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ALmom
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 2:39pm | IP Logged
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I went looking through MODG syllabus (in the things to change thread, I thought this would be a solution to some things I didn't like as well this year) - and there are things I really like, and other things I just know will be totally uninspiring for my children. I don't want to and don't have the time to pull everything together this year. I just need to finish up.
I want something - not sure what yet, I guess that is my problem. I want to look more at materabilis now - but the sequence in history just isn't going to work for me and I get overwhelmed on-line. I'm getting ideas from everywhere. I want my children to be more traditional so it would be easier on me - is that selfish or what  .
I guess the bottom line is that we are all over the map - and we cannot just plug into anything pre-planned. But I'm tired and I just want someone to hand me "perfect plans". I want my children to be inspired and look forward to "school." Honestly, this year has not been horrible - actually it has been better than any previous year. But I'm not satisfied. It isn't quite the vision I have yet.
OK - deep breath. Perfect plans do not exist - even when I create them from my very intimate knowledge of my children. What I really need is a curriculum consultant who would help me match, pick and choose according to my children's strengths, areas we cannot neglect, needed outsourcing, my own strengths, energy level, time, would study this from an ergonomic overview and make life easier by designing a plan where we take advantage of individuals passions and strengths to help the rest of us, to put everyone studying related but not identical things, etc., etc. If we could come up with something we could live with, where we have a good sequence to follow, etc. Then would draw these up for me, type them neatly, put them in binders for each child .... make some beautiful hisotry displays to draw my folks in and come up with a beautiful reading list for each child - and a few discussion questions, paper topics for the older 2. And it would be nice if some of these tied into history and their area of passion. All these books would be previewed so that they were all elegantly written, worthy of deep reflection and imitation and no twaddle at all.
I'm exhausted at the moment, still have medical issues to address for myself and one child. We have close to no money to spend on anything new - .... I'm sure that part of this is that right now, we have been spending almost a month camping out on our living room floor while we try to get the house mold addressed. This also means significant lack of privacy for dh and I as I cannot breath upstairs at all - and that is where we usually discuss issues that need addressing. It doesn't help that this whole thing was an unexpected and huge expense. Oh, and we had out of town guests in the middle of the mold epidemic - and sent one of our guests home sick  . The mold is now gone  - and the a/c unit is being put in - it really will be done soon and I am feeling like such a whiner. I have a round of doctors and tests still to look forward to - plus a college student who needs to be moved, and a highschooler that has yet to finish her highschool. (She has to graduate this summer for her sanity and mine - but to do that, she has to get well and finish the work). I am feeling like a bit of a failure in meeting her needs - but honestly I did all that I knew how to do.
Well as far as consultants - hey, this group is the most effective and the price is perfect! Would anyone have some ideas for this panicy mom.
German - we have a lovely tutor but I need a grammar supplement or text for when she is either unavailable or to give the grammar backgrand.
Biology - non textbook, not fixated on evolution (either side) biology book or books to use for highschooler (and even better if it would work ok for the rest. I envision having to skip certain sections or details with youngers who do not full information on some things just yet). I need it to have some built in method of verifying retention and some guidelines for what to read when, etc. I have dissection materials, I have nature sketch books, art supplies, all kinds of reference books on tracking, id by scat, etc. I have some models - some already built that need repair, some to build - of things like the ear, the eye, the brain. I have a microscope (though it really has been disappointing and not really the level we needed) and some prepared slides and some material for making your own.
Does anyone have a really good booklist for a very non enthusiastic literature person - something that includes real exploration while not just being an adventure story, but something I could use to be a jumping off point for showing how literature is related to the matters of the soul, and explores human nature in a symbolic way as well as telling a good, literal story. It would nice if it has at least some discussion points or a few paper topics.
What do you do for Latin when you have someone very interested, but you cannot go fast enough for the child.
Ideas for working with a hugely underchallenged 7 year old, who is very, very choleric but is not yet reading well enough to read on his own. He needs me to sit on him to learn how to write his letters and numbers (but he can do quite advanced addition).
What about a Phlegmatic child who needs encouragement, will follow any plan placed before him - but doesn't seem to like anything so far - unless it is following brother around doing science experiements. He is totally cooperative - but I don't want to kill enthusiasm and we need to recover from a year of too many workbooks for this one. I also need to work on his print size. He still writes very, very large.
I just need someone to organize for me, I'm afraid. Part of me wants to just take the best fit provider and use it regardless - just for the break. But I know I'll never be satisfied with that.
Does anyone know of some already made 3 fold history displays (from the Catholic perspective, of course) that illustrate in beautiful picture display the main pillars of different times and places - something very unbusy, but that would provide an anchor.
