[Recommendations for Independent 8th Grade Curriculum]

AG does have videos. They are basic, but I like them as they seem to keep us on track and give the books a bit of reinforcement.

 

Also, HSB Coop has a deal on Wordly Wise vocab program. It's a computer based program and looks like it has feedback.

 

For American History we used one of the TC dvds (very thorough) and AAH. DS did it all on his own.

 

Rainbow Science was a very independent science program.

 

In addition to SOTW cds, EL Gombrich has a cd that we listened to in the car.

 

Laura

[My 7th grader has forgotten how to spell]

Same issue w/my ds at 12. He never recovered. Most of his work is on a computer so it's less of an issue now. It's still important to me, but we've run out of time.

 

Laura

[Help with language arts for 8th grade?]

I wouldn't quit AG b/c I think it is very efficient for grammar. I haven't used LL, but I think it has writing as well. Are you doing that writing in conjunction w/WWS? If so, I'd stop that and any grammar that might be in LL.

 

I found that WWS was too time consuming for us. I'm working back to the WTM suggestions for writing.

 

Laura

[ahhhh - I can't stand it!!!!]

LOL I've tried to explain to hubby how I feel...

 

You know at the zoo there's a monkey in a cage? It's been caged up it's whole life. So when the zookeeper opens the gate and says to go free, the monkey just stands there with a confused look on it's face.

 

Well, the few rare times I get out BY MYSELF, I feel like that monkey. What the heck would I do without kids surrounding me 24/7?

 

LOL

:lol:

 

You've just articulated the feeling I have when DH takes the kids to his parents for the weekend. It happens rarely that all 3 are gone, but when it does happen, I'm almost paralyzed by the thought of what to do. Do I clean like crazy and get caught up on everything. Or do I take the time to chill, read a book, watch a movie, go out w/friends. I know I should split the two days and do one set each day, but I usually just lie on the bed and veg for the first few hours they're gone. Now I know why.

 

Laura

[So...what are your thoughts on the Bull Nye kerfuffle?]

Ah. I like the logic of "blasting" something when you don't know what it is. I believe you proved my point about a lack of intellectualism. Thank you!

 

Ok, this was kind of mean. I was going to respond as well, but wasn't sure whether RR meant religious right b/c that is an incorrect use of the term, I believe. I think I would be classified as religious right in that I am a conservative and a Christian. But, I am a strong supporter of teaching evolution to children. I am conservative in that I am mostly socially conservative (strongly pro-life) and a Christian in that I am Catholic. I also believe in theistic evolution.

 

There are more accurate terms to describe theistic non-evolutionary creationists.

 

Laura

[Anyone use Simply Charlotte Pet Shop Curric]

Thanks so much. I am sure I have the TM. I just haven't looked through it.

 

We're not that far into it, but I love the real world aspect of it and dd likes the entrepreneurial/pet aspect of it.

 

So far she's learned how to calculate sales tax, inventory control, and to write checks.

 

Hmmm, I was going to have her older sister do it w/her, but I was afraid it was too easy. Glad to hear it went over well w/your co-op.

 

Laura

[Anyone use Simply Charlotte Pet Shop Curric]

We're on page 16, and I missed something about the chance card. This is the first time I've seen a reference and wondering if we lost an explanation/card to understand what to do with it.

 

Thanks,

Laura

[OK, I think my brain is broken]

Take a real essay written by a teen and grade it, giving reasons for each notation you make.

 

This would be worth its weight in gold.

 

Laura

[OK, I think my brain is broken]

Post-empty nest plans.

 

Do you have any modesty dress issues w/your dd and how do you handle them.

 

Gifted kids who don't want to work.

 

 

Why you believe tunics are better than kilts.

 

Laura

[How often do you wash your dog?]

We have two smoothed hair mutts. We usually just bathe them whenever they've rolled in something. Usually2-3 times over the summer. If it were up to the kids it would be every week. If it were up to the dogs, it would be never.

 

Laura

[X-post: Online Latin options?]

We love Lukeion, but it doesn't meet your criteria. How much Latin has she had? Have you looked at MP? I think they have FFL, SFL online.

 

My dd jumped into Wheelock's Latin 1b as a 6th grader w/just FFL and a bit of time w/a tutor doing Wheelock's. She did fine, but was probably one of the youngest in the class. She also received a gold medal on the NLE, which really surprised me.

 

I think it's about $200/semester, maybe 250.

 

Laura

[Specific examples of how you're preparing your 8th grader for high school?]

Note taking from TC (or other) dvds. We compare notes at the end.

 

One of the things that I (re)learned from the Super Star dvd was to pre-study. Read the material b4 the class presentation and take notes then. So you are not introduced to the material for the first time during class. For example, with a subject you will actually teach to him, have him preview the material b4 you go over it. I was not that student in school.

 

Laura

[Am. Gov't Supplement for Elections Course?]

I'd also look at doing a constitution study or Bill of Rights study. The TC has some videos on this.

