KungFuPanda Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 My teen will enter high school next year. She's had a bit of an eclectic education. We did the WTM/classical thing for elementary, then practically unschooled for middle school. She's had some amazing experiences over the last few years, but that season is over and now that it's time for High School, I want to return to a more rigorous schedule. I thought I'd see what you guys recommend to get back on track to a more traditional education. We have veered from our original WTM intentions, but it can't be a lost cause! I've mapped out the state requirements, and found an umbrella for transcript/accountability/diploma purposes. I have some subject specific questions: Algebra - What would you recommend as the next step for the student who did Singapore Math EB-6B? She has dabbled in Algebra by sitting in on a class of college-bound kids who were brushing up for community college Algebra, but has had no formal course of her own. I'm thinking Algebra I for 9th grade. Dh can oversee any program, but I need to choose it and make a plan. English - I am stumped about what to do for the english credit. A grammar/literature combo??? Which one? She could use a complete refresher in grammar, but to start over with an elementary grammar program would be unnecessary. Technology - What the HECK IS a technology credit??? Computers? Engineering? Digital Photography? Is this a catch-all category???? American Government - What won't put us asleep, or take TONS of time, but is still a legitimate credit? I don't want sub-standard classes, but I don't want over-the-top either. Please tell me there is a middle ground. Thank you all so much! Kung Fu Panda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 She is not interested in following up on any of those lovely Latin studies she had in elementary school. This child wants to study ITALIAN as her foreign language. Any advice on that one? Kung Fu Panda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutu Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 We really really love Foerster's Algebra. I was very anxious about teaching it, so I went ahead and bought the supplemental CD's by David Chandler, put out by Math Without Borders, and then I purchased the solutions manual from Pearson through their Oasis web site. My 14yo dd has been able to do it 100% independently without a problem. I check her progress 1x/week, and so far, things are going very well. :) Hmm...for English, I'm not really sure. My dd works independently through Seton's 9th grade grammar workbook, but that's not secular. Maybe something like Analytical Grammar would work, as it can be completed in less than a year. We love our literature studies, too. We're just reading through several titles together. Some we are studying more closely, with the help of the Portals to Literature guides, but I'm making it a point *not* to over-analyze everything she reads. I don't know what your state requires for technology studies, but we're just learning basic computer science and are going over things like learning how to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Don't have suggestions for the other stuff! Sorry! But good luck finding materials that will work for you and your dd! Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I take technology to mean information technology, aka computers. I expect my kids to learn the following things for their computer/tech credit: - Word, Excel, Powerpoint (this pretty much goes without saying) - photo editing - web design (html, css) - programming (starting with Python; later Fortran or C++) - scientific data analysis, plotting from fuctions and data, fitting - hardware (build computer from parts) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted February 8, 2011 Author Share Posted February 8, 2011 Thanks for the tips/recommendations. I will definitely look into them :-) KFP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wy_kid_wrangler04 Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 For grammer I would recommend Applications of Grammer series. I would start at book 1 as this is an upper level grammer series Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in MN Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 My ds went from Singapore 6B into Math Relief. Gifted teacher of Algebra exclusively. A good option for a homeschool computer-related credit is Computer Science Pure and Simple. Just a couple for ya. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 (edited) Algebra - What would you recommend as the next step for the student who did Singapore Math EB-6B? Harold Jacobs Algebra worked very well for our DS who loved Singapore Primary (he did up through 6A/B), and who did the first half of Singapore's NEM1. Or, your DD might like the online/interactive aspect of Kinetic Books Algebra. Or for a more traditional textbook route, a lot of people use Lial's Basic College Math or Foerster's Algebra 1. English - I am stumped about what to do for the english credit. A grammar/literature combo??? Which one? She could use a complete refresher in grammar, but to start over with an elementary grammar program would be unnecessary. Usually, a high school English credit consists of: - Literature study - Composition (writing instruction and writing assignments) - Grammar (usually a final review in 9th gr., and then grammar in context of writing and editing for the remaining high school years) - Vocabulary (usually either in context of the Literature, or possible root study) For the grammar, a lot of people like Analytical Grammar as a final review in high school; it has scheduling options so that you can do it in as short as 1 year, or stretch it out over 3 years. It covers grammar instruction, diagramming, and grammar mechanics in worksheet format, with each week of worksheets also contributing info toward an overall topic. If you're thinking of moving back towards WTM, then for the literature you could pick what works of Lit. you'd like to cover, and use The Well Educated Mind, Teaching the Classics, or How to Read a Book for guidance in how to read/annotate/analyze/discuss, and use individual lit. guides as desired. Or check out a program such as Excellence in