Read Board: Homeschooling
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857614 by Uncorny Acorns
Jul 12, 2014 5:47pm
First look up your state requirements or check out HSLDA. Each state has their own regulations and most schools dont know the homeschool laws. Some states require .uch more than others.
Some publishers include tests others do not. Read the descriptions of the things you are considering. It should be listed as one of the features. I don't use much purchased curriculum for literature any more. We read, discuss and write.
One thi g I found helpful was to talk with my students a out our style of learning/teaching. I was able to eliminate a lot of things because it wasn't fitting our style.
Mamanator
Some publishers include tests others do not. Read the descriptions of the things you are considering. It should be listed as one of the features. I don't use much purchased curriculum for literature any more. We read, discuss and write.
One thi g I found helpful was to talk with my students a out our style of learning/teaching. I was able to eliminate a lot of things because it wasn't fitting our style.
Mamanator
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857614 by Uncorny Acorns
Jul 12, 2014 5:54pm
Welcome to the whacky world of homeschooling! Yes, check with HSLDA for your states requirements. Also see if your state has a statewide homeschool group- they may have a website with lots of info. Meeting with your education specialist??? Are you in a state that requires you to get your curriculum ok'd by them? Join any Facebook or yahoo groups that let you know about events or classes in your area, a support group is a good way for you to meet other Moms and students with similar interests.
I'm also not a fan (to put it mildly) of Common Core or public school online.
Over the years, we've used done a mixture of things- curriculum wise we've used books from one publisher (ABEKA) as well as a mixture of different publishers-secular and christian. We have also done different things for classes and extracurricular activities- a few classes for the older ones (upper middle school & high school) at Co-ops, all classes at home, and one was enrolled as a student with CLASS (Christian Liberty Academy School system). We gear it towards each student's needs and where we are in life. Now I have 2 graduates, one who graduated from college with two degrees, 2nd in college, a rising 11th grader, rising 8th grader and rising 4th grader.
Go on your own for LIT! Have fun with it. I personally don't have my kids do a 'set' lit program until high school, they are constantly reading and usually have more than one book going at a time. You could dabble in to 'delight based learning' (following the student's interests) for Lit and have them write about what interests them. My second son taught himself Marine and Fresh Water Biology by reading books to set up and maintain his fish tanks. (and later made a A in Marine Biology without even trying) But....... if I had to rely on them to 'learn' their math or language this way, they would remain blissfully ignorant. There are some subjects that they just have to take whether they like it or not. Quiz your friends, go to homeshool conventions if there are any more being held in your state before school starts back up. Used book sales are fantastic!!! They are a good way to get to look through books and see if they fit your student's learning style.
If you get books that you both hate, you can either- grit your teeth and get through them for the year or try something else! If you are budget conscience like me, used book sites are great on the internet also. Oh, if you can get current catalogs from publishers, get them, that way you will know the retail price on the books you are interested in. (some people are VERY proud of their used books and price them at almost retail prices)
If you are working on a subject and your child 'gets it' there is need to do endless review problems, move on! If they don't get it, slow down! You are the teacher and know your student best!!!!
I don't order a whole grade of curriculum from anyone- by that I mean a box with everything you need for that grade. I don't always do all the 'subjects' that are included in those and my kids have worked above and below their grade level in some subjects.
Feel free to send me a private message. Have a wonderful year- Relax, you'll do great!
I'm also not a fan (to put it mildly) of Common Core or public school online.
Over the years, we've used done a mixture of things- curriculum wise we've used books from one publisher (ABEKA) as well as a mixture of different publishers-secular and christian. We have also done different things for classes and extracurricular activities- a few classes for the older ones (upper middle school & high school) at Co-ops, all classes at home, and one was enrolled as a student with CLASS (Christian Liberty Academy School system). We gear it towards each student's needs and where we are in life. Now I have 2 graduates, one who graduated from college with two degrees, 2nd in college, a rising 11th grader, rising 8th grader and rising 4th grader.