 

I did a class at our co-op mostly on the BoR, and it's interesting to compare the Constitution as written and our government in practice.

 

Laura

[Setting the tone.]

I find that if I start the gradually w/a dvd or hot chocolate and poetry our days go much more smoothly.

 

It also always helps to start the day prepared and w/a clean kitchen.

 

And my kids enjoy starting the day w/each other b4 breaking for their solo work.

 

Laura

[I need help. Long, Sorry]

I know the TC's Iliad was just on sale (may still be--you can search this forum for the code--it was about $15. Once you're on the mailing system, you'll get all the codes.

 

I like Bright Storm better for math help than Khan b/c I can see how it's all laid out.

 

There's a Georgia Public Broadcasting System link for free online science.

 

We love Lukeion for Latin. There are several other sites for modern languages. We looked into Rolling Acres for French.

 

MP Traditional Logic dvd is a bit dry, but will help you with the hand holding.

 

Movies as Literature is not very rigorous, but it is fun and visual.

 

Laura

[Our first truly great school day....i think this could be the start of something!]

As few and far between as those days are for us, they are what sustain me throughout the year.

 

Congrats!

Laura

[My son ate gum off a restaurant floor.]

I had a friend whose toddler picked up a piece of chewed gum and popped it in his mouth. FROM THE BATHROOM FLOOR! I can't imagine it gets any grosser than that.

 

I also read a while back that someone actually did a 5 second (or whatever the time limit) study and found that it held true. I'm a bit incredulous.

 

Laura

[Xpost: chemistry and elements show on TV tonight]

Thanks! I thought I missed it, but it repeats again at 11. Now I have to figure out what # science channel is on my tv.

 

Laura

[If you make the decision to HS on a year by year basis.....]

Mostly, I just know that they are going to be ahead of the school peers anyway. And that there will be gaps in factual knowledge. After spending lots of time w/my kid's friends who are in school (both public and private) I eventually realized that I didn't have much too worry about.

 

Laura

[do you fold your underwear?]

Life is too short.

 

Negative on the dish towels as well.

 

Laura

[Dogs and working outside the home]

Dogs can go all night w/o needing to go to the bathroom. I think your dog will be fine at home. Lots of dogs do it. If you could build up to it gradually, I think you'll feel better. I had a hard time the first few times we left our dogs home for more than 7 hours. But, they were fine.

 

Seriously, I can't imagine anyone saying you shouldn't have a dog if you're going to work.

 

Give them extra attention/walking when you are home and they will be more than happy.

[What are you doing for this 7th grade this year?]

Math: Saxon Alg. 1, Finish LOF Pre-Alg/Econ, begin LOF Beg. Alg

 

Latin: Lukeion Wheelock's 2

 

English: IEW, WWS, Kilgallon, AG Refresher, CE II, ancient lit readings to go w/history.

 

Science: Story of Science, Thames and Kosmos Milestones kit. Tutor her sister in NL. Maybe do a little of Apologia's Gen'l Science

 

HIstory-hodgepodge, FMG, FMR, KF.

 

Geography: Around the World in 180 days. Been trying to do this for years. Maybe with her sister.

 

Logic/Critical Thinking. Possibly Choosing Your Way Through Word's Ancient Past, Philosophy for Kids.

 

French: First Form

 

 

Music: Piano lessons

 

Art: Meet the Masters, art class

 

PE: volleyball, jiu jitsu, swimming, running, fencing

 

Laura

[Just getting started 7th grade]

TOG? This is what I would do if I didn't already own everything under the sun.

 

I'm doing FMG and FMR along with Kingfisher for history w/my 7th grade dd. I'm looking at including one of the middle school authors for The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid. I will include some prehistory, some Egyptian studies with Golden Goblet (she's already read Mara, which she really liked) and she's reading Red Pyramid right now. We'll also do a timeline and fill in gaps of FMG and FMR w/Kingfisher (any other world history text would work).

 

I think Latin Road is cumbersome.

Is RS4K Biology a full year?

 

Laura

[A nice, cheap kindle timeline for those of you doing timelines]

$.99. Wow that is cheap.

Thanks,

Laura

[Anyone here row for exercise?]

I only row as a warm up at the gym, so I'm not really an expert.

 

Rowing is a great exercise, but I have a more difficult time going hard enough to keep my heart rate up. Same thing w/an exercise bike. I can do it, but it's difficult for me to sustain. Jogging and using the elliptical both keep my heart rate seriously elevated.

 

My 12 year old loves the rower at the gym and has said she wishes we could get one. I bet that with consistent use, you'd have an amazing upper body physique, which you can't say for other equipment.

 

I'd make sure I could have a television in front of me b/c it does get monotonous. And you would need more space than for any other equipment.

 

My mom had a friend who was about 300 lbs overweight. He couldn't do any exercises other than rowing b/c of his knees. He ended up losing all the weight and is now a cyclist.

 

Laura