I may as well apologize right now for asking the same questions over and over . . .

[Christy B]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support and information on the high school board. Please bear with me if I seem to ask the same questions over and over -- I always try to do a search before I post a question.

 

Right now I am struggling to decide if I want to do traditional textbooks, LCC, "classical lite", or an eclectic mix for high school. I keep thinking of things from different angles and therefore have to keep refining my questions from asking for more general information to narrowing down some specifics. I have learned that this is a fantastic way to keep getting step by step closer to sorting out what I want and what has a good chance of working for my family. It can be a slow process and I'm sure it frustrates people to see me post a question that is very similar to one they've already answered.

 

I'm not trying to make y'all crazy, I promise.

[Rhondabee]

I'll be sending some positive thoughts your way, Christy! All your questions and the answers you receive help many, many more people than you!

 

I am in such a planning funk right now, with so many questions that I'm not sure how to ask!

 

It doesn't help that it is "Spring" Break. (In quotes because here in Georgia, Spring is supposed to be 80-degrees, wearing blue-jean shorts and T-shirts; but it is yucky-cloudy out and cold - so it doesn't feel very "spring-y". Definitely not rejuvenating, which is what I was hoping for - LOL!)

 

And, it's my birthday - Yuck!

 

And, the new edition of WTM isn't here!!!! :crying:

 

And, I am struggling with how to approach high school, too. I really crave the original ideas of WTM - using a spine, and going to the library to dig up more info. I see this in the articles and workshop handouts in the site resources on the main page, even for high school, and think *that's* what I want to teach my kids. That they don't have to have a certain book or a curriculum that divides their work into neat, pre-planned 36-week units.

 

But, then again, it is hard to re-invent the wheel. And, boy, SWB's Ancient History book can't be beat! Then when I start to think about adding in lit analysis, and writing, and somehow remembering grammar and trying to get it all to work together without it being "too much" work, and always having to push and organize the wonderful but phlegmatic child I've been blessed with...It's exhausting just thinking about it!

 

So, I've been searching and searching this and the old boards - trying to catch a vision of what high school at home really looks like. And I, too, really do appreciate all the time that these wonderful ladies have put into helping us start on this journey!

 

:001_smile:

[Kareni]

And, it's my birthday -

 

Happy Birthday

 

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Rhondabee]

AWWW....Thanks!

[Pam L in Mid Tenn]

Please keep asking questions. Many of us have the very same questions and it is great to see all the replies.

 

I myself have been thinking, "Should I switch back to a more WTM formal classical approach?"

 

I think we see problems in whatever we do and we think, "If I change methods the problems will go away." But no matter what approach we take or curriculum we use there are always problems.

 

Several years ago , we switched from the WTM methods to more textbook/workbook school. After several cycles through history, several attempts at Latin, one attempt at Greek, and a few attempts at ancient classic literature, I decided that we are NOT a family of classical scholars. I don't have the health to learn Latin myself and that is one thing you can't teach if you don't know. (We did switch to Artes Latinnae on CD rom and I require each student to have at least a half credit of Latin.)

 

Now, I see the classical thought and rhetoric that is missing and wonder if switching back to a more classic approach would be best? No, for us, I don't think so. I will continue the textbook approach and add more writing in each subject. I will also add more critical thinking discussion in each subject.

 

Is there a way you can identify what is working well and identify what you'd like to add? Don't throw out something that WORKS to add something that might NOT work for your family.

 

And, please, keep asking the same questions.

[Christy B]

. . . I decided that we are NOT a family of classical scholars. I don't have the health to learn Latin myself and that is one thing you can't teach if you don't know. . . .

Is there a way you can identify what is working well and identify what you'd like to add? Don't throw out something that WORKS to add something that might NOT work for your family.

 

And, please, keep asking the same questions.

 

 

Wow, those are some good thoughts.

 

I have been certain for quite some time that we are NOT a family of classical scholars. It's important not to lose sight of that! In fact, when looking at Omnibus, I admit the primary readings didn't appeal to me AT ALL. However, reading *about* the primary readings would appeal to me -- a summary. The secondary readings look wonderful, and in fact if we only covered the secondary readings, my daughter would have a better high school education than I did! But you're right, it's so important to IDENTIFY these things -- and we are NOT classical scholars.

 

I also have health concerns, though I think I could manage Latin. The question then is -- do I really, truly, honestly WANT to manage Latin? Or would a good roots-based vocabulary program meet our needs?

 

What WORKS for our family consistently are textbooks and workbooks. That is so important to remember.

 

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Rhondabee. :001_smile:

[Jean in Wisc]

And I am continuing with it for kid#3.

 

I wanted to do all kinds of literature without trying to do it all. I wanted units on poetry and drama. I wanted a unit on Shakespeare and a unit on literary terms/devices. I wanted them to read books from Veritas Omnibus and discuss how their faith stands next to the author's beliefs, but I wanted more than just Omni. I've done units on short stories (LLATL, Smarr, misc) and have given the kids piles of books to read and discuss (no papers required). We've made our way through lots of classics, but we've not been tied down to any one book--Sparknotes, Cliff's Notes, Progeny Press...online sources...we've done most of 'em!

 

This is one area I'm going to miss working with my kids when the last one graduates! (Even if it was the most difficult area to do, too!)

 

I'm the non-traditional Classical, I guess. LOL!

Jean