Perhaps... but my point is that these people likely have a lot of experience at this point. Not that they learned how to program yesterday and are now trying to teach my child today. I totally realize that some people/children have the ability to learn on their own or learn through other resources. The person with the science degree now piloting military aircraft didn't teach himself how to do that--he spent over a year with experts learning how to safely fly and land the plane. I don't think I'm seeing pushback honestly. I think this has been an overall good discussion. I didn't question anyone's ability to homeschool; I questioned whether or not someone learning Algebra I (or similar type subject) can effectively teach it to a child by staying one day ahead. Perhaps this child is very self-motivated; perhaps they learn simply by reading the book...or perhaps this child is struggling to understand Algebra I and mom doesn't have all the tools to give because she doesn't have a deep understanding of Algebra I either. I questioned whether or not a parent is doing a child a disservice by not seeking out others (whether that's a live class, DIVE videos, Kahn Academy) to teach or help teach a subject that you do not have a deep understanding or subject expertise especially as the child moves toward high school courses and preparing for college. I certainly did not say nor did I mean to imply that everything must be taught; children pick up concepts in many ways--hands on, videos, reading a book, working through problems on their own.

Yes, I think this is what I was saying--perhaps poorly posted! In the example I gave, this mom was learning Algebra I alongside her child. I have seen this posted multiple times in regards to various subjects, and I just wonder if they are doing their child a disservice by not recognizing their limitations as a parent. This is what I'm doing but I had never put it in these words before! I completely agree with the need to be more of a facilitator in the higher grades. Me, too. That was my question I suppose--was I the only one who felt this way! Yes, ClemsonDana. That is absolutely what I meant! I didn't mean to insinuate that only licensed educators or those with education degrees should be teaching/homeschooling! I was giving my personal background which just happens to be in education; I also had almost enough credits for a minor in music education! Certainly we all know people who have college degrees but life has taken them down a different pathway and they now have a vast amount of information in another subject! Perhaps that could be a sociology major who is now a computer game designer or science major who is now a pilot. These people are certainly more qualified to teach computer programming/game design and aerodynamics. I think this was a good discussion overall; thank you for sharing your thoughts!

This comes from posts I frequently see on other homeschooling board: Today I am learning algebra WITH my 8th-grader. No reason whatsoever to assume you can't understand something your child can, and no reason to assume that you need to know something in order to teach it. Not necessarily math but often this is posted that you can teach a subject you don't know. This makes zero sense to me and actually seems like an argument against homeschooling rather than FOR it! I have a Middle School Education degree with an emphasis in language arts and social studies. Guess which subjects I feel comfortable teaching my 7th grader? I took three different foreign languages between high school and college; I feel somewhat qualified to teach one of those. I did not enjoy math or science and while I did well in my classes, I didn't pursue any further classes than the minimum I needed and certainly don't know enough Algebra II or Geometry to teach it. I outsource these classes to people who have degrees in mathematics or sciences or, at the very least, have secondary education degrees and have more science and math background that I! Am I wrong? Do others routinely teach subjects we don't know? I'm not referring to introductory Latin for elementary school but more along the lines of upper middle and high school.

My son went from JA to Jacob's Algebra with no issues. He completed JA in half a year; we took a little break (JA didn't fit him well and he was not liking math) and finished Jacob's in a little over a year. I looked extensively at AoPS but just didn't think it fit ds learning style. He really disliked the wordiness of JA and I didn't see it getting better with AoPS! Maybe that helps?

Those are excellent points! I thinking I'll stick with my original plan to have DO grade! I wasn't even thinking about proofs and that sort of thing! Thank you so much. :)

Geometry is not my strong suit. Actually, no math above Algebra I level is good for me so we're using Derek Owens for Geometry this fall. I have a teacher edition with all the answers, so now I'm considering doing the parent grade option but I have a couple of questions. Does anyone know? 1. If I do parent grade option, do I have to grade the tests, too? 2. Is this pretty easy to do--parent grade? 3. If DS is stuck and/or I can't help explain it, is Derek or a TA still willing to look over work or assist or am I forfeiting that right by doing parent grade?

DS is heading into 7th grade this fall (some combo of 6th/7th grade). He reads ALL THE TIME. He reads fiction and non-fiction equally (loves space and history). He will read classics if I had it to him and tell him to read it or if it goes along with his history program (Notgrass). He reads quickly but not deeply and will sometimes overlook details on the first read. He certainly isn't able to discuss the book other than the plot-line. What I am looking for is a literature program that will give him exposure to other types of literature. I want him to do more with poetry and short stories and even plays. I am looking for something that will guide me through early analysis and "thinking deeper" kinds of ideas. I don't want it to include grammar or writing/composition. I'm strictly looking for literature. We've tried Total Language Plus (huge bust) and Progeny Press guides (slightly better but not a winner). Is it too early to do what I'm looking for?

I have the same question!

