The only word to describe this week is overwhelming. We use Sonlight curriculum and I have been trying to do Core 5 with L and Core 2 with C. In addition, I'm using an intensive phonics program with C, and he has once a week lessons with a learning specialist. So, I've been really frustrated in trying to get everything done this week, especially with a migraine on Wednesday. L has been giving me trouble about writing. So far, she has mostly been writing paragraphs, but it's time for her to start writing essays and research papers. Unfortunately, she is adamant that she does not need to use outlines. The last time she told me this, I told her that when she is a Nobel Laureate she can tell me that she doesn't need outlines. In the meantime, she has to learn how to outline and write papers. The good news is that Apologia now has a writing program for middle schoolers. It looks great - very non-threatening. L is already upset about it because it talks about learning to do outlines in the first chapter. Well, this may require much prayer, but I'm optimistic it will work.
I have decided on a total redo of our curriculum for the next 12 weeks (that's when we finish the Core(s)). I am going to have both kids doing Core 5. We will do the Eastern Hemisphere Explorer together (all three of us), which should be good because L really doesn't like doing it (it's answering lots of questions and doing activities about the countries that she's reading about). In addition, I'll be reading aloud everything, including science, except the readers. I'm also going to have L doing some of the reading aloud. That may allow us to work while I'm doing laundry, etc. In any case, I hope that this will lower some of the stress about school. L and C will still have their math curriculum to do on their own. C will continue his phonics and learning to read. L will continue her grammar, punctuation, spelling, as well as starting her writing program.
When we finish this Core, I am going to have them both do Core 6. I will, though, add in a good bit of stuff from Core 1 for C. Several moms on the Sonlight forums have done this successfully.
Our small group (from our church) is going through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. We started another course on money management a couple of weeks ago because our church has been working through the material. But, we found the DVDs to be very sleep inducing! So, we decided to do Dave Ramsey instead. The other couple in our group (yes, a very small group!) hasn't done either of these programs before, and they really like the Dave Ramsey stuff so far. It is far more entertaining than the other program!
C is doing very well in learning to read. He enjoys his supplemental reading help now that she told him that he gets points for doing a good job. At his last lesson, he was very focused for almost 45 minutes. The teacher also recommended that I have him do some reading that is above his reading level. I gave him "The Fire Cat" to read this week and couldn't get him to put it down. He only needs help with about 5% of the words. He still doesn't always try to sound them out, but it is improving.
Well, it's late on a Saturday night. I'm going to work a little more on getting the kids' lessons in the computer and then go to bed!
2 comments:
YEAH!!! Good for you guys! We're so excited that you've made the decision to participate in the Financial Peace class! FPU will literally change your life and your family tree! We've not only seen it happen in our own family but in many others that we've assisted through our small groups! If you guys apply the principles, the plan WILL work 100% and you'll experience financial freedom which is what God wants for all of us! This class isn't just about money, but also about how God wants you to live your life! Our prayer for you guys is that you remain dedicated to the program and see it through all 13 weeks. It's tough, but well worth it! And call us if you have any questions about the program! We've been using this plan for over a year ourselves and facilitated 2 classes so we're becoming well-versed in the details. C is even considering taking this to the local military base and teaching it to our men/women in service! It's a wonderful program and we can't say enough about it (like you couldn't figure that out!)
And in regards to the core unit studies, teaching both L and C the same unit will definitely make it easier. That's the whole idea behind the Konos curriculum. You teach the same topics to all of your children but modify it according to their grade level. Apparently, alot of large families (8, 10, 13 kids) we met at the Expo this past summer used Konos for this particular reason. Anyway, it should make it easier. Also, have you looked into the Grammar Key software. From what I've heard, it's got rave reviews from many of the top homeschooling "experts". I have no idea if it encompasses writing but I do know that they said that in 1 year with this software, your child will learn all of the grammar they'll ever need to know. Don't know if this would help L any with the writing. It may be worth looking at if you haven't already. I will probably use it when E gets to the 3rd grade. And so glad to hear C's reading is doing much better!!! That's so encouraging! I know you guys must be estatic at his progress----we are! Be sure to check out my blog page when you get a chance. I try to write every few days! Take care!
Catherin,
You'll have to PLEASE let me know your tricks and tips for combining Core 6 and 1, or doing Core 6 and supplementing with a few things from 1, as that's my tentative plan for next year. Will you let me know which things you order from 1, and how you organize things around it? I would appreciate it! We are this year doing the full unit studies of Further Up and Further In (Narnia books) with the older boys, Prairie Primer (Little House books) with Emma, age 6, plus all of the Eastern Hemisphere Explorer pages and selected readalouds from Core 5 because I didn't want to skip Core 5 completely. I'm finding, though, that I can't find some of the books as easily as I expected to through the library. I know the expense is so much greater, but there is something very nice about just having all the books ready to go in a big box!! Have to find a happy medium for next year and would love your tips as you go--thanks!
Alyssa Harlan
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