How can I challenge my second grader and not spend any more $$

[Peso]

How's that for an odd title?? lol

 

Ok, here's the scoop. My daughter is 8, a second grader by "school standards", but way beyond that academically. She can read anything, and is quick with math. She's had loads of history, a decent amount of science (would like more) and really, has learned so much just through life with an older homeschooled sister that teaching her typical "second grade" stuff is a joke.

 

She's not "gifted", btw. She's just a smart, quick learner. Her maturity level is a solid second grader, so I don't want to accelerate her into a level that has too heavy a workload, or too mature a content.

 

She's completed 80% of Calvert 2, all of Oak Meadow 2 & Oak Meadow 3.

 

I really don't want her "school" to last more than a few hours at most - she's only 8, y'know?

 

And I am out.of.money.

 

(I will probably never be able to afford Calvert again (which is just fine) - so things like that are out.)

 

Any ideas?

 

Thank you for your wisdom - I know many of you have been down this road, and I'm grateful for your help!

 

Penny

[eternalknot]

Library? Paperbackbookswap?

 

My son sounds like your daughter; maturity level matches chronological-age grade, but academic level stretches higher. Mine isn't particularly gifted either, just quick and smart.

 

Since yours likes science, why not do some mini unit studies? She can get very hands-on and apply the things that she has read about. I do this with my son; right now he's doing anatomy. We've checked out every book from the library and have looked online for ideas on how to apply that knowledge. Some worksheets to label parts, some latin roots and vocab, some basic skills like coloring parts, minor experiments using the senses, and more. My library was happy to order Janice Van Clxxx (can't remember entire name!) books for us with additional science project-y ideas.

 

Before this we did a 3-4 month study of military weaponry, including building a catapult. Before that, the solar system complete with 3D paper mobile. And so on. Most of this required project parts we had around the house already, but I know from prior experience that random things can be found/had from craigslist. I used craigslist to get the few pieces of wood and nails for the catapult, for example.

[chiguirre]

Could you try something like Ambleside Online for your content subjects and language arts? If you need inexpensive, high quality math, take a look at Math Mammoth. You can use it for specific topics or as a complete program.

[MIch elle]

Youtube videos - Schoolhouse Rock, Bill Nye, Magic school Bus, Animaniac songs to memorize - presidents, states, countries, & lots more on Youtube if you look; play card games & other logic/math/fun games; draw what's in your backyard; watch the birds & identify them .... the list goes on as long as your imagination...

[Peso]

All great ideas. And you're all right - there are no limits. Just use our imaginations and stop worrying about programs, what to do when, etc.

 

Sometimes I just panic, kwim?

 

(and I know that panic mode is the *worst* time to think about school, truly)

 

Thanks again,

 

Penny

[Blessedfamily]

MEP is free, challenging math, but I can't find the link.

[lulubelle]

you could also try "What my (3rd or 4th or 5th) grader needs to know" books. Check them out at the library. They have tons of resources on line too for their curriculum, some from teachers to share with other teachers.

[Aurelia]

 

Here's the link to MEP. It's free and really brain stretching. I'd look at things on Google Books and Gutenberg Press, the have loads of OOP books free online and I'm sure you can find unit studies or something on Homeschool Share. I check Currclick every week for their freebies and have gotten some good stuff that way, also.

[Crimson Wife]

Ask around your local HS support group to see if anybody has materials they'd be willing to let you borrow. I've lent stuff to friends that I've used with my oldest but my 2nd isn't going to be ready for until he's older.

[Momling]

Check out Homeschool your child for free: -- http://www.amazon.com/Homeschool-Your-Child-Free-Effective/dp/0307451631/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258650033&sr=1-1 I sat at Borders for an hour and copied down some useful resources, but it's probably worth the 13$.

Edited November 19, 2009 by Momling

[Woodland_Mom]

You could also add some memory work. Give her a map and have her trace it and memorize the countries & capitals. Have her memorize poetry, scripture, a history timeline, etc.

 

I think just soaking up tons of good books would be awesome! Fine a reading list and work your way through it.

[Rosie_0801]

What about adding in handicrafts and cooking? Cooking needn't cost any more than you have to spend already, and it's surprising how many handmade things can be made out of stuff you already have, or your mum already has. You can also find cheap stuff at thrift shops. I've somehow picked up a bunch of canvases for making hook rugs. The tool, if you haven't got one is not expensive and most people have wool lying around. Tablet weaving can be set up very cheaply. That sort of stuff also classes as living maths, if she asks :)

 

Rosie