tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57693687577311238632024-03-05T15:16:34.637-06:00School of OneHomeschooling an only child.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-20812758169897294612018-04-23T15:23:00.000-05:002018-04-23T15:43:42.326-05:00Learning to Live with Math<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhIbf0Gb5juq76mY25uhofmxJASdTCCJeWOKT7hYUjSFlNa976OuPiP0Fzmqh3mwrQl2QTosrzIt7_jYZphhfuJ299YTgd5NPl1XQ1X7i6ZWjmDaT4kc_0owEzszuDJasrziC9on-_OHs/s1600/Math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhIbf0Gb5juq76mY25uhofmxJASdTCCJeWOKT7hYUjSFlNa976OuPiP0Fzmqh3mwrQl2QTosrzIt7_jYZphhfuJ299YTgd5NPl1XQ1X7i6ZWjmDaT4kc_0owEzszuDJasrziC9on-_OHs/s320/Math.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
If you have read past posts here, it is no surprise to hear that math has been our most challenging subject. With dyslexia, you may guess that reading would fit that bill. But, no, once we knew what we were dealing with, we got over that hurdle relatively easily (although not quickly - slow and steady wins the race). Accommodation is key. But, dyslexia can affect more than just reading.<br />
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In the same way that learning to read is contingent on readiness, I believe a certain level of maturity is required to move into the more abstract concepts of math. And, as with anything, this is not necessarily associated with reaching a certain age. This is why one size education does not fit all. Some kids take longer to reach that ability. This year we seem to have finally reached a point where we can truly move forward.</div>
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This year we have seen a huge growth in maturity and a huge improvement in his ability to work with numbers. When we got stuck with Math-U-See, I decided to hop over to Easy Peasy's <a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/step-1-ka/" target="_blank">Middle School Math, Step 1</a>, and work through that for a while. I had the intention of going back to Math-U-See when we got to fractions again, but he is doing pretty well with Easy Peasy. So, we're just going to keep trucking along.</div>
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We are in the "Fractions" Section of the page linked above and need to get all the way through the list (Fractions, Decimals and Percents; Ratios and Proportions; and Exponents) before we can start Algebra. So we'll be plugging away at that through the summer, and maybe into next year. But when we get through all that, we do not need to delay algebra any longer. We can dive right into <a href="http://videotext.com/algebra-a-complete-course/" target="_blank">VideoText Interactive's Algebra, A Complete Course,</a> which begins with pre-algebra.</div>
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I do not expect the young man to love this program. I really don't expect him to love any program since he'd rather just not do the math. But, I do expect that he will be able to understand the math. The visual aspects of this program are a huge benefit. Another key aspect for us was the lessons being taught one small bite at a time. And the main focus is not just to learn the formulas - but to understand why you are using them.</div>
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One thing I've learned this year is the need to tackle a concept from different angles or perspectives when we get stuck. In addition to Easy Peasy, I also have a subscription to <a href="http://www.mathantics.com/" target="_blank">Math Antics</a>. When we get stuck, I have him pop over there and view how Rob and Jeremy teach the concept and work through the printable worksheets. Then we pop back over to Kahn Academy and do the lesson there again. It has also been very helpful to have our math tutor friend go over concepts his way from time to time. </div>
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I intend to continue to use this strategy once we move into algebra. We will work through VideoText and utilize Math Antics and other resources (Kahn Academy, YouTube) when we get stuck. And hopefully, our math tutor friend will continue to be available. He has been a Godsend. </div>
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I hope sharing some of our math stories is encouraging to others that have similar struggles. Mainly, be patient. Your struggling student may just need to grow and mature. Continue to provide opportunities to work with numbers in real life and try lots of different strategies for figuring things out. Even if you find you are dealing with dyscalculia, I believe your student can, in time, learn how to live in a world of numbers.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-22836371535846118682018-04-09T14:37:00.000-05:002018-04-23T15:42:31.969-05:00Hello Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have not been here in a while. In all honesty, I have been on the fence as to whether I should continue with the young man heading into high school. I think I can still share about homeschooling in hopes of encouraging others out there and maybe even help someone find a resource they were needing. But I probably do need to change how much detail I share about the young man, himself. We'll see how that goes.<br />
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So we pretty much did follow the plans I had for his year 8. Not surprisingly, math has continued to be a challenge and we've tried different things. But I'll get to that later. I do need to say that we did not start high school yet this year. As we started to look at what his goals are and what it's going to take to aim for those, we decided to take another year before starting high school. So, this has been a level-up year that we've called year 8.5. And since it is already April, I can safely say it has been a good year and he has met the challenge to level-up.<br />
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The first thing we did this year was to switch to another co-op so he could take a photography class. In this co-op, he also took General Science and a literature class. In addition to the co-op, he took an English class at our local One Day Academy designed for getting up to high school level writing. Yes, that is four outside classes. At home, we did math, <a href="https://allinonehighschool.com/foundations/" target="_blank">Foundations</a> from Easy Peasy, and history.<br />
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Having four outside classes proved rather challenging for both of us. But we learned a lot from each class and they helped us meet our objective to level-up. We learned some things that work for him that I never thought would be a good idea, like IEW style writing instruction. We also learned some things that didn't work so well, like charts and tests for vocabulary study. He has learned how to study more effectively from the General Science class. His favorite class was photography and I believe he will continue that.<br />
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For math, we started the year with Math-U-See Epsilon. While we didn't stick with that, it did help us over that wall with fractions. Once we did that, the way he was teaching seemed to confuse him. So I switched over to Easy Peasy's middle school <a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/step-1-ka/" target="_blank">Step 1 math</a>, which primarily uses Khan Academy. We also had a friend from church offer to tutor him. While it's been slow, he has continued to make progress and I believe working through the summer will have him to a point where he'll be able to start algebra in the fall. That's huge y'all!<br />
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Our mantra for the next couple of months is, "Finish strong!" I have enjoyed watching him grow in both his academic and athletic abilities. As I am beginning to plan for next year I am excited to see the directions his interests take and watch him continue to grow. High school, here we come!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-65111579082074056942016-08-13T22:56:00.000-05:002016-08-13T22:58:40.663-05:00Getting Ready for Year 8On the one hand, I am so behind where I would normally be at this point in planning for the young man's school year. On the other hand, plans are starting to shape up, so I'm not going to sweat it. I should start by saying we wrapped up the past year nicely. He did a science project on whether dogs can see color with mixed results. One of our dogs was more cooperative than the other. He played a season of baseball and was selected for the all stars team. That was rough on the schedule, to say the least. He has had a whirlwind summer. His hockey coaches had selected him for a scholarship to attend a three week sports camp where he majored in hockey, and minored in several other sports. It was pretty intense. He is now heading in to a training camp for his new Bantam team and looking forward to starting another season of hockey.<br />
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We'll take one more week off after the training camp before we dive back in to another year of studies. The plans are not changed all that much from the last post. I am still having him use The Thinking Tree journals for growing in independent study. But instead of the 10-Subject Portfolio, I have decided to continue using the regular journals, similar to those we used the second half of last year. I will list with links to the ones I plan to use. I don't have them yet, but will order the first one this week. He will record his sports science and ancient history studies in those journals, along with some home economics, health, and literature. However, he will start the day with Dyslexia Games, series C, for some brain exercise before embarking on the rest of the studies.<br />
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For Language Arts, he will continue to work through the Apples and Pears spelling books and read from the McGuffey's Fifth Reader, and other selections. He'll continue word study using a teacher-created book called Get to the Root of It. I found this on the Teachers Pay Teachers website. I have decided to set aside the Writing Skills, Book 2, for now, and try out a unit from Brave Writer to go along with the first book we'll be reading for literature: A Christmas Carol. It combines some grammar along with literature study and writing. We will see how that goes.<br />
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For math, I only plan to have him work through Mastering Essential Math Skills, book 1. If he wants to also continue reading where we left off with Life of Fred, I will leave that to his discretion. He will also be taking a Personal Finance class through our co-op, so I don't feel the need to add anything to our math work at home. His other co-op classes include Judo, and a Career Exploration class. It should be a fun year at co-op.<br />
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Extra subjects, like geography and social studies, will come up naturally in the journals, rather than assigning specific days for them. That seemed a bit overwhelming when we did it that way before. It flowed much more naturally with the mixed subject journals. In addition, we still plan for him to work in the Dad Time journal with Dad once or twice/week. And he'll also have opportunity to work on some hobby projects on diy.org. He is currently interested in film making and photography. All of this along with chores, hockey practice, youth group, drum lessons, and so on will make for some pretty full days.<br />
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Now, here are the Thinking Tree journals I plan to use:<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1536914444/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XGDIA719V52C&coliid=I1RVY812Y7N6AK" target="_blank">Fun-Schooling with Minecraft (available soon)</a><br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/152288470X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XGDIA719V52C&coliid=I3UQ5OM9KVDKKT" target="_blank">Fun-Schooling for Boys - Winter Homeschooling Handbook</a><br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1517627966/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XGDIA719V52C&coliid=I1CU7H202F7G54" target="_blank">Homeschooling Boys - Library Based Journal</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-1894497547232799532016-02-20T19:29:00.002-06:002016-02-20T20:41:21.109-06:00Rough Outline for Next YearI had first seen The Thinking Tree materials back when I was just beginning to research what we should use for helping our dyslexic student. I believe at that time there were just the series of <a href="http://www.sewhappilyeverafter.com/" target="_blank">Dyslexia Games</a> and, while I liked the idea of some of the books, I didn't think the sets as a whole would be a good fit. Then one day several months ago I discovered the homeschool journals that Sarah Janisse Brown was starting to publish. Hmmm. Those really intrigued me. I had an opportunity to ask the author herself how we could go about trying out the journals while continuing our other studies. It was her recommendation that we start out using a journal once/week as a fun-school day. After only two or three weeks, we decided to go all in and are using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514346834?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01" target="_blank">Hyper-Active Homeschool Journal</a> every day, as I outlined in the <a href="http://schoolingone.blogspot.com/2016/02/so-what-are-we-doing-now.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>. That journal will be complete in a couple of weeks, and I have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514206447?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00" target="_blank">Do-it-Yourself Homeschool Journal & Eclectic Learning Handbook</a> ready to finish out the year.<br />
