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bfw0729

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Everything posted by bfw0729

  1. I have a 7th grade daughter using Art of Problem Solving Pre-Algebra. I just noticed that Royal Fireworks Press teaches Art of Problem Solving online! My daughter uses the curriculum almost entirely on her own. She asks me a few questons a couple of times a week, but is mostly independent. I'm concerned if the math becomes too difficult and will eventually need online support. Has anyone used the online class through Royal Fireworks Press? What has been your experience?
  2. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I definitely cried a little reading the responses. It is a cry of relief because I know he could do better than he is, but he's just dragging his feet. He would rather sit and watch the grass grow or wrestle with his younger brother during school time. When it's his free time, he loves his baseball, football, or xbox 😐 I talked with him last night and this morning about math. He is willing to try Dolciani Pre-Algebra again. We had done this book last year for a bit before transitioning to Videotext. He knows I need him to be independent. My youngest child barely knows the alphabet and is almost 5! I really want to give more time to the younger children, and my son knows that. He even encourages me to give them more time. He wants them to get what they need, but then he remembers how much he doesn't want to do the work he is suppose to do. Today he worked for about 40 minutes in Dolcani starting at chapter 6. He said it was fine and even graded his own work! I told him just work on it little by little everyday and we will worry about Algebra 1 next year. He seemed open to it, at least today he was willing. .
  3. I would love any input! Any thoughts about your experiences with Shormann Algebra?
  4. I have a 7th grade son who has been working on Videotext Algebra for about a year. He has completed 3 units of it. I watch most videos with him and grade his work. He kind of drags his feet with school. If I'm behind in grading his homework and/or quizzes, he doesn't move forward. This is fine with me because sometimes he hasn't cemented certain skills, and if he moves on to the next lesson, it causes additional problems. I was hopeful he would become more independent with Math so that I could focus on his younger siblings. He has a twin sister that is mostly independent in science and math. She uses Apologia General Science and Art of Problem Solving Prealgebra. She enjoyes working separately from her twin brother. She dives into her math and science first thing in the morning and dedicates 2.5 hours to it. She spends about 1.5-1.75 hours on math and the rest on science. The twins and I still work on language arts, literature, and history together. My son is very different from his twin sister. He isn't interested in school like she is, although he understands concepts quickly; he just doesn't want to do to "all" the work. He isn't interested in grading his own Videotext math. He admits that if he has any wrong, that he will just give himself 100%. He feels that as long as he sees the solution and understands it, then he's good to go. He knows that it isn't correct, which is why he tells me directly that he can't grade his own work. SOOOOOO, I feel sick because I paid over $300 for this program and we may just chuck it. I'm looking at Shormann Algebra 1 for $139, which isn't too bad. Any other online math program is well over $500-900 if someone else is in charge of grading. I am keenly interested in Derek Owens, but might hold off on that until the following year when he's in Geometry. My question is, what do people think of Shormann Algebra 1? Is there a book I can print and spiral bind? My son takes notes, but I don't want him to miss important details, especially if I'm hands off. He likes Dive into Science, but Shormann Algebra seems different in its approach. I would love to hear about anyone's experience with this program. Lastly, Shormann Algebra offers .5 credit of geometry, so does the program take more than a year? I know Dr. Shormann allows for two years to complete it, but I'm hoping my son could complete it in one year.
  5. That would be great! I have the algebra book coming soon and will compare the two.
  6. Thank you for this insight. I agree, those are some of my concerns. I do worry about my daughter getting stumped too often and I'm not able to give her the appropriate amount of time and attention to help her. I'm generally comfortable with the program and think it's fun, but I just don't have the time to dedicate 30 min to an hr a day with her. Her twin is in videotext and he requires a moderate amount of daily support. I separately work on language arts (MCT), writing (WWS), history, and science with the three oldest, which includes her and her twin. I also work about 1.5-2 hours a day with my 7 year old. I feel terrible about not dedicating more time with the 13 year old on aops, but I just can't. Also, she does get some wrong on the exercises. She gets about 3-4 wrong and when she reviews the mistakes in the solutions manual, she understands her mistakes. Is this normal?