My vision for history is for us all to pick a basic area to study. I would then have this lovely to look at display (that could sit on a table top or be folded away if we needed to not look like homeschoolers - ie selling the house) that would give those anchors (things like the invention of writing, Alexander the great (with a map of the max. area he conquered, etc.). Then I would have kits, resources and things to read and the children could all pick what would most inspire them. So if one child wanted to read about Greek architecture and make models of columns, he could while another child could read and re-enact a battle and someone else could pursue some other particualrs. They would all be able to look up and see the trifold and place their intensely studied area, within the anchors of my display. We could share our discoveries and order them in sequence and all benefit from each other's passion - WITHOUT ever being REQUIRED to open any history text book. I could test on names and dates of anchors and have the highschoolers write some papers.
This is my vision of history in our house. The problem is, I know it will not happen given the time I have to plan unless there are some already made resources out there (not too expensive) that I can hobble together.
Science - I kind of want to do the same thing but instead of 3 fold display, I'd need some sort of plans but something that would allow digging deeply. My highschooler would be required to have an understanding of all the major parts. My youngers could pursue some subset in great depth. I'd like my highschooler to have some time to pursue at least a few things in depth if he desired. (Biology, honestly, is not his interest so my guess is that he will do what is required and that is it so what is required has to be sufficient for high school credit.
I'm sure I'm clear as mud, seeing as I'm still trying to figure out what I want myself. All ideas, criticisms, suggestions, resource recommendations and plain commiseration are all welcome!
Janet
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Donna Marie
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 6:38pm | IP Logged
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I had a lengthy email...and it got erased! 
I have a few thoughts for you and I will get to them later after I get back from praying the rosary...or tomorrow...
I am there with frustration because of my pregnancy and the thought of being outnumbered, yet again..LOL
So I have some thoughts...
just wanted you to know that i was thinking of you!
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God love you!
Donna Marie from NJ
hs momma to 9dc!!
Finding Elegant Simplicity
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 9:21pm | IP Logged
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ALmom wrote:
Well as far as consultants - hey, this group is the most effective and the price is perfect! Would anyone have some ideas for this panicy mom.
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Janet, I definitely agree that this gathering makes for great consulting! I also know panic .
Something I can offer is to translate your insights and narrative into a format that may lend itself to easier collaboration:
Quote:
ANALYZE
!. Address main weakness of each student (money/time investment)
2. Support independent work/mentoring each other in areas of strength of each student (low cost/utilize available materials
3. Find ways to organize and be accountable (record keep for high school) that are humane for all involved.
minimize online overload
unify, minimize "all over the map"
inspiring
children's strengths
areas we cannot neglect
my own strengths, energy level, time, home project, health concerns
from an ergonomic
take advantage of individuals passions and strengths to help the rest of us
put everyone studying related but not identical things
low-cost
7yo - improve independent reading
cooperative student - increase enthusiasm
STRATEGIZE
1. Find efficient, effective, pre-packaged single courses of studies for each student weakness (see Jodie's post) &/or tutoring options.
(List each student - use A,B,C + age/level and specific need to fill)
2. Have each student plan a project/projects based on strength and brainstorm how they can mentor/share with other family members.
(List each student and name project)
3. Additional subject matter addressed through informal and/or family studies together.
4. Use (daily to-do list, calendar, checklist, notebook, binder) to keep track of work. Mom/Dad/other over-seer have a weekly meeting with each student to plan work for coming week and check work for previous week.
delegate planning
traditional studies
pre-made plans
consultant
outsourcing
good sequence to follow
typed lists and binders
history displays
*reading lists - twaddle free, excellent
*discussion topics
*paper topics (older), (*related to history, interests, exploration, matters of the soul)
use biology supplies
plans for an individual child at different levels in different subjects
ATTACK
1. Purchase needed material:
German grammar text.
2. Organize material:
3. Put the plan onto a calendar:
Daily -
Block A, Rotate programs and projects (see Theresa's post):
List
Block B, Other Studies
German: tutor
Biology: non-text books for whole family = current home supplies, similar to History & textbook for high school student?
Latin: support for fast-paced student
History: 3 fold Catholic history displays - main pillars + common area of study for family
Weekly
Student planning and accountability meeting (or have the accountability meeting on Friday and the planning meeting on Saturday |
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It really helps me to get a handle on the big picture of my job as home educator/manager by making sure that I analyze first, before I try to strategize or attack. Are there any other points you want to add to the ANALYZE section...what's worked for you all?...what hasn't...before moving on? Next, pick your top *3* priorities from the ANALYZE section (don't worry about the rest for now, you can come back to them later.)