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After hanging out with the author and many other enthusiastic homeschool moms in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660586084221638/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>, I have begun to reconsider my initial impression of Dyslexia Games, as well. There are so many other benefits to these exercises. Many of the parents have shared how much their kiddos have improved in reading, writing, attention, thinking, and much more. They are just good brain exercises, really. So I decided that we'll both do Series B this summer. Series C will be part of his language arts and math for year 8. And I'll probably work through that one, too. Mom has to keep the old brain sharp, too, you know. While I am still thinking through what next year will look like, I have a rough outline of what I think we'll do.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The journals I have for the student so far</td></tr>
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<li>Bible study/devotion at breakfast – <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/bible-year-1-2/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Old Testament</a></li>
<li>Language Arts – <a href="http://www.dyslexiagames.com/" target="_blank">Dyslexia Games</a> series C, continue <a href="http://www.soundfoundations.co.uk/en_US/product-category/apples-pears-en_us/" target="_blank">Apples& Pears Spelling</a>, <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=002920" target="_blank">Writing Skills 2</a> (after
Dyslexia Games), <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=029219" target="_blank">McGuffey's 5th Reader</a>, and audio literature with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1523300434?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01" target="_blank">10-Subject Portfolio</a>.</li>
<li>Math – <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=040619" target="_blank">Mastering Essential Math Skills 1</a>, <a href="http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/31samplepages.html" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a>,
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Math-Art-Logic-Dyslexia-Therapy/dp/1512280739/" target="_blank">Dyslexia Games C book 6</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Comic-Book-Math-Fun-Schooling-Journal/dp/1530092353/" target="_blank">Comic Book Math</a>.</li>
<li>Daily History and Science work - <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=021084" target="_blank">Streams of Civilization 1</a>
for history along with <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/history-year-1/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Ancient History</a>, and his own interest led study of the science of sports, using the
10-Subject Portfolio and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1514886529/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XGDIA719V52C&coliid=I1YVK6Y2WBLUFU" target="_blank">Reading Time</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1514886049/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XGDIA719V52C&coliid=I2KLSX9S3GH2KK" target="_blank">Film Study</a> journals.</li>
<li>Daily subjects (each 1 day/week) – Geography,
business, the arts (Easy Peasy
Ancient Art & Music), social studies, and Home Ec. (<i>Vintage Remedies for Tweens</i>, <i>Facing the
Facts</i>) using the portfolio.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1518748244/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XGDIA719V52C&coliid=IRNBBEPPPP29M" target="_blank">Dad Time Journal</a> – they should be able to get that in a couple of
times each week with Dad working from home.</li>
<li>Hobby - he has shown interest in photography and making
videos, so I thought I'd sign him up for a subscription at <a href="http://diy.org/">DIY.org</a>. They have some film making courses among other things that look pretty interesting.</li>
<li>Chores - to be done immediately
following school work. Free time comes after all work is completed.</li>
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In addition to the journals for the students, Sarah has also published several journals for us moms. The idea is for us to be an example of how learning is a part of life and we continue learning even when we've grown up. I love that she also made one for the kiddos to do with dad. Learning can truly be a family affair. I'll have more about those in the future, but should mention that I am currently enjoying the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moms-Homeschooling-Handbook-Learning-Organizer/dp/1517021111/" target="_blank">Mom's Homeschooling Handbook</a> and it is helping me tackle my ever growing pile of books I'm always meaning to read. Thankfully, The Thinking Tree books aren't just for kids. :)</div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-17092034386248767572016-02-12T18:56:00.000-06:002016-02-12T19:02:47.044-06:00So What ARE We Doing Now?I thought maybe I should give a little more detail of how we've changed things up for the remainder of this year. The main thing is that he is deciding what order to do things, usually preferring to do his journal work first. He is currently working through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514346834?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01" target="_blank"><i>The Hyper-Active Homeschool Journal</i></a>, from The Thinking Tree. He'll start with a date page, then flip to a "Reading Time" page and do his zoology reading. There is a "Nature Study" page where he'll draw something from zoology, as well. He has just finished up a couple of books about ants, and will begin on spiders next. Zoology goes on the top half of the reading page, and Texas History notes go on the bottom half.<br />
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There are various other pages he usually works on next: spelling word hunt, logic games, copywork, World News Today!, and screen time, to name just a few. You can see more samples by clicking "Look inside" on the Amazon link above. I did have to insist that the screen time page be saved for last - ALL other work must be done before turning on the TV or iPad. He would spend a couple of hours watching multiple episodes of something or other, or choose something long. That did not bode well for getting anything else done afterwards. But other than that, he has been deciding what order to do things. For example, he seems to prefer breaking the English studies up rather than working through it all at once.<br />
<br />
So every day we do some <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/bible-newtestament/" target="_blank">Bible reading</a> at breakfast, he takes care of his morning chores, then works through: English, Math, <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/zoology/" target="_blank">zoology</a>, TX history, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Latin-Homeschoolers-Self-Taught/dp/0979505100/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455323053&sr=1-1&keywords=getting+started+with+latin" target="_blank">Latin,</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mswood68/literature/" target="_blank">literature</a>, in whatever order he chooses. It is amazing how much of a difference that one little change has made. We add health on Thursdays.<br />
<br />
English books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Language-Mechanic-Tuning-English-Grades/dp/0894557610/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455323166&sr=1-1&keywords=language+mechanic" target="_blank">Language Mechanic</a> (grammar), <a href="http://www.soundfoundations.co.uk/en_US/product/apples-pears-set/" target="_blank">Apples and Pears</a> (spelling), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Skills-Diana-Hanbury-King/dp/0838825656/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455323431&sr=1-1&keywords=writing+skills+diana+hanbury+king" target="_blank">Writing Skills</a>, alternated with word study, using <a href="http://www.abcdrp.com/details.asp#D" target="_blank">ABeCeDarian Level D</a>, and finally reading practice from McGuffey's 4th reader.<br />
<br />
Math: various Life of Fred books along with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Multiplication-Games-Logic-Yourself-Homeschooling/dp/1514895161/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455323709&sr=1-1&keywords=multiplication+games+sarah+janisse+brown" target="_blank">Multiplication Games</a>.<br />
<br />
We're reading various books (his favorite is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cartoon-History-Texas-Patrick-Reynolds/dp/1556227809/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455324545&sr=1-1&keywords=A+Cartoon+History+of+Texas" target="_blank"><i>A Cartoon History of Texas</i></a>) and watching various <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIdPlF7EeuiS9OGdH3ft4bytaChFl25ns" target="_blank">videos</a> for TX history. <br />
<br />
For health we just finished the book, <i>How to Eat as a Young Athlete</i>. We'll use a selection of videos for the next few weeks from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXs8_HRDm33vFtVuSLKrCw" target="_blank">WellCast</a> YouTube channel on various topics from the importance of sleep to how to have a conversation. Then we'll read another short book called <i>What's the Big Deal? </i><br />
<br />
There will be an end of year project for both history and science, which may be combined with an end of year paper from his Writing Skills book. History will probably work well for that. For science, I think probably a PowerPoint presentation would be good. And may we finish strong!<i> </i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-21383149223407802472016-02-01T14:42:00.000-06:002016-02-01T14:58:33.752-06:00A New Year and Its Already February!"Is today February?" asked the young man at breakfast this morning. When I answered, "yes, it is," a huge smile spread across his face. Yes, dear, we have entered the birthday month. And a milestone, at that. This one brings a teenager along with it. Hooray for February! And Lord help us. :)<br />
<br />
We are wrapping up his first hockey season, which has been long and very busy. But the kid is enjoying every minute of it, so that's what we do. He is on the ice at least 4 times a week, and sometimes 5. Whew! It has been quite an experience. And now as the season is winding down, he is getting ready for baseball. So goes the life of an athlete.<br />
<br />
I wish I could say school has been as exciting. Staying focused on subjects he's not interested in has been our biggest challenge. There are some days I'm not sure we will live through English. And then there is Math. That continues to be a challenge. He wants very much to be working more independently, but his challenges with these subjects are not helping him move that direction. By December I decided something had to give.<br />
<br />
So,in January we began trying out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514346834?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01" target="_blank"><i>The Hyper-Active Homeschool Journal</i></a> from The Thinking Tree. We started out using it one day a week. He liked it so well, I asked if he'd like to use it every day, and record his Texas History and zoology studies in the journal. He said 'yes' and that is what we are doing now. He is also working through the <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514895161?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00" target="_blank">Multiplication Games</a> </i>journal to help solidify those facts.<br />
<br />
I was not willing to toss our English work out the window<i>, </i>so we are still doing that. But having the independent time seems to help so the English time isn't quite so unpleasant. He is actually working well with the materials, except for the constant self-distraction (squirrel!). It is funny we don't have that when he is working on science or history. We are still using <i>Life of Fred</i> for math, but had to stop the Fractions book and go back to the Intermediate series. That is why we are working through Multiplication Games. Slow and steady, and repeat, seems to be the order of the day when it comes to math.<br />
<br />
So, these <a href="http://www.dyslexiagames.com/#!thinking-tree/c1ni5" target="_blank">Thinking Tree journals</a>, Wow! I am very excited about this way of doing school and am re-planning for next year. The journals have lots of different types of pages: some to write or draw about what you are learning from books and videos, some to write down personal goals, some for copywork, logic games to improve thinking and concentration (Amen to that one!), and so much more.<br />
