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time4tea
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Joined: June 02 2005
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Posts: 511
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| Posted: May 18 2009 at 9:42am | IP Logged
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HI All,
We ended up re-enrolling our family in MODG again this year, and I am feeling ambivalent about it. Basically, we decided in the end to go with it because of our two oldest high school aged dc (will be in 11th and 9th). The 11th grader in particular has been happy (for the first time, I might add) with his schoolwork and has gained a definite sense of confidence this year as a result of a great working relationship he has had with his teacher (he is in Teacher Assisted/Teacher Directed with MODG). Our younger ds views much of it as "busy work", but loves the Latin and has already completed Freshman Latin with MODG. Also, I don't know Latin, so having a teacher to help him has been a lifesaver for me.
The real dilemma for me is with my two younger dc, one going into 4th and the other a 1st/2nd grader (due to a later birthday, she is kind of in-between levels). I really don't care for the curriculum MODG offers for the K-7 graders Yes, some of it is okay, but by and large, I don't like all of the jumping around from book to book, the Sound Beginnings and Writing Road to Reading, and, in the case of my oldest dd, the Latin. This dd wants to study French and being that she is a scholarship student in a pre-professional ballet program, I can see the logic in allowing her to do Memoria's First Start French instead of Latina Christiana.
I like the fact that MODG is accredited and that they offer things like the TA/TD program for the older (esp. high school age) kids, but I am really having a hard time getting excited about another year of the curriculum with my dc.
Our consultant is a very nice woman, but she is not very organized. We organize her more than she organizes us, in fact! Unfortunately, we don't get paid to organize her, we pay her to organize us  . It's really frustrating.
I do want something for my two younger ones that I can feel confident all the bases are covered and that doesn't require me to do do all of the plans from scratch. I also have a toddler in tow, and get very frazzled when trying to do it "all" on my own.
I know that many of you have been enrolled or used a pre-set curriculum at some point in time. Did you experience this kind of remorse, and if so, how did you resolve it? Thanks in advance!
__________________
Blessings to you!
~Tea
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Becky Parker
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Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
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| Posted: May 18 2009 at 11:23am | IP Logged
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Hi Tea,
I just wanted to say we use MODG, and with the help of my consultant we've tweaked it quite a bit. My ds used the syllabus as it is, and it was a great fit for him. My dd needed a few changes because some of the curriculum was not a right fit for her. My 3rd child has some special needs and I don't even use the syllabus for him, but I do get lots of help from my consultant and she helps me find curriculum that will help him but still be "approved" by MODG. (It has to be approved for the accredidation.)
I went with them because they are accredited, which is important to my dh, and because I like the way MODG incorporates narration, picture study, and some of the other CM things.
I remember making the decision. It was so hard because I had done things on my own until then. At first I felt like I had to let go of my creativity and "ownership" of my dc education. But, i was getting to the point that I just needed direction and assurance that my kids were getting an education. Maybe I was burning out and I just needed someone else to tell me what to do. Whatever the reason, it's been a real help, and I don't feel out of control at all. I definitely have a say in what we use for curriculum and I'm still the teacher.
I don't think it's for everyone. I have close friends who use Seton, Kolbe, strict Montessori, CHC, CM, etc. We all love to talk about our different methods, understanding that God leads each of us on a different path, but always with the same goal.
If you aren't happy with your consultant, I would request a new one. Mine has become a friend, and it's wonderful that she knows my kids and their needs. I don't have to explain ds's learning struggles when I talk to her, she knows my dd is very creative, etc.
So, don't feel bad about enrolling. It's okay. As a matter of fact, if you feel that is where God wants you, it's all good  .
Oh, and just an aside ... we ended up enrolling our ds in highschool this year. It's a long story, but a happy one. Anyway, because of the accredidation, enrolling him went very smoothly, we just had his records transferred from MODG. AND, he's getting straight A's. This school is well known for high academic standards and several of his teachers commented on how well prepared he was for highschool. So, I don't know if I can credit MODG for that. I think homeschooled kids just know how to learn! But it did give me some assurance!
__________________
Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
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Tami
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Joined: Dec 27 2006
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| Posted: May 18 2009 at 12:14pm | IP Logged
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Tea, I want to second what Becky wrote!
You are seeing some good fruit with your older children, but as with everything, there is no 'perfect' solution, no 'perfect' fit. I think that's just the consequence of our humanity.
I believe the curriculum could be tweaked perhaps more than you realize for your younger ones. Or maybe just a different way of using the same materials...
Please, call the office and discuss the situation with the appropriate person, esp. about your concerns with your consultant. This is resolveable!
:)
ETA: I just realized that in the enrollment book is a list of contacts - you'll want to call the Director of Consultants - she can help you with curriculum issues and if your current consultant isn't the best match for you.
Hope this helps! :)
__________________
God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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Topic: Re-enrolled and feeling remorseful.......