I look forward to brainstorming and working together on this. I'm especially hot on anything having to do with integrating high school years with family life .
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Sarah
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 10:42pm | IP Logged
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Wow, Angie. Great advice! Janet, I think your ideas are great. The frustrations you are feeling are some of what a lot of us feel, I think. We know we need plans but they are so hard to find, or very expensive, or just not what we need. Its so hard to find the time to tailor what we need while dealing with the everyday struggles of family life. I had such great ideas this year of studying the explorers and doing so many things. They were just ideas in my mind that I couldn't follow through with because I didn't have the right literature, maps, plans, and the things you mention like the trifold idea. It was disappointing. I don't know the answer as far as finding the right plans ready made at a decent price. However, I just want to say I feel your pain. Hang in there.
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Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
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ALmom
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 11:22pm | IP Logged
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Angie: one of the problems I have with prepackaged curriculum is that each of my children's levels are all over the map. I cannot do anything about that - except keep trying to plug away at weaknesses to bring them up to speed. My 7 year old doesn't read - but memorizes America for Me in seconds - and listens in on Latin. He is not able to write his letters or numbers reliably - but he is adding multi-digit numbers in his head. He also now knows how to do a number of experiments that his older brother taught him how to do . Another child might barely read The Mitchells for "literature" and can barely pick up on nuances and rarely likes to read anything but science but is easily doing high school level science - and reading college science textbooks for fun in addition to designing his own experiments and making his own equipment. Right now he has made his own pottery wheel - and wants art lessons as well as Latin. He cannot punctuate a sentence. Every one of my children is like this - and they really do not learn well in a traditional manner. It is exhausting for me. That is what I mean by all over the map. It and their non-traditional method of learning is why pre packaged never works for me. I just long to be able to pull it out and say - this is it.
Perhaps phrasing should be
How do you work with/find plans for an individual child at different levels in different subjects.
Thanks Angie for putting things up there like that - its way more readable.
Janet
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 11:49pm | IP Logged
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buy your curriculum by subject rather than by grade?
And for your science child.. what about literature like some classic Sci-Fi?
Some programs on the computer will give verbal/video instruction rather than all reading.
Something like Story of the World on CD to listen to history instead of read it?
Get something like EZ Grammar in one of the easier levels.. it's only a page or two a day so easy to get through.. and will cover your basics.. and it's a work book so easy to do without much help (for those that can read some).
Why not make a list for each child..
child enjoys -
child needs help with -
child needs things to work around a particular problem -
Then you can see that for instance.. everyone can listen to Story of the World (or simliar) for history.
You can pick literature toward interests to help with that for a time. (why fight with a child when good literature comes in so many "flavors")
You can figure out which things in particular you have to do and which problems can be worked around with other helps.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: June 02 2010 at 11:54pm | IP Logged
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So Janet, are you saying that your 3 highest ANALYZE needs are:
A
1. meet individual needs of each child at different skill levels
2. meet individual needs of each child in different subjects
3. delegate planning
Or
B
1. help each student to have less disparity in skill level among subjects
2. low cost
3. find ways to work together as a family on subject content
Or
Another set of 3? Do you see what I mean? By taking what's most important from the ANALYZE step, you can move into the STRATEGIZE step with focus and less competing (and sometimes conflicting) desires.
For example, set "A" strategizing would look more like finding a pre-packaged curriculum where a student can test into subjects and start at the level they are currently. Set "B" strategizing would look more like focusing on improving weak skill sets for each student while doing family work together based on simple planning by mom using free/low cost materials.
Different STRATEGIES will direct us toward different ATTACK, too. But I don't want to get ahead of ourselves  .
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: June 03 2010 at 1:22am | IP Logged
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Janet, I think Angie is giving wise advice in that narrowing your focus a bit--defining top 3 priorities--will be very helpful. Otherwise it can just be too overwhelming.
I can actually see the following scenario working well in your situation:
First, you define areas of strength and weakness for each child.
Have each child design an independent large project in areas of strength. Since it is a strength area for the child,he will function mostly independently and you will function mostly as head cheerleader and supply clerk (and safety officer) during project time.
Then while they are all working away happily at the things they love and are good at, you can pull each child in turn and work with them one-on-one in areas of weakness (lit for one, reading for another, etc).For each child this will be a single subject for which you have purchased materials at just the right level for that one specific child to help them build up specific areas of weakness.
I think this approach allows you to tailor your curriculum to each child's various levels without going nutso.
You may also want to have one area where you all come together for a group study (perhaps biology or history). This would be the only subject you would have to worry about planning for multiple levels.
Oh, and I would totally let the 7yo tag along with the older brother for all science projects. How awesome is that?!?
