Yes! This is what I'm looking for... I'm just not sure which of the offerings fits that description!

I'll start by saying I have reviewed the thread of available geometry curricula in this forum. Thank you for all of the shared wisdom there. It seems as though Holt, Jacobs, or Jurgenson may be the best options for us, but I thought I'd get your thoughts given our experience and preferences. We worked through Foerster's Algebra 1 this year and while we had an issue or two, I found it very easy to pick up and teach daily lessons with little to no prep. This is likely because the lessons are concise, the format is easy on the eyes (ample white space on the page), the printed answer key provides the work AND solutions, and we had the thumb drive from math without borders to help us where we got stuck. My DS is 14 years old and bright but has not yet declared any appreciation for math beyond "I'm so glad it's done." So, I'm not looking for an advanced math curriculum, but it has to have enough "chew" to it for my DS to engage with it. Foerster was great in that way. Any recommendations just jump out to you? Doodlebug

I need to update my signature... He is 14, so entering 9th in the fall.

Thank you for this. His exact words to me were, "I understand it. I am just done." I know he understands it because we've worked these problems together. I like the idea of reviewing the test and moving on. I'm probably going to rework the last two chapter tests to be more in keeping with the daily work. The chapter tests are way lengthy, which worked while motivation was in our corner... not so much now!

DS has two chapters remaining of Algebra I (Foerster). Soooo close. However, since quarantine, I've watched DS's motivation and retention ebb steadily, especially in Algebra. I pushed in with him and began working at least 1/2 of each lesson to help him stay engaged with the work. He took chapter 12's test last week, which I handed it back to him 3 times because of issues with reading directions (provide the answer in simple radical form). I finally felt able to grade it to day, and it's not good. What would you do? Algebra isn't something I want to put away until the fall. But it's clear to me his head is not in a learning space (he's generally a good student). Any wisdom or words of advice for how to approach the teen quarantined brain? Doodle

I don't think calling a formal time of death is required in most relationship scenarios. Reasonably healthy people understand the seasonal nature of casual friendships and give each other the freedom to move in and out of contact as circumstances dictate. Equally, I think we all move through phases with close friends/ family where we all need some space to grow. As I tell my husband, "I'm not saying I will never have a relationship with your sister. I am hopeful that we will find each other mutually agreeable in a future season." 😄 The only formal line I need to distinguish in the quiet of my own mind is: We can't be friends right now. In my experience, spelling it out was only necessary in a close friendship when destructive behavior was impacting me personally. Her mounting anger issues pounded on my vulnerabilities and that combination made the friendship an impossibility. I've found it's easiest for me to move on if I can acknowledge the part my own history plays... because we're all broken in some way.

That's a really interesting response. "It's fine if we don't talk anymore..." She understood you. "...but we both need to be on the same page with that, so I need you to write me back and tell me what's going on" So your boundary is to happen on her terms, which makes it no longer your boundary. That is the problem speaking. Your boundary is not a shared item. You don't both have to be "on the same page with it." It is not unkind to let your actions do the talking, especially where words seems to be her playground, encouraging engagement. It is the only option she leaves you with. And that's why it feels awful. No one likes walking away from another human being. It is really sad and difficult.

Honestly and with all the empathy in the world... I would rethink the need you're feeling to respond. I'm reading this thinking, "What a nice thing," you did. And in no part of my nice person soul am I thinking you owe a response. You were concerned. You reached out. This in no way obligates you to do the back and forth with someone who is in full possession of the facts and history surrounding your relationship. Let it go. That isn't ghosting. That's maintaining the boundary you established for this relationship. Actually, engaging this person after she has laid down an expectation of your timely response is absolutely the wrong thing to do. My vote is for don't respond. Make a response a few days from today, saying "So glad to hear you are okay. Stay safe!" And then, go back to your prior status with her.

I began my DS in Latin in 4th, and then we did a spot of it in 5th, and began again in earnest in 6th. In hindsight, I should've waited. I've come to think of it this way... Beginning Latin prior to a strong foundation in grammar -- identifying parts of speech, parsing, diagramming -- can only be an exercise in vocabulary. Until students are using that vocabulary in a meaningful way (which requires grammar), it doesn't tend to stick nor does it maintain any special interest in the student. This is why the early Latin programs seemed like busy work to me. It was not meaningful work for a 4th grader. If I could go back and do it again, I would push Latin to 6th grade and go deep with English grammar in 4th and 5th. There is a very natural point with grammar where you and your student will say, "OK. We've got this. What's next?" I wish I'd known... because I believe that is the marker for beginning Latin. When DS said to our Latin tutor, "I would love to study Greek!" Her response: "Well why do you think you're studying Latin?" Latin, as one might expect, launches so many language ships... it is the connective tissue, so to speak, of western languages. Just my opinion as a homeschooling mom who loves Latin!

Not to be a grump, but the idea that most parents, who have been suddenly thrust into 2-3 months of at-home time, will successfully pull off the role of teacher—be it homeschool teacher or B&M— is silly. I understand it gives people a direction to focus right now, but you asked. 😉 Not to mention, kids probably don't need mom or dad play-acting a role which prevents them from evaluating the very real emotional stress this transition will bring for their kids. I have such appreciationfor parents who can look at the situation and say, “This isnt going to be life as normal. Let’s set up some order for our days and see how things go” Thats more of a homeschool take than all the schooly stuff I see mentioned lately!

Interesting! That explains why this chapter feels so off to me!

We just looked at the end of chapter test and it's not bad at all. So, DS will take that tomorrow and we will form our next steps after that! Thanks, 8! And woohoo for round 7!