Go on your own for LIT! Have fun with it. I personally don't have my kids do a 'set' lit program until high school, they are constantly reading and usually have more than one book going at a time. You could dabble in to 'delight based learning' (following the student's interests) for Lit and have them write about what interests them. My second son taught himself Marine and Fresh Water Biology by reading books to set up and maintain his fish tanks. (and later made a A in Marine Biology without even trying) But....... if I had to rely on them to 'learn' their math or language this way, they would remain blissfully ignorant. There are some subjects that they just have to take whether they like it or not. Quiz your friends, go to homeshool conventions if there are any more being held in your state before school starts back up. Used book sales are fantastic!!! They are a good way to get to look through books and see if they fit your student's learning style.
If you get books that you both hate, you can either- grit your teeth and get through them for the year or try something else! If you are budget conscience like me, used book sites are great on the internet also. Oh, if you can get current catalogs from publishers, get them, that way you will know the retail price on the books you are interested in. (some people are VERY proud of their used books and price them at almost retail prices)
If you are working on a subject and your child 'gets it' there is need to do endless review problems, move on! If they don't get it, slow down! You are the teacher and know your student best!!!!
I don't order a whole grade of curriculum from anyone- by that I mean a box with everything you need for that grade. I don't always do all the 'subjects' that are included in those and my kids have worked above and below their grade level in some subjects.
Feel free to send me a private message. Have a wonderful year- Relax, you'll do great!
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857614 by Uncorny Acorns
Jul 12, 2014 5:59pm
Don't worry, you won't screw this up! Choose a style that best fits your personality and passion. I only caution about making kids do busy work; yuck! Personally I used Dr. Raymond Moores approach to unschooling. You can find out about it here:
Web Sites pertaining to Delayed Academics:
The Moore Foundation
Books Pertaining to the Moore Formula/Delayed Academics:
The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook, by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
Better Late Than Early, by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
My son is 23 studying Chemistry, doing research using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer at Sonoma State and preparing to attend grad school next year. My daughter is 20 and just started UC San Diego doing research in cognition and perception. My 18 year ołd son is following in their footsteps by attending community college first. They were all unschooled and per Dr. Moore's theory they did grow up to absolutely love learning. I'd feel totally fine doing only math formally the next two years if I was you.
On the practical side: Teaching Text Books is good for math; especially if they are studying above what you yourself studied. If a Christian point if view is ok Excellence in Writing by Andrew Pudewa is great! My kids got super high marks on SATs and state standardized tests and this was the only course they ever took. (1 year). If you happen to have a dyslexic child I highly recommend AVKO. Very inexpensive and highly effective.
Most importantly; enjoy!
Web Sites pertaining to Delayed Academics:
The Moore Foundation
Books Pertaining to the Moore Formula/Delayed Academics:
The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook, by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
Better Late Than Early, by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
My son is 23 studying Chemistry, doing research using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer at Sonoma State and preparing to attend grad school next year. My daughter is 20 and just started UC San Diego doing research in cognition and perception. My 18 year ołd son is following in their footsteps by attending community college first. They were all unschooled and per Dr. Moore's theory they did grow up to absolutely love learning. I'd feel totally fine doing only math formally the next two years if I was you.
On the practical side: Teaching Text Books is good for math; especially if they are studying above what you yourself studied. If a Christian point if view is ok Excellence in Writing by Andrew Pudewa is great! My kids got super high marks on SATs and state standardized tests and this was the only course they ever took. (1 year). If you happen to have a dyslexic child I highly recommend AVKO. Very inexpensive and highly effective.
Most importantly; enjoy!
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857614 by Uncorny Acorns
Jul 12, 2014 8:38pm
Welcome to homeschooling!! It is a choice my husband and I have never regretted making for our family!
Definitely check out the requirements of the state in which you reside! I also am a little perplexed about an "educational specialist". Is this a requirement of your state??
Do you live in an area where there is a homeschool group that you can join?? Many areas also have FB pages dedicating to helping homeschooling families.
There are many routes that a homeschooling family can choose: traditional, a mixture, or unschooled. I agree with another LBer that there are certain subjects, such as English and Math, that are musts-whether the child likes it or not. However there might be one set of curriculum that works better in that subject than another.
Testing:
Check your state requirements. In many states, a homeschool parent can administer most standardized tests IF that parent has a college degree. If the parent does not have a college degree, there are a couple of options. 1) Have another person administer the test (someone that does have the qualifications), or 2) there is one type of standardized test that can be administered by people who do not have a college degree.
