JeanM
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Posts posted by JeanM
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I'm so tired of my family, my parents especially, not being supportive of our decision to homeschool. We've been homeschooling since my oldest was in kindergarten, and he's 12 now. Both boys are accelerated, and homeschooling works great for us.
We don't live close to my parents, but we're in touch all the time. My dh and I do some work for my mom. Most of the time I just ignore the negative comments from my parents, but the comments today just set me off. We're thinking about buying a house, and my father offered to help us with the down payment, but only if we would put the dc in school. :confused:
I'm so offended that I can hardly speak. Thanks for letting me vent.
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I know she asked me to let her know about the dates I want to host by May 1st. I would think they'd still take people after that if necessary only because they always have a host shortage anyway. But keep in mind that the whole process can take a while- requesting more information on the site, waiting to get a packet in the mail which will include the name and number of your area rep, calling your area rep and scheduling an appointment for him or her to come to your house, waiting for the background checks to clear and references to be checked and so on.
The first trip to my area is in very early July, and the last is mid August I think, so you have some time, but I can't say exactly how much, know what I mean? On the site you can "request more info" and they will send you a packet in the mail, at least you can get that squared away for now and then take it from there?
Thanks, I think we'll request more info and see how it goes.
Jean
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Do you know when you would need to apply to be a host family? I couldn't find that on the website. We are house-hunting now and may be moving later this spring/early summer. We couldn't host in our current house (too small), and definitely couldn't host while moving, but we would love to host if we were already in a bigger house.
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All American History....sounds like your "wants" to a T. Although two volumes, but she could probably get through Vol 1 at least.
I'm not the OP, but I'm also interested in this. Do you need the teacher's guide and student activity book for All American History?
Thanks,
Jean
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When we first started homeschooling, a close relative asked me, "How will your children learn to be bored?" She honestly was concerned about how they would be able to sit through boring meetings as adults, if they hadn't been bored for years in school.
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Ha! I have a Ph.D. and work as an assist. prof. When I applied for holiday retail, I left off Ph.D. and put "instructor" on the resume. I knew they wouldn't hire a Ph.D. Lane Bryant laughed at me months earlier!!! They think we make $$$$$$$$ and are too bossy.
I found a great position at upscale chain. Once I worked there, they found out b/c people who knew me would come in -- even students. The manager admitted he wouldn't have even looked at my resume. Now, they call me in whenever they are in a pinch :D.
eta: could you leave it off until you are actually interviewed? Then, explain it has been a horrible liability at the interview?
I'm encouraged by your experience. I think that I'm going to have to read each job application carefully, since it seems that some are pickier than others about disclosure.
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ON a resume, no, it is not dishonest unless you specifically state "I have a bachelors in xyz" and leave off the PhD. Even though it is true, it is a lie of omission and is purposeful in intent to deceive. If you do not list your education achievements individually, then I wouldn't consider it a lie of omission. No one puts every single detail on a resume, but the person hiring you would make a false assumption based on the BS degree.
On an application that asks "what is the highest level of education"....if you answered below your education level, it would be dishonest.
Now, that I have said that....I wouldn't see it as a harmful lie. It may be necessary to secure a job but it isn't 100% honest either.
Oh dear, it seems that you are very right. One of the companies I am applying to says, "I understand that if I misrepresent or leave out a fact on my application or resume, I may be refused employment or if employed, I may be terminated immediately. "
Do you think it is possible for me to get an administrative assistant or clerical type of job, even if I disclose my PhD? Who would have thought it would be such a liability!
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Wow, I'm feeling much better about the whole idea now. I was worried that I was going to be doing something illegal or somehow dishonest.
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm off to work on my resume...
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As a brief background, dh has been out of work since the beginning of January. I've been tutoring online, but it doesn't pay very much and we really need benefits. I have a PhD, but haven't worked full time in my field for many years (pre-kids). I've been trying for several months to get work in my field, but have had no success.
I'm getting to the point where I'm feeling desperate, and I'm willing to accept almost any job that has benefits. Would it be dishonest to leave the PhD and postdoctoral work off of my resume? I think if I'm applying for administrative or retail positions, the PhD is probably not going to help me and might put off potential employers.
Is this dishonest? Morally wrong? Opinions needed.
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I use Spelling Power with my natural speller.