  7. Thank you for sharing your experience. I like the idea of watching the videos for the entire chapter - I think that could definitely work. My daughter is pretty independent with the current pre-algebra book. She reads the lesson, works on the practice problems, and completes the exercise problems on her own. She does ask me for help on an exercise problem or two, which happens almost daily. This is not a problem because it takes about 15 minutes of my time and I enjoy working on the problems using their style of methodology. For the algebra book, I would want her to maintain this level of independency. I worry that it will be more difficult for her and I could potentially lose the opportunity to sign her up for an online class. I do like the idea of watching the videos myself so that I could become better-versed in the information and know how to approach the problems, thus be better prepared to help her on the spot. I could do that, especially if all of this helps to avoid an expensive online class, in addition to her profound dislike of having to learn via online. She likes math, but is not deeply interested in it. She did well using Singapore. I worry that we could hit a road block with AoPs algebra and would cause me to switch programs again. I could see her resisting the online option. Ugh. One last question, do many people use the Alcumus option on the website? Should that be a part of her daily math? How long would you allot to that in a given day or week? Thanks again!
  8. I'm hoping for some help here. Would love to hear your experiences and opinions!! I have a 13 year old daughter who completed two units of Videotext algebra. Her twin brother still uses it, but she didn't like how the information was taught. She learns from reading and not necessarily from people talking to her. About 3 weeks ago she and I decided to stop videotext, which made her incredibly happy, and moved on to the art of problem solving pre-algebra book. She works about an hour and a half to two hours a day and is learning a lot. In these 3 weeks, she has completed two chapters of the book. I have tried to encourage her to use the videos on the website, but it's a challenge to get her on the computer. She just wants to read the book and figure it out or ask me. I'm concerned about moving on to the algebra book. She may not be as independent as she is now. She really likes math, but I wouldn't consider her gifted or too accelerated in math. I'm worried she would get stumped and would need more help from me. I'm hoping to do less math with the twins so that I could focus more on the little ones. I still work on science, history, and language arts (MCT) with them and need to have something for them to be more independent. We did Singapore math through 6B and then some Dolciani (pre algebra), and then Videotext. I don't want to jump around again with her and would love to stick with the art of problem solving curriculum. So I guess my question is...can the algebra book be done independently, even for a child who is somewhat advanced in math and a strong reader?
  9. Edited by Morton Keller, et. al. Is this History book the same as the one offered by History Odyssey? If not, what do you think of this book? I think there is another book within this "series" called World History: Our Human Story. Any thoughts about these books? I have used SOTW over the years and have enjoyed them in addition to other supporting texts and fictional novels, but wanted to find somewhat of a spine history book for my kids to use indpendently.
  10. I used the Town series last year and it went very well. This year we will be using the Voyage series, but I had a question about the literature component. Last year was kind of a flop with Peter Pan, The Wind in the Willow, and Alice in Wonderland. We had already read Alice in Wonderland, but wanted to really tackle the other two books. We got through Wind in the Willow, but it didn't flow well, at least compared to the rest of the curriculum. Anyway, how do you use the literature trilogy set? Do you read it aloud to each other? Do the kids read it on their own?