<br />
This year he is using the journals with his current studies; although I have dropped some of the extras we were doing for now. But next year will be a mix of some assigned studies by me, and some self-directed studies. I'm still working on that. But I will post more as I get that figured out. The journals have been a breath of fresh air and made our school time less of a chore. I am thankful, once again, for how God brings just the right resource to meet a need at just the right time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-12040449915387858942015-07-25T15:08:00.000-05:002015-07-25T15:17:28.964-05:00Happy SummerWe wrapped up a pretty great year for Year 6, and are now in the midst of enjoying the summer. We've been to visit cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. And we're getting in as much friend and ice time as we can. I'm kind of hoping the kid sticks with hockey, as practice is much cooler than football practice in July/August. He is now on a team and will be wrapping up the summer with a training camp and his first tournament.<br />
<br />
After some time off for travel and hockey camp, we have been doing some light work on reading and math. We finished up the last unit of ABeCeDarian Level C and are previewing the new spelling book. He's doing well reading Great Illustrated Classics' version of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to me. And we're working through the last two Life of Fred Intermediate books for math.<br />
<br />
Like most of the other homeschool moms I know, I've been in the thick of planning and preparing for the upcoming year. We're pretty on track with the plans I posted previously for Year 7. We're also looking forward to co-op this year. DS is signed up for a Judo class, creative writing, and speech. This looks to be a big year of growing in responsibility in many areas of life including school, leisure/chore time at home, and sports activities. We have already begun using a list like<a href="http://narrowbackslacker.com/2014/05/13/how-i-limited-screen-time-by-offering-my-kids-unlimited-screen-time/" target="_blank"> this one</a> to help him learn to balance screen activities with other endeavors each day. Its still a work in progress. One step at a time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-62832244673545909062015-04-04T17:47:00.000-05:002015-04-04T17:59:26.732-05:00Middle School: A Work in ProgressAs we're growing and learning more together, I've been working and re-working the middle school and high school years. Here I'll just post the revised plan for these middle school years. Even though year 6 is nearly done, I'll include it since it changed a bit. I'm not sure when I'll post high school plans (really just ideas at this point). I'd like to get ds' input on what he'd like to study and how for those years and he just isn't ready to really think about that yet.<br />
<br />
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<col style="mso-width-alt: 4636; mso-width-source: userset; width: 98pt;" width="130"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4408; mso-width-source: userset; width: 93pt;" width="124"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4096; mso-width-source: userset; width: 86pt;" width="115"></col>
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<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt; width: 53pt;" width="70"></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 98pt;" width="130"><b>Year 6</b></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 93pt;" width="124"><b>Year 7</b></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 86pt;" width="115"><b>Year 8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Reading</td>
<td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.abcdrp.com/details.asp#B" target="_blank">ABCD B,C,</a> <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/035551" target="_blank">McGuffey3</a></td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none;"><a href="http://www.abcdrp.com/details.asp#D" target="_blank">ABCD D</a>, <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=026427" target="_blank">McGuffey4</a></td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=029219" target="_blank">McGuffey5</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Writing</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.logicofenglish.com/essentials" target="_blank">LoE Composition</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=002919" target="_blank">Writing Skills 1</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=002920" target="_blank">Writing Skills 2</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Grammar</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.logicofenglish.com/essentials" target="_blank">LoE Grammar</a></td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=005005" target="_blank">LanguageMechanic</a> </td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/daily-diagrams.html" target="_blank">GetSmartGrammar</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Spelling</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-top: none;">ABCD Spelling Patterns (LvlC)</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.soundfoundationsbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Apples&Pears</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.soundfoundationsbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Apples&Pears</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Math</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-top: none; width: 98pt;" width="130"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=LOFELM&subject=10&category=9813" target="_blank">LoF Elementary</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">LoF <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=042828" target="_blank">Fract</a>. <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=042827" target="_blank">Dec</a>.</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=046445&subject=10&category=9813" target="_blank">LoF PreAlgebra</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Science</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-top: none; width: 98pt;" width="130"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/science-year-1/" target="_blank">EP Biology</a></td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/zoology/" target="_blank">EP Zoology</a></td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/science-earth-science/" target="_blank">EP Earth Science</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">History</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/geography-and-cultures/" target="_blank">EP Geo-Cultures</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/29241/American-Government?it=1&filters=10600_0_0_0_0_0_0_0" target="_blank">Civics</a>/<a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/36900/A-Creative-Look-at-Texas-History-Grades-68?term=Texas+hi&it=1" target="_blank">TX History</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/history-year-1/" target="_blank">EPAncient</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Computer</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-top: none;"><a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming/programming" target="_blank">Khan Beg. Program</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/" target="_blank">EP Graphic Design</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/" target="_blank">EP Spread Sheets</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">For.Lang.</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-top: none;">N/A</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=041921" target="_blank">Latin 1</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Latin 2 or Greek?</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Character</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=003623" target="_blank">Practical Happiness</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=006913" target="_blank">Boyhood&Beyond</a></td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Hard-Things-Rebellion-Expectations-ebook/dp/B00125L8BW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428182418&sr=1-1&keywords=do+hard+things+a+teenage+rebellion+against+low+expectations" target="_blank">Do Hard Things</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Economics</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=032528" target="_blank">ToothpasteMillionare</a> </td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=040160" target="_blank">Bus. for Kids</a> <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=010749" target="_blank">Capitalism Kids</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://mises.org/library/lessons-young-economist" target="_blank">Young Economist</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Thinking</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=036652" target="_blank">UsingLogicWkbk</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=046013" target="_blank">Fallacy Dective</a></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=019773" target="_blank">ThinkingToolbox</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Bible</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible-geography-and-cultures/" target="_blank">EP Year 3 Poetry</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible-newtestament/" target="_blank">EP Year 2 NT</a></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible-year-1-2/" target="_blank">EP Year 1 OT</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
As I mentioned in the previous post, we wound up using The Logic of English Essentials only for grammar and composition. For Reading we switched to ABeCeDarian Level B, short version, and then moved into Level C. At Level C, Mr. Bend suggests beginning a spelling program, and has a Spelling Patterns book to go with Level C. We did begin that with Level C, but progress has been - well, we haven't really been able to progress past Unit 2. So I have set that aside and am using a really old Orton-Gillingham based spelling book that had been given to me to review phonograms and go over syllable types. It will do for now, to finish out the year. I must say, though, that he is doing very well with the Level C book. He is also doing very well reading through McGuffey's Third Reader, so I plan to continue with those for reading practice through the sixth reader in year 9. If all goes well with the Writing Skills books, we'll finish off with the third book in year 9, and review grammar with Stay Smart Grammar, as well. We'll probably still be in <a href="http://www.theplantedtrees.com/2013/01/virtual-curriculum-fair-2013-apples-and.html" target="_blank">Apples and Pears</a> for spelling, too. I suppose I should have included Year 9 in the chart above, at least for English. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have just begun Jelly Beans, the last book in the Elementary series of Life of Fred. DS has done well with this way of doing math. However he does seem to need more practice doing the multi-step multiplication and division problems. He won't like it, but I will need to have him do some worksheets in order to work on those more, probably on some graph paper. Otherwise, we will continue to work through the Intermediate series during the summer and then see how he does with the Fractions book this fall. While he still doesn't have them all down, he is doing much better with the basic math facts - to the point they don't hold him back as much. I've decided to have him continue to review the multiplication facts in game formats and use a multiplication chart for working problems.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