I use Spelling Power with my natural speller too, but it isn't something that the student can do independently. It doesn't take very much time though, especially if the student gets most of the words right. I'm not really sure what else to recommend, since we have avoided workbook-types of spelling programs.
I'm using AAS for my struggling speller, and that has really helped him.
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I have looked at the sample for Elemental Science Physics, but haven't actually used it. We have used one unit (sound) of the Bite-Sized Physics. Personally, I'd recommend the Bite-Sized Physics over the Elemental Science Physics for that age. My ds was 8 when we used it, but he really enjoyed it.
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I've been struggling with this with my ds11 who is finishing 5th grade.
We tried "Art of the Argument" last year and made it most of the way through that book. We both really liked parts of it, but it really is aimed at older children. I don't remember all the details since he did this last year, but there was stuff in there about abortion and maybe rape, and he wasn't really ready for those kinds of things. Or maybe I wasn't ready for them?
This year he has done lots of Mindbenders. He started out sort of liking them, and then decided he really hated them, and he didn't seem to be learning anything since he generally could do them fairly easily.
I also picked up "The Snake and the Fox", which we also started out liking it, but we stopped using it for a variety of reasons. Partly it was also getting into issues that he wasn't ready for, and it was getting confusing and tedious. I'm actually thinking now that I should look at it again. Right now things are a little crazy here, and we're finishing up formal schoolwork soon for the year and taking the summer off.
I'm at a total loss as to what to have him do next year. DS is very logical, loves strategy games, etc. I'm starting to think that I need to write my own logic program for him, because I'm just having severe trouble finding what I want.
Jean
Can you tell it's time to shop for curriculum? :tongue_smilie:Ds10 will start 5th grade in the fall and it will be time for logic.
Where do I start?
What curriculum do you enjoy?
I've been looking at Mind Benders but don't know with which level to start.
Thanks for your help!
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I'm trying to sell a lot of stuff that we are done with since DH lost his job, but I'm trying to make sure that I don't sell anything that isn't supposed to be re-sold.
I looked at her website and didn't see anything, and it doesn't seem to say anything on the CD.
Thanks,
Jean
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I am looking for advice regarding the best geometry program for my daughter. Does anyone know about Geometry: A Guided Inquiry? I am trying to determine the best fit for my daughter, and I have heard good things about Jacob's also. If anyone has experience with both, I would appreciate a comparison between the two. I would like to avoid purchasing something that won't ultimately work (btdt).
Thanks for any advice!
___________
Nancy
I saw your other post too. I'm in a similar position since my ds just turned 11, although he hasn't quite finished algebra 1 yet. I don't know anything about the Math Without Borders, although it looks interesting. Do you know if it has proofs? I couldn't tell from a quick look at the description.
Are you sure you want to do geometry next? I'm thinking that I'm either going to have ds do another year of algebra (advanced algebra of some kind) or do some kind of alternative like number theory or something.
Have you looked at the Art of Problem Solving Stuff? I've heard good things about their stuff, although I have no personal experience with it (yet). I don't know if their geometry includes proofs or not, it is hard to tell.
Jean
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Would he be more interested in some basic geometry? I know of a few people who used the Key to Geometry books alongside or after Algebra I before doing a full Geometry or a second round of Algebra, since it doesn't contain proofs if I am remembering correctly.
If he's getting it, and the math isn't the concern then it a matter of deciding if he should just do what he needs to sequence wise at a level that challenges him, or if he would benefit from something of the grid for a little while until he sees the need for the math. :tongue_smilie: Have you checked out the Davidson Forum? There are some good suggestions for off the grid math for kids that get it. :)
It doesn't look like the public can access the Davidson Forum, and we haven't had the right tests done to get ds qualified for Davidson.
I'll have to talk to ds about doing a basic geometry (non-proof) next year. Maybe that circle thing would be good too. I like the concept of giving him something off the grid for a while until he sees the need for the math, but I'm not sure he is going to like that.
Jean
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Dd did Geometry with Life of Fred, and we supplemented with Dressler 1973 Geometry & another we bought from AMS. However, you don't have to di Geometry now, so I'd personally wait on the Geometry for now. There are many great things you can do with math, and the AMS (American Mathematical Society) has a section with math books for kids advanced in math. You'll have to check to see how much math one needs to know, but one idea is Mathematical Circles. When I was in a similar situation, with an 11 yo ready for Algebra mathematically, but not mature enough, Myrtle (great math guru no longer posting) suggested this as one possibility. It's challenging enough even for someone with algebra 1.
