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teachingmyown
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 1:45pm | IP Logged
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In thisthread, Caroline made some wonderful points about the eternal search for perfect curriculum. I think I have truly been able to accept the futility of that search.
But... I do need to make a decision between two "good enough" programs that I think may be the simplest and most straightforward approach for ds11, who will be 6th grader next year.
I am trying to decide between Switched on Schoolhouse (which is on sale for 20% off through today, thus the rush!) and Timberdoodle's complete curriculum.
SOS will make school simple while covering the basics, which is what this kid wants, but I worry about too much time at the computer. I think the Timberdoodle package offers more interesting work which I think he can, but I worry with too many different materials if we will fall into the same trap of not getting to everything.
Any thoughts, words of advice or warning, gut reactions?? I really struggle with that final decision making. 
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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stellamaris
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 1:51pm | IP Logged
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Molly, it looks like the Timberdoodle program (which does look more interesting to me, too) would require more work and interaction from you. Are you able to do this, or is this what you are having trouble with? Is there any way to do the Switched on Schoolhouse to cover basic subjects plus a few interesting reads to give a little life and opportunity for discussion, but that would be sort of optional so if you can't get to them you would still be happy with his level of work? I'll offer up a little prayer for discernment for you today.
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In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to  dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
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teachingmyown
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 2:11pm | IP Logged
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Thanks Caroline. I think I would just order the SOS history, LA and science. He will continue with Teaching Textbooks and then just do lots of extra reading which he already does. We do catechism together.
I was thinking that Timberdoodle with it mostly workbooks, might have enough built-in structure that I could really just hand it to him on most days (maybe implementing the "workbox" idea?) and he could get busy. It's not that I don't want to be involved. I just find it hard to juggle five students and he is the one who wants to get on with it and be done without a lot of discussion.
Thanks for your prayers!
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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Bookswithtea
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 2:26pm | IP Logged
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I'm planning next year to be more independent than in years past. Out of necessity. As you said, its really hard to teach many children of different ages together.  And I'm tired and need to preserve myself from complete burnout. I have a lot of years left to finish this race.
I did something similar to what Caroline suggested, by picking from two different styles to mix things up a bit. Can't tell you how its going since I'm planning it for this fall, but it made my CM ~heart feel better to mix it up.
Is it possible to order through SOS today and if you don't like it, ship it back? Sometimes I allow myself the freedom to waste shipping money in order to find out if I'll like something if I can't look at it personally.
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Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
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stellamaris
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teachingmyown wrote:
It's not that I don't want to be involved. I just find it hard to juggle five students and he is the one who wants to get on with it and be done without a lot of discussion.
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Of course, you want to be involved! I'm sorry if I implied that you might not. And it is tough to juggle so many students when we want to give 100% to each one. It's great your son can be more independent this year, and it shows that you have really done a good job with him.
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In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
Flowing Streams
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teachingmyown
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Oh Caroline, you didn't imply anything, really! I appreciate your opinion and was just clarifying my wants vs needs. I am trying to balance reality with my "perfect" world.
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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teachingmyown
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I will look at the return policy. I think if I just go with science and LA, areas where I am weak or he is reluctant, then we can throw in some more interesting materials and be certain "enough" is getting done.
Looking more closely at the Timberdoodle, I don't see that they give any sort of guide. They have just bundled their picks for curriculum together and given a discount. So, other than the discount, there is no benefit to getting their package vs picking my favorite workbooks and CDs/DVDs.
__________________
In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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mom3aut1not
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 3:04pm | IP Logged
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Molly,
It looks as though they do offer a scheduling pamphlet. Is that what you want or do you want more assistance?
In Christ,
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Deborah
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BrendaPeter
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 8:17pm | IP Logged
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Hi Molly,
What does your husband say?
I used to make all of these decisions on my own until I realized that my husband has been given the sacramental graces to make the "big" decisions as the head of the household.
My husband liked that I "took charge" with homeschooling but now that I've involved him and expressed to him that I need his help, there have been tremendous benefits. He has so much wisdom and has helped me avoid many pitfalls.
HTH!
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Blessings,
Brenda (mom to 6)
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Need to make a decision today