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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ALmom
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| Posted: June 03 2010 at 9:41am | IP Logged
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Ok - all the stuff about packaged curriculum was a pity party. I know it won't work. Let me see if I can give some better prioritization. Thanks!
Help in planning a unified science focus ( will need more plans for the oldest and a means for documentation for high school credit - everyone else will wing it just fine from materials and follow 13 year old). Biolgoy will be the main focus. I flounder in science so I fall into a textbook that I know doesn't work, that we all hate, just because I don't know any other way to do it for my very systematic, disciplined oldest boy who wants to know what is required so he can just do it. He will plan his own schedule, determine his own time needs, etc. I just need sequence and some sort of means of making sure he really understands what he is doing. (Remember I'm a science dunce so making my own tests, coming up with discussion, etc. won't work. With my younger children, there is a confidence that once they get off, they somehow figure it all out because it is a passion. With this child - he is more about getting the work done systematically, and in a timely manner. That doesn't always mean full comprehension.
Help in keeping my history doable - mostly a really good overview. Since my children are visual or kinesthetic learners, I thought a great visual display and some project ideas would be great. Ancient History is probably the focus. I love history so this is a subject I am intensely picky about, and I often overdo. I want help keeping the must dos simple so that the children have time to pursue their own interests here and get inspired - but can put it in some sort of context.
low cost means of remediating weak areas that include accountability that is easy for me to stay on top of.
Follow with summary of strengths and weaknesses after I have time to think about how to post without too much information.
Janet
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: June 03 2010 at 10:29am | IP Logged
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ALmom wrote:
| Ok - all the stuff about packaged curriculum was a pity party. I know it won't work. Let me see if I can give some better prioritization. Thanks! |
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Yep, a packaged curriculum is a strategy that can only work if the analyzing before it fits. When a mom wants to keep costs low, has a variety of supplies at home, wants to meet her students needs where they are at, wants to work across age levels on some things, well, that doesn't lend itself to a pre-packaged curriculum.
ALmom wrote:
| Help in planning a unified science focus ( will need more plans for the oldest and a means for documentation for high school credit - everyone else will wing it just fine from materials and follow 13 year old). Biolgoy will be the main focus. I flounder in science so I fall into a textbook that I know doesn't work, that we all hate, just because I don't know any other way to do it for my very systematic, disciplined oldest boy who wants to know what is required so he can just do it. He will plan his own schedule, determine his own time needs, etc. I just need sequence and some sort of means of making sure he really understands what he is doing. (Remember I'm a science dunce so making my own tests, coming up with discussion, etc. won't work. With my younger children, there is a confidence that once they get off, they somehow figure it all out because it is a passion. With this child - he is more about getting the work done systematically, and in a timely manner. That doesn't always mean full comprehension. |
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Biology it is. It sounds to me like you want a straight forward Biology text, divided into a traditional course of weekly study. From here, you could copy the course outline from the text and google experiment ideas for the rest of your students to do once a week. Prior to the experiment, you can have your freshman give a quick presentation on what he has learned on the subject matter.
ALmom wrote:
| Help in keeping my history doable - mostly a really good overview. Since my children are visual or kinesthetic learners, I thought a great visual display and some project ideas would be great. Ancient History is probably the focus. I love history so this is a subject I am intensely picky about, and I often overdo. I want help keeping the must dos simple so that the children have time to pursue their own interests here and get inspired - but can put it in some sort of context. |
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How about making your display using something like Bar Chart Quick Study guides which fold up nicely, are durable, and easy to follow. Then use your library or Netflix or Teachwithmovies.org to watch related movies.
ALmom wrote:
| low cost means of remediating weak areas that include accountability that is easy for me to stay on top of. |
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You want to put your money into the areas you feel are the highest need/weakness.
A little later, I can update the ASA format above to see where we're at now.
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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KASB
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| Posted: June 03 2010 at 10:54am | IP Logged
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Janet,
I wish my oldest and his wife were here - they could provide tutoring in German, science and history! Pray for that, because it is a real possibility. In the meantime, I haven't had a chance to really read through all the replies, which I know have wonderful advice, but I want to throw out a couple more ideas.
Biology - take a look at this resource A Life of Life Start with the March archives and you will have a small, digestible daily lesson. Shameless plug for my oldest son  Also, I will keep you informed about a new online Catholic science site he is developing. It should be up and running soon.
German - I will ask my lovely daughter-in-law if she has any suggestions and let you know.
Latin - I know there are many strong opinions about the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) , but you may want to look at their Grammar I course. The work can be done independently, the child can progress at his own pace and online support is available. Financial aid is available, and generously supplied.