DS has grown leaps and bounds in his ability to use text to speech to independently work on history and science with <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool</a>. He still needs lots of guidance when it comes to writing assignments and projects, but he is handling the rest pretty independently. Any print books we are reading I am still reading aloud and am only having him read from the McGuffey Readers aloud to me; and he still reads on his tablet books of his choosing with Bookshare.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I expected, programming is way too tedious and detail oriented for ds' liking. But I am very thankful for the opportunity he had to explore it through Khan Academy. If he had wanted to continue I would have been more than willing to pay for some other courses. But I don't think there will be any more programming courses in the future, unless his goals change. At the moment his goals center on improving hockey skills and getting on a team in the fall. He still enjoys the guitar, but that seems to be just for fun, with no real focus on improving his skills at reading music. So my goals for him (and my husband's) are improving his academic skills, building his work ethic, and helping him get where he needs to go to work on those hockey skills. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-49853687835168393642014-12-26T21:24:00.001-06:002014-12-26T21:48:17.791-06:00Year 6 - Moving Right AlongSo, a couple posts ago I mentioned discovering that ds is dyslexic. We have made great strides in the reading department. But, as usual, not in the way I initially thought. The Logic of English Essentials program turned out to be too painful for both of us to use in full. The phonogram and spelling lessons are not laid out in a way he can get his head around; and memorizing spelling rules was not at all compatible with his working memory. I'm very thankful that I decided to start it during our summer term so I figured this out before beginning year 6 in September. I was seriously considering purchasing the first level of Barton Reading - the gold standard of homeschool-ready Orton-Gillingham programs. But my husband was not on board with the idea of switching programs, so I had to compromise. Ultimately, that has turned out to be a good thing as we seem to have found something that works well for him.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.abcdrp.com/" target="_blank">ABeCeDarian</a> is not an Orton-Gillingham program. It is phono-graphix. While Orton-Gillingham methods have been found to work well for teaching dyslexics to read, it seems some kids do better with phono-graphix - which is still explicit, multisensory reading instruction. <a href="http://www.netplaces.com/parenting-kids-with-dyslexia/reading-instruction/other-multisensory-techniques.htm" target="_blank">This article</a> briefly introduces this method. The main thing for us was not having to memorize those rules. We recently completed ABeCeDarian Level B (short version) and have seen improvement not only in his reading, but also in his attitude and willingness to read. When we resume after the new year we'll begin Level C, along with the Spelling Patterns book. In addition, we have continued to use the grammar lessons from Logic of English, and their game cards to play phonogram 'Uno.' Roughly once a week we read a selection from McGuffey's Third Reader.<br />
<br />
For reading outside of school work, I signed ds up for<a href="https://www.bookshare.org/cms" target="_blank"> Bookshare</a>. This is a wonderful thing. It is a free (in the US) service for students with print disabilities, so does require an official diagnosis to subscribe. They have well over 300,000 books available as e-text that can be read with text-to-speech, and the text is highlighted as it is read. Many of those are text books, scout books, and lots of great literature. We have set it up on an Android tablet that he uses strictly for reading, which we are requiring daily outside of 'school.' He also uses the tablet's voice reader for the reading he is assigned online for history and science. We are embracing technology in this house.<br />
<br />
Aside from the reading, We are still using <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy</a> for Bible, History, Science, Art, and Music, which works very well with the tts accommodations. In addition I supplement science reading with videos we find on YouTube. We are loving Life of Fred Math, and ds plays Math Blaster and other math oriented video games. I read aloud from books we are using for health, character study, and economics. He's learning to cook some meals. We try to get moving for PE most days. And we're listening to some wonderful <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mswood68/literature/" target="_blank">literature</a> on Librivox.org. Beginning in February, we will begin participating in a co-op, where he will take classes like jujitsu and chess. He's learning to play the guitar, and also learning to play hockey. I can barely keep up. But so far, we're having a great year.<br />
<br />
ETA: I forgot to mention programming. Twice a week he works through the Khan Academy Intro JS course. He does not love it, but is able to complete the lessons and projects. It has given him a good taste of what it takes to write programs to create games - something he thought he wanted to do. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-26044370970227039782014-06-30T22:38:00.000-05:002015-04-04T17:50:02.804-05:00Middle School Years!I almost can't believe we are here already. The years are flying by so
quickly. Following is an overview of plans I've been working on for the
next three years of ds' education. We will still be using Easy Peasy for
most subjects. He has stated that he liked it well enough and did not
want to change that. I am looking forward to our studies. Yes, 'our.' I
learn as much, if not more, as he does as we go along this road - and I
love it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 502px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2633; mso-width-source: userset; width: 54pt;" width="72"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 5120; mso-width-source: userset; width: 105pt;" width="140"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 5376; mso-width-source: userset; width: 110pt;" width="147"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 5229; mso-width-source: userset; width: 107pt;" width="143"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 54pt;" width="72"><br /></td>
<td style="width: 105pt;" width="140">Year 6</td>
<td style="width: 110pt;" width="147">Year 7</td>
<td style="width: 107pt;" width="143">Year 8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Bible</td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible-geography-and-cultures/" target="_blank">EP Poetry</a></td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible-newtestament/" target="_blank">EP New Testament</a></td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible-year-1-2/" target="_blank">EP Old Testament</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">English</td>
<td><a href="http://www.logicofenglish.com/homeschool/essentials-for-homeschool" target="_blank">The Logic of English</a></td>
<td>Repeat LoE?</td>
<td><a href="http://maxscholar.com/reading-intervention-highlighting/" target="_blank">MaxScholar</a> + EP?</td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Math</td>
<td><a href="http://cathyduffyreviews.com/math/Life-of-Fred-Elementary.htm" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a>/<a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/math-grades-5-and-up/step-1-ka/" target="_blank">EPstep1</a></td>
<td><a href="http://lifeoffredmath.com/lof2.php" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a>/<a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/math-grades-5-and-up/step-2-and-step-3/" target="_blank">EPstep2</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/31samplepages.html" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a>/<a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/math-grades-5-and-up/step-3-pre-algebra/" target="_blank">EPstep3</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Science</td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/science-year-1/" target="_blank">EP Biology</a></td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/zoology/" target="_blank">EP Zoology</a></td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/science-earth-science/" target="_blank">EP Earth Science</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">History</td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/geography-and-cultures/" target="_blank">EP World-Geography</a></td>
<td>Texas History</td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/history-year-1/" target="_blank">EP Ancient History</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="34" style="height: 25.5pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td height="34" style="height: 25.5pt;">Economics</td>
<td class="xl24"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/wldetail.php?&id=032528" target="_blank"><i>Toothpaste Millionare</i></a></td>
<td class="xl25" style="width: 110pt;" width="147"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Common-Sense-Business-Kathryn-Daniels/dp/0942617614/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404181234&sr=1-1&keywords=common+sense+business+for+kids" target="_blank"><i>Common Sense Bus</i>.</a> &
<i>Capitalism for Kids</i></td>
<td class="xl24"><a href="http://mises.org/document/5706/Lessons-for-the-Young-Economist" target="_blank"><i>Young Economist</i></a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Art/Music</td>
<td>EP Cultures</td>
<td>EP Early American</td>
<td>EP Ancient<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Computer</td>
<td><a href="http://mommypoppins.com/coding-kids-free-websites-teach-learn-programming" target="_blank">Programing for Kids</a></td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/" target="_blank">Graphic Design</a></td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/" target="_blank">Using Spreadsheets</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Thinking</td>
<td class="xl24"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/wldetail.php?&id=036652" target="_blank"><i>Using Logic</i></a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.artoflogic.org/watts/index.php" target="_blank">Art of Logic</a> Course</td>
<td><a href="http://allinonehighschool.com/full-curriculum/foundations/" target="_blank">EP Foundations</a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Pers. Dev.</td>
<td class="xl24"><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/wldetail.php?&id=003623" target="_blank"><i>Practical Happiness</i></a></td>
<td class="xl24"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boyhood-Beyond-Practical-Wisdom-Becoming/dp/1883934095/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404183434&sr=8-1&keywords=boyhood+and+beyond" target="_blank"><i>Boyhood and Beyond</i></a></td>
<td class="xl24"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Hard-Things-Rebellion-Expectations-ebook/dp/B00125L8BW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404184366&sr=1-1&keywords=do+hard+things" target="_blank"><i>Do Hard Things</i></a></td>
</tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">
<td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">For. Lang.</td>
<td class="xl24">None</td>
<td><a href="http://www.compassclassroom.com/visual-latin/overview/" target="_blank">Visual Latin 1</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.compassclassroom.com/visual-latin/overview/" target="_blank">Visual Latin 2</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course this is not all written in stone. And, as you see, I'm really not sure what we'll do for English, spelling, & grammar after this next year. The Logic of English can be done a second round with a more advanced spelling list - we will probably do that. But ultimately it depends on how it goes the first time around and what he is ready for after that. I also have no idea at this point what we'll do for Texas history, or even whether we'll spend a whole year on it.<br />
<br />
But I'm thankful to have an overall plan - some direction as we do work out those details. I am also thankful we now have a better understanding of his learning strengths and weaknesses. That also helps in choosing materials and knowing what accommodations to make. We have used and enjoyed audio books in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. I will continue to do much of the reading this year, but will be transitioning in the following years to having him utilize those accommodations more independently. And, hopefully, he will also do more reading on his own. I realize these next three years will involve many leaps and bounds as he grows in so many ways towards that young man he is becoming.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-32174166855142716292014-06-30T16:57:00.000-05:002015-04-04T17:59:02.924-05:00Just When You Think You Have it All Figured OutBack at the end of January I had written about how we were taking a pause from Teaching Textbooks and doing things differently than we had planned, with every intention of returning to Teaching Textbooks. Well, that did not happen as ds was quite adamant that he did not want to use that program ever again. So much for that experiment of letting him pick the program. We will not do that again - for a while anyway.<br />
<br />
Since that time I also began to realize that we had hit a wall with reading and he was not improving and was struggling with comprehension when he read things himself. So I asked a simple question on my favorite homeschool forum about how to help with reading comprehension, one thing led to another, and next thing I knew I was researching dyslexia and how to have him tested for it. Thankfully Texas does recognize dyslexia (many states do not) and our school district does test specifically for that. He did a great job at the assessment and the tester was very complimentary (proud parent moment, there). But yes, he does have dyslexia.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, those plans for middle school I thought I had all nailed down have changed a bit. But not too much, really. We are just doing something different for English and math. Thankfully the reading I've done about dyslexia has given me a better idea of what may work for him with math. We will be trying something completely different this next year. Which is such a relief, as math has really been almost torture for us. I have also learned that there is a specific type of program that works well for dyslexic students to learn/improve their reading, spelling, grammar and writing (Orton-Gillingham), and we have several options available as homeschoolers.<br />
