April in WA
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Posts posted by April in WA
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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
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We are also using all American History II. I will have an 8th, 6th and 4th grader using it.
Blessings,
April in WA
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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
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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
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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
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I'd like to hear any reasons that you did not like the Jump In writing program. I would be using it with a 6th grader and 8th grader.
Thanks,
April in WA
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My vote is for Twelfth Night. That was the first one of his plays I ever read to my children in early elementary school and they still remember it because it 's so funny.
HTH,
April in WA
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Thank you Ria. I was afraid of this. Now I have to figure out how to get that worked in to our plan for next year, 8th grade.
Blessings,
April in WA
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Thanks, Ladies.
Anyone else?
April in WA
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Ladies,
I need help with teaching the writing portion of literary analysis. I finally feel confident now with the help of the WEM and other resources to discuss literary terms but not the writing aspect of analysis. Hopefully that makes sense. Is there a program out there to do this or to do both? Does Smarr do this? I just can't get a clear idea from the samples online. What about IEW's "Windows on the World?" It appears from the table of contents to walk through the analytical writing, but I don't really get this from any comments I've read.
My second question is what grade should literary analysis writing be a regular assignment in my child's work? I know I was doing this by 11th grade at my public high school, but can't remember if I started in 9th or 10th. What is typical?
Thanks,
April in WA
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Someone previously in this thread reminded me about Adam Andrew's Teaching the Classics. Upon going to the website again, I see he has three different dvd classes covering Huck Finn, "Hamlet" and The Yearling. Has anyone bought and used these? There is a free downloadable syllabus that accompanies each one. The one on Huck Finn looks great even without the dvd. Any thoughts?
Blessings,
April in WA
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I just finished reading this thread and thought it worthy of bumping up again for anyone else who missed it in January. Thanks to all of you who contributed to this. I have learned so much and have MUCH more confidence that I can devlope an English Lit syllabus that will work for me and my children.
My question now is how you do this saving to a folder idea. Any help?
Blessings,
April in WA
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Jennie,
Thanks for the quick reply. So your son will do both semesters of English I in 10th grade along with a full-year writing program? Will that be your complete LA program or will you have any literature analysis in there?
Thanks,
April
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MUS was the answer for my son who needs to beat a topic to death in order to learn it. Staying on one basic operation for a whole year worked for this child during the elementary years. In first grade he spent a whole year in Saxon 1, did great on tests and couldn't remember a thing at the end of first grade. After this we tried Horizons and another traditional program and encountered the same thing. Then the light bulb went off for me on the methodology of both Saxon and Horizons. We switched to MUS Gamma and math turned around for my son. He is now finishing Pre-Algebra. Thank you MUS.
HTH,
April in WA
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Jennie,
Can I ask what level of CLE LA your 15 year old is doing? I am giving thoughts to the 9th and 10th grade English I and 11th grade English II. Are you using either of these currently?
Thanks,
April Edwards
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Thanks to all of you. I appreciate every comment. I still have no idea what we will end up using. Now I'm intrigued by MFW also. It's a good thing I have more than a whole year to agonize over my decision. LOL! I'm sure I will be back with more specific questions as the days go by.
Thanks again,
April in WA
Writing skills needed to start 9th grade
in High School and Self-Education Board
Posted
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