We've missed seeing you all around as you've been dealing with everything- we've been praying! Let me know if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Kym
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Erin
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| Posted: June 03 2010 at 3:35pm | IP Logged
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Janet
Great to see you back Only have a quick moment, but for German have you considered Livemocha? My dd has been enjoying their free site to learn Spanish.
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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ALmom
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| Posted: June 03 2010 at 6:11pm | IP Logged
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Oh, guys, Thank you, Thank you. Can I send cyber hugs. I feel refreshed already. You are the very best curriculum consultants!!!!
Angie - those Bar Chart Quick study Guides look great. Are they from a Catholic perspective? Do they integrate civilizations or are they all truncated - a box for Greece, a box for Rome, a box for Egypt. I tried to take a closer look and couldn't really tell. I want my children to see at a glance the interrelationship between those ancient cultures - including those of the Bible. At $4 it is probably worth getting regardless -as a starting point at least.
I was actually hoping to find something done mostly with pictures - my children ignore words a lot but this is cheap enough that it will buy me time to build my own picture version and still get started! It might be something we build as we go. Plus it will keep me from making my charts too detailed and busy!!! (I have lots of laminated picture cards from ABCs of Christian Culture (and great map work in this) and from Catholic timeline (RC history) and I figured I could somehow illustrate a timeline summary of the most pivotal events of Ancient history on one of those science trifold display boards with a timeline for each civilization but one on top of the other so you can see relative time sequence. Maybe my artsy highschooler will help me with this (and I could give her her high school history credit!!!! (once she is done with her Theology and Algebra II) and be done with one more course!
My idea is to now go through the archives (after I get my little organized chart)and peruse my shelves for what I already have, look at movies by time (appropriate for whole family and I think netflix does have the Footsteps of the Bible series - think that is what it is called but I can double check with IP catelogue) and see if there are some others that will work, pull out projects I have (model of a Roman ship, Scientific Explorer Ancient Rome, etc.) and peruse the archives for really great books in this period (both readable history (not textbook) and historical fiction. I have a tome on the History of Israel - but think it will need to serve more as a reference.
My idea for plans is to alternate something to read with something to do for my science fan - but I plan to have some reading choices that involve biographies of ancient scientists and I am setting aside some funding to purchase the book Concepts (how scientific inventions changed history from ancient to modern) My youngers will have a fun picture book read aloud, Bible history stories and will participate in projects. My 13 year old could join in on the read alouds and/or I could alternate between his level and picture books and we could discuss a bit. My highschooler will have some Kolbe paper topics from the two Ancient time periods and the rest we'll try to just make an occassional presentation to the family (fear and trembling here - he hates to talk) on something that particularly got his interest. I'm sure all my boys could get together and re-enact a few of the battles. The one fear I still have is that my oldest does not like to wait for me to discuss, etc. He just wants to get on with it. He is militarily precise in the middle of a family of creative artists who probably drive him nuts. He is anxious to get his license so he will never be late again.
This sounds reasonably do-able and not too taxing. I will probably formulate a list of names and dates at the end and see how many we remember. (I am not a precise date person especially in ancient when there is so much debate about precise dates anyways - but I'd like to know they have a sequence).
When I'm further along on planning, I may post a question like - Does anyone have a good picture book recommendation that covers Greek architecture for my science/art fans.
Kym: Thanks for the link to Life of Life - those look great and I will be sure to reference them. I am diligently praying for your son and daughter in law to move here. I will hire them to teach here without a doubt - no matter what it costs. A real Catholic teaching science in a fun way .... without all the agendas. Oh heaven!!!! In the meantime thanks for the ideas everyone.
I assume that I could print off Life of Life on my color printer and place them in a binder? If they are on line and not in print, we just will never use them. It will be one of my resources if I can purchase a print version or print these off.
I'm still floundering - but I do think a text outline is probably best for my highschooler. I'm not sure about the presentation, we'd have some tension if he presented to his 13 year old brother who would probably correct any mistakes and they are sometimes over competitive. Also highschooler hates to talk, he hates group work - but on further thinking, it might be a great way for him to shine if he presents to the younger boys (10 and 7). It is an area I want him to develop and if I tell him these oral presentations are in lieux of the Kolbe ones, he'd be thrilled. The more I think about it, it is a great way to streamline stuff to do - public speaking, and language mechanics (grammar, punctuation, spelling) are the big weak areas. Maybe I could alternate between oral summary presentation and written one - or even have him do it briefing style to get in practice for that AF career. Aaah, lots of possibilities here to talk to dh about.
Now another question. Do you have to do tests in science in order to give high school credit? How do you make sure they know the vocabulary? Does anyone have a really good text recommendation? I know I will need additional booklists.