Check your states requirements to see how often you need to give the standardized tests. In our state we are required to give them every 3 years. Within in the last year our state has made it mandatory in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and in 12th grades. (This worked for me, since I always did it on those year; but I have known some homeschoolers who were giving it on different years-but every third year- and now have to change what years they give it.)
Many states have allowed the SAT and ACT tests be used in place of the standardized tests in the high school years.
Remember to stay current on the rules of your state, since the rules can change from one year to the next.
Some states still require a homeschool student to take the GED when they finish high school. Our state changed that rule some years back. Our state ha also changed some of the rules about state scholarships available for college-bound homeschoolers.
Check your states HSLDA for many helps. My homeschool group is just one of many groups listed on our state's HSLDA. The HSLDA can probably show you homeschool groups that are in your area.
Both of my children have been homeschooled since kindergarten. My son will be starting his junior year in college and my daughter has already started her sophomore year in high school. They both have done very well in school. Most importantly, we have been able to decide what we want our children to learn (including studying Portuguese as a foreign language since they were in 1st grade). My children are best friends, and we are a close family unit partially due to homeschooling.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message.
Mrs. World Truthseeker
P.S. Some homeschool groups also will offer an event where new homeschoolers can learn about homeschooling and/or ask questions to those who have been homeschooling for a long time. :)
Definitely check out the requirements of the state in which you reside! I also am a little perplexed about an "educational specialist". Is this a requirement of your state??
Do you live in an area where there is a homeschool group that you can join?? Many areas also have FB pages dedicating to helping homeschooling families.
There are many routes that a homeschooling family can choose: traditional, a mixture, or unschooled. I agree with another LBer that there are certain subjects, such as English and Math, that are musts-whether the child likes it or not. However there might be one set of curriculum that works better in that subject than another.
Testing:
Check your state requirements. In many states, a homeschool parent can administer most standardized tests IF that parent has a college degree. If the parent does not have a college degree, there are a couple of options. 1) Have another person administer the test (someone that does have the qualifications), or 2) there is one type of standardized test that can be administered by people who do not have a college degree.
Check your states requirements to see how often you need to give the standardized tests. In our state we are required to give them every 3 years. Within in the last year our state has made it mandatory in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and in 12th grades. (This worked for me, since I always did it on those year; but I have known some homeschoolers who were giving it on different years-but every third year- and now have to change what years they give it.)
Many states have allowed the SAT and ACT tests be used in place of the standardized tests in the high school years.
Remember to stay current on the rules of your state, since the rules can change from one year to the next.
Some states still require a homeschool student to take the GED when they finish high school. Our state changed that rule some years back. Our state ha also changed some of the rules about state scholarships available for college-bound homeschoolers.
Check your states HSLDA for many helps. My homeschool group is just one of many groups listed on our state's HSLDA. The HSLDA can probably show you homeschool groups that are in your area.
Both of my children have been homeschooled since kindergarten. My son will be starting his junior year in college and my daughter has already started her sophomore year in high school. They both have done very well in school. Most importantly, we have been able to decide what we want our children to learn (including studying Portuguese as a foreign language since they were in 1st grade). My children are best friends, and we are a close family unit partially due to homeschooling.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message.
Mrs. World Truthseeker
P.S. Some homeschool groups also will offer an event where new homeschoolers can learn about homeschooling and/or ask questions to those who have been homeschooling for a long time. :)
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857614 by Uncorny Acorns
Jul 12, 2014 8:48pm
This book has an approach to literature that I liked:
"The Reader's Odyssey: An Individualized Literature Program for Homeschooling Middle and High School Students"– by Dena M. Luchsinger
When I checked it on Amazon just now, I noticed she has another book I have not read, called "Out of the Holding Tank: A Balanced Program of Language Arts for Homeschooling Middle School Students"
I understand working with an Educational Specialist. When going through a home-based charter, it can be helpful, but it's also the price one pays for getting some of the curriculum funding of a public school. For some, it's not a bad trade off, especially if your ES is good. If they are, hopefully they will be able to suggest good curriculum that meets your needs.
My biggest recommendation is to find some type of support for you, somehow. Having confidence in what you're doing while being flexible will make all the difference, and sometimes just having "veterans" tell you you're doing fine is a huge help!
