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greengables
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I did a search on Government and Economics and found an old thread of 2005, but no real answer such as, "I used X and we loved it!" or "X course was very successful!" Is there another old thread someone could link me to or does anyone have the following information?
If you have already used and love a certain course, I am wondering????
1.What course do you recommend?
2. What do you like/dislike about it?
3. AND/OR Do you know of a good quick review for my son and myself?
HELP?
My situation is this:
My dear son is already a senior and will hopefully be done with all his high school requirements and graduate in May. He has read Whatever Happened to Penny Candy and a government book that I gave him to read. (AGES AGO!) He is an avid reader. However, I have no TESTS to assess his understanding and don't feel well-learned/well-read enough myself to rely solely on a discussion; besides, per our discussion today, he has requested tests - at least four and opened the door for good conversation and input. Another point about this ds, he is a brilliant talker and could about convince me and most anyone else of his fabulous understanding of almost any topic (unless you happen to really know what you are talking about!) , Right ALmom
Thank you in advance for your response. 
God bless you,
Jill
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Angie Mc
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Interesting topic, Jill. My dd took Econ at the local community college - not her fave class - but I will ask her if she has any ideas. To clarify...
Are you all looking for a text with ready-made tests and outside accountability...or are you open to using other books and making your own tests?
It sounds like I would really enjoy talking with your ds  .
Love,
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MarilynW
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Jill
I have not done the courses yet - but my plan is to use:
Economics - Work and Prosperity (Abeka)
The Penny Candy book and others from Bluestocking Press
American Govt in Christian Perspective (Abeka)
Federalist Papers
(But really my children learn the most for the govt by our proximity to DC - they all work with our local Congressman in election years and we visit the Capitol and Supreme Court every couple of years)
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jdostalik
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Hi Jill,
My dd is taking Homeschool Connections' Democracy, Government and Citizenship which begins next week and is a nine week online course.
Just another option out there... 
Democracy, Government and Citizenship
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Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
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MarilynW
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jdostalik wrote:
Hi Jill,
My dd is taking Homeschool Connections' Democracy, Government and Citizenship which begins next week and is a nine week online course.
Just another option out there...
Democracy, Government and Citizenship |
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Jennifer - please will you post back here when your dd has completed the course. I would love to know how it goes.
Also - I don't want to hijack the thread - but why would you do it as a live rather than recorded course? I am trying to figure out the technological aspects of doing this. You are the second person in a week who has recommended these classes. I could not get your link to work - is the class once a week?
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ALmom
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Jill:
You might like Declaration Statesmanship. It is Catholic, idea based with readings from really solid original sources - that would be in keeping with your son's strength. It has a number of more thought provoking questions that could be used as discussion starters as opposed to paper topics (In our house, you know, I cannot get anyone to talk so papers work for us - but let your son educate you with his gift of talking). The teacher manual does come with tests (we haven't used the tests yet) so you would have a more objective standard to use for grading and let you both just enjoy the discussion starters!
To this I plan to add an assignment where my children have to either write or diagram how a bill becomes a law with the various rules for things. I have some books that outline this in short order.
As for economics - not sure if the text you are using has tests - but I think they do. In any case, I would recommend adding a few very practical assignments: (I have not yet put this together for mine - but if I do, I'd be happy to share - or maybe we can divide the work and conquer).
Have your child:
fill out at least some sample EZ forms and schedule A forms for hypothetical taxes. (Include things like how to calculate capital gain and loss). Right now most of the standard forms are readily available.
Write a sample check if they have not yet become familiar with a checking account. You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't - but I was) at how clueless folks were in the importance of filling in things on the check - like who it is for - and voiding it on the register if they didn't use it and .... Also - make sure they know how important it is to balance this thing once the statement comes in. (Unfortunately, it is hard to teach having an organized system for keeping up with the paper proof).
We did things like that in my high school class. I suspect your son has already done a lot of this - surely you can count that towards economics.
Janet
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Macmom
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I'm holding out for "Declaration Statesmanship" because it's Catholic. And the authors, Dr. Ferrier and Dr. Seeley, teach out of it at Regina Coeli. While it may be too late for your son to take the class from them (although I think it will be offered this summer, too!) I'd get the book and teacher's manual and discuss it with him.
Peace,
Macmom
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jdostalik
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Marilyn,
I will be very happy to post our thoughts after Maggie has completed the course.
The course is interactive--which is why you would want to take it "live." Maggie will wear a headset and be called on to participate in the class at certain times. Maggie took a course last semester with HC and loved it--it was called Tolkien and Fairy Tales.
Here's the description for the government course from the site since you mentioned you couldn't get the link to work:
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Presenters: Ed Rivet
Description: This course is $135 for the entire 9 weeks.
This is a nine week course. There will be no class April 2, 2010 due to Easter.
Course Description:
American government has been called the most radical experiment in self-governing in human history based on its unique system of democracy and citizen involvement. Learn how the fundamental elements of American government are supposed to work, how they actually work, and the role and responsibility each citizen has in our government and our future."
Misc. Details:
All coursework will be provided by the instructor or available online for free. Homework and research projects will be given and graded. We do not provide record keeping so it is up to the parent to record the grade to their child's transcript. Mr. Rivet will be available via email in between classes to answer questions and take comments.
Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet. A headset with microphone is recommended but not required. (You can find them for a reasonable price at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002XIX0O/catholictr eas-20.)
If you have questions or comments, please email Maureen Wittmann at mwittlans@aol.com.
