Recently, she had the opportunity to subscribe  to a new program at a heavily discounted price through the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op. IXL is a web-based math program that provides drills beginning at the pre-K level and extending up to the 5th grade. Topics covered include:

• counting
• addition
• subtraction
• identifying money
• identifying shapes
• multiplication
• division
• decimals
• word graphs

The system keep track of each student’s accuracy and provides parents with reports for each session. Students are rewarded with virtual prizes as they successfully master levels. IXL also tracks education standards by state. Your students’ lesson plan can be tailored to meet the education standards of your state. The program will even provide you with feedback about your child’s readiness for state testing.

The program’s design is light and attractive and graphics are kept to a minimum. This is helpful for young children who are easily distracted by overwhelming images. Since the program is web-based, users can access IXL Math from anywhere. A subscription for one child is $9.95 per month or $79.95 for the year. However, if you decide to subscribe, search first for discounts available on the web.

I do selectively review new products – one at a time in the privacy of my own home. In this manner, I have been able to make informed decisions and changes in my educational material that have benefited my children over the years. At this point, the products I add to our educational cache are generally supplemental material: games, drills, and extra educational activities. For example, I have utilized the games Math-It and Verb Garden this year along with a few new math drills.

One product that I have added this year to our daily routine is ClickNRead Phonics. It is an internet based phonics program based on advanced reading research. It is a  resource that is scientifically founded and instills the important skills necessary for successful reading in children. I have been very pleased with the programs exercises, pace, and emphasis. The program allows children to work in an independent environment. It is fun and engaging although I do not agree with the products’ claim that it is “the child’s favorite part of their day” – it is work. It also provides assessment reports and printable worksheets for review.

ClickNRead Phonics is a stand alone reading program based on 100 lessons. It offers a “learn to read guarantee” and it is actually quite reasonable. At this point, I am utilizing it to supplement other programs I have in place.

In the words of Rocks In My Dryer: ClickN Read Phonics definitely Works For Me! For other great ideas visit the Works for Me Wednesday meme.

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” — Joseph Addison

The senior year of high-school is an exciting, watershed moment in a young person’s life. Children are on the brink of a new era. I think it’s important that they enjoy this year and, yet, take it seriously. It can be a fun, memorable year and still be quite productive. Following is my daughter’s curriculum for her senior year.

Note: American Government can be a semester course. However, I will incorporate literature and writing assignments, thus making it a year-long course.

12th grade

• Bible Study – How To Ruin Your Life By 40, Know What You Believe, Know Why You Believe, Mere Christianity
• Advanced Biology: Human Anatomy – Apologia
• AP Latin – Scholars Online
• American Government – A Beka, with supplemental reading
• Algebra II (Completed by December), Pre-Calculus – Teaching Textbooks
• American Literature – See reading list
• Piano – Private instruction through IPFW Community Arts
• Writing – incorporated into literature and American Government

Reading List

• The Scarlet Letter
• Daisy Miller
• Washington Square
• The Great Gatsby
• The Grapes of Wrath
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
• As I Lay Dying
• Age of Innocence
• The Four Loves
• The Great Divorce
• The Best Short Stories of O. Henry
• The Chosen
• The Day They Came to Arrest the Book
• Moby Dick
• Selected Poetry
• Our Town
• The Portable Poe
• The View From Saturday
• Walden and Civil Disobedience
• Black Like Me
• The Dry Divide
• Eternity in Their Hearts
• The Jungle
• Up From Slavery
• Anna Karenina
• One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
• A Good Man is Hard To Find (Short Stories by Flannery O’Connor)
• Their Eyes Were Watching God

“We are man and woman now, with sober work to do, for playtime is over, and we must give up frolicking. I’m sure you feel this. I see the change in you, and you’ll find it in me. I shall miss my boy, but I shall love the man as much, and admire him more, because he means to be what I hoped he would.” -Louisa May Alcott

In 10th grade I enroll my children in an online Western Literature class through  Scholars Online.  In many respects this class has become a rite-of-passage for my kids. They look forward to it with fear and trembling. In all actuality, it is not that bad. The class offers a rigorous overview of literature covering works from the Bible through Homer and landing finally in Dante. The professor is somewhat demanding but quite effective. Due to the reading list in this class, I usually ease off my reading requirements during this year. However, my 10th grader this year is a very strong reader so I did not feel the need to ease off his reading list.