"The Reader's Odyssey: An Individualized Literature Program for Homeschooling Middle and High School Students"– by Dena M. Luchsinger
When I checked it on Amazon just now, I noticed she has another book I have not read, called "Out of the Holding Tank: A Balanced Program of Language Arts for Homeschooling Middle School Students"
I understand working with an Educational Specialist. When going through a home-based charter, it can be helpful, but it's also the price one pays for getting some of the curriculum funding of a public school. For some, it's not a bad trade off, especially if your ES is good. If they are, hopefully they will be able to suggest good curriculum that meets your needs.
My biggest recommendation is to find some type of support for you, somehow. Having confidence in what you're doing while being flexible will make all the difference, and sometimes just having "veterans" tell you you're doing fine is a huge help!
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857630 by Traveling Garden Gnome
Jul 13, 2014 1:35pm
Thanks for the info about Unschooling...I know that the theory is what works best with daughter, but haven't found much towards applying it at this level.
She started kindergarten reading, writing and doing some math that she picked up through 'lifeskills'...Which I called unschooling. (Nothing rote or formal) I'd love to be able to get back to some of that love of learning, and getting her to learn through practical life skills.
We left our public school on a not-great note; I did K12/online through the end of last year but she needs more flexibility. So bear with me as I'm learning-by-doing! (And so is she! LOL)
She started kindergarten reading, writing and doing some math that she picked up through 'lifeskills'...Which I called unschooling. (Nothing rote or formal) I'd love to be able to get back to some of that love of learning, and getting her to learn through practical life skills.
We left our public school on a not-great note; I did K12/online through the end of last year but she needs more flexibility. So bear with me as I'm learning-by-doing! (And so is she! LOL)
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857662 by World Truthseeker
Jul 13, 2014 2:45pm
Thanks! We have a charter school in our area that is for homeschoolers that don't want to deal with the complicated legal aspects. Since we left our public school on a poor note and against the advice of...well, everyone..we are using them to make sure we cross all our T's. Hence the Educational Specialist who will make sure that our curriculum matches or exceeds state standards, and that we get whatever testing we need. She might also coordinate a 504 plan so that the state will cover the cost of therapy if we decide to pursue that route for dd. But she gave me a ton of links and a lot of freedom, which is good...I'm just a little overwhelmed by the options. I know we'll get there. And I really appreciate suggestions :-)
I'm hoping to find a group...do they have many family meet ups for older kids? It seems like I used to run into a lot of homeschoolers but since deciding to seriously consider/just do it; I've lost contact with them all.
I'm hoping to find a group...do they have many family meet ups for older kids? It seems like I used to run into a lot of homeschoolers but since deciding to seriously consider/just do it; I've lost contact with them all.
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857857 by Uncorny Acorns
Jul 13, 2014 2:51pm
Hello there!
Congrats on making the decision to hs. We are also doing this. Sounds like you are on the right track. There are conventions, co-ops, etc. to help.
I teacher at our co-op high school biology, chem, and physics. If you get plugged in somewhere it is amazing the doors that open. I find that most people who are "normal" homeschoolers don't advertise it much, but those who hs for "political" issues are more vocal. This is not always the case, but I hope you know what I mean. We do outings during school hours and run across other homeschoolers.
Best of luck to you
Congrats on making the decision to hs. We are also doing this. Sounds like you are on the right track. There are conventions, co-ops, etc. to help.
I teacher at our co-op high school biology, chem, and physics. If you get plugged in somewhere it is amazing the doors that open. I find that most people who are "normal" homeschoolers don't advertise it much, but those who hs for "political" issues are more vocal. This is not always the case, but I hope you know what I mean. We do outings during school hours and run across other homeschoolers.
Best of luck to you
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857667 by Monkeys!
Jul 13, 2014 2:54pm
Thank you!
I need to find some local support. I think everyone I knew who was homeschooling has gone back to 'regular' school or graduated out (or just moved away, or otherwise lost contact). We left in a hurry and not on a great note, so I'm still feeling unsettled, I definitely feel better having someone else take care of all the legal stuff and follow up on testing.
Right now, the ES offered so many options I'm just overwhelmed trying to look into them all! I think once I sort through more I'll feel better. I like some ideas for demonstrating knowledge we've come across (like "lapbooking"); but I'm not sure if there should still be regular testing throughout the year? Or just standardized testing at the end?
