April in WA
Members-
Posts
101 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Reputation
11 GoodContact Methods
-
Location
Woodinville, WA
-
Writing skills needed to start 9th grade
April in WA replied to April in WA's topic in High School and Self-Education Board
Thank you Colleen and Jennifer. I am trying to think longterm. I struggle with "is he behind right now of a typical boy finishing 7th grade?" I"m gaining confidence we are ok and just need to keep working steadily. Blessings, April in WA -
Writing skills needed to start 9th grade
April in WA replied to April in WA's topic in High School and Self-Education Board
Thanks Julie. These posts, along with the one Sue reminded me of, are really helping to put my mind at ease about next year. I know my son has SO far to go, but I think I have been putting too much pressure on myself to get to a higher level too soon. I've made out a plan using a variety of sources. We will just plug away at them and I know we will see results. Thanks, April in WA -
Writing skills needed to start 9th grade
April in WA replied to April in WA's topic in High School and Self-Education Board
Thanks Sue and Erica! I have read the post by Nan and it is a great one to remember. With that as a reminder, I guess I just need to plan on plugging away at what I know he doesn't have down, focusing on the journey and not so much on the result at this point. Maybe by the end of 8th grade I will see a miracle take place. Any one else have thoughts? Thanks, April in WA -
I need help organizing my upcoming 8th grader's writing program for next year. What skills need to be cemented by the end of 8th grade? TWTM doesn't really spell it out at all. I know writing a great sentence and paragraph would be expected, but what about a 5 paragraph essay? I am planning on covering descriptive, persuasive, narrative and a variety of expository topics like how to, cause and effect, compare and contrast, definition. We will also be covering some literary analysis. I guess my biggest question is about the longer essays. I just don't have a firm grasp of what is expected of an incoming freshman. I realize not all have the same standards. I expect my child to be prepared for an academically rigorous high school environment. What skills are needed for that in 9th grade? Thanks for your help. Blessings, April in WA
-
Can you tell me about Phonics Pathways?
April in WA replied to gandpsmommy's topic in K-8 Curriculum Board
Love this book! It's simple and inexpensive. I taught all three of my kids to read with this book. They are all very good readers. My kids are now 9, 11, and 13. Highly recommend it. Blessings, April -
Michelle, Thanks for posting about "Stack the Deck." It looks really interesting. Have you seen this in person or maybe already own? If so, could you walk through a complete lesson for whatever level you are familiar with? Blessings, April in WA
-
Rod and Staff vs. CLE for grammar/writing
April in WA replied to Love2Smile's topic in K-8 Curriculum Board
Carolyn, My 3rd and 5th grader have used the CLE reading and LA programs this year and they have been a huge success. They are both very rigorous programs at both levels. I plan to use level 4, 6 and 8 of both programs next year with all three of my children. Besides the thoroughness of the programs, I love the all-inclusive workbook format. My kids can basically teach themselves and I fill in the holes when something doesn't quite make sense to them. I used R&S with my oldest back when he was in 1st grade and would give it equally high marks. There are two big differences I see between CLE and R&S. One is the format and this is a huge one for me. Being able to write in the workbook and not have to copy is wonderful. Secondly, CLE does not include much writing instruction so an additional writing program is necessary. I have never used ACE so can't comment on that. Search the boards and you will find all kinds of responses to questions like yours. Blessings, April in WA -
Skills for Literary Analysis by Stobaugh
April in WA replied to a topic in High School and Self-Education Board
Julie, Would you please come back after reviewing the EIL book and give us your comments. I have looked at this program also, but had the same concerns you've expressed. Fortunately, I have at least a year to make a decision. I would love to hear what you think. Thanks, April in WA -
writing literary analysis
April in WA replied to April in WA's topic in High School and Self-Education Board
Lori D., Thanks for the links to other threads. I have gained more information and knowledge from them. There is SO much to learn at every stage of homeschooling. High school is definitely the sacriest though. Blessings, April in WA -
writing literary analysis
April in WA replied to April in WA's topic in High School and Self-Education Board
Katia, Thank you for the input on Smarr. I've heard many people like Smarr very well, but I understand not every program works for everyone. Are you saying it does include actual instruction on how to write a literary analysis? I just can't tell that from the sample of the Tale of Two Cities on their website. I need more than just a lead in or good ideas for essays. I need the instruction built in. Thanks, April