If my reading lists seem overwhelming, remember that all of my plans for the school-year are dynamic. I alter them as needed. However, consider the great gift of time that children have at this stage of life. They probably will never again have this opportunity to read large amounts of literature.  Seize the moment.

Establishing and honing writing skills continues to be of utmost importance this year. I incorporate it into history, literature and test preparation classes.  You will also notice that my children have a formal language class at this level as well. They continue to work on language mechanics throughout high school.

Geometry is the main math class this year. However, I incorporate Algebra II into the year as well. I do not prefer my children to spend an entire year on geometry alone. I believe it weakens their algebra skills. This can be detrimental when they take college entrance exams in their junior year. I believe it is best to work on geometry and Algebra II at the same time. This obviously can take 2 years but the end result is the same. The timing is the only change.

10th Grade

• Bible Study – God’s Will: God’s Best For Your Life, Bible Study Sampler, Why Pray, More Than A Carpenter
• Chemistry, with lab - Apologia
• Western Literature – Scholars Online
• Geometry and Algebra II – Teaching Textbooks (separate texts)
• Latin III – Scholars Online
• Language – A Beka
• World History, with prep for the A.P. test – A Beka supplemented with various sources and test preps
• Piano – IPFW Community Arts Academy
• Physical Education

Reading List

• Oliver Twist
• David Copperfield
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Blandings Castle and other P.G. Wodehouse favorites
• My Life and Hard Times
• Jane Eyre
• Out of the Silent Planet
• Perelandra
• That Hideous Strength
• The Best of Father Brown
• Surprised By Joy
• Till We Have Faces
• The Nine Tailors
• Heart of Darkness
• Kon Tiki

Western Literature reading list includes:

• The Aeneid
• Selection of Greek Plays
• The Iliad
• The Nibelungenlied
• The Odyssey
• The Portable Dante
• The Saga of the Volsungs
• The Song of Roland
• The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
• Edith Hamilton’s Mythology

“A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.” -  Mark Twain

]]> http://www.bonavitablog.com/2008/08/the-childrens-hour-iii/feed/ 0 http://www.bonavitablog.com/2008/08/the-childrens-hour-ii/ http://www.bonavitablog.com/2008/08/the-childrens-hour-ii/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:34:08 +0000 momofnine http://bonavita.wordpress.com/?p=263 Now, for homeschooling your 9th grader…

This should be a transition year for students. It’s time for the big leagues. Grades and record-keeping are important; therefore, everyone needs to be diligent and disciplined. Yet, you still have time to work out the organization and maintainance of your records. By next year, this all should be set in stone. Efficient record-keeping will make your life so much easier when it is time to send off transcript material to colleges.

9th grade is a fun year as well. Your kids are becoming more independent. The material that they are studying can be meaty and rich. You will enjoy discussing their literature and history selections. I spend the year equipping my 9th grader with study and reading skills that will carry them through high-school and into college.

Start keeping track of your child’s reading material if you have not already. Simply create a file on your computer and have them update their reading list when they finish a book. Similarly, if your child plays an instrument keep track of the music that he or she performs.

Grade 9

• Bible Study – Survey of the Old Testament (Christian Schools International)
• Algebra I – Saxon
• Biology (with lab) - Apologia
• World Geography (1st semester) – A Beka
• Ancient History (2nd semester)
• Language – A Beka
• Latin II – Alethea Academy (utilizing Wheelock)
• Writing – Alethea Academy
• World Literature – A Beka text accompanied by ancient literature selections (see reading list)
• Piano – private instructor (IPFW Community Arts Academy)
• Physical Education

Reading List

• A Christmas Carol
• The Best of Father Brown
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekly and Mr. Hyde
• The Gammage Cup
• Jane Eyre
• Oliver Twist
• Treasure Island
• The Silver Branch
• The Trumpeter of Krakow
• The Yearling
• Old Man and the Sea
• Hound of Baskervilles
• Great Expectations
• Selected Poetry
• Selected works from: Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, Herodotus, and Virgil

I plan my children’s school year with hope and “great expectations”. But, I always remain flexible. Life throws you twists and turns and you need to be able to roll with the challenges. Homeshooling  can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Try to keep it upbeat and enjoy spending this time with your children.