I'm adding more titles to my TBR list; thank you!
I need to find some local support. I think everyone I knew who was homeschooling has gone back to 'regular' school or graduated out (or just moved away, or otherwise lost contact). We left in a hurry and not on a great note, so I'm still feeling unsettled, I definitely feel better having someone else take care of all the legal stuff and follow up on testing.
Right now, the ES offered so many options I'm just overwhelmed trying to look into them all! I think once I sort through more I'll feel better. I like some ideas for demonstrating knowledge we've come across (like "lapbooking"); but I'm not sure if there should still be regular testing throughout the year? Or just standardized testing at the end?
I'm adding more titles to my TBR list; thank you!
Usborne vs Kingfisher for History
Board: Homeschooling
Aug 5, 2014 12:45pm
For a good, basic reference tool for Middle-High school; do you recommend Kingfisher or the internet linked Usborne books?
It looks like there are a lot of different opinions, and I don't think I want both. I read that Kingfisher is a problem for kids who get overwhelmed easily (which is daughter) but also great for kids who still struggle with outlining and taking notes (also very much my daughter).
Suggestions? My main plan is to use the state guidelines as our framework and each 'unit' we'll raid the library for materials to immerse ourselves in. :-) But a reference guide/text type book to get used to using for each unit would also be a good idea.
It looks like there are a lot of different opinions, and I don't think I want both. I read that Kingfisher is a problem for kids who get overwhelmed easily (which is daughter) but also great for kids who still struggle with outlining and taking notes (also very much my daughter).
Suggestions? My main plan is to use the state guidelines as our framework and each 'unit' we'll raid the library for materials to immerse ourselves in. :-) But a reference guide/text type book to get used to using for each unit would also be a good idea.
Re: Usborne vs Kingfisher for History
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #862114 by Uncorny Acorns
Aug 5, 2014 1:05pm
Love the Usborne books! They seem to be very user friendly.
Re: Usborne vs Kingfisher for History
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #862121 by S and D
Aug 6, 2014 11:49am
Do they grow with the kids? I know that by HS, neither would be the complete resource, but at this stage I don't want to choose something that is only good this year. I like the idea that Usborne has internet links already chosen and easily accessed, though.
(I know I'm overthinking this.)
(I know I'm overthinking this.)
Re: Usborne vs Kingfisher for History
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #862459 by Uncorny Acorns
Aug 6, 2014 11:57am
I have both. Usborne is more for younger kids. More pics, less words. Kingfisher is better for older kids. I feel it'd be fine for highschoolers, though by that time they can do library and internet research. I wouldn't think Usborne would be for high schoolers. Maybe you can compare them at a bookstore and see which would work for your child.
Re: Usborne vs Kingfisher for History
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #862114 by Uncorny Acorns
Aug 6, 2014 12:42pm
We own both resources. I use the usborne primarily with the elementary ages and the kingfisher as a basic outline/jumping off resource for the older children. Either one would work as a basic outline, but the kingfisher contains more information than the usborne. My computer motivated students enjoyed the computer links from usborne.
Re: Usborne vs Kingfisher for History
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #862480 by Mamanator
Aug 6, 2014 12:53pm
Are you linked into a homeschool group? I get used curriculum pretty easily.
Singapore Math
Board: Homeschooling
Aug 6, 2014 2:38pm
Has anyone used Singapore Math? We just joined a co-op that uses this math program so we really don't have a choice, but wanted to hear what others think about it. We've only done the placement tests and my son hated it. (of course, it's hard to explain that he's not supposed to be able to do everything and we are on vacation. LOL)
Re: Singapore Math
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #862529 by Raven
Aug 6, 2014 7:47pm
DS is going into first grade.
Re: Choosing Curriculum?
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #857819 by Uncorny Acorns
Aug 11, 2014 12:54pm
Last year,
I chose Calvert for both my children. While it worked well for the younger, it did not bode well with the older one. This year, I have chose to use Moving Beyond the Page for core on both, with Math U See for both as well. My older one thanked me for the switch!
I chose Calvert for both my children. While it worked well for the younger, it did not bode well with the older one. This year, I have chose to use Moving Beyond the Page for core on both, with Math U See for both as well. My older one thanked me for the switch!
Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Oct 13, 2014 9:51pm
Any tips for a resistant student?