To learn about other courses, please visit www.homeschoolconnectionsonline.com
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God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
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MarilynW
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Thanks for all the information Jennifer. I may consider having Abby take the class in a couple of years.
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MarilynW
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Janet - thanks for posting about Declaration Statesmanship - I had never heard of this. Locally everyone I know has used the Abeka - even the Catholics - so I assumed this was the only thing available. I really like the look of the Declaration Statesmanship.
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Erin
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We're waiting on Penny Candy to arrive in the mail and we are about to start Homeschool Connections Online Recorded Economics course.
this is a new, cheaper option. For $30/month we have unlimited access to all their recorded courses.
Blurb says:
This 8-week course is intended to introduce students to fundamental concepts of economics. We will develop the use of economic reasoning to answer basic economic questions in a rational manner. It also aims to provide a thorough understanding of many economic concepts, including marginal analysis, demand and supply, and market equilibrium analysis. The class is intended to assist students in using critical thinking to solve problems. A series of applications will often accompany the course material. In addition, the class will include a brief review of Catholic Social Teaching and its role within the economic realm.
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greengables
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All,
Thank you so much for your responses! I have so much to think about here and running out of time!
Angie, I guess I originally wanted to use what I had and NOT spend any more money UNTIL I read Janet's post! 
I guess I want some list of what is most imp. and answers. I would like to be able to tell son to study some specific amount of information and then I can discuss these things with him and/or quiz him to assess his understanding. I will need some sort of an answer key to study myself!
Marilyn, It is wonderful that your children can learn (hands on) like that.
Jennifer in Tx, My son loved the idea of the on-line (live) class, but it really is out of the question for him as his time is so limited due to his job outside the home and his many academic courses, etc....
Janet, I can't wait to TALK to you about all of this. One of the children said you called yesterday. Sorry I missed you, but I am glad you posted your thoughts! I LOVED all your practical ideas and I would love to see your Declaration Citizenship.
If we divide and conquer the work which is what I would like to do, let us know if you all want our notes posted.
Macmom, Thanks for sharing about Regina Coeli. I might like to check into that for another year. Also, from your post, it sounds like there is a teacher's manual for Declaration Statesmanship; I'll check into that as well. Thank you!
Everyone, Again thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas here.
God bless you,
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mwittlans
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Someone mentioned that you could email me so I wanted to let you know I'm right here if anyone has any questions about the live or recorded classes through Homeschool Connections.
In the meantime, you'll find reading lists for government and economics here if you'd like some ideas for designing your own: http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label /Reading%20Lists
Jill, the live government class with Mr. Rivet starts this Friday and would be 75 minutes once a week (noon Eastern) for 9 weeks plus homework. Your son would also have the option to audit (no homework). Mr Rivet wants to do an advanced government class in the fall so the Gov 1 class wouldn't be offered again until Spring 2011.
Marilyn, the live classes are nice because you have access to the instructor. You can interact during class either using the chat box or verbally with a headset. Plus he or she would be available between classes via email. The recordings are nice when you have a schedule conflict with a live course or you want to move at your own pace. It's more of a self-study program.
Blessings,
Maureen :)
Maureen Wittmann
www.homeschoolconnectionsonline.com
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Angie Mc
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mwittlans wrote:
Blessings,
Maureen :)
Maureen Wittmann
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Great to see you here, Maureen! Thank you .
Love,
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Angie Mc
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MarilynW
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Thank you Maureen. I have spent some time this weekend looking at all the courses - so many very interesting ones. I do have a stack of questions - should we start a new thread for Homeschooling Connections classes?
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Erin
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mwittlans wrote:
Marilyn, the live classes are nice because you have access to the instructor. You can interact during class either using the chat box or verbally with a headset. Plus he or she would be available between classes via email. The recordings are nice when you have a schedule conflict with a live course or you want to move at your own pace. It's more of a self-study program.
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I was in a rush before but I meant to add the reason we chose recorded is because the classes are at 2am here Live would have been lovely as dd could have experienced that interaction which I feel could have benefited her so much. Anyhow I just wanted to say finding Homeschool Connections has been a God send. May share more if Marilyn decides to start a new thread.
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Just wanted to share....
For my high schoolers economics class I have used the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University School Curriculum materials. We have found it to be EXCELLENT!!
It teaches all about money matters from budgetting, loans, credit cards, saving money, and the importance of money management. My kids found it very beneficial and really liked the course. I highly reccomend it. Here's a link: Dave Ramsey
Jody
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mwittlans
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Yes, Erin it may be a bit much to expect your child to join us at 2 AM. LOL.
If it's okay with the moderators, I think it's a good idea to start a new thread. I'd be happy to answer any questions. And that way too, people can share their personal experience with the classes -- good or bad :-). I'm so open to your suggestions!
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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Angie Mc
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MarilynW wrote:
| I do have a stack of questions - should we start a new thread for Homeschooling Connections classes? |
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Sounds helpful!
Love,
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Angie Mc
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MarilynW
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Jody wrote:
Just wanted to share....
For my high schoolers economics class I have used the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University School Curriculum materials. We have found it to be EXCELLENT!!
It teaches all about money matters from budgetting, loans, credit cards, saving money, and the importance of money management. My kids found it very beneficial and really liked the course. I highly reccomend it. Here's a link: Dave Ramsey
Jody |
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Jody - we are Dave Ramsey's class next year - I was doing it as a Personal Finance elective though - it really is excellent. I had not thought of doing as for Economics....
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4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: If child taking/already taken Govt/Econ
