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JennGM
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| Posted: Aug 05 2014 at 4:58pm | IP Logged
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So with my heart surgery and other such things, we had a very streamlined year. My oldest committed to his reading, although written narration didn't happen much. We continued with oral narration, though. Math was only half done. My youngest did learn to read, but learning to write was weak and math even weaker.
Our plan is to send our oldest to junior high in 2 years. I have had him do a year ahead in work all this time, so I have a year to play with. But really, he is straddling between 5th and 6th grade. Has anyone been in this boat? I think I want to pick up more intense science for him and increase the math, but continue where we left off in literature and history even though it's the middle of the year in planning. I'm looking at a mixture of MA and AO mainly.
With religion, I just don't know. I need to think more deeply on that.
Here's the other factor. I ended up using the old CAT E Survey test, but I had originally ordered the new TerraNova. I know I don't have to do the Science and Social Studies, but if I wanted to, how will I know what is being tested on there? I mean, is 6th grade supposed to be American or World History? The 5th grade test had lots of American and scientific method themes...not what we were covering. We aren't learning to pass the test, but if we weren't learning about American Indians there is no way he could answer.
The other thoughts I have in mind is preparing him gently so he can handle the classroom better. Math will be a little different approach (we do RightStart, they use Saxon, I believe). We need to develop better discipline and study skills.
I have an idea what I'll do, but just curious if anyone else has been in my boat. It's nice for the boys to see new plans and books not feel like you're "behind."
I view this upcoming year as more time to smell the roses, build our habits, add in the notebooks and really concentrate on writing skills.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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SeaStar
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| Posted: Aug 05 2014 at 7:11pm | IP Logged
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This year I have grades 4 and 6 at my house, and I needed to find a way to combine religion for them. (We had been using Family Faith Formation, but we have completed all three years now  ).
Anyway, in the CHC catalog I came across The Bible Tells Me So By Christian LeBlanc. The Amazon reviews were very good, so I took a chance and ordered a copy to preview.
When it came, I thought: oh, no! This is not what I thought... I don't think I can use this!
It is written in a very stream-of-consciousness way, and I thought it would be really hard to use. I couldn't picture how I could make it work.
However, lacking a plan B and already having it on my shelf, I pulled it out to give it a try. And we are LOVING it!!
It is a year-long Catholic Bible study meant for grade 6, but I am finding that we can easily do it together. There is independent reading from the Bible, which my kids do on their own and narrate. Then there is the lesson, which is just.... fun. Plus it is very informative; I am learning a ton  . The author throws in Latin roots, history, repetition, interesting questions. I find we are really thinking, laughing and discussing our way through this program.
Even though I thought it would be hard to use the text, I am finding that is not the case at all. Somehow it is really easy to do with the kids- I guess since we pause and discuss a lot, plus put a lot on the whiteboard.
I like that I only have to open the book and go, and yet there is also an independent work aspect. We spend about 15-20 minutes per session with the text and can complete a chapter in 3-4 days. I think it would be a great religion program for an inbetweener.
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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Erin
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| Posted: Aug 06 2014 at 4:42am | IP Logged
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SeaStar wrote:
| It is written in a very stream-of-consciousness way, |
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What do you mean by this? Like Marigold Hunt's writing in St Patrick's Summer? Lots of talk, talk? Or..? I'm intrigued..
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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SeaStar
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| Posted: Aug 06 2014 at 5:18am | IP Logged
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Erin wrote:
SeaStar wrote:
| It is written in a very stream-of-consciousness way, |
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What do you mean by this? Like Marigold Hunt's writing in St Patrick's Summer? Lots of talk, talk? Or..? I'm intrigued.. |
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It is written as a conversation between the teacher and the students in a very give and take kind of way. It is a guide. not a teacher's manual. I thought it would be a difficult format to use, but I am finding it very easy.
The author does tell you exactly what to write on the white board and when to do it, so that is very helpful.
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Mixed Year Planning