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8-9

I have finalized my 6th grader’s schedule, so I will share this information today. I have included the reading list that she will be using this year as well.

• Bible Study – Studying God’s Word Book G - Christian Liberty Press
• Math – Saxon 7/6
• Language – God’s Gift of Language  C  -A Beka
• Spelling – Building Spelling Skills Book G - Christian Liberty Press
• Science  Observing God’s World – A Beka
• History  – Streams of Civilization (through early 17th century)
• Latin  – Elementary Latin - Alethea Academy  using Henle
• Writing -Elementary Writing II - Alethea Academy
• Piano – Private instructor
• Physical education
• Drills – Typing: Mavis Beacon; Math: Quarter Mile Math; Reading Comprehension: A Beka’s Read and Think Skills

Reading List

• Augustus Caesar’s World
• The World of Columbus and Sons
• Golden Goblet
• Otto of the Silver Hand
• I, Juan de Pareja
• Eagle of the Ninth
• The Second Mrs. Giaconda
• Shadow of the Bull
• The Phantom Tollbooth
• Hittite the Warrior
• The Hobbit
• Swiss Family Robinson
• Where the Red Fern Grows
• Susan Creek
• Black Thorn Winter
• Squalls Before War: His Majesty’s Schooner Sultana
• The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow
• The Red Keep
• The Lost Baron
• The Door in the Wall
• Archimedes and the Door of Science
• The Ides of April
• Catherine – Called Birdy
• Around the World in Eighty Days
• Yearling
• Cricket in Times Square
• Lad: A Dog
• Old Yeller
• Freckles
• Girl of the Limberlost
• Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers
• Mr. Pipes Comes to America
• Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation
• The Gammage Cup

This reading list includes some titles that I will read aloud to my children. My 6th grader is an enthusiastic reader and she was a little bored last year.  I have made this list with the hope that it will keep her busy, entertained and challenged.

“Do you no know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight light a man beating the air.” -I Cor. 9: 24-26

Every year I tweak my curriculum a little based on the needs of my children. My son, who is entering second grade, was born profoundly hearing-impaired. He was implanted with a cochlear implant when he was four.  We have been working on his language development since his surgery. He has made slow but steady progress. We are thrilled with his development in the past twelve months. He also has a terrific speech therapist.

I believe he is ready for more substance in the areas of science and social studies. This means our artwork and projects will be thematic: we will make and then watch a paper mache volcano erupt, play with magnets and make Indian attire out of a paper bag. We will probably visit a fire station and read more about community helpers.

I usually begin the school day with my younger children participating in “Circle Time”. This is our time for songs, finger plays, games and stories.  I always include action songs like “The Hokey Pokey”, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”, and “Bow, bow, bow, Belinda”. This helps get the wiggles out of their system and settles them down for seat work. We recite the “Pledge of Allegiance”, go on “lion hunts”, and sing nursery rhymes, traditional children’s songs and patriotic songs. We play games such as memory games; “Duck, Duck Goose”; directional games; and “Simon says”.  We also work on calisthenics as they love to do exercises like their older brothers. I always receive an enthusiastic response to Circle Time.  This is not the case  if I just dive into schoolwork.

Now, for the nuts and bolts: I am utilizing a common structure for each of the lower elementary grades with  my children working in their grade appropriate workbooks and texts.  This will simplify the coming school year, as I am familiar with the material and everyone will be on the “same page” so to speak.

• Circle time
• Bible – Gertrude Hoeksema’s “Come Ye Children”
• Phonics and Reading – A Beka
• Penmanship – A Reason For Handwriting
• Language – A Beka
• Math – A Beka
• Social Studies and History - A Beka (supplemented with additional activities and reading material)
• Science – A Beka (supplemented with additional activities and reading material)
• Piano – Bastien
• Art – painting, mosaics, A Beka craft books (this is simply a cut and paste craft book with directions), coloring, and clay. (I utilize a wonderful book by Mona Brookes titled “Drawing with  Children” for more formal art exercises.)

I supplement formal school work with drill activities such as Calculadder Math Drills, A Beka’s Reading Handbook drills and A Beka’s Language Exercises.

