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Kristin in Hawaii

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Everything posted by Kristin in Hawaii

  1. The IB programme has a book available on Amazon called "Causes, Practices and Effects of War" that I feel would be very valuable for that kind of study. It covers both world wars and several others. It includes writing activities. Good luck!
  2. Thanks Everyone! As much as I would love to study from ancients forward I am leaning more towards 1450 forward. Or, more modern if there are good resources that would be rich and enjoyable. I will take a look at the Potter's School -- I had found the text mentioned on Amazon and have ordered it to check out. Thanks! As far as scope, I want to cover "it all" but the most interest from the kids is India, China, Russia, Japan, Korea --- so, something comprehensive is my goal. Sorry for my brief response -- Just heading out. Thanks so much! I'll check back later.
  3. Hello Hive, I have a group of high-schoolers who are interested in studying world history with a heavy emphasis on Asia. We already own Spielvogel's Western Civ and SWB HOAW and HOMW which we used last year for Western Civ. We skipped Susan's chapters on Asia. So, of course, I'm planning on using those chapters but I would also love a spine on Asian history that is readable and comprehensive. When I look at the various World history spines I feel like I want something with much less Western history -- since we just did that AND are completing US History now. Any suggestions will be appreciated! Many thanks!
  4. We liked the combined editions -- later ones had nicer pictures but we had 10 kids using multiple versions and everything was pretty much the same. A few different sub-chapter headings and different page numbers but worked fine for us to just find cheap good used ones on Amazon. The study guide I bought was for the entire period -- so, so.... Best wishes!
  5. I just wanted to encourage anyone who wants AMSCO teacher keys that you CAN get them == but you have to contact them by phone and fax a letter explaining you are the teacher. I was able to do this for the coop class for US History (We are using their AP US History Book -- solid, chapter-per-week and readable ;) Best wishes!
  6. Here is another one: Texas Tech University: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/uc/k-12/
  7. Hi there and many hugs! I divorced about 6 years ago and have always worked as well. I totally understand your concerns about independent work for your son. You have received much great advice so far. I will recommend outsourcing for at least 1 or 2 of the subjects and consider having him **teach you** what he learned about history that day. Even if you are tired you may feel good about listening and discussing what he felt was important. I would give him a schedule of which events/periods to focus on and see what he comes up with independently. And, don't forget at least weekly reviews to make sure everything you asked for is **actually done** It is so easy to be too tired and also to be hesitant to always be "riding him" about getting schoolwork done. And don't forget to chit chat ;)) Best wishes!
  8. I'm just chiming in to agree that it is funny that people will ask *the* questions when we are out with a dozen teenagers, on a field or camping trip -- the kids are laughing, chatting, working cooperatively, etcetera and someone will ask... The last time it happened I admit to just staring at her with an arched eyebrow for a long moment, then pointed over my shoulder at the kids and answered "Really, are you kidding?" Of course I then let myself be drawn into a long conversation that I should have just cut short so she could not waste my time further....
  9. I just wanted to thank everyone for yet another great discussion that helps me so much! My 16 y.o. son was born in late July and I wish I would have given him an extra year during elementary years. I have seen so much improvement in his maturity level and math ability over this past year and I was feeling bad that I felt I needed to push him to "catch up" so he could take the SAT next year -- as a senior... and "behind." After reading this discussion yesterday I spoke to my son, his tutor, his dad and the local HS counselor and all were agreeable with the plan to repeat Junior/11th grade this year. He has not taken PSAT or any other big tests so I am RELIEVED because there is no college tests which record a grade before now. *** I can not tell you how relieved I feel to have made this decision *** My son will still be only 18 when he graduates so I don't see there being any worries on that account. I did present it as "what I should have done years ago because you are younger than most of the kids in your grade." He has been working so hard to finish Algebra (for the 2nd time) and now it is all "clicking." It would have been a shame to attempt to rush him through geometry and then Algebra II unless he was extremely motivated and even then it could have been pretty awful. Now we can take the "normal" amount of time and he has a much greater chance of success without misery. Of course, if he wants to finish early or take more dual-credit courses he always can. Thanks again for all the great discussion! Kristin in Hawaii
  10. Woot! Woot! Julie's back! Welcome, dear :thumbup1: You are definitely on the short list of people who I always read and really appreciate how much you have been willing to share and help over these years. Spring is coming.... best wishes to you and your family. Aloha, Kristin in Hawaii
  11. I will give a third recommendation for Excellence in Literature's Intro to Lit: they were mostly short stories, very interesting and the assignments were reasonably challenging. We actually did not complete the whole book in one year but much was learned and with little grumbling from the readers ;) I think it was only $29 for the e-book. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Best wishes! Aloha,
  12. While, like many of you, I see policy problems with the AP Program, I am finding that striving to provide a rigorous, interesting, discussion-provoking US History class this year has been enhanced by the fact that 2 of the 11 students want to take the AP Exam in May. It has spurred me to find even better means to share original documents, to challenge the students to get comfortable writing essays based on the typical AP Exam questions and the discussions and debates are great! Just my 2 cents :tongue_smilie:
