As a parent, I am very concerned making sure my kids don't just learn about other cultures and people through books, but through real-life experiences. One of the best ways I have found to do this (other than extended travel) is to host exchange students. We've hosted a couple of times and now I work with students during their time here in this country. My kids love the students and love learning about their home countries.
Having a houseful of children, travel is just difficult and expensive. Hosting is a great way to bring culture to your kids in a season of life when you can't travel. Hosting is a great learning experience, but also a lot of fun. I'll never forget my 4 year old pretending one day that he was going to fly in a plane over the ocean to visit Germany. He loved his German sister.
We experienced German holidays, German food, and German music and books right in our own home. My kids don't just know in their head that there is a country called Germany, but they lived it and it is personal and understood to them. Having our student with us for a year went far beyond any learning we could achieve with a unit study. And it helped them to step outside of our own little world and see the world with a wider perspective.
And beyond learning about her country, we learned about our own. We were able to teach her how we do things, and through her questions, we were able to stop and think about why we do things the way we do, what is important to us, and how we live life in a way that was much more introspective than we normally would have been.
When I studied in England, I learned first hand how difficult it can be to be in a new culture and far away from family, and how important it is to have local support. I loved my family's experience hosting when I was in high school, and now it is my honor to be able to help these students find families and to support the families and the students during their time here in this country.
I would love to talk to you more about the possibility of hosting if you are interested. Even if you aren't local, I can put you in touch with the right people.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
10th grade
My oldest will be in 10th grade this year. Most of his time will be spent in his history and literature work, which will be explained in another post. He will also be studying chemistry with Science at Home. We order science supplies through Home Science Tools.
Math: Math U See
Language: Analytical Grammar high school reinforcement book
AP Comp readings with Everything's an argument and IEW's Succeed on the AP Comp Exam
Electives: AP Microeconomics (more about the AP program soon)--Mcconnell Microeconomics and IEW Economics-Based Writing, as well as AP study guides and lessons
French 2--online with BJU French 2
Latin 3-online with Henle
Russian--with Pimsleur and Russian in 10 minutes a day
Old Testament Survey with The Promise and the Blessing
Health--Total Health (1 semester)
Driver's Ed/Car Maintenance-Safe Young Drivers and Auto Upkeep (car maintenance curriculum which uses real hands-on "labs" teaching a wide range of owning and driving a car from changing windshield wiper fluid to changing brakes (1 semester)
Art-continue with the Annotated Mona Lisa and the Story of Painting for art from the Middle Ages, as well as studying painting with Introduction to Watercolors
Music-The Classical Experience
Math: Math U See
Language: Analytical Grammar high school reinforcement book
AP Comp readings with Everything's an argument and IEW's Succeed on the AP Comp Exam
Electives: AP Microeconomics (more about the AP program soon)--Mcconnell Microeconomics and IEW Economics-Based Writing, as well as AP study guides and lessons
French 2--online with BJU French 2
Latin 3-online with Henle
Russian--with Pimsleur and Russian in 10 minutes a day
Old Testament Survey with The Promise and the Blessing
Health--Total Health (1 semester)
Driver's Ed/Car Maintenance-Safe Young Drivers and Auto Upkeep (car maintenance curriculum which uses real hands-on "labs" teaching a wide range of owning and driving a car from changing windshield wiper fluid to changing brakes (1 semester)
Art-continue with the Annotated Mona Lisa and the Story of Painting for art from the Middle Ages, as well as studying painting with Introduction to Watercolors
Music-The Classical Experience
Speech and debate
One of our favorite parts of homeschooling last year was participating in our local speech and debate club. This club competes through the NCFCA. I was blown away by the level of competition and the quality of performances of these students.
My oldest participated in the LD debate, but there were others involved in TP and many categories of speech. Participants are 12-18 years old. The experience was excellent for him to learn about how to structure an argument, how to present himself, what evidence is important and useful, and even how to go through the formal process of a debate. He learned a ton about the year's resolution, and it provided us great opportunity to discuss current events and history with a depth we don't usually get to experience. The whole family was in on letting him know of any relevant quotes or fact they encountered.