The ability to write proofs develops independent of IQ and even Algebra skills. I think it needs to be done, but you have time to wait at this point, unless you're trying to graduate very young.
Same with Calculus. I'd put it later. You may wish to check with Jann in TX, who is profoundly gifted and is a math teacher. She pointed out once that she didn't understand what she was doing with proofs until she started teaching Geometry. She also has mentioned that it's very good to do Algebra 1 twice, and that only ten percent of students are ready for Calculus in grade 12 (senior). That's not saying no one is ready for Calculus in grade 9, of course, but it can wait until grade 11, IMO. I'd do Algebra 1 again with something else or else do Advanced Algebra & Trig with LoF, and then Dolciani II.
My kids also enjoyed reading Murderous Maths just for fun.
Finally, my eldest hated math at 11, when she started Algebra. She no longer hates it, and sometimes says she might major in it (she's 14.) It's too soon to say, and I wouldn't rush if you don't need to and he doesn't want to, but find some fun math like Mathematical Circles. I chose a book from Perpendicular Press, which my dd really enjoyed, but it has a lot of pre-Algebra in it, so even though there are some challenging things in it, much of that book would seem too easy for your ds.
I'm encouraged by the fact that your eldest used to hate math, but has changed her mind.
I like the idea of doing more Algebra. Maybe next year we can do some kind of combination. I think ds just wants to get it over with and do the minimal amount of math required.
I'll have to look at the books at Perpendicular press. Like I said, I can't buy anything now, but I can have fun looking.
Jean
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I know of at least two profoundly gifted kids who weren't ready for algebra at 11. We discuss this often. :) My DD will be "ready" for algebra at 10. Ready as in done up until then but I'm not sure if she's actually ready. I talked with Jann by email and I am in a holding pattern with other materials until fall, when I will have her test my DD for proper placement. I will probably have her take Algebra twice, the second time being with AoP, or if she really has it down then one of their other programs. There are tons of materials to use in the mean time to expand math. We've already spent one year just "playing around" and using different programs to make sure her skills are really cemented. I don't regret that time, we have seven years to fill before I graduate her. :lol:
Good luck with your dd. I'm now thinking about doing Algebra twice too. Although I really think ds was ready this year. He is doing fine with algebra, he totally understands the concepts and can do the problems. He just doesn't like it. I really like the look of the AoP stuff.
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I love to plan, but this spring I haven't been able to make any decisions because our home situation is unstable. DH is currently unemployed and looking for a job. We may be moving, I may have to find full time work (I'm tutoring part-time now). Anyway, I can't actually spend any money on curriculum right now, so I'm just having fun with planning and hoping we'll have money by the fall. It is possible the dc will have to go to ps in the fall if we can't improve our financial situation.
My biggest dilemma is with ds who just turned 11. He is most of the way through Life of Fred Beginning Algebra. He is quite good at math, but has always disliked math. I was really hoping that once he got to algebra he would start to like it more, but if anything he likes it less. He does like the story part of Life of Fred. I'm supplementing Fred with Dolciani Algebra (1975) and with stuff I've made up for him myself.
Before this year, he had really been looking forward to geometry, mostly because a family friend had told him about proofs and he thought it sounded interesting. We've done a few proofs in algebra, and he has lost his desire to learn geometry.
I feel that it is important that he keep learning math and that it should be reasonably challenging. On the other hand, if he really doesn't like math, maybe we don't need to push it too much. If it helps, he wants to be a veterinarian, or possibly a marine biologist. DH and I both like math and maybe ds will change his mind.
Option 1 is to stick with Life of Fred:
Grade 6: Advanced Algebra
Grade 7: Geometry
Grade 8: Trigonometry
Grade 9: Calculus
Grade 10: Statistics
Option 2 is to branch out, and hopefully pique his interest
Grade 6: Art of Problem Solving "Intro to Counting and Probability" of "Intro to number theory"
Grade 7: Life of Fred Advanced Algebra
Grade 8: Another Art of Problem Solving
Grade 9: Geometry
Grade 10: Trigonometry
Grade 11: Calculus
Any ideas or suggestions? We've done other supplemental stuff already like "Challenge Math".
Jean
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Can PGCM be used as a stand-alone?
I really don't think so. It is not designed to be a complete curriculum.