I have to ask... We have been whizzing along in Foerster until this chapter. The problems are unclear in what they're asking. The diagrams are confusing (unlabeled, unclear). We are on the final lesson in the chapter, so I'm not skipping it. But, it is really bugging me how much we're fighting with the textbook as opposed to content! Is probability, as it pertains to Algebra 1, something I should seek to provide a supplement for, or is it safe to move on without sweating it? Thanks!

((((OP)))) As a wife who loves her in-laws, but who has struggled communicating with DH about his holiday expectations, I just want to give you a big hug! My MIL did a big beautiful Christmas when my DH was growing up. She worked her tush off and coped with alcohol and antidepressants. My husband is only just now, at 45, beginning to see that dynamic. But for a very long time, he just didn't get it. He still flounders on the topic. It was all appearances, but as a kid, he just loved it. Every Christmas is getting better for me, communicating. This year I was able to calmly say, "You're excited about Christmas. But your suggestions about how I decorate are beginning to feel overwhelming for me. If you want to do it, go for it!" I've let go of the need to have him understand my core yearning for a simple at home Christmas. The gravity of Christmas memory is too strong a force for him. I'm getting better about letting him own the aesthetic he wants to experience. Way to go on doing hte same!

You are so kind to host Thanksgiving. I am so sorry your in-law are making this difficult. In years past, I would've gone along with the dog coming, and said nothing, for the sake of unity. However, that led to a lot of resentment. b I'm a dog person and I would not want a puppy guest in my home. A different house with different smells, different people, different routines, etc are really hard for puppies. Accidents are just the beginning... whining/barking... diarrhea (due to travel stress)... I would call around to local pet-friendly hotels. There may be an opening and then it will be up to your in-laws to determine if they will come or not -- not you. If there are no hotels, you could totally hold to your guns and no in-laws. But you could also choose this time to inform your in-laws about future visits with their dog and then graciously agree to host the pup this one time due to the circumstances. Choosing between these options would be about what I want for my children... Grandparents? No grandparents? Are grandparents generally helpful and agreeable, or constantly pushing boundaries?

((((Carrie)))) I have a very similar situation with my parents. I get the "disappointed" comments, which I take too easily to heart. However, my mom recently scheduled a trip to see us over Labor Day and then canceled it. It was one of those circumstances where her schedule and responsibilities were totally clear. I cleared my schedule and activities. However, a potential weather threat (which never hit them) scared her and she canceled. I told her it disappointed me. Evidently, she takes it to heart, too, because I'm still hearing about it. LOL! Anyway, I just wanted to commiserate. I need to be less angsty about what I assume to be my parents expectations. However, I also need to let their decisions be their decisions without feeling like I have to turn myself inside out to make an alternative happen. I hope the same for you! Doodle

I can see character traits clearly. I can see where a person is strong in charity and dedication. I can also see where that same person is short of temper. But anticipating which of these attributes will tip the balance toward or away from a healthy relationship requires a forecasting skill I don't think any of us have... Some are simply more willing/able to risk it than others. I am risk averse, but that doesn't make me a great judge of character. 🙂

I SO appreciate this advice. I do love that there's no risk for an 8th grader taking the SAT -- the score is dropped. I assume it's that way for the ACT as well? Thanks! Doodlebug

This is a high school affiliated with our state university. So, it is technically a public school, but we would be paying tuition. I'm not certain it's what I want for DS. However, having options seems to be healthy as we move forward into high school, and I want to be earnest in making him a strong candidate. There is a state exam DS will need to pass if he is accepted. However, I'm keen on protecting his academic footprint as much as I can prior to entering systems that will require such testing. Thank you! Doodle

I will be submitting an application for my DS (current 8th grader) at a local high school for the 2020-2021 school year. DS has been homeschooled from birth. The application requires three years of report cards, an option for letters of recommendation, etc. In my years of schooling, I keep reading lists, NME score reports, and accept only 90% or better on math tests . How on earth do I report that? I'm also considering adding a standardized test score to his application. I am considering the PSAT 8/9, but it isn't offered locally. Is there another test we might consider for this type of application? Should I feel as pressed as I do to proved an "objective" test score? Thanks! Doodlebug

I agree with closely examining medication interractions. My mother had a seizure on a mix of pain meds, antidepressants, and sleep aids. Her prescribing doctor (of course) never agreed with us that the combination of meds was at fault. But my sister (doctor) was more convincing, thankfully.

My seventh grader read Proverbs monthly and whatever passage our church was studying. We deviated from the Proverbs schedule during Advent and Lent. For going deeper, I consulted Ambleside Online for their reading list and found How to Be Your Own Selfish Pig (Schaeffer), Pursuit of God (Tozer), and another that I can't remember right now. I read these aloud to my seventh grader during our morning time, and the conversations that emerged were exactly what I was hoping for!

Oh gosh yes. I have hated, and I can't imagine being a Christian without that acknowledgement. If we didn't hate, forgiveness would be easy. If forgiveness were easy, we could do it ourselves. If we could do it ourselves...

Back in the day, my orchestra director spouted off about homeschool students participating in All State orchestra — because HE, a ps teacher, paid the association fees which enabled participation in the conference. I just knew the homeschool gal’s presence made me practice my butt off. Imagine that. Musicians inspiring each other. Crazy!

Thanks so much. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Simple and systematic! I'll start with the flashcards and if we need them, we have them... if not, it isn't a huge time/effort investment. 🙂 So glad to hear this. I'm hoping for the same!!!