I think my favorite part of the experience was the excitement and enthusiasm I saw in him for research. In NCFCA debate, there is one resolution over the course of the year. Each student has to write and prepare both an affirmative case (supporting the resolution) and a negative case (against the resolution). In a tournament, each student will be required to debate both sides. This requirement forces them to dig deeper and build strong cases, but also to look from both sides of the argument. Instead of just picking a side, they have to be able to see the other side's point of view and understand it enough to even argue for it. It's an incredible exercise in argumentation and research.
Parents attend tournaments and help judge which was a lot of fun. I loved watching other debaters and speakers. Again and again I was blown away by the quality and level at which they were competing. To watch high school students be able to stand up and speak eloquently and deeply about real subjects and issues in an educated and passionate way--well, I just can't say enough good about the organization or our club. It was a great experience in oral presenation that fit perfectly with our goals in the rhetoric stage.
My oldest participated in the LD debate, but there were others involved in TP and many categories of speech. Participants are 12-18 years old. The experience was excellent for him to learn about how to structure an argument, how to present himself, what evidence is important and useful, and even how to go through the formal process of a debate. He learned a ton about the year's resolution, and it provided us great opportunity to discuss current events and history with a depth we don't usually get to experience. The whole family was in on letting him know of any relevant quotes or fact they encountered.
I think my favorite part of the experience was the excitement and enthusiasm I saw in him for research. In NCFCA debate, there is one resolution over the course of the year. Each student has to write and prepare both an affirmative case (supporting the resolution) and a negative case (against the resolution). In a tournament, each student will be required to debate both sides. This requirement forces them to dig deeper and build strong cases, but also to look from both sides of the argument. Instead of just picking a side, they have to be able to see the other side's point of view and understand it enough to even argue for it. It's an incredible exercise in argumentation and research.
Parents attend tournaments and help judge which was a lot of fun. I loved watching other debaters and speakers. Again and again I was blown away by the quality and level at which they were competing. To watch high school students be able to stand up and speak eloquently and deeply about real subjects and issues in an educated and passionate way--well, I just can't say enough good about the organization or our club. It was a great experience in oral presenation that fit perfectly with our goals in the rhetoric stage.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
9th grade
So high school--Most my student's day at this point should be focused on his great books study for history and literature. The details of that are coming in another post. At this point, we are working on building skills like note taking, essay writing--timed and note, time management, test taking skills, reading skills, and oral presentation skills. We study the ancients and biology using Science for High School.
Math: Math U See
Language: Analytical Grammar High school reinforcement books
Writing Exposition
Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Other: Rhetoric--A Rulebook for Arguments as described in the WTM
Art--The Annotated Mona Lisa, The Story of Painting, and a drawing instruction book
Music
Bible
Russian-Pimsleur and Russian in 10 minutes a day
French-online with BJU French
Latin-online with Henle
We also joined a speech and debate club this year. More on that experience in another post.
Math: Math U See
Language: Analytical Grammar High school reinforcement books
Writing Exposition
Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Other: Rhetoric--A Rulebook for Arguments as described in the WTM
Art--The Annotated Mona Lisa, The Story of Painting, and a drawing instruction book
Music
Bible
Russian-Pimsleur and Russian in 10 minutes a day
French-online with BJU French
Latin-online with Henle
We also joined a speech and debate club this year. More on that experience in another post.
And I have a toddler underfoot
I think one of the hardest parts of homeschooling many is keeping the littlest ones busy during the school day. I have always had a toddler, an infant, or both during my time homeschooling. During the next school year, I will be introducing my 3 year old to our Montessori materials and entertaining a 1 year old, while trying to school 5 other from kindergarten through high school. It's always a challenge balancing their needs, and I honestly don't think I come even close to doing a great job most days. Mommy guilt is tough. I love break weeks because that gives me extra time to spend with my youngest kiddos.