  11. I have been using WWS I for my 6th graders and thankfully they are doing well with it. They work 30-45 minutes a day, four days a week on it, and are mostly independent. I also have a 5th grader. She and her twin siblings have been mostly together in writing over the years. They all three worked through the WWE series, with the 6th graders almost finishing through book 4 and the 5th grader reaching book 4, but having many weeks left in it. It seems logical to just continue with WWE 4 with her, but I wanted the writing to take a little less time in the day. We swtiched over to Michael Clay Thompson's entire language arts program (Grammar Town series...) and that takes about 1.5 hours a day. I absolutely LOVE IT and so do the kids. Side note: Oh. My. Goodnes. I honestly can't believe how much they are learning from this program. We take our time everyday and truly follow it ever so carefully so we could experience it as deeply as possible. Just great, but a separate thread is needed to give a full review ? .. The writing portion of MCT's program hasn't started yet, and I wanted a little more writing from my 5th grader until we are ready to start Paragraph Town. I have been looking at The Lost Tools of Writing and think it's possibly way too involved for me. Can anyone share about their experiences with The Lost Tools of Writing? Also, I wanted to know a little more about Andrew Kern. I read his biography and noticed that it contains a lot about what he's accomplished as an adult in the work industry, but what about his credentials? Does he have an English degree or the like? Where did he go to college? I like to view where these curriculum developers came from, and honestly, I want to see their credentials. I like Susan W. Bauer's work and MCT because their materials are great, but I also find comfort in the fact that they studied in their respective areas and earned their credentials. I couldn't find the same kinds of information on the authors of The Lost Tools of Writing.
  12. I have been using WWS I for my 6th graders and thankfully they are doing well with it. They work 30-45 minutes a day, four days a week on it, and are mostly independent. I also have a 5th grader. She and her twin siblings have been mostly together in writing over the years. They all three worked through the WWE series, with the 6th graders almost finishing through book 4 and the 5th grader reaching book 4, but having many weeks left in it. It seems logical to just continue with WWE 4 with her, but I wanted the writing to take a little less time in the day. We swtiched over to Michael Clay Thompson's entire language arts program (Grammar Town series...) and that takes about 1.5 hours a day. I absolutely LOVE IT and so do the kids. Side note: Oh. My. Goodnes. I honestly can't believe how much they are learning from this program. We take our time everyday and truly follow it ever so carefully so we could experience it as deeply as possible. Just great, but a separate thread is needed to give a full review ? .. The writing portion of MCT's program hasn't started yet, and I wanted a little more writing from my 5th grader until we are ready to start Paragraph Town. I have been looking at The Lost Tools of Writing and think it's possibly way too involved for me at this time, BUT, I wanted to know a little more about Andrew Kern. I read his biography and noticed that it contains a lot about what he's accomplished as an adult in the work industry, but what about his credentials? Does he have an English degree or the like? Where did he go to college? I like to view where these curriculum developers came from, and honestly, I want to see their credentials. I like Susan W. Bauer's work and MCT because their materials are great, but I also find comfort in the fact that they studied in their respective areas and earned their credentials. I couldn't find the same kinds of information on the authors of The Lost Tools of Writing.
  13. I just purchased a YL kit and am enjoying mixing the oils. With the kit, I chose the option of a minimum purchase of $50 in a 12 month rolling period. I didn't want to feel obligated to purchase every month, so this option works for me. Anyway, the oils are great, but very expensive. I have never used PT oils and wondered if their quality is about the same as YL? They have been bragged about from friends and the price is so reasonable. I was thinking to use YL for more serious issues, and use PT for daily usage. I would like to smell "good" everyday by way of PT, and use YL for ailments such as migraines, colds, etc... I have been around EO and want to use them. I just cannot justify spending a lot of money (i.e. YL) so I could smell nice everyday, you know?
  14. Ok, I just did it!! I ordered TTC and a one-year membership to the Pelican group. I wanted to wait until I saw the materials for TTC, but from their description, this Pelican group has audible-type books! I stopped my audible membership a while ago bc it was way too expensive. I thought this was a deal, plus I received $10 off TTC. Again, I hope this was worth it! It seems to look great on paper and based on what was explained to me over the phone.
  15. Sooo... I continued to research, talk, and ask questions about this. I *think* I will be going with Center for Lit's Teaching the Classics. I spoke with Adam on the phone and he was incredibly helpful. I may even pay for the Pelican membership because it gives you access to all sorts of literature and their analyses of them. I first want to try TTC and then the Ready Readers for one or two books. Looks to be a great fit - I hope so! I will update when I get and try them.
