick one and done?
  2. We are loving CLE algebra! My son used their pre-algebra as well. It is academically challenging and perfect for the student that needs lot of review. I just wish they had the rest of their sunrise high school completed.
  3. Thanks so much for the details, Jann. I'm checking this out.
  4. I like the look of Power Basics Geometry, but it looks really light. I'm not sure what I could use to bulk it up, but I may start with it and worry about that when that time comes. I'm going to continue to look for an inexpensive text and teacher manual. I have six months to figure it out.
  5. My son will be starting geometry in about six months. He has not had good luck with math. He went to PS for 5th-7th grade and has never really been able to recover from 3 years of basically no math instruction. When we started homeschooling again in 8th, his skills were lackluster. Fortunately, I am good at math and have worked with him since then. We used CLE pre-algebra. All of the extra review was exactly what he needed. I switched to MUS for Algebra because I knew he excelled with it in his early years. He struggled for months before I decided to start over with CLE algebra. He is doing well the second time around, but CLE does not offer geometry in the sunrise format. Everyone says that the non-sunrise is not nearly as good. All this to say that I need a geometry text for next year that is good for an average math student. I don't want anything computer or DVD related. He does best when taught by me. What is out there for a good price? Anything like CLE?
  6. The men in my family are loving and caring. My son has great role models in our family. Unfortunately, we live in a community where many of the boys don't have fathers in the picture. They walk around angry all of the time. Constantly posturing to each other. My son reflects some of this behavior and it is maddening. They can never have true friendship because they are afraid to be themselves.
  7. We are using Notgrass Exploring America. I like the simplicity of the layout, reading original documents, and Christian POV.
  8. My son is very similar in how he works. He likes me to work with him even at 15 years old. I don't have any great ideas. What about Math U See or going back to Saxon?
  9. My son and I took a computer programming class through Coursera. It was very hard for us both, but neither of us are very good at that to begin with.
  10. Sounds like you have lots of good choices, but I thought I'd throw something else in the mix. We used DIVE physical science last year and are using DIVE again for Biology. It is from a strong Christian POV like Apologia. In fact, you can use Apologia or some other texts listed in the Syllabus. It's a CD ROM with all lectures, experiments, worksheets, exams, everything except text. The student reads the text listed for whichever text you choose, watches the lecture, completes the written assignment, watches the lab (you choose if you want your student to complete the lab as well), writes up the lab report and takes 4 exams. Both my son and I really like the teacher and his lecture style. You don't see him. You see his notes. Similar to Khan Academy if I remember correctly.
  11. Letterboxing or geocaching are both free if you have basic equipment.
  12. My son used EIW last year in 9th grade. The younger grades concentrate more on grammar and as the years progress, the concentration changes to writing skills. I like the teacher and the program. My problem is that I tend to tune out when someone else is teaching my child and don't do a good job at helping an keeping up with it. My own fault. Very good program. I definitely recommend it.
  13. My dd used R&S math last year. We love it! She wrote directly in the book. She almost cried on day one when I asked her to write out the problems. As someone who still hates writing (always felt uncomfortable), I decided it wasn't a battle I wanted to fight. She will probably still write in her 4th grade book for at least half of the problems.
  14. The one that pops into my mind is Civil Air Patrol. I don't know a great deal about it. My son went to one meeting and decided it wasn't for him. Great for teens interested in leadership, aerospace, military. I know it's also very inexpensive and meets for one night a week with other special events. I really wish he would've been interested but it can be hard to motivate a teenager. Another I just thought of is Flying Eagles. I really wish I had websites but they're easy to Google. It's a free program where once a month, children 8-18 can take a plane ride at your local airport with volunteer pilots who want to help youth learn more about piloting. My kids have enjoyed this a lot.
  15. My son (15) is in desperate need of things to do. We just moved to a new neighborhood, so he doesn't have any friends nearby. He is in football, but they are only meeting twice a month at this point. He attends church and youth group. Outside of that, nothing. I limit screen time to 2 hours a day. I'd like it to be less. He's not artistic. He likes rollerblading and skateboarding, but he needs a lot more structure in his day. He started getting involved in a bad crowd before we moved. He's rebelling a lot, but I think he's really bored. By the way, we only have one car and not a lot of money. I was thinking a job would be nice, but once football starts strong, he won't have time. We talked about a job after football season. Thanks for any ideas.
  16. I have a rising sophomore who is a decent writer. I'd like him to write at least one page a day, but I'd like him to cover all the different writing styles. I'm not necessarily looking for a curriculum. Instead, I'd like something with writing prompts or something that makes sure I cover it all. Even just a list of writing styles with examples. Any free resources?
  17. I've used all 3 and like them all for different reasons. My favorite thus far is R&S.
  18. I purchased reading, spelling, English, math, and science through R&S. I already have history, typing and handwriting. I just bought RS Spanish. My 14 year old is working on his CLEP tests next year. I purchased his study guides to use with great websites.
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