I think how you handle toddlers during school time depends very much on their personality and temperament. I have had some toddlers who are quite content to play quietly in their own space, and some that require constant, hands-on entertainment and containment-ha! Here are some ideas that I have used over the years and that others have shared with me.
1. Montessori--I will write more on Montessori at home later, but even toddlers can make use of simple Montessori materials to keep themselves busy while the others work. In fact, this is one of the reasons I love Montessori so much.
2. Along with the idea of Montessori materials, have certain activities and toys that only come out at school time. Some moms will do a busy bag swap. Some set up special boxes. You can even look into kiwicrate.com. The main idea here is to have extra exciting, interesting, special activities and toys for your little ones that only come out during school, and that they can play with in a contained environment.
3. School during naptime. This isn't always practical, but sometimes it is necessary. We do our science and history work during naptime because the house is quieter, and the bigger kids can actually hear me read-ha!
4. Have your older kids be more independent. The reality is, when you have little ones running around, they are going to need you. This is a great reason to foster independence in your older children. Work plans are a great way to do this. Also, having a routine with a typical way they should start their day helps. If they know they should start their day with copywork, then they will be able to go ahead and get started, without waiting on your to sit down with them.
5. This year, we actually woke up extra early and schooled in the morning before my then 2 year old woke up. This gave us a good start while he got plenty of sleep.
6. Take turns with the toddler. I have had a few who just need hands-on attention during this time. We just take turns entertaining that child while I work with other kids. This isn't always easy, but it does give your older kids a break and gives them some one-on-one time with their younger sibling.
It's just for a season. Soon, your toddler will be older and can participate more fully in school. It's temporary. Hard. But temporary.
What other tips do you have for entertaining and occupying toddler during school time?
I think how you handle toddlers during school time depends very much on their personality and temperament. I have had some toddlers who are quite content to play quietly in their own space, and some that require constant, hands-on entertainment and containment-ha! Here are some ideas that I have used over the years and that others have shared with me.
1. Montessori--I will write more on Montessori at home later, but even toddlers can make use of simple Montessori materials to keep themselves busy while the others work. In fact, this is one of the reasons I love Montessori so much.
2. Along with the idea of Montessori materials, have certain activities and toys that only come out at school time. Some moms will do a busy bag swap. Some set up special boxes. You can even look into kiwicrate.com. The main idea here is to have extra exciting, interesting, special activities and toys for your little ones that only come out during school, and that they can play with in a contained environment.
3. School during naptime. This isn't always practical, but sometimes it is necessary. We do our science and history work during naptime because the house is quieter, and the bigger kids can actually hear me read-ha!
4. Have your older kids be more independent. The reality is, when you have little ones running around, they are going to need you. This is a great reason to foster independence in your older children. Work plans are a great way to do this. Also, having a routine with a typical way they should start their day helps. If they know they should start their day with copywork, then they will be able to go ahead and get started, without waiting on your to sit down with them.
5. This year, we actually woke up extra early and schooled in the morning before my then 2 year old woke up. This gave us a good start while he got plenty of sleep.
6. Take turns with the toddler. I have had a few who just need hands-on attention during this time. We just take turns entertaining that child while I work with other kids. This isn't always easy, but it does give your older kids a break and gives them some one-on-one time with their younger sibling.
It's just for a season. Soon, your toddler will be older and can participate more fully in school. It's temporary. Hard. But temporary.
What other tips do you have for entertaining and occupying toddler during school time?
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
8th grade
In 8th grade, we continue with the WTM formal reading list, formal logic, Latin and French, and outlining in history. My 8th graders plan their own schedule and are responsible for their own time management. They still participate in history and science with younger siblings to some extent, but are doing most of their work own their own. Most of their time should be spent on science, history, working through their reading list, and writing about their reading at this point.