I have found that my kids work well with a structured routine that incorporates fun activities throughout the day.  However, part of the beauty of homeschooling is the flexibility it allows.  On certain days, we might read, paint and play games all day.  We can always catch up on workbook material later.

Home education begins by maintaining terrific reading material for all ages.  Tap into your local library.  Take advantage of the available resources that list age-appropriate books.  I will begin to share my favorite children’s books as time goes on.

If you choose to formally educate your children at home, you must decide how to tackle the subject matter.  The curriculum choices are wide and varied.  It is necessary to plan ahead in order to not become overwhelmed with your options.

Plan your course of action and then choose your curriculum to match your needs.  I cannot stress enough the importance of this point.  Your family is unique and has special needs and desires concerning the education of your children.  Discuss these with your husband.  Write down your educational plans and goals for your family. Then, choose your curriculum.

The unpleasant alternative to this is perusing and purchasing wild amounts of curriculum and subject matter, much of which you will never actually utilize.  I have experienced this first-hand on a small scale and I have witnessed it countless times.  The available curriculum choices can actually paralyze your ability to homeschool.  Be wise, be thoughtful, be careful, be selective.

I customize my curriculum every year to  match my child’s academic, social and emotional needs. I also take into account my husband’s and family’s general schedule and needs for the upcoming year.  If I find myself looking forward to a stressful year full of time constraints etc., I will streamline my curriculum accordingly.  I have even  taken this step mid-year.

I will now share the subjects, by grade level, and some of the accompanying texts that I utilized for the 2007-2008 school year.  By no means is this list exhaustive, my favorites, nor a panacea for homeschooling success.  It just happened to work for us this past year.

Pre-K:

1. Circle Time:  Including games, songs and stories
2. Math prep
3. Reading prep
4. Penmanship
5. Music prep
6. Art (lots of art!)

Kindergarten

1. Circle Time
2. Math
3. Phonics
4. Reading
5. Spelling
6. Penmanship
7. Piano
8. Physical Education
9. Art

1st Grade

1. Circle Time
2. Math
3. Phonics
4. Language
5. Reading
6. Spelling
7. Penmanship
8. Piano
9. Physical Education
10. Art

In the lower elementary grades I may not cover every subject every day.  Our children do begin formal piano  studies in Kindergarten or 1st grade.  My primary textbooks in these early years are from Abeka.  I prefer A Reason For Handwriting for penmanship. We love circle time and art.  We leave plenty of time in our day for just playing.

5th Grade

1. Math – Abeka
2. Language – Abeka
3. History – Christian Liberty
4. Science – Abeka
5. Spelling – Christian Liberty
6. Writing -Alethea Academy (on-line)
7. Literature -Alethea Academy (on-line)
8. Penmanship – A Reason For Handwriting
9. Piano
10. Reading Comprehension – Abeka
11. Physical Education – Tennis and Golf
12. Bible

8th Grade

1. Math – Saxon 1/2 Pre-Algebra
2. Language – Abeka
3. History – Sonlight
4. Science – Abeka
5. Spelling – Christian Liberty
6. Writing -Alethea Academy (on-line)
7. Literature -Alethea Academy (on-line) and Sonlight
8. Piano
9. Latin – Schola Tutorials (on-line)
10. Physical Education – Tennis and Golf
11. Bible

9th Grade

1. Math – Saxon Algebra 1
2. Language – Abeka
3. History -World Geography - Abeka (began Bob Jones World History)
4. Latin-Schola Tutorials (on-line)
5. Biology – Abeka
6. Writing -Alethea Academy (on-line)
7. Literature -Alethea Academy (on-line) and Abeka
8. Piano
9. Physical Education – Tennis and Golf
10. Bible

11th Grade

1. Math – Teaching Textbooks Algebra II
2. Language and Writing included in English Literature
3. History -World History, Bob Jones
4. Latin- Scholars OnLine Academy (on-line)
5. Chemistry - Apologia
6. Literature - English Literature (prepares  student for the AP English Literature exam)
7. Physical Education – Tennis and Golf
8. Piano
9. Bible

I hope this is helpful.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  I would love to hear how you all work with your children.

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” – Prov. 1:8