  16. Do the students learn to converse and read/write in Greek in the upper levels? Would they be able to visit Greece and interact with the natives?
  17. What do you use for composition? My 6th graders had completed WWE 2-4 and will be starting WWS 1. I really hope we all like WWS because I would like to continue it through level 3, which will push them into 9th/10th grade. This is my first go around in the upper grades...
  18. I have two upcoming 6th graders and have most of what I want in terms of curricula for this year. The struggle I'm having is possibly shifting companies because it may be better for the high school years. I have been using MFW for music, art, history and science and have been doing my own thing with regards to the remaining subjects. I notice in the high school curricula, MFW offers more in their core package, including literature/composition, in addition to history, science, music, bible, etc...The history and literature seem to be tightly connected, but I have been using WTM WWE/WWS series and Rod and Staff English, both of which I really love. I likely will use Center for Lit materials for literature analysis, which I'm hoping to continue into the high school years. Do you guys try to maintain the same companies from middle school into high school? Using Memoria Press, Classical Academic Press, TOG, Vertias Press, Sonlight, HOD all the way through? These are the companies I'm researching heavily thinking one of them might better fit during the high school years. I'm not so excited about the strong literature, history, bible connection that MFW has set up in high school. I don't really use a lot of their bible teachings currently. I do my own thing in terms of theology/bible.
  19. I know of someone who has her children in Classical Conversations. CC isn't for me, although she loves to promote it, A LOT. She now is on this kick about HSLDA...She spoke to HSDLA and they had said that CC is a very challenging and full curriculum for high school - and she now thinks CC is one of the top academic programs out there. How important is HSDLA for college-bound children? Do universities highly regard HSDLA? I feel torn because I spend SOOOO much time researching fitting curricula for my kids, which really is a mix of curricula to keep them progressing and interested. I didn't feel I needed HSDLA, unless I am completely wrong! Personally, after hearing how CC works at the Challenge level, if I understand it correctly, is a little unusual. They teach each subject for 4 minutes and cycle through those subjects a few times. Is this accurate? I have a K-12 teaching background and taught for a few years and found this method of instruction interesting, not bad, just interesting. If this way of teaching/learning is suppose to be challenging and high level, then why isn't it incorporated into other curricula? I think my ego is getting bruised when talking with her. It is making me question what I'm doing...
  20. I have two children starting 6th grade and I have been researching curricula that would be a good transition to high school. I have been using MFW the last two years and am considering to use them in high school. My question is why the short list of complete and full curriculum through the HSDLA website? https://hslda.org/content/highschool/curriculum.asp I am slightly worried that MFW is not on there nor is Classical Academic Press, Tapestry of Grace, etc... I like MFW because of the history, art, music,and science, although the rest of the materials I use is an eclectic mix of what suites my kids. I am a planner and want to make sure I pick curricula that is challenging and accepted by colleges. Lastly, I have tried navigating Vertias Press' website and find it confusing. I need to call them. Is high school mostly online? I don't mind one class online if needed...
  21. So, I purchased a really cheap ($9) BJU student text. I like the different genres of work. I'm looking to find a cheap student text too. Some of the stories are pretty long. How do you break up the work in a given week? How many days a week do you work on it and about how long for each day? I aim to put aside three days a week for about 45 min each day.
  22. How does Drawn Into the Heart of Reading work? What's included?
  23. I really appreciate the information nixpix...From what I've read, Teaching the Classics seems to be the best fit. I don't mind working with a BJU-type curriculum, but I want to make sure we are getting into the dissection of the reading material such as theme, author's pov, tone, etc... I even wouldn't mind a few literature guides as blendergal had suggested. I even like the idea of doing a lap book study, which would include the elements, but man, these types of guides are hard to find. I definitely am not looking for a guide that mainly targets comprehension and vocabulary development. Nixpix- interesting about what you stated about Mosdos. Based on what I've read, people didn't seem to favor Mosdos. I should take a look again. I also have talked to the company a few times. Hmmmmm
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