<br />
I will do a middle school overview and year 6 specifics in separate posts. Before I leave this one, though, I want to give a link that I found very helpful in understanding better what, exactly, dyslexia is. I really didn't have a clue. But this website helped to improved my understanding: <a href="http://www.dys-add.com/">http://www.dys-add.com/</a>.<br />
<br />
There are also several books on the subject that are on my list to read. I am currently reading <i>The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain</i>, by Brock L. Eide, M.D., M.A. and Fernette F. Eide, M.D. Its an easy read and quite fascinating. Next up (both from my local library) is <i>Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level</i>, by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. Definitely a good start on my personal learning adventure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-44305185198633843372014-01-30T11:39:00.000-06:002015-04-04T18:00:20.249-05:00Spoke Too SoonI marveled in my <a href="http://schoolingone.blogspot.com/2014/01/year-5.html" target="_blank">Year 5</a> post that everything was working wonderfully and we wouldn't be making any changes. Well, here I am to eat those words. Its really nothing major, just a pause, I think. Teaching Textbooks' spiral approach was moving a little too quickly through multiplication and we were having to repeat lessons multiple times with some tears and arguing with the computer. As ds was crying over the third time going through a lesson, I realized that after just two more lessons TT would be moving on to division. That certainly was not going to work.<br />
<br />
Pause.<br />
<br />
So, we have set that aside for now. I've made a list of links in ds' bookmarks (found in <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy</a> math 3 & 4) with activities to review some concepts I felt he hadn't spent enough time on, like fractions and word problems. And he is working on multiplication facts using <a href="http://www.bigbrainz.com/" target="_blank">Timez Attack</a>. Math is pleasant once again. And in a few weeks we will resume TT, picking up where we left off. Now the problem is getting him to stop doing math long enough to work on some other subjects. I'm good with that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-57590607706099263022014-01-16T15:28:00.001-06:002014-01-16T15:28:46.476-06:00Ted Talk: School is Optional<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq1rXdDWXrM" target="_blank">This inspires me.</a><br />
You will have to click the link. I can't get the right video imbedded to save my life. The above links to a TEDxTalk entitled "School is optional" by Ken Danford. He does not mean working, learning, growing, and maturing are optional. "School" as in the brick & mortar building we go to in order to sit in a classroom to be taught - that is optional. In other words "School" is not the only way to work at learning, growing, and maturing. You don't have to reach a certain age or achieve a piece of paper before you can begin finding your interests and passions and living your life doing those things.<br />
<br />
This is something I tell ds from time to time and hope he will come to understand. He has spoken of possibly going to school for high school. If he does choose to do that, I aim to support him in that endeavor. But I want him to make an informed choice and know that is not his only option. That is why I've started this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mswood68/high-school-options/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>, collecting the many options we are blessed with in the area we live. This also will help me as we move into and through the middle school years to make sure we focus on what he will need to study by the time 9th or 10th grade comes around in the event he chooses public, private or charter school at that time.<br />
<br />
He is not at all ready to even think of that yet. Right now its still a challenge to get him to think beyond video games and sports. Yup, life is all about the fun stuff. Oh to be a kid again. ;) But, I have no doubt he'll be ready when he needs to be ready to think about what he wants to do with his life. In the meantime I will enjoy him where he is as I help him learn how to put words together into coherent thoughts that communicate to others clearly, and understand how numbers work in life. We're taking it one step at a time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-7655392194145957212014-01-15T21:41:00.000-06:002014-01-15T21:45:03.896-06:00Year 5!And now on to what we are doing this year. And can you believe it, we're halfway through it and I'm not making any changes. Nope, its all good and we're sticking with it. I think that is a first!<br />
<br />
So, first a little background before diving into the list. One of my goals for year 4 was to have him - I think I'll just start referring to him as ds as he's getting a little old for kiddo now ;) - ds, do more of the reading. Well, that was met with a little drama. All. year. long. "What? <i><b>I</b></i> have to read it?!" Along with this I realized we really needed to utilize audio and video more for his learning style. So I went in search of how we would do that. I could go on in some detail about that, but I'll cut to the chase. Can I just say that God is amazing. I really believe it is his provision that led us to <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy</a>. Have you heard of that one yet? One of my biggest challenges in switching materials was matching up history, and Easy Peasy picked up right where we had left off. We are still using living books, with the audio and video and some interactive games all included. I'm still blown away when I see all the work that has gone into developing this free online curriculum and that it is just exactly what we needed.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bible (Mon-Fri) - We started the year off with the SCM study of Hebrews, read <i>A Case for A Creator</i> for kids (which I would not recommend), then went into some Advent devotions. We are now following the <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/bible/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Bible</a> reading plan, starting with the book of John. </li>
<li>Math (Mon-Fri) - I decided to present some options to ds and let him choose a math program. He chose Teaching Textbooks - currently using Math 4.</li>
<li>English/Grammar (Mon-Fri) - <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/english-3/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy English 3</a>, continuing to use SpellWell B for extra spelling practice, and he's learning cursive this year with SCM's Print to Cursive Proverbs book. We'll finish out the year with some cursive copy work from <a href="http://www.copycatbooks.com/free_c_printables.htm" target="_blank">CopyCat</a> (free online).</li>
<li>Foreign Language (Mon-Thurs) - continuing some lite ASL using a DVD we found on Amazon (Everyday ASL), <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mswood68/asl-stuff/" target="_blank">YouTube videos</a>, and also <a href="http://www.signingsavvy.com/" target="_blank">Signing Saavy</a>.</li>
<li>Geography (Wednesdays) - reading through two more H.C. Holling books, <i>Minn of the Mississippi</i> and <i>Paddle to the Sea,</i> and <i>My World</i> by Ira Wolfman.</li>
<li>History (Mon-Fri) - <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/history-year-4/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Modern American History</a> along with <a href="http://www.truthquesthistory.com/" target="_blank">TruthQuest American History III</a> commentary, and other books along the way.</li>
<li>Science (Mon-Fri) - <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/science-year-4/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Chemistry and Physics</a>.</li>
<li>Literature (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) - in addition to what <i>he's</i> reading for English, we're reading/listening to <i>Rip Van Winkle, Railway Children, <a href="https://librivox.org/pilgrims-progress-in-words-of-one-syllable-by-aikin-lucy/" target="_blank">Pilgrim's Progress in Words of One Syllable</a>,</i> <i>Call of the Wild, Robinson Crusoe, Kidnapped, Men of Iron, </i>and <a href="https://librivox.org/the-comedy-of-errors-by-william-shakespeare/" target="_blank"><i>The Comedy of Errors</i></a> by Shakespeare.</li>
<li>Character Study (Fridays) - a chapter of <i>Created for Work, </i>by Bob Schultz, each week.</li>
<li>Art and Music Study (Tuesdays & Thursdays) - Easy Peasy again, <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/art-year-4/" target="_blank">Modern Art</a> and <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/music/" target="_blank">Modern Music</a>. He also received a guitar for Christmas and will begin lessons this week or next.</li>
<li>Computer (Mondays) - we're using <a href="http://www.typingweb.com/tutor/" target="_blank">TypingWeb</a> for keyboarding, and combined Easy Peasy <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/" target="_blank">computer courses</a> (levels 3&4) to learn/review some basics of Word, Internet, and Power Point, and beginning programming.</li>
<li>Thinking (Fridays) - <a href="http://www.chesskids.org.uk/newcourse/index.htm" target="_blank">Learning to play chess</a>, got that link from <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/thinking/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Thinking</a> Level 3, later in the year we'll use some logic games from Level 4.</li>
</ul>
There you have it. That is what we started the year off with, and will continue through with no changes. And I have Year 6 in the works. Coming soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-8311099284091228562014-01-15T20:21:00.001-06:002014-01-15T20:21:26.546-06:00On the Go, Go, GoOne thing I've always felt to be pretty important when home schooling an only child is to get out and get involved in the community. Maybe some kiddos are generally content to be home-bodies. But this one here in my house is a social butterfly who thrives on interacting with others. But I believe even if you have a natural home-body, its important to get them involved regularly in a group setting. Get online and search out your local homeschool groups and go meet them. In addition there is sports, music, dance, 4H, scouts, volunteering, speech and debate . . . <br />
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You certainly do not have to go join everything that you find and have something scheduled every day of the week. Balance is important. I have been guilty of that - even as recently as this past holiday season. If you have a quiet kiddo who prefers to be at home, probably just one or two activities is sufficient. My kiddo wants to do everything. So its easy to find ourselves over-scheduled. This is probably why this blog has been so neglected.<br />
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I'll list some things we've been involved in - homeschool park days (an absolute must), sports (soccer, baseball, and now football), Cub Scouts (soon to be Boy Scouts), homeschool PE class, Krav Maga class, volunteering at our local food bank, church activities, music lessons, and other homeschool group activities...<br />
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Of course we don't do all these things at once. Many of these are seasonal or only done occasionally. Krav Maga has taken the place of the PE class for now. And I have to say, sometimes you have to go create opportunities. We have never gotten involved in martial arts, as much as he wanted to, because of the other activities already taking up our evenings. But another homeschool mom asked at a couple of different places if they'd be willing to offer a day-time class for homeschoolers, and now there is a Krav Maga class we can fit into our schedule. My husband has started a conversation with another studio closer to where we live that may be willing to do the same in the future. So if you don't find what you are looking for, start talking to people that may be able to open those doors.<br />
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I wanted to put this out there because I fear many folks may be hesitant to consider homeschooling an only child for fear they may be isolated and lonely. But that certainly does not have to be the case. Depending on where you live, it may be a bit more challenging to find group activities or even to find the other homeschoolers out there. But from what I'm seeing on the various online communities and in my own local community, home schooling is something more and more people are doing. So I know they are out there even in your smaller communities. And it is so worth it to make the effort to find them.<br />