She's pretty sure she already knows everything she needs to know and history is dumb.
A week without videos or video games...all she has to do is a few hours of work to earn them. (Not hard work, and not all at once.)
Incentive program in place...work=invite school friend over in afternoon and/or go on outing.
She's pretty sure she already knows everything she needs to know and history is dumb.
A week without videos or video games...all she has to do is a few hours of work to earn them. (Not hard work, and not all at once.)
Incentive program in place...work=invite school friend over in afternoon and/or go on outing.
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872395 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 13, 2014 11:28pm
take her on outings to local history sites, even if it's not "important" history. Getting hands on, walking where "they" walked, seeing what they saw, eating what they ate...if you have a living history museum so much the better. Or make the history happen, do historical costuming, make and eat historical foods. When you make history come alive to kids and not just a list of dates, names, and places to memorize, then they get interested in all of history.
There are historically based books that read like novels available now, too. Don't know your grade level, but Philippa Gregory has written some YA/Adult novels set around the war of the roses, that are marvelous reads. There's two different series of princess diaries type books where a historical princess has supposedly kept a secret diary. We usually find them in the children's room at the library, but they're interesting on an adult level, as well.
Romana
There are historically based books that read like novels available now, too. Don't know your grade level, but Philippa Gregory has written some YA/Adult novels set around the war of the roses, that are marvelous reads. There's two different series of princess diaries type books where a historical princess has supposedly kept a secret diary. We usually find them in the children's room at the library, but they're interesting on an adult level, as well.
Romana
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872395 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 13, 2014 11:36pm
The best thing I did for my resistant students was to stop pushing so hard. I am not saying that you are, but some of us (pointing the finger directly at myself) do. I set up a reward system. I got it from the dollar store. Basically there is a 5x5 grid and they put stickers in them everyday they complete ALL of their work. Then I asked them what they would like as a reward. Rewards have changed over the years as the kids have grown, but now it is $10 every time they fill up a chart. Some of my friends have balked at the idea of paying them to do their work, but in my eyes it is the same thing as being paid for doing chores or getting paid for a job. I told them the benefit of this system is that they can get ahead by doing their work on free weekend days. My daughter liked that, but my son is happy just to get a reward once a month.
As for history, my favorite subject, we use Story of the World. We use the audio recording and listen as a group Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the same lesson all three times. I didn't see it as any different from reading it to them, however it really changed the way they pay attention, plus we can do it in the car when we are in a hurry. Then throughout the week we do the questions and map work you will find in the activity guide. I give my 14yo a written test, from their test book, that she does in her room and ask my 6yo the questions. We also check out LOTS of books on the topic from the library. Some I read out loud and some are for them to peruse at their leisure. It is ok if these books go unread, but they rarely do. We also do many of the hands on activities found in the activity guide and there are a lot of great activities on Pintrest. I have been using SOTW since my 14yo was 6ish. We started at volume 1 then once we completed volume 4 we circled back around to 1, but went more in depth.
I hope this helps,
Moon Flowers
As for history, my favorite subject, we use Story of the World. We use the audio recording and listen as a group Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the same lesson all three times. I didn't see it as any different from reading it to them, however it really changed the way they pay attention, plus we can do it in the car when we are in a hurry. Then throughout the week we do the questions and map work you will find in the activity guide. I give my 14yo a written test, from their test book, that she does in her room and ask my 6yo the questions. We also check out LOTS of books on the topic from the library. Some I read out loud and some are for them to peruse at their leisure. It is ok if these books go unread, but they rarely do. We also do many of the hands on activities found in the activity guide and there are a lot of great activities on Pintrest. I have been using SOTW since my 14yo was 6ish. We started at volume 1 then once we completed volume 4 we circled back around to 1, but went more in depth.
I hope this helps,
Moon Flowers
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872395 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 14, 2014 4:50am
I agree with history being boring! But, I have started my genealogy research and now, history is very interesting! But only on the family level. My 8 year old is interested in our family stories, and asks questions about the time periods they lived in as well. The battles of the civil war that grandfathers fought in, are now personal and not just history. So, that might be an option to help learn history too.