In 7th and 8th grade, to go along with our history studies, my students use the Critical Thinking in US History books to build their skills in textual analysis and their confidence in working with primary documents. These books are involved, but a great way to teach point of view and how to question and apply logic to texts you are reading.
Math: Math U See
Language: Analytical Grammar season 3
Vocabulary from Classical Roots C and D
Stobaugh's Literary Analysis--great foundation for high school literature
Logic: Intermediate Logic by Canon Press with dvds
Other: Music--we do a composer study using some Beautiful Feet resources and The Gift of Music
Art-Photography and study modern artists and pieces
Bible/devotion
Violin
French--I have used Tell Me More and power glide, as well as a verb book and a translating book
Latin-My oldest started high school Latin with Memoria Press online academy using Henle
In 7th and 8th grade, to go along with our history studies, my students use the Critical Thinking in US History books to build their skills in textual analysis and their confidence in working with primary documents. These books are involved, but a great way to teach point of view and how to question and apply logic to texts you are reading.
Math: Math U See
Language: Analytical Grammar season 3
Vocabulary from Classical Roots C and D
Stobaugh's Literary Analysis--great foundation for high school literature
Logic: Intermediate Logic by Canon Press with dvds
Other: Music--we do a composer study using some Beautiful Feet resources and The Gift of Music
Art-Photography and study modern artists and pieces
Bible/devotion
Violin
French--I have used Tell Me More and power glide, as well as a verb book and a translating book
Latin-My oldest started high school Latin with Memoria Press online academy using Henle
7th grade
7th grade is a big year. We begin formal logic instruction in 7th, and I also expect my 7th graders to take charge of their own schedule and planning. I plan out in my 7th grade folder where I expect them to be each week, but I no longer write a workplan for them. They are required to get the folder out and write out their own plans in a planner. They can move as fast or as slow as they want over the year, as long as they don't get behind my goals for them in the folder. They are completely in charge of their schedule and turning in work on time at this point.
I start a formal reading list in middle school taken mostly from the WTM. For each of the pieces of literature my student reads, he is required to discuss it with me--literary devices and historical context, and also to write a report evaluation. There are lots of great resources to help you as a teacher through these discussions. I will write a post on those soon. I encourage you again to read the WTM and check out the reading list she gives there.
Math: Math U See
Language: We have finished spelling by 7th, and we start on Vocabulary from Classical Roots A and B
Editor in Chief
Beyond the Book Report by Analytical Grammar people
Analytical Grammar season 2
Learning Language Arts through literature-green
Logic: Introductory Logic by Canon Press (they have a dvd set if you prefer for instruction)
The Thinking Toolbox
And if you notice your child needs a little extra help for logic, I love the James Madison Critical Thinking course by Critical Thinking Company. It teaches formal logic, but in a way that is fun and easy. You basically follow a series of crimes told in story format, and use logic to sort through and solve each. We used it as supplement to Introductory and Intermediate Logic in 7th and 8th.
Other: French from Memoria Press
Latin--Second Form Latin
Music-Understanding Music by Tatchell and Understanding Music by Yudkin (and we listen to music from the time period)
Art--Scultpting this year with Hands on Sculpting and we study art from the time period
Bible/devotion
Geography
Violin
All about Money/All about Time/All about Talent/Money Matters for Teens
I start a formal reading list in middle school taken mostly from the WTM. For each of the pieces of literature my student reads, he is required to discuss it with me--literary devices and historical context, and also to write a report evaluation. There are lots of great resources to help you as a teacher through these discussions. I will write a post on those soon. I encourage you again to read the WTM and check out the reading list she gives there.
Math: Math U See
Language: We have finished spelling by 7th, and we start on Vocabulary from Classical Roots A and B
Editor in Chief
Beyond the Book Report by Analytical Grammar people
Analytical Grammar season 2
Learning Language Arts through literature-green
Logic: Introductory Logic by Canon Press (they have a dvd set if you prefