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Pour in

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    Shormann Algebra Reviews?

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    On 9/7/2019 at 8:56 AM, blessedmom3 said:

    My son has used it; I thought it was a decent math program. Similar to Saxon—incremental and lots of review, so if your student doesn’t learn that way it won’t work. The geometry part was a little weak IMO. We had to supplement with another geometry book. My son placed in College Algebra at a local college after using Shorman Algebra II. He is a strong math student and I was surprised he did not place higher. Shorman claims you can pass CLEP after Algebra II but I am not so sure. I am glad he took Algebra II at the college though; it was a good review for him and it filled in the gaps. 

    For my next children, we have decided to go with Unlock Math. They just started Algebra I and love it! The set up of the program is wonderful and we love that it shows on the screen only one exercise/problem at a time. The videos are high quality, concise and very clear, speaking directly to the student, versus a computer screen in Shormann. They are also shorter than Shorman’s. If they struggle with a concept, the computer generates another set of problems and records the highest grade. If they still struggle, there is a chat button to ask directly a certified math teacher!!! My kids thought that was so cool. The teacher answered immediately! 

    I have asked before here about the scope and sequence and someone replied that they thought it is comparable to any rigorous algebra program. ( you can search here, it was only about a week ago)

    I know you did not ask about another math program, but we are so excited to have found it and I had to share! 

     

    thank you so much!  And thanks to the OP for starting this thread.  

    We used Jacob's with Dr Callahan in Algebra 1 - found it rigorous and good but a little too teacher (me) intensive for grading and reteaching things that weren't clear to my DD.  Used CTC for Geometry and found out after a school year that it was lacking (compared to another program my other dd was taking at the time).  And now are having a struggle finding a fit for Algebra 2.   We're looking at Unlock now, comparing it to Dive videos.  Thank you! 🙂

    5th Grade Planning Thread 2018-19 Updated 8-17-18

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I thought if I replied here maybe I would feel more organized.  Or less ?:

    Math - Singapore 6

    Science - Apologia Anatomy

    Writing - IEW Ancient Themed, mom-made writer's workshop, journal writing

    Phonics - Explode the Code, maybe some AAS review?

    Grammar - Rod and Staff 5

    Reading - lots of read alouds and..... TBD?  I need to reread TWTM for this 

    Spelling - Sequential spelling, probably

    History - ancient history, MOH 1

    French or Latin - ?? DuoLingo? BBLL?

    Now I think I need to go find a 'how to schedule it' thread ?

     

     

    • Like 1

    IEW Themed Writing Books

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I'm also planning to use it without the course this year.  I did watch the DVDs 3 years ago but am not sure I remember any of it (;  and don't want to invest in either the time or money to get them this year.   I also question using it and WWS (I've used both but at different times with my olders) but it may depend on the child.  One of mine who loves to write may have enjoyed doing them at the same time (or alternating days/weeks) but another one of mine who would rather do calculus (she's only in Geometry) than write would have been stretched too much to do both at the same time.  Hope that helps. 

    Teacher Guide necessary for Abeka Health???

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    On 5/18/2017 at 11:43 AM, Aludlam said:

    Dd15 has picked out Abeka Health in Christian Perspective for next year. I can't tell from the samples, if the teacher guide is necessary or even particular useful. Has anyone else used this?

     

    Thanks!

    Hi  I'd like to ask the same thing - I'm trying to order a Health Curriculum for my 9th grader.  I had thought we'd order the video streaming health class from Abeka, but I am now looking at the much cheaper text alone. Has anyone used either?  And if we go the book route alone, is the teacher guide necessary? Thanks ?

    High School "Time Table"

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    Okay, to help alleviate the anxiety level of having to be your student's high school counselor/administrator, I've compiled a list of the deadlines/dates I could think of to create a general high school "time table". I know I have forgotten some things; hopefully others will add to this list as they remember things I forgot to include. smile.gif Not on the list, of course, are your student's specific deadlines and dates for sports, arts performances, extracurriculars, etc. But, hope this helps! Warmest regards to all, Lori D.

     

    ETA: Each family's time table will be different!! NO one will be doing ALL of these, or necessarily at the times listed! The intent of this time table is to be a SUGGESTION. And even the best-laid plans can change during your high school years, so BE FLEXIBLE. :)

     

    UPDATED: July 2016

    _________________

    Thank you so much!!  I just stumbled upon this thread and am so glad I did.  My oldest is starting 8th and I'm realizing how much I have to learn, so this is great.  Thank you! :hurray:

    • Like 3

    Singapore Math 7, Saxon 8/7, or Jacobs Algebra..

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Looking for suggestions for my DD (6th) - math seems to come naturally to her.  I'm wondering what to do for 6th grade - last year she did Singapore 6 and Saxon 7/6.  For this coming year I'm considering jumping her right into Jacobs Algebra w Dr Callahan.  Has anyone else done this without doing Saxon 8/7 or some other pre-algebra course first?    Thanks!  

     

    what Bible curriculum would you recommend....

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted · Edited by pourin

    It's simple, but I just read aloud a chapter (more or less) a day from anywhere in the Bible  ..   we've enjoyed reading through Daniel, Nehemiah, Matthew, Acts.. sometimes I literally just open and read.  

     

    However, if you are looking for a "how to study the Bible guide" I've personally liked Kay Arthur and Beth Moore and Warren Weirsbe.  Kay Arthur (precept ministries) does have some studies for kids (I haven't used them).  I'm not sure about Beth Moore, but I think some of hers would be good for a 12yo. you can download her video lessons too I think. The Weirsbe book I read was on John (called Be Alive) and I myself read it years and years ago but it was helpful as he writes a chapter for each chapter in the book of John.  I'm just now remembering your original post; I can't state on old earth, etc views of these authors, but if you are interested in general Bible study they will get you into the Bible; the studies I've done really focus on the Bible, how to study it, and not too much commentary, some good questions and cross references mainly.

     

    Another simple idea - first thing in the morning they read wherever they'd like in the Bible and write a verse or two down that stuck out to them in their reading, they each have a small spiral notebook for this.  Illustrating optional.  The Good News Bible is a translation we like for this.  It's interesting to see where they go - one of my kids has spent the year in Proverbs.  Ideally we'd discuss this every day, but I think we've done that once. :closedeyes:  I didn't want to make Bible reading a "chore" and I think writing one verse has been simple and they are gaining independence in reading the Bible on their own.  

     

    Hope that helps.   :001_smile:

    Singapore Math-Teachers Guide vs Homeschoolers Guide

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Just chiming in to highly recommend the HIG!!  They are wonderful.  We've used them 1A-5B (standards edition).  6A ONLY has the Teachers Guide (as of last year anyway) .. and there is no comparison, the TG is not nearly as thorough or understandable.  The HIG are complete and offer multiple layers of learning.  For my oldest child we didn't start the HIG until 3B, thinking I didn't need them if I had the text and student book, the HIG offers SO MUCH MORE than the text.  

    Singpore Math 6B then Jacobs Math (algebra)?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Does anyone have any experience using Singapore Math 6B? If so, what did you use next?  

     

    I was planning to do Jacob's Math  (algebra) with Dr. Callahan because I have heard such great things.   But when my dd did the 'are you ready' test on Dr. Callahan's site she missed more than I'm comfortable with.  

     

    So now I'm revisiting the idea of a formal 'pre' algebra course. Singapore has hit on many of the concepts but I'm guessing not all (we've used their u.s. standards editions since first grade).  Does anyone have a recommendation for what we should use prior to Dr. Callahan's Jacobs Math?  Thanks so much!

    If you and your mate have come to different political views UPDATE #161

    in The Chat Board

    Posted

    I think that if it is primarily election season that causes this turmoil it may be best to try to remember you love each other more than you love any candidate or political issue.    

     

    This isn't to say that your views don't matter, or that his don't matter, or that politics doesn't reach so many aspects of our lives.  It is to say that there are other topics in life (even if they are affected by politics indirectly) that you can continue to focus on.  

     

    You have mentioned that he has made concessions to you and perhaps if you can acknowledge to him that you realize he isn't having as much political discourse as he may like but that you are having more political discourse than you would like ~

     

    I know it's terribly simplistic, but two conflict resolution ideas: can you both agree during your morning hour that as soon as feelings start getting hurt or tempers start rising that political discussion instantly ends and the channel gets switched to the cooking shows?   And, I also think if you can let him know (or keep reminding him) that you have heard his point (the sky is falling) and you appreciate his thoughtfulness (he's not apathetic) this may help him realize he doesn't have to 'yell so loudly' because you have heard him.  

