4Real Forums: Can we talk CHC

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Topic: Can we talk CHC

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ekbell
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Posted: Jan 07 2011 at 6:15pm \| IP Logged

AmandaV wrote:

are you using the new letter sounds or the older Letters for Little folks?

The new one as I don't think he's ready for a lot of writing practice. The new ones also give a lot of opportunity for cut and pasting, something he greatly enjoys.

ekbell
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Posted: Jan 07 2011 at 7:09pm \| IP Logged

mama2many wrote:

Popping in for another question

if starting half way through the "school year" for 1st and 4th grade, what books would you start with?? I can't see spending $$ on the whole set right now.

Thanks again!

I normally look at each subject separately when planning things out so....

First of all, I'd look over what they are doing with a focus on which materials are working and which ones are hated.

Another thing to look for is what materials have ended up being busywork. Examples from my children -writing out answers for all subjects when oral discussion would work as well and be more thought provoking (my memory of classrooms at these ages involves a lot more discussion of reading material then written answers) and doing every math problem when half of them would do just as well.

Hated materials should be swapped out ASAP (particularly if it's religion) but I'd refrain from swapping out stuff that's working mid-year even if it's not the best fit, at least for the core subjects (reading, writing, math and religion). Busywork can simply be cut out or modified.

If what you have will work for the basic four subjects (once stripped of busywork if necessary), I'd simply start looking at obtaining the most interesting books covering some of the other areas.

BTW I wouldn't recommend CHC's grade four science without your daughter having a chance to study the sample pages as that was the only book I've ended up having to swap out mid-year. MA's recommended books for studying the human body have been much more interesting for my girls.

mama2many
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Posted: Jan 08 2011 at 3:44pm \| IP Logged

Thank you all!! I think I'm going to stick to core for the rest of the year.. get through the standardized testing, then order the next grade..
I'm just ready to be done with it all, but we can't swing all new right now.

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AmandaV
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Posted: Jan 08 2011 at 4:33pm \| IP Logged

It looks like you've made a decision, Krystin, which is great! I know how hard that is, and I have a lot of trouble settling and just deciding, which is why I have CHC and MODG 1st grade plans, but I am using MA mostly! ( I love the ideas in the CHC plans and sometimes they are nice to look at for inspiration!)

Anyway, I thought I would make a suggestion. There are some good ideas in the CHC plans, but there are also some things you can skip. Also, you can take the books they suggest or the order, etc, and make it more CM by having the child narrate vs. doing a whole lesson/activity kind of thing if that is what is suggested in the plans. For example, CHC first grade has you do a timeline using the Fr. Lovasik children's Bible, and they suggest you use a second copy of the Bible to make it. I liked the thought of this, but also wondered if it was too much for us, so we didn't use it. Plus, MA suggests starting with the New Testament for 1B and then you get into the Old Testament in year 1B first year ( 2nd grade). So my suggestion would be to read the things they suggest but then for some of them, have your child begin narrating rather than doing the activity/questions. Same thing with Faith and Life or any other religion text. The science at that level in CHC is pretty gently, basically topical and books from the library. it would be so easy to keep that very living and CM-like. And add in some nature study when you have time. I think Michele suggests once a week, which is less than I thought when I first looked into CM, and should be manageable. Also, if you are bogged down, cut out spelling if its not needed or alternate handwriting from the book with some copywork once a week. Just my thoughts, but I am totally no expert. Still trying to figure things out here!

Amanda

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