  13. But I am absolutely LOVING her EIL books for my high-schoolers. Clear instructions about each unit, great lit choices, lots of supportive context ideas and websites and more. My kids are struggling a bit with the essays but we are also using the AMSCO United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination for our text and it has great instructions to help them with essays on history topics and Analyzing Documents -- so I am not asking the kids to do extensive writing about their literature -- mostly just Author Profiles, using MLA format and such which are very well covered in EIL. Though I am also trying to fit in IEW's Student Writing Intensive C whenever I can :) Hands down, I recommend getting the IEW materials in early and I love the EIL series. Best wishes, Kristin in Hawaii
  14. ...just sharing in the "I totally understand" theme going ;) I'm teaching middle and high school American Literature and US History classes and it's all I can do to keep it straight ;) As an aside, I created a table with a schedule of text chapters and corresponding literature for every week at the beginning and then created physical folders for each student group and have that stapled there and it has saved me so many times. I also started using Haiku Learning Management Systems (they offer a free version for a single teacher working with up to 5 classes) but of course I bought the whole "pro" version for up to thousands of users and it has helped me so much to facilitate pre-planning, quizzes, rosters and so much more. If any of you teaching co-op or online classes and wants to consider using the "pro-version" just send me a PM and I will let you know how you can share in the version I bought -- it works out to $8 per student or teacher per year plus a little admin fee. I'm just so relieved to be able to keep track of it all. Though it still hasn't solved that "where did those books go" problem yet ;) Much Aloha and happily surrounded by piles of books this very fine Sunday... Kristin in Hawaii
  15. I haven't used them but have heard only really good things about them. Highest on my list of "what if I wanted to put my son in an online class..." Best wishes!
  16. Hello Hive! I work with about 12 homeschooled middle and high-schoolers locally. We have worked through the Art of Argument, starting Rhetoric this fall and founded a local Junior State of America chapter. We just finished a second review of Speech Bootcamp. Now we are interested in Speech and Debate but none of us have experience. We are not a religious group and definitely would not fit in with the Christian homeschool debate club I've found online. One of the local private schools is very successful and they participate in the National Forensic League activities. So.... I phoned the League this morning and homeschooling families can sign up -- as individual schools ($99 + individual student fees). I was told they have a library of instructional materials they loan out for only shipping costs and that our students would then be eligible to participate in all the traditional activities. My question is: Have any of you gone this route? Were you able to joinforces with local private school students/staff for cooperation or training? Thanks in advance! Kristin in Hawaii
  17. I have several L.Lit. binders, and they ARE good... but I have definitely found we prefer Janice's Excellence in Literature. I just purchased the American Lit. Ebook last night and am printing it this morning. I have tended to grab a unit (there are 9 in each book) and use it for a month and then take a break -- very clear, lots of supporting information and samples and written to the student. So far, I like it! I also like the fact that I can get it immediately and not pay shipping (which can get expensive to Hawaii ;) YMMV
  18. I found her materials to be pretty self-sufficient as well. You just need to remind the student that it *is written to the student* and he/she needs to actually *read and study* the book from the beginning. We like it here!
  19. ... games and worksheets comfortably stretch each module out over at least 4 weeks. Each of the four 50-minute lesson plans gets you started with your week and then you pick as many of the exploration games and activities provided to round out the rest of the week. You probably won't want to try to fit all of the activities into your schedule but you have the flexibility to pick and choose ;) The by Dr. Heather gives you a glimpse into the teacher/parent support materials, labs and other activities the full curriculum provides. I only wish these were available when my son was younger! Aloha, Kristin
  20. My son is attending a tutored class using Friendly Chemistry and seems to be doing okay. They spend about 1.5 hours per week in a class and the rest is independent homework. Might be worth a try. The student edition is found at Amazon here and I notice there is also a teacher edition. Good luck!
  21. I also have the lectures by D. Armstrong in DVD but still would lean towards the Daileader -- he is a little bit irreverent, funny, quirky and I seem to enjoy his style more -- at least on the audio CDs. Good luck with your decision.
  22. ... I smiled when I read your post. I worked as a firefighter/EMT, camp cook in an Alaskan logging float-camp, waitressed, worked in national parks, sold guns and satellite TV systems and had several more occupations before I finally finished school and became a nurse. I became a mom at 30. It took me 6 years to complete an Associate's Degree in Science -- RN -- I was a new mom, working full time to make ends meet and it.just.took.longer. I do agree with following your heart and I truly do not regret any of the experiences I encountered. But, if you CAN figure out a practical 2-yr degree (like RN??) to get out of the way early on it sure can open doors for you -- especially in that mission work you say you want ;) Keep on luvin life ;)
  23. I started this with my son and the assignments are not too long, are directed to the student and the stories have been very interesting. We are doing the first book. I found Janice's website to be very helpful and downloaded the e-version for $29 and immediately began using it. Five weeks into it and we are going strong! Good luck!
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