Also, consider their learning style. Are they more hands on or visual (I am) if so getting out there to learn At museums or historical places might be a better option. National parks have a passport and cancelations they can collect and make it a fun learning experience. Plus, if they enjoy letterboxing and there is a box there, might be good incentive to go to learn. Do they enjoy listening about things? Audio books might help. Maybe a fun family game of trivial pursuit might make studying fun.
I don't home school, so kudos to you for doing that! Good luck to you :)
Also, consider their learning style. Are they more hands on or visual (I am) if so getting out there to learn At museums or historical places might be a better option. National parks have a passport and cancelations they can collect and make it a fun learning experience. Plus, if they enjoy letterboxing and there is a box there, might be good incentive to go to learn. Do they enjoy listening about things? Audio books might help. Maybe a fun family game of trivial pursuit might make studying fun.
I don't home school, so kudos to you for doing that! Good luck to you :)
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872395 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 14, 2014 5:13am
What age? I have a 9 year old and an 8 year old. Both super resistant to groundings and wanting to learn things regardless to the fact that they have both tested to be super smart. How did I solve it? Make history relevant. Any re-enactment faires, festivals with different countries, family history involvement, Skype with people who lived it (ie. the depression, WWII, etc.), what is her niche? Art? Use it as a history lesson. Find a famous art piece that she likes from an era and track it's movements through wars and time. A famous person she may idolize to bring her into an era - Amelia Erhart, Susan B. Anthony, Florence Nightingale, Marie Currie (can also work for science), Jane Austin, any of the president's wives, etc.. Take her to a museum (we have one here in Milwaukee that's good) and let her find an exhibit that she likes and do reports around that.
Take it from me - Grounding doesn't work. Bribes don't work. Find her hook. My daughter was reading and clothing. My son was weapons and vehicles. Seems odd, but you work around it.
Take it from me - Grounding doesn't work. Bribes don't work. Find her hook. My daughter was reading and clothing. My son was weapons and vehicles. Seems odd, but you work around it.
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872412 by SeerMeesh
Oct 14, 2014 5:19am
If you are looking for reading novels, try Beware Princess Elizabeth and Mary, Bloody Mary, They are two younger novels that might catch her eye for the 1500's. They are fictional, but the author used so much of history, it's very close. There are more by the same author, but those are the only two we have at home. Same as Little House On The Prairie books. American Girl has some good novels too. I know their main books are a bit young, but they have some preteen novels too. American Diaries is also a series that Mo has quite a few of too.
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872412 by SeerMeesh
Oct 14, 2014 9:01am
Another idea popped up. You can make it a mystery she has to solve. Very Nancy Drew or Scooby Doo.
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872395 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 14, 2014 12:52pm
How old is she?
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872462 by FloridaFour
Oct 14, 2014 3:55pm
She is 12. Her 'thing' is dogs. There are very few dog history resources easily available for middle school kids! LOL.
We have Story of the World. She's finding it jumps around too much, even following a map with her finger.
We are using a charter school to take care of all the legal aspects, so she needs to show work she's done. There just isn't much this month. :-(
I'm having a lot of trouble getting her out places because of her anxiety and depression, but I'll keep trying. Maybe she'll make a scrapbook...It's sort of a joke in our family that I love historic plaques and learning about their history. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to pass that bug on but I keep trying!
We have Story of the World. She's finding it jumps around too much, even following a map with her finger.
We are using a charter school to take care of all the legal aspects, so she needs to show work she's done. There just isn't much this month. :-(
I'm having a lot of trouble getting her out places because of her anxiety and depression, but I'll keep trying. Maybe she'll make a scrapbook...It's sort of a joke in our family that I love historic plaques and learning about their history. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to pass that bug on but I keep trying!
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872480 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 14, 2014 6:44pm
This was interesting....use the dogs as a basis for learning more about each era?
http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/photos/11-of-the-bravest-dogs-in-history
http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/photos/11-of-the-bravest-dogs-in-history
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872480 by Uncorny Acorns
Oct 14, 2014 7:08pm
How about the roles dogs played throughout history? Hunting, protection, rescue, companionship.... I know Germans used dogs in the wars. Irish wolf hounds for hunting especially during King Henrys reign. Hounds for tracking criminals. Etc.
Re: Resistant student
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #872510 by SeerMeesh
Oct 14, 2014 7:09pm
Anxiety.... hmmmm.... I know of a few of those cases. What about virtual tours?