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You can start with online groups and often from there you'll find people local to you that may lead you to some groups in your area. There are pages and groups on Facebook and Yahoo, and the SCM board I have mentioned before, that are good places to start if you haven't found local groups yet. And you may have to start with the traditional "after-school" activities and see if you find some fellow homeschoolers there. But don't let having an only child keep you from home schooling if that is something you feel may be best for them for whatever reason. There are plenty of opportunities out there in every community for socializing. The main thing is to be involved in community, and you're good to go.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-57814610323878191952014-01-15T19:38:00.001-06:002014-01-15T19:38:53.374-06:00Another Year Came and WentDidn't I just wish everyone "Happy New Year" for 2013? Well, here it is, 2014 and I'm saying it again.<br />
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To be perfectly honest, it doesn't appear I really have any readers here, so have to admit that I have slacked off in writing - a whole year, actually. But I've decided to stick with it for a couple of reasons. One, I might help one person out there by pointing our a resource we have used that might be just what they need. And, two, this is a handy place to keep track of what we've used and how well things worked or didn't work.<br />
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So, I'm back at it. I'll do a write up on what we're using for Year 5 and then how plans are coming for those good old middle school years. Its hard to believe middle school is just on the horizon. These guys do grow up fast, don't they?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-39755812012691552462013-01-09T17:45:00.000-06:002013-01-09T17:45:10.092-06:00Happy New Year!Whoa, it seems like I should have whip lash as the time is flying by so quickly. I cannot believe we are now halfway through Year 4. Happy New Year everyone!<br />
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After taking two weeks off for the holidays, we've started back to the routine this week. During the break I did much thinking about how the first half of the year has gone. Overall the kiddo is doing very well and I felt only a couple of changes were needed. We're nearly finished with the second grade readers, and I have a 3rd grade reader ready to go. That is fantastic considering it was the end of Year 3 before reading finally clicked for him. Another area that is moving right along, more quickly than I expected, is math. I had expected to spend the entire year on Professor B Book One, and we are nearly finished with it and I have Book Two ready to start in just a few weeks. Wow! I am so glad I found <a href="http://www.profb.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Professor B</a>! He can't wait to start multiplication. How cool is that?<br />
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We are wrapping up our <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/realfoodnutritiontext/" target="_blank">nutrition study</a> this week with a viewing of Food, Inc. While the kiddo was only mildly interested in the subject, I think he has a better understanding of why Mom makes the choices she does regarding what we eat. He is very excited to begin chemistry next week. History has also been an enjoyable endeavor, as long as I don't try to tackle too many books on a subject (so many books, so little time!). <a href="http://www.truthquesthistory.com/" target="_blank">TruthQuest History</a> has been a great fit for us. We are looking forward to tackling some Texas history and the Civil War this semester.<br />
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So, what's not working? Spelling and Spanish. While Queen's Spelling Copywork was something that he could do independently, it didn't seem to do much for him actually remembering how to spell words he had studied. On the SCM board someone asked about <a href="http://spellingmechanicshomeschool.webs.com/" target="_blank">Spelling Mechanics</a>, which got me seriously looking at switching our spelling curriculum. There was much to like about Spelling Mechanics and I almost ordered it. But I decided to check out <a href="http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/spelling-vocabulary/spelling-vocabulary-index.htm" target="_blank">Cathy Duffy's reviews</a> and look over some other programs. I did not like that SM had exercises requiring students to identify correctly spelled words among groups of misspelled words. I thought that may further confuse the kiddo. In looking around, I decided to try <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=SpellWell&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1&search=" target="_blank">SpellWell</a>. It appeared to have some of the aspects that I liked from SM, and hopefully still be something he can do independently. In the meantime, he is using an <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simplex-spelling-free-lite/id465715154?mt=8" target="_blank">iPad app</a>, while we wait for the SpellWell books to arrive.<br />
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We've been playing around with Spanish since Kindergarten, and the kiddo is just not interested in learning to speak it. We've talked about learning sign language for a while, and he's very interested in that. So, I decided to take a break from the Spanish and dive into ASL. I am not giving up on Spanish and am still hopeful that he will realize the importance of learning it and have more motivation down the road. But for now, we'll work on a language he wants to learn. Since I am hard of hearing and its only going to get worse, I figure we'd better start learning to sign sooner rather than later. If sign language is something you think your kids would be interested in, check out <a href="http://www.lifeprint.com/" target="_blank">ASLU</a> - a great free course to get you started.<br />
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I am very pleased with how this year is going so far, and we're both looking forward to our studies for this second half. How are things going for the rest of you? I hope that your efforts are proving successful more often than not. I would love to hear what is working for your kiddos and what you are changing as we enter the new year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-6271222150323067412012-08-27T21:40:00.001-05:002012-08-27T21:40:31.763-05:00First Day of SchoolWell, I took an unintentional break from blogging, it seems. Summer got pretty busy there. I did have a couple of posts come and go from my mind, but couldn't seem to get enough time to sit down and hash them out. I'll need to work on a routine for that. But here we are. Its the last week of August and we started back at the school work again today.<br />
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I wish I could say it went great. But, alas, I must speak the truth. Not that it was terrible. But the kiddo certainly did not have the attitude I would prefer toward the work. It started right off the bat with math. I really think he's going to enjoy the new approach when we get further along. But he was, shall we say, less than thrilled with the very basic place we started with today. Unfortunately, he also showed me, as he had to count for some of the facts, that is exactly where we needed to start. If we could just get past these facts I know he'll love math. He already does, actually. His complaint was that he wanted to do some harder problems that he saw further in the book. But because those facts are still not solid, those wind up not being as fun as he wants them to be - and we melt.<br />
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What we need is some focused attention. That is the character habit we want to work on this year. Last year we worked on diligence/work ethic in both schoolwork and chores. He's come a long way, but that lack of attention to work he really doesn't want to do gets in his way. It really goes hand in hand, don't you think? While he's come to realize that he just has to do it, and will. That lack of attention really affects the end results of the job. Either he can't remember later what was read or studied, or he'll miss details of a chore, leaving a job poorly done. I believe this is why he still lacks rapid response or recall when it comes to those basic facts.<br />
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So, we persevere. Math facts and phonics rules it is - again. But, tomorrow is another day. And we get to do history and science tomorrow. We both enjoy those. And I must say he did fabulous on reading today. He actually told me that the Second grade reader we're using was too easy. Really??? Yes! <br />
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<u>The schedule:</u><br />
M-F at breakfast: Bible study and hymn<br />
walk, ride, exercise<br />
M-Th about 9:30: Professor B Math, Learning to Spell through Copywork, Reading<br />
10 minute break<br />
Spanish<br />
Mondays: geography, grammar, poetry<br />
Lunch, artist/picture study <br />
Piano<br />
Tuesdays: history, science, typing<br />
Lunch<br />
Homeschool PE class<br />
Wednesdays: history, grammar, composer study<br />
Lunch<br />
Park Day!<br />
Thursdays: history, science, typing<br />
Lunch, personal development (<i>Prudence and the Millers</i> chapter)<br />
Piano <br />
Fridays: math review as needed, oral spelling exam<br />
Project day, rotating Webelos projects, field trips, drawing, nature study, Spanish practice with a friend<br />
<i>Grocery Cart Math</i> when he accompanies me to the grocery store (Friday or Saturday)<br />
PianoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-4603572627539068172012-07-09T22:50:00.000-05:002012-07-09T23:00:56.671-05:00Piano!I completely forgot about piano! This past year the kiddo has worked slowly through most of the first DVD from <a href="http://www.simplymusic.com/" target="_blank">Simply Music</a>. That was an enjoyable introduction to playing the piano without having to learn to read music. I believe it was a good way to go since reading was coming slower for him. We currently have it loaned out to another family, but will probably continue into the second DVD at a later time. It is an enjoyable way to get playing.<br />
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But, now that the idea of reading is starting to click, I'd like him to begin learning more about music. Unfortunately, we are not able to do private piano lessons or even buy another home-learning program. But, once again, someone on the <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/" target="_blank">SCM</a> forum (I find many things that way) some time ago had recommended a website with free online piano lessons. After browsing around a bit, as far as free programs go, this one looks really good. So, we'll give it a try. It should be easy enough to remember: <a href="http://www.freepianolessons4kids.com/" target="_blank">FreePianoLessons4Kids.com</a>. I will let you know how it goes for us. If you've used it with your family, I'd love to hear your thoughts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-51927322593914768062012-07-08T17:20:00.003-05:002012-07-09T22:56:13.771-05:00Plans for Year 4 (AKA 4th grade)All materials have been acquired and the guys went on a 3-day campout for Cub Scouts. So I've spent the last three days going over said materials and figuring out how we're going to use them. Aside from listing books we'll source from the library for history and science, planning is done! whew!<br />
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<li>Bible: we'll continue the Proverbs study at breakfast, and move to<i> An Honorable Boy, </i>studying the lives of various men in the Bible, both from <a href="http://www.queenhomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Queen Homeschool</a>.</li>
<li>Math: thanks to the very helpful folks on the <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/" target="_blank">SCM</a> forum, I think we've found something that will get us over the mental hurdle we've been struggling with - <a href="http://www.profb.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Proffessor B Math</a>. I had initially thought we'd go with the computer-based version of the program. However, due to our current financial status, I decided to go with the book, used from Amazon. The book title is <i>Mathematics Power Learning For Children.</i></li>
<li>Spelling/Copywork: <a href="http://www.queenhomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Queen Homeschool's</a><i> Spelling Through Copywork, Book A. </i>Later in the year I aim to start a book of mottoes for him to record things that he finds particularly interesting, inspiring, encouraging, etc.</li>
<li>Reading: we'll continue reading practice with the CLE 2nd grade readers, <i>Helping Hands </i>and <i>Happy Hearts. </i>I acquired both of these by putting them on my wish-list at <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/" target="_blank">Paperback Swap</a>. In addition, he'll read some of the books for history and science. He will also read something of his choosing in the afternoons for 20-30 minutes. <i> </i></li>
<li>Spanish: I picked up <i><a href="http://www.speedy-spanish.com/" target="_blank">Speedy Spanish</a> Book 1</i> at a used curriculum sale, and purchased the CDs online. I plan to see if a friend of ours that is a native speaker will help us with practice speaking and may start a Spanish club later in the year, or next year.</li>