Labs like dissection the two olders could do together and show the youngers. I already have the tools (college grade) and just need specimens but I already know where to order those.
I do want to incorporate nature sketching and jounaling for all of us and maybe could set aside at least one day/week for this. Outside, fresh air - restoration. For the youngers I'm just fine if that is the majority of what they do along with reading something like the Life of life or Arnosky books or ....
What I will really need help with is a list of really good (think what an adult amateur who is passionate about the subject would read - minus too much detail in areas that I wouldn't want a young 13 yo reading on his own until we have completed our own private talks - and no graphic pictures!) He has already read a bunch of Fabre books. My problem with the 13 year old is that he will devour everything in one week (before the school year starts) and then we are scrounging for more to read and do. Also - while it is not in the budget yet, I know we will need to save and get a microscope - one that will last this child through high school and beyond. Any recommendations so I know what to save for. He literally devours science. I could sell the other one - or let the youngers use it to just learn how to use a microscope and look at small objects up close.
We have plenty of tadpoles, etc. to watch life cycle and that kind of thing for the youngers. A lot of this is abundant for free in our own yard. I know my son is already planning a year round greenhouse on wheels once we have the money for supplies.
Any really good suggestions to expand this - and to entice him into an investigation in the fungi and microscopic world. Geepers - we missed the opportunity of a lifetime - maybe we should have saved one small section of our A/C ductwork to study mold that makes people sick. Then again it is probably a good thing that it is out of here!!!
I showed my son the link to Grammar I, CLAA and he absolutely loved it. It is so much his learning style. It is exactly how he learned to read English at 6 - reading Lord of the Rings with siblings answering questions about words and structure. His comment was, that would be great mom and I wouldn't have to wait around for you. Doing something real, will make all the difference in how engaging it is to him. As long as his poor mom keeps up with holding him accountable for drill. But once he doesn't do hot on the first test, he is likely to figure it out and .... Now to see if we can afford it.
Erin: Thank you for the link to livemocha. Does it give a systematic presentation of the language's grammar. We have a German tutor (free of charge) who is a native German so talking and conversation aren't as much a problem though this will be nice when there are long vacation breaks. She just happens to know the language because she speaks it but the particular son is visual and very, very systematic. He likes rules! A grammar workbook for occassional use would probably be great, something like French Now but German.
My other dd - the one about to graduate from high school is all about teaching herself some languages once she is finally out of school and doesn't have to answer to anyone. She'll have a blast with this site, I'm sure. I noticed that they offer Cantoneese which is cool, since this is the language of older generations in dh side of the family.
Oh, Kym, I am so looking forward to seeing everyone at the Latin Mass. Now that piano is over (and I have specifically asked for a different piano day when it resumes next week), I should be able to make it on a regular basis now. Thanks for prayers - we are still searching for dd health issues and I have a little biopsy, so this is all especially appreciated. Please let me know if your son publishes anything in print! I'm first in line to purchase it!
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Donna Marie
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: New Jersey
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Posts: 2530
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| Posted: June 04 2010 at 4:04pm | IP Logged
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You have a treasure-trove of advice here..I just want to add...
Go to adoration. Pour your heart out to God and then pray for each child individually.
Make a list of things you think you want to teach them and character traits you want to see improved upon..etc
Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with what you need to do for each of them and for your family in general.
Bring a notebook and just brainstorm..I can't tell you how much this helps me..after all, this whole business is really God's to begin with. I am just trying to figure out what that business is and how to carry it out...LOL
As for visuals,
I love this book..and I think it is being reprinted:
2000 Years of Christianity by Gloria Thomas There is a nice picture spread of each century that would be wonderful for display! They have a smaller version of this book too that is postcard sized.
and we use the timelines that Our Father's House sells for each time period...Our Father's House
timeline cards make good review tools(as games) as well as visuals too! RC History and the ABC's of Christian Culture are 2 good ones to start with (from a Catholic perspective)
I used the books Pegs of HistoryOOP but available from used book sellers and 10 Dates Every Catholic Should Know last year and had the kids make their own notebook page dividers or just plain scrapbook/notebook pages on each section that they could add other pictures to later, if they so wished...(we are all very visual here). This was either very plain or very artistic...and it made the work fun. So maybe you can adapt this idea for a visual for your children depending on what they are studying??
Science I am still working on..but I am looking for visual ideas too! I was thinking of just starting out with nature study and nature drawing and just displaying some of those wonderful books. Like Country Diary of an Edwardian lady...etc.. I was thinking of different units I wanted them to cover and making their notebooks cover the highlights visually (I have very little wall space) through divider cards in their notebooks and any hands-on review cards stored in plastic holders behind the divider followed by any other work.