     

    ? hope it helps ? (:

    6th Grade Math - Singapore, should I change or supplement?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I assume you are using Standards because I believe US has a HIG. I purchased the teacher's guides. We haven't started yet but they really don't look so bad. There is an answer key if you don't want to purchase the TGs. I think the one you need covers grades 4-6.

     

    ETA: Grade 6 covers a lot of the same topics at grade 5, but to a greater depth. You may find that you do okay without the TG.

     

    Thank you SevenDaisies!  In all these years I never knew there was an optional answer key pamphlet (using the HIG I didn't need another key) but it didn't occur to me to scroll past the year we were on to see what else was offered.   But since you said the teacher's guides don't look so bad maybe I'll just invest in those... nice to know I have an option.  thanks again! :001_smile:

    6th Grade Math - Singapore, should I change or supplement?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I agree with SevenDaisies. You'll be fine without the instructor guide. I believe there may have been one section that I needed to ask for support with b/c of singapore's unique method, other than that using the inexpensive answer key worked fine. 

     

    My oldest used their new 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B which integrates Algebra and Geometry. She received a very solid education in Algebra. We skipped a few of the later Geometry chapters in 8, since she will do a full Geometry class this year in 9th grade. My son will start this same sequence with 7A in a few weeks. If the Singapore style works well for your children, their junior high level books are fantastic and challenging.

     

     

    thank you coffeemama!  This is actually quite helpful.  After reading TWTM I know I'd like a year of Geometry but wasn't sure how to fit it in the sequence.  I'm so glad to hear the jr. high level books are so good - for some reason I have always assumed I'd need to switch to something else for jr high, but we've been so pleased with Singapore so far that the idea of keeping with it sounds wonderful!  thanks again!  :001_smile:

    6th Grade Math - Singapore, should I change or supplement?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    My DD11 is starting Singapore Math 6A.  We've been very happy with Singapore and have used it exclusively since 1st grade.  My issue is that starting in 6A (standards) there is no Home Instructor Guide.  

     

    I have found the HIG in previous years to really provide more depth and understanding in the program.  The answer keys came in handy too to help me check work quickly.   I don't have time to go through and work each problem in her assignments myself (even though it is only 6th grade math :001_rolleyes:).

     

    I'm now thinking without the HIG she may not get as much out of it and I may have to put more into it.  

     

    Which causes me to question whether another math program would be better for us or even if I should do Singapore plus another?  I'm considering Saxon (7/6?) and even wonder about Dr Callahans Jacobs math.  Or perhaps I shell out the $$ and buy the Classroom Teacher Guide for 6A (106$ for the year)?  But from the little I can tell online it doesn't look nearly as user friendly or useful.  Have any of you found yourself in the same situation - loving Singapore but wondering what to do in 6th? switching from the HIG to the teacher's guide?  Or have any of you done something completely different in 6th and you're glad you did? 

     

    Thanks in advance!

    Why isn't the updated Biblioplan (w/ Companion) more popular?

    in General Education Discussion Board

    Posted

    :lurk5: wondering too... I'm trying to decide between BP, Mystery Of History v.1 (which we love and used 4 years ago), TOG, TruthQuest... which to use as a 'spine' that is the most chronological.  Notgrass Adam to Us looks great but doesn't seem to be released yet?  I think those are all of the options I've found so far that fits my hopes.  Which is best for many kiddos at the same time (ages 11, 9,7,4) that also meets TWTM lists of great men and women and literature to cover for Ancients?  I'd love to use all of them  :drool:  but realize we must also learn math etc.  By any chance has anyone correlated a few of these?

    Finalized plans (share yours)

    in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges

    Posted

    6th grade:

     

    Math: CLE 6

    Grammar: Easy Grammar 6

    Writing: IEW SWI B

    Spelling: Rod & Staff 6

    Bible: Rod & Staff

    History: Notgrass From Adam to Us

    Science: Science in the Beginning

    Latin: First Form Latin

     

    Plus lots and lots of good books!

     

    I've just come across Notgrass From Adam to Us, it looks exactly like what I'm looking for  - so excited!  But then I see it says available Spring 2016!?!  Can you tell me please if you know of a place to get it in advance? :drool:   thanks!

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