Thanks, everyone. J-rap made a good point, but I do wonder if he would want to refresh prior to Algebra 2. Maybe I'll find somewhere to store it!

DS finished Jacob's Algebra back in May, and we're moving forward into Jacob's Geometry this fall. Is there any reason to keep the Algebra I book? I'd like to sell it but what if I need it?

I forgot about Chalkdust. Epi, I read your other post. If you need something that will instruct and score, I think you might be better off with something different. I'd consider a live online class for your oldest as it sounds like his math skills are all over the place. Picking up some trig online is great, but if he doesn't have a solid math foundation leading into Algebra and past there, it will be a very hard row to how for him. Derek Owens or Chalkdust might work. Teaching Textbooks isn't my favorite but can be self-grading. Similar options might be Switched on Schoolhouse or even Monarch. However, reading your other post, I have concerns that these might only entertain him for a short time before he's off chasing rabbits on other websites if he has full reign of a computer and no parent oversight. The younger ones need more one on one instruction. You simply are not going to find a program that will teach your kinder and 2nd grader regardless of how advanced they may be. I understand having one working parent, but to make homeschooling successful, I would think your wife will need to play a more active role. Otherwise, I'm sorry, but this sounds dangerously close to educational neglect.

Dr Callahan is another DVD option. We are likely moving to Derek Owens for Geometry because I like the Jacobs book while still have some support and the ability to have things graded for me. Geometry is past my level of knowledge! AoPS didn't work for us

I asked this same question (similar) last week. The consensus is to test at the grade level where they would be if in school

Can anyone help me compare/contrast these two? I read some older posts with some information--looking for anything further or more recent. 1. They both use the same edition/same book of Jacob's Geometry. 2. Both use pre-recorded classes (DVD vs online) 3. Derek Owens can do all grading? Or do I have to grade/check daily work? 4. Dr Callahan is available for help if you get stuck on a problem.

We did ATB first (5th) because we had just moved to VA and I wanted to learn American history in such a historical place! This year we did From Adam to Us and will round out with Uncle Sam for gov/civics during the election year. They are great books with beautiful photos--especially FA2U. Ds is a history person and reads historical nonfiction for fun so some of the sections were easy/perhaps glossed over but I think you can only provide so much depth in a year long study of works history! We both have enjoyed the books and I can see us moving on to the high school books when we're finished

Sorry! I should've said. It is state requirement (VA). I think you're right in regards to taking the 6th grade test. He's 11; he would be in 6th in public school so I guess I'll stick with that. Good point! That's a good point...I read several of your posts last night trying to get a feel for testing. We have never been able to do the EXPLORE testing. We lived in DE for four years and now in Virginia and there weren't any testing location anywhere near us. Now that the EXPLORE testing is no more (right?), what is the only other option? Actually doing the ACT?

I don't even know what grade level to use. DS did kinder in public school; moved to a private school the next year and grade advance over 1st to 2nd. In 4th, they "math advanced" him up to 5th. Then I brought him home...counted last year as 5th grade and this year, I've started second guessing it (not wanting him to be older/go to college early!) and haven't really considered him 5th or 6th this year. Do I do the 6th grade test? He did 5th grade Stanford 10 + CogAt last year.

Thanks! That's a great start! Now I need something similar for World History!

We are prepping for the middle school/junior high level of the History Bee, and I'm looking for a good book full of trivia questions or something where ds can practice. I'm thinking something like jeopardy type questions/answers but just for history--world, in particular. Any thoughts?

We are prepping for the middle school/junior high level of the History Bee, and I'm looking for a good book full of trivia questions or something where ds can practice. I'm thinking something like jeopardy type questions/answers but just for history--world, in particular. Any thoughts?

Thank you! I didn't know this, so I really appreciate this information! I'm going to check it out! Oh my gosh!! This is marvelous! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain so much in detail! Thank you, thank you! This will actually be an added subject for him as he's flying through our history. We'll outsource science next year and add this as a "fun" subject!

DS is quite strong in grammar, and we have spent two years working through Easy Grammar because it's so large! He also does Latin and writing through Write Shop and grammar, punctuation, etc. seem pretty solid. I know there is more we should go over and review, but what are some good options for middle school? I also have the four Life of Fred language arts books that we could re-do for next year, too.

Thanks. Did you buy both the student and the teacher guide? Wondering if the teacher guide is necessary! And what is OUP? Agh...you both used OUP and I don't know what it is! I have an only child, too, but he doesn't love to discuss much. I was hoping the guides might at least give us jumping off points for discussion! Do you plan to read a chapter and then just discuss the material?

I love the Story of Science books! I checked them out for the library to review before we started with them. BUT has anyone used the NSTA guide or the Johns Hopkins Student and/or Teacher Quest guides? If so, can you review them? If not, how did you use Story of Science?

I know this is an older thread, but I'm wondering how old your dd is/was.