<li>Geography: our history program will naturally include some geography. In addition, we'll read a chapter from <i>Tree in the Trail </i>by Holling C. Holling each Monday.</li>
<li>Grammar: Monday and Wednesday, continue <i>English for the Thoughtful Child</i> orally, gradually adding in more writing (got this from Paperback Swap, too).</li>
<li>History: Tuesday-Thursday <a href="http://www.truthquesthistory.com/" target="_blank">TruthQuest</a> <i>American History for Young Students II (1800-1865), </i>with the Map/Timeline/Report package. This will take us back to using living books as we had enjoyed before with SCM, overlapping just a bit with where we left off this past year.</li>
<li>Science: Tuesday and Thursday, the first half of the year we'll study <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/realfoodnutritiontext/" target="_blank"><i>Real Food Nutrition for Kids</i></a>, using <i>Simple Kitchen Experiments, </i>by Muriel Mandell,<i> </i>and <i>Nourishing Traditions, </i>by Sally Fallon, for experiments and cooking in the kitchen. We will also view videos from westonaprice.org and YouTube, as well as a documentary or two on Netflix. At the end we plan to visit a farmer's market and a farm or two. For the second half of the year we'll work through <i>Properties of Matter</i> from the <i>God's Design for Chemistry</i> series. I found that at the used curriculum sale, too.</li>
<li>Literature: reading books, of course. :) After <i>Black Beauty</i>, here's what's on my list: <i>Understood Betsy, Heidi, The Wizard of Oz, Swiss Family Robinson, The Incredible Journey, Bambi, A Life in the Woods . . .</i> We will also continue through <a href="http://librivox.org/poems-every-child-should-know-edited-by-mary-e-burt/" target="_blank"><i>Poems Every Child Should Know</i></a> by Mary E. Burt.</li>
<li>Character Study: reading a chapter of <i>Prudence and the Millers</i> each Thursday at lunch.</li>
<li>Picture/Composer/Nature studies: I am determined NOT to let these fall through the cracks this year. Picture study is scheduled at lunch each Monday. Composer study is scheduled each Wednesday before heading to the park. If we have a CD we can even listen in the car. Nature study is part of our Friday rotations to happen one Friday each month. For picture study I'm going to try using an old book my mom found (1925) from Kansas and Nebraska public schools. I hope to find better images of the pictures as we go along. I'm going to see what we find in the library for composers. And for nature study, I plan to simply walk in our neighborhood or park and we'll each draw one thing in our notebooks. Simple enough. </li>
<li>Park and PE: We hope to re-join our local homeschool PE program, which will be Tuesday afternoons. And, of course we'll continue to attend park days each Wednesday with our local homeschool group. </li>
</ul>
I mentioned Friday rotations. Last year we tried a 4-day schedule with Fridays as game days. But Friday's wound up turning into Saturdays with dad being home. So this year, we'll continue the 4-day schedule, as that worked well. But Fridays will be project days instead, rotating field trips, Webelos projects, nature study and Spanish conversation practice. So there you have it, our plan for year 4. Now I can't wait for the end of August so we can get started.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-4604859890470629192012-07-01T23:42:00.000-05:002012-07-01T23:42:30.279-05:00Conflict ResolutionIn a family with multiple children, the children naturally have frequent opportunities to learn how to handle the inevitable conflicts of life. And this with their siblings, who can't stop being their siblings. But how does the only child learn this valuable skill? When conflicts arise with his friends, of course. We are getting to an age now where I feel this is delicate ground, though. I'd hate to see the kiddo kill a good friendship by developing bad habits in conflict.<br />
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Recently we had this issue twice in the same week, with different sets of friends. The first incident involved hurt feelings, and feeling slighted. The second incident had him pouting over the friends not playing how he wanted. Well, we certainly don't want that to become a habit, do we? Its difficult enough, I think, handling tattling and squabbles between your own children. But I find it far less comfortable to handle these situations between my child and someone else's child.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I am currently looking for something to read, preferably with him, to walk us through handling a conflict with grace.</span> Our church uses The Young Peacemaker materials for the 4th-6th grade Sunday school. But, they just did it this past year, so it will be a couple of seasons before they get around to it again. I'm hoping to find something else so that will not be old hat when his class does it. I'm looking at a couple of books. One is <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-peacemaker-student-edition-ken-sande/9780801045356/pd/045356?item_code=WW&netp_id=504838&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">The Peacemaker Student Edition</a>. </i>Technically that is for teens. But I think if we read it together, it could get the message across. And I think I would prefer that over the cartoons of the younger version. The other book I saw recommended on a forum. It has a really lame title, but the content looks pretty good: <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/goodbye-whining-complaining-attitudes-your-kids/scott-turansky/9780877883548/pd/83548?product_redirect=1&Ntt=83548&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining and Bad Attitudes . . . in You and Your Kids</a>. </i>Sounds like it will cover many areas beyond just conflict with his friends.<br />
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We are currently studying Proverbs, and that certainly covers many of the character issues like humility and pride that are involved in relationships. We can also study other passages like Matthew 18. So I think we'll start there, before we pick up any more books. But the above do look promising. I'll let you know what we come up with down the road. But I'd sure welcome any recommendations.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-16623385942315483262012-06-24T23:13:00.000-05:002012-07-09T22:59:55.241-05:00Its Summer!Finally we get to summer. Once we hit May, the kiddo couldn't wait to get here. Thankfully we finished up everything but Geography the last week of May, and he likes Geography, so that's not a problem. He would love to go travel on a vacation, and also visit the grandparents and the cousins. And it may happen that we can. But I'm not counting on it. The husband retired from the military six months ago and is still looking for employment. But its still summer, and there is plenty of fun to be had right where we are, right?<br />
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Now we do not do year-round school, but there are some things we carry on through the summer on a very relaxed and flexible routine. Of course with math being the favored subject that it is, ahem, we are doing games and activities from the book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Math-Jean-Kerr-Stenmark/dp/0912511060/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340596131&sr=8-1&keywords=family+math" target="_blank">Family Math</a>. </i>To keep up with writing, he's writing letters and I intend to have him write my grocery list each week, or a portion of it. So far he's written a letter to our <a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm" target="_blank">Compassion</a> child and to Grandmom. And of course there's reading, reading, and reading. We're using the <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/container/stores.asp?PID=43671" target="_blank">Barne's & Noble reading log</a> this month and plan to use a reading log from <a href="http://www.hpb.com/community/fyb/" target="_blank">Half Price Books</a> in July.<br />
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But its summer! And Dad's here! That's something this military family hasn't had for a while. Now Dad's not just hanging around the house. He is finding short-term jobs here and there and finding plenty of ways to keep busy. But the kiddo is really enjoying having Dad around. They started a big project of building a tree-fort in the backyard. That will be awesome. Every Wednesday is park day with the local homeschool group. His PS friends are home and available to play. The library puts on some interesting programs. There's the local pool and volunteering at the food bank . . . Yeah, we're not going to be bored.<br />
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I probably should add that, for us, its summer in Texas. And we have hit it. This is the time of year I am sorely tempted to become a slug and hide out someplace cool. Many of the outdoor activities are happening in the morning. The husband waited as late as possible to mow today during the last shreds of daylight, and was still dripping. So any excitement I muster is gleaned from the kiddo's enthusiasm. ;) Spring is more my season. But the kid loves summer, so bring it on!<br />
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So, what's your summer routine? Any big plans? Share with us what your summers are like.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-63652989995960650262012-06-24T15:41:00.000-05:002012-06-24T18:06:04.327-05:00Looking Back: Year 3 (AKA 3rd grade)This is the year we just completed, so not that far back. This was a very challenging, but also a very good year. Although he was resistant, the kiddo made great strides - eventually. So, here's what we did:<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Beginning Reading: </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.tanglewoodeducation.com/bksrd.htm" target="_blank">Really Reading</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> from Tanglewood Education (click on the apple in the red box for the free pdf). We went through this twice, revisiting </span><a href="http://www.progressivephonics.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Progressive Phonics</a><span style="background-color: white;"> in between. Then we were finally able to start working our way through some first grade readers - Pathway Readers </span><i style="background-color: white;">Days Go By, More Days Go By, </i><span style="background-color: white;">and </span><i style="background-color: white;">I Wonder</i><span style="background-color: white;"> from CLE.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Bible: We read through a devotion book for boys, and in preparation for Bible Study, I had him keep a notebook in which he wrote/drew something after each reading. Towards the end of the year, we were able to start </span><i style="background-color: white;">Increasing in Wisdom</i><span style="background-color: white;">, a study of Proverbs for elementary age students from </span><a href="http://www.queenhomeschool.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Queen Homeschoo</a><span style="background-color: white;">l. We are taking this very slowly.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Character study: We read a chapter from </span><i style="background-color: white;">Wisdom and the Millers</i><span style="background-color: white;"> each week. I think he liked this book, as he's asked to read it again.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Handwriting/Copywork: </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.pennygardner.com/italicsbk.html" target="_blank">Beautiful Handwriting</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> by Penny Gardner. Again, we went through the italic section twice.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Foreign Language: I purchased </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.theeasyspanish.com/" target="_blank">The Easy Spanish</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> Junior Level. While we didn't love this program, the kiddo did grow more willing to learn and actually try to speak some Spanish.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Geography: We continued reading through </span><i style="background-color: white;">Window on the World, </i><span style="background-color: white;">and are almost through it. When asked he will tell you Geography is his favorite subject and has asked to read this book again, too.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">History: We tried a relatively new curriculum available through Queen Homeschool, </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.angelaodell.com/a-living-history-of-our-world-history/" target="_blank">A Living History of Our World</a>, Volume 1.</i><span style="background-color: white;"> I really thought we would love this, and I did enjoy the readings, and really liked the timeline cards. However, the kiddo did not care for the writing style at all and I would have liked to have spent a little more time in some areas of history. While I know I could have brought in lots of extra books and spent as much time as I wanted on each chapter, this did not turn out to be a good fit for us.