Literature, which is a full English course program. In between those two options could be something like the 1-semester course Windows to the World, which teaches annotation, how to write a literary analysis essay, and some basic literary analysis through close reading of 6 short stories, a number of exercises, and some longer writing assignments. Or the 1-semester Lightning Literature courses which focus on a specific time frame (such as early 19th century American literature), or on Shakespeare. Or, for a full-year literature program that might be more of a bridge from unschooling back towards WTM, what about Literary Lessons from the Lord of the Rings (the Lord of the Rings trilogy, plus Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and a few other works of your choice), or Where the Brook and River Meet (based on the Anne of Green Gables books -- more of a unit study than a straight literature program). Does DD need a writing program? Or would a variety of writing assignments (research papers, literary essays, real life writing, etc.) and practice of timed essays for future SAT testing be enough? The OWL at Purdue is a free, helpful Online Writing Lab with loads of info and assignment ideas for both writing AND grammar -- perhaps start with that and then see if you need actual program for either area of the English credit. Technology - What the HECK IS a technology credit??? Computers? Engineering? Digital Photography? Is this a catch-all category???? I'd check your state's education requirements online to see what exactly they mean by this. You may be able to use this as a very flexible credit -- a catch-all as you say -- or you may be able to do some online course, or free podcast classes, or a community college course to account for this credit. American Government - What won't put us asleep, or take TONS of time, but is still a legitimate credit? Does your state have a Youth & Government (western US) or Youth in Government (eastern US) program ? It's usually run through a local YMCA branch and is a fantastic hands-on, mock legislation program in which students learn how government works by actually participating in a 2 or 3 day model legislation session in the state capital, in the role of either a legislator, lobbyist, or press member. Many states also have a Teen Court or Model U.N. program, too. If you don't mind a Christian option, most states have the Teen Pact program, which includes info you complete at home, and then 5 days at your state Capital. And to fill in any holes, you could run through the free online text at Hippocampus. She is not interested in following up on any of those lovely Latin studies she had in elementary school. This child wants to study ITALIAN as her foreign language. Any advice on that one? Local community college course? Online course? Get a computer course in Italian and then hire someone fluent in Italian to meet 1-2x/week for conversation practice? I think Italian is acceptable as a foreign language requirement in most colleges so that shouldn't be a problem. Perhaps start by jotting down exactly what is *required* for credits, and also be thinking hard about your DD's natural interests -- does she know what area she may be interested in studying in college, or may enjoy as a career? That may help you decide how to fulfill your credits -- and also which specific programs, textbooks, etc. will fit best with her interests and abilities. Welcome to high school! And you may be able to gather more specific info by posting each subject you're researching as separate questions, and by doing a search on specific subjects or specific programs, textbooks, etc. Enjoy your homeschooling high school! Warmest regards, Lori D. Edited February 9, 2011 by Lori D. added info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Unless a child is going to self-teach, it's more important that mom/teacher picks the language she likes. Teaching is harder that being a student. If you are comfortable teaching Latin, I would stick with it, if you are going to teach FL again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabertmom Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Italian would be a great followup to Latin. It really is closer to Latin than any of the other Romance languages (the 5 languages that are directly derived from Latin, which include Spanish, Portuguese, French, Romanian, and Italian). I would go with what she is enthusiastic about. There are so many things that high school students must learn. Why not give her the leeway to learn what she wants to learn in an area where that is possible? That's my thinking. Anyway, a very good textbook is Ciao! by Carla Federici. If you combined that with something audio, I think it would stand her in good stead, especially if you are willing to learn it with her so you can converse together. We're in the same position right now. I used to live in Italy and love the language and culture, but learning Spanish would of course be far more practical. I've wanted to learn Spanish for years and think I could learn with the kids, but I would be in a much better position to actually teach Italian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyThrice Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Oh, I long to learn Italian and travel across Italy (I am Italian, after all) Actually, I want to eat my way across Italy. Alas... I live in Texas and Spanish is almost required here. :( It just sounds so harsh compared to Italian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabertmom Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 I love what you said about "eating your way across Italy!" :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jibaker103 Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Oh, I long to learn Italian and travel across Italy (I am Italian, after all) Actually, I want to eat my way across Italy. Alas... I live in Texas and Spanish is almost required here. :( It just sounds so harsh compared to Italian. I went to Italy and didn't know the language but definitely ate my way across it, lol!!!! I think everybody in my family gained at least 10 lbs. that summer!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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