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LoF: Fractions assumes kids know their math facts and can do long division by hand with multi digit divisors. I don't know what math program you're using, but this would correspond with the first couple units of Singapore Primary Maths (US) 4A. Most seem to do LoF: Fractions after finishing 4B.
It can be done standalone from Beginning Algebra on. I suspect the pre-algebra components could be used standalone after the entire series is released. However, bright kids can certainly go right into Beginning Algebra after LoF: Decimals & Percents. The major drawback for some children is a relative lack of practice compared to other programs. It's also expected that the child have a solid self-study ethic (i.e. no peeking at solutions unless truly stumped).
The first two can be done in 2-4 months. DD the Elder isn't finished Pre-Algebra with Biology, but I have a sense she'll be through in in no more than 2-1/2 to 3 months; however, none of the math is new to her yet, so she's zipping through it.
:iagree::iagree:
We haven't used LOF as a stand-alone yet, but it is getting closer to that. My older ds completed Singapore primary 1 - 6, and did LOF Fractions, and Decimals & Percents along with the last few books. He's working on LOF Beginning Algebra now. We're using LOF as the main program now, but I'm supplementing with Dolciani Modern Algebra and with odd and assorted stuff I'm throwing in on my own.
My younger ds has been very anxious to start LOF, so I let him start doing Fractions recently. He just finished Singapore 3b. I think we're going to keep switching back and forth between Singapore and LOF until he has completely finished both.
I'd also second the recommendation for Primary Grade Challenge Math. It is an excellent supplement!
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As a little bit of background information, my parents are very anti-homeschooling and have tried all means possible to persuade me to send my dc to public (or private) school.
Last night, ds (just turned 11 yo) was looking around and saw the Sunday New York Times Magazine that my MIL had left at our house. DS picked it up and started reading the article "Building a Better Teacher." I asked him this morning if he had finished the article and what he thought about it. He said that it did not improve his opinion of the public schools in our country. He then added, "Grandpa may be right that going to public school would improve my social connections, but I don't think it is going to help my intellectual connections."
Anyway, I thought it was a funny comment. For anyone who is interested, the article is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/magazine/07Teachers-t.html?hpw
Jean
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Are you sure it saved you money? That is the issue I ran into when I was home schooled and trying to decide whether to CLEP it, AP it, CC it or keep doing the accredited correspondence course that I was doing. As I recall, all of them worked out to about the same price. While CLEP and AP would allow me to start at a higher level in college, I would have still had to take the same number of credits from the college to earn my degree, so still pay the same amount. I thought it more likely to fail the AP test, after spending all that money, than to fail a whole college class. I was also worried about jumping into college midstream, so I went the CC route.
I'm not the person who posted that it saved them money, but I'm certain that AP classes saved me money when I was in college. I think it all depends on the circumstances. I attended a very expensive private school. Between the AP credits that I got and taking a few classes at a different school one summer, I graduated in 3 years instead of 4. That one year of tuition + room and board was way, way more expensive than the cost of the AP exams and the summer classes combined.
On the other hand, I'm not sure what route my dc will take. I'm not sure that I want them to do everything the way I did.
Jean
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Is anyone turning their backs on the whole AP class route and doing anything different? I have found myself extremely disenchanted with the domination of AP classes, their focus on memorization and testing, the superficial coverage at the expense of in-depth focus. AP has a huge influence, practically prescribing high school course choices for college-bound kids in California due to the UC system's pushing of weighted course grades and the high emphasis on weighted grade point average. I would really rather not go that route with my daughter. She has proven to me time and again that she can memorize. What I want is for her to develop other skills that take more time and go into a topic in depth rather than going for breadth of coverage.
I've read that many highly elite prep schools back east -- Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, and the like -- have moved entirely away from the whole AP curriculum and are offering topic seminars instead. You can see them on school websites under curriculum or course of study; they look pretty interesting to me, a valid and much more engaging alternative. I'm currently planning a few topic-based literature and history seminars for my daughter based on her input. Has anyone else done this? How do you go about it? What have your results been?
We're not to this point yet, since my dc are young, but I'm interested in this for future planning. :bigear:
What I'm thinking now is that there is a lot of value in having my dc take the AP exams, since that is a standard that colleges can understand. As homeschoolers though (assuming we are still homeschooling then), we can choose the curriculum and explore topics that are not necessarily on the exams.
Can I vent?
in Accelerated Learner Board
Posted
Thanks. I have just been feeling so down all day.