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Literature: We've read so many great books! </span><i style="background-color: white;">Robin Hood, The Jungle Book, Hans Brinker, The Secret Garden,</i><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><i style="background-color: white;">Black Beauty</i><span style="background-color: white;"> (we're a little more than halfway through this one now). We also listened to some poems from </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://librivox.org/poems-every-child-should-know-edited-by-mary-e-burt/" target="_blank">Poems Every Child Should Know</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> by Mary E. Burt each week, on Librivox.org. You can also find the </span><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=burt&book=poems&story=_contents" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">text online</a><span style="background-color: white;"> at The Baldwin Project. And I almost forgot, we had our first look at Shakespeare - <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream.</i> That was fun.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Math: oh, yeah, that. Have you seen this </span><a href="http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2011/03/09/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Calvin & Hobbes cartoon</a><span style="background-color: white;">? That would be us. We were all over the place with math this year. We started the year off trying some math facts copywork, which went over like a lead balloon. We went through </span><a href="http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/primary/default.htm" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">MEP</a><span style="background-color: white;"> Year 1, which seemed to help a bit, then went back to </span><a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Math Mammoth</a><span style="background-color: white;"> 2nd grade. There is some hope for us, though, which I will discuss in another post.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Science: The kiddo wanted to study Astronomy, so we used </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_60&products_id=1" target="_blank">Exploring Creation with Astronomy</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> by Jeannie Fulbright. He really liked it, at first. Unfortunately, the writing style is quite similar to the Living History I mentioned above. And he wanted to do more hands-on experiments. Personally I think these are wonderful books and would like to get the </span><span style="background-color: white;">Botany</span><span style="background-color: white;"> book for myself. But it was another misfit for the kiddo.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Spelling: Yes, this year I added spelling into the mix with </span><a href="http://www.avko.org/sequentialspelling.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Sequential Spelling</a><span style="background-color: white;">. I had hoped this would help his reading with the way the lists are set up. While it did to a small extent, not nearly enough. Although this is an excellent program that has helped lots of kids with learning disabilities, it didn't stick with this one.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Grammar: I also started <i>English for the Thoughtful Child</i> this year. We worked together orally, introducing some basic grammar concepts, through half of the book. We'll do the other half this next year.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I did have nature, artist, and composer studies in the plans, as well as drawing. But those somehow fell by the wayside and did not get done. I am reworking the plans for those next year to try to make sure we don't forget them.</span></li>
</ul>
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While we had quite a few mis-fits with our curriculum this year, I feel I've learned quite a bit from it. I am very pleased with how the kiddo progressed towards the end of the year. A main focus for us through all this was building strong character with a strong work ethic. And while he still has a ways to go (don't we all) we really overcame some hurdles with attitude and willingness, as well as readiness, this year. Overall I think we met our challenges well and had a successful year.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-10775740213664025682012-06-17T22:31:00.000-05:002012-06-17T22:31:13.248-05:00Looking Back: Years 1 & 2 (AKA 1st & 2nd grades)Now that I've touched on some of my ideals, lets go back and have a look at reality. How has this looked in this home with this kid? Well, we've just completed year 3 (3rd grade), so I've had to go back through my records to remind myself what we did those 2 years. We've done some trial and error - trying different types of books and materials figuring out what works best for us. So lets see how my brain does bringing back year 1 for us (take note of links, there are many free resources you may want to check out):<br />
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<ul>
<li>For Bible we read various Bible story books, went through his AWANA book, and read through 1st Corinthians.</li>
<li>Beginning Reading: <a href="http://www.starfall.com/" target="_blank">Starfall</a>, <a href="http://donpotter.net/PDF/Word%20Mastery%20-%20Typed.pdf" target="_blank">Word Mastery</a>, and <a href="http://www.progressivephonics.com/" target="_blank">Progressive Phonics</a>. We were rather relaxed with these materials as it has taken awhile for him to be ready to read. He especially enjoyed the stories at Progressive Phonics.</li>
<li>Character Study/Personal Development: we read through several Character Builder books in the Spyglass series. I got these on <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/" target="_blank">Paperback Swap</a>, and I don't believe they are in print as this particular series. But I believe these books contain the same material: <i>A Child's Book of Character Building</i>, <a href="http://apps.simplycharlottemason.com/resources/detail/904" target="_blank">book 1</a>, <a href="http://apps.simplycharlottemason.com/resources/detail/905" target="_blank">book 2</a>.</li>
<li>Calendar: I actually started this in Kinder. I printed monthly calendars and each week we reviewed our week on Monday, he traced the numbers and wrote or drew something on days we had something planned.</li>
<li>Spanish: <i>Spanish for Kids 2-12. </i>I will have to look for the box that contains this book as I cannot locate it on Amazon. I had picked up the book at a used curriculum sale and purchased the accompanying CD online. It was a fun little intro program for kids.</li>
<li>For History we tried Ambleside Online's <a href="http://amblesideonline.org/01bks.shtml" target="_blank">year one guide</a> reading from <i>An Island Story, Fifty Famous Stories Retold, </i>and <i>Viking Tales.</i></li>
<li>Literature: We read through a book of fairy tales given to us by Grandpa, <i>A Child's Book of Poems</i>, and started the Little House series. He loved Laura and Almonzo.</li>
<li>Math: <i>Ray's New Primary Arithmetic</i>. I really thought that was going well until we approached the end of the year and I realized he was not remembering things I thought he had learned. I am still trying to find a program that we can afford and will work for him.</li>
<li>And finally we dabbled in picture, composer and nature study. I've loosely followed Ambleside Online's guides for both <a href="http://amblesideonline.org/ArtSch.shtml" target="_blank">artists</a> and <a href="http://amblesideonline.org/ComposerSch.shtml" target="_blank">composers</a> and have rather informally done nature study whenever it suited us. I noticed I did not include any science/nature readings in my records but do recall reading various animal and nature books like <i><a href="http://apps.simplycharlottemason.com/resources/detail/288" target="_blank">James Herriot's Treasury for Children</a></i>.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
And now, year 2:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Bible: AWANA, Bible reading that corresponded with history.</li>
<li>Reading: we continued Progressive Phonics and went through <i><a href="http://www.valeriebendt.com/reading/#.T96gVxc9BXw" target="_blank">Reading Made Easy</a></i>, still very relaxed.</li>
<li>Character/Personal Development: <i><a href="http://www.fullbooks.com/A-Hive-of-Busy-Bees.html" target="_blank">A Hive of Busy Bees</a></i> and <i><a href="http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/gatty/parables/parables.html" target="_blank">Parables from Nature</a></i>.</li>
<li>Spanish: Free online videos at <a href="http://www.knowitall.org/instantreplay/content/all.cfm" target="_blank">Instant Replay</a> - <a href="http://www.knowitall.org/instantreplay/content/program.cfm?SeriesIDpassed=43" target="_blank">First Step Espanol</a>,<a href="http://www.knowitall.org/instantreplay/content/program.cfm?SeriesIDpassed=52" target="_blank"> Next Step Espanol</a>, and <a href="http://www.knowitall.org/instantreplay/content/program.cfm?SeriesIDpassed=50" target="_blank">Another Step Espanol</a>.</li>
<li>Geography: <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/window-world-when-pray-god-works/daphne-spraggett/9780830857821/pd/857821?product_redirect=1&Ntt=857821&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Window on the World</a>, </i>we simply read the 2-page spread for each people-group/country and found them on the map, once each week (Fridays). This took us through year 3.</li>
<li>History: we tried <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/scmguide/history-modules-overview/history-module-1/" target="_blank">SCM History Module 1</a>, Mondays and Wednesdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we read from <i><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10070" target="_blank">Stories of Great Americans</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15597" target="_blank">Stories of American Life and Adventure</a></i> (those were his favorites).</li>
<li>Science: SCM <i><a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/106-days-creation-studies/" target="_blank">106 Days of Creation Studies</a></i>, with lots of living books and easy experiments.</li>
<li>Math: <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/" target="_blank">Math Mammoth</a>.</li>
<li>Literature: we continued the Little House series and read <i>Shiloh</i>. Actually we've read through the Little House books more than once - definitely favorites for us.</li>
<li>And finally Ambleside Online poetry, artist and composer studies.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I know I had him do some writing that year, very short items from our readings, like the Busy Bees (be obedient, be truthful . . .), but his fine motor was not proving ready for much writing yet. Reading also did not take off until the latter part of year 3. We primarily enjoyed our feast of books and practiced narration. Ah, those were good years. :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769368757731123863.post-51001335175221598572012-06-14T22:00:00.000-05:002012-06-14T22:00:11.065-05:00Classical vs Unschooling and that Middle GroundIn the previous post I mentioned that there were aspects of both classical and unschooling that I found appealing, in spite of them being "diametrically opposed." Ultimately, I found that Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education is that middle ground I was seeking, essentially the best of both worlds. I love Charlotte's insistence that a child is a thinking person, not some empty vessel to be filled up. Albeit, an imperfect person that needs guidance in developing good habits. It works well for us to have some structured routine, with short lessons during the mornings, providing a feast of ideas. But much time is left in the afternoons for the child to further explore what has captured his interest, exploring nature, learning handicrafts, music, or more reading of his choosing.<br />
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I just ran across this article, <a href="http://www.normanjamesacademy.com/charlotte_mason_and_classical_education.html" target="_blank">Charlotte Mason and Classical Education</a>, that nicely compares and contrasts these ideals. She concludes that while Charlotte was a classical educator, her primary goals centered on character building (instilling good habits) and maintaining that innate love of learning that unschoolers hold so precious. So yes, there is a middle ground that can incorporate aspects of both philosophies. If you are interested in learning more about Charlotte and her philosophy, here are a couple of sites to begin with:<br />
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<a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/" target="_blank">Simply Charlotte Mason</a><br />
<a href="http://amblesideonline.org/" target="_blank">Ambleside Online</a><br />
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If you have done some reading on the various methods and philosophies, which ones do you find most appealing? What fits, or looks like it will fit, best with your family?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10703017111385642861noreply@blogger.com0