My older ones will be covering an overview of chemistry for the first quarter and are reading a lot of living books based on that subject. They are making outlines of basic info covered and adding illustrations for their work as they go along and then they have a lab section complete with photos of them doing the work.
For my highschoolers we are doing more of EPIC so we are doing lots of color coding( notebook, review cards) based on that timeline and displaying that timeline on the wall.
We do the Latin from the Roots Up CARDS for vocabulary...and I display one of those every day for memorization and then review the past days/weeks cards...we make this as fun as we can..but having one place to post little memorization things and finding a good way to challenge them to go there and learn it every day is a bonus. I keep telling them "just 10 minutes and you got a lot of work done".."just pay attention to this for 10 minutes"...you would be surprised how well this works. I do this for everything from phonics/ grammar to vocab or dates..or whatever...
I hope this helps somewhat...i am a little cross-eyed reading through your post because my eyes are photo-sensitive because of my high cortisol issues. But, I thought I would share and if you can adapt any of these ideas for your own use, then go for it!
__________________
God love you!
Donna Marie from NJ
hs momma to 9dc!!
Finding Elegant Simplicity
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ALmom
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| Posted: June 04 2010 at 6:25pm | IP Logged
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Donna: Thank you for the timeline suggestion. I've gotten a number of things from Julie Fogassy over the years and always been pleased. I think we could just display those side by side with corresponding dates. I already have her cards, maps, etc.
10 Dates Every Catholic Should Know - just the way I want to do history - with pegs that we can learn and then our own reading to fill in greater details and expand our horizons - and all from a Catholic perspective without sugar coating the sins of some of the members.
Other than Pegs of History, I already have everything else so I have plenty of resources around here in history.
If you are looking for some visual displays for chemistry, I have a fun sight we used with one of mine to help memorize element symbols - said he had to see what the stuff looked like before he could memorize it.
Look on periodictable.com copyright by Theodore Gray. We used the photographic card deck of the periodic table. He also has a plethora of other things. You can also get various charts/posters from school supply stores and if you shop at the end/beginning of the school year, a lot of it is on sale.
Also your very best idea: adoration (my hour is tomorrow AM anyways so what a great and timely suggestion).
First attempt at breakdown -
Child A (highschool) Liked Kolbe if I pare it down some (his suggestion to pick 2 paper topics per quarter in each subject - history, theology, literature), the EES was great which is a real timesaver for me. Avid reader. Strong visual learner, prefers a set plan he can follow to get it done and prefers to work alone.
Reading is such a strong point - and history is also a strong interest. I don't want to overtax him with papers (but need to do enough to work on the writing area which is weak and doing a lot and submitting to EES worked very, very well). I'd like to take advantage of his reading and retention on reading material particularly when he is not required to give a bunch of output. Idea - intersperse history reading where no output is demanded with the reading that requires papers. Then once per month, we could have a family sharing of what we were all learning in history. (For this child, I'd have to put some specific requirements like - must speak for .... or he might honestly give one sentence).
Need more time to discuss or built in discussion that doesn't derail his meticulous planning. Not sure how to do this (would above ideas do this or allow for more of this without the "course" being so dependent on it?) He did light up with the idea of presenting a lesson to the younger 2 boys in science so a once per week here would work.
He is all about seeing what has to be done, dividing it out and pacing himself. He hates being delayed waiting. I don't have to worry much about record keeping with this one - he is really good at doing this himself.
Want to develop public speaking skills, keep moving forward on essay writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation. Develop speed in math. We have tools in spelling, grammar/punctuation so makes sense to keep on with what has already worked well.
work on communication skills and build confidence.
Rule based and systematic. Great organizational skills. A German grammar workbook would be a great supplement to his German tutor and provide a little more thoroughness to his study.
Want to put a little more beauty and fine arts in his life - not his favorite at all. (Nature sketching?, a family art class?)
Because he likes to work alone most and hates waiting around for me to discuss, I need means of assessing and knowing where to "discuss" so I don't waste any time with him.
The one thing I didn't like about last year was that he is so diligent and with standard assessment tools, he'd do his work, do his tests and his main concern was meeting deadlines and being done. I often felt out of the loop in what he was thinking or learning. I want more interaction with him - but without it becoming a drag to him or his "schedule". He likes his routine and order and hates us interfering with that. The one course that was more "discussion" oriented is the only course we seriously are stressed over in terms of accomplishing what we wanted to accomplish.
goal - pilot,
Child B -
literature avoider - reads things like a science text. If he reads any lit, it will be adventure but I want what he reads to lead him to deal with matters of the heart -not just science. Booklist would be helpful.
creative, independent learner who tends to have to have a reason to do something. Almost entirely hands on and totally self directed in passions.
Awesome public speaking skills. Great leader and people person.
Continue to work on attention to detail especially in directions, keeping up with plans - if something isn't written down, he is off doing science and forgets that he owes me a paper. Accountability is huge with this one. Can become sloppy, forgetful, ... even forget entire subjects. I need someone for him to hand papers in to. He pays more attention when it is someone other than mom - and he does a better job of actually doing it.
Has asked for Art and Latin (CLAA looks like a perfect fit for the way he learns). He is best at researching and teaching himself in passions as long as we have enough to challenge him.
Grammar, accountability in writing on a regular basis are the biggies for this one. Also some means of keeping him at literature reading and discussion to get to the deeper matters.
Need good science source recommendations. I don't have to plan for him - just have lots and lots of suitable material available. He will end up teaching all the children younger in age in science so the only one I really have to actually plan the science for is the oldest.
Literature - how to entice and lead him to dig a bit deeper into the matters of the heart rather than just the obvious.
Other children later. Edited to add others and modified a bit on the above.
Child C - cooperative, does what is asked, have to watch that material isn't totally non-engaging because the child won't complain. He'll just trudge along and never think to tell me that he hates it.
needs to learn cursive, develop more fine motor in the writing - more appropriate print size
literature - read (anything of quality that would engage him)
gentle, slow easing into writing somehow.
very quiet and easily discouraged.
primarily visual in learning style
needs plans just to know what to do - but I want the plans to be gentle and light. I have MODG 4th grade plans already. Poetry and Latin plans from here worked well. Not sure about the English. Bible plans and History plans definitely didn't work that well with him.
Want a lot of read alouds in history and science. Want to see him get inspired with reading something. Would like to have some time to snuggle and learn more what interests this one. He follows his brother around in science - but doesn't like to read science books - doesn't like to read anything. He is a good reader and does seem to follow a story when we have read something together. He does observe and learn a lot so I'm not worried at all about the science. My biggest priority with this child is to engage him in reading, and to get him to express himself in some way.
Art - doesn't particularly like this but I think it would be a great way to overcome some lags in fine motor with an enthusiastic, gentle teacher who was teaching everyone together so one child's enthusiasm might rub off - We have a teacher willing to come to our house I'm looking into that possibility.
(We have just resolved vision issues in the last year)
Child D
inveterate talker who is hungry for challenges but wants too much to tell you what to do. Will even try to argue with his violin teacher on how to play the violin He loves performing. Seems to be an extremely auditory learner. Needs a little sitting on to be disciplined - reminders for chores, ....
Never meets a stranger, very social.
Has started to read, needs to continue there.
Really, really needs to write letters and numbers.
Needs read alouds mostly for the snuggle time and attention from me. He might be a great discussion starter if he doesn't dominate.
We need a schedule or anchors to our day so he will get the sense of effort, work, etc. but not too much rigidity and keep things short and sweet with hands on extensions that he can do on his own - something really challenging. I need to come across as in charge without dominating/keeping us from rabbit trails. Just that this child will try to tell you what he should do -like play candy math all day when what he really needs to do is not practice adding - but practice writing his numbers which he'd rather not do.
He listens in on older brothers lessons and has picked up a lot of math, poetry recitation, Latin etc. If he hears it, he most likely can and will repeat it.
He would probably be highly motivated by some sort of performance - ie recite the poem you learned, read the story out loud for .... whereas most of my others would prefer not to be put on the spot. Anything that allows a little showing off. But don't want to overdo this and create a character flaw either.
Has received first Confession - need to prepare him for First Communion.
Religion (Bible stories and catechism review, saints stories and liturgical year), read alouds, nature walks (and whatever he does with the older boys), writing practice and practice reading on his own is probably a good solid core for him.
One of the biggest things I want to do is to have a reasonable time for liturgical celebrations and morning family time (maybe read a life of the saint, devotion or some lovely creative activity for a feast day). The hard part is finding something that is right for the wide age range, isn't too long or short and something that doesn't make the olders stress out on losing prime study time. My olders have always dreaded this (not a good thing to have family devotion be a dreaded time) because the youngers dawdle and it takes so long to gather and then me (being wordy) get all excited and (not having an internal clock at all) we drag it out and the other talker among us has to say his piece too and ..... I'll need some preset plan for this time to insure that it stays short.
How or when do others celebrate feast days, do tea or such. I've looked at this and well - really wanted to incorporate something - but it just seems so hard to pull anything off consistently other than Advent and Lent.
I'm trying to avoid the temptation to pack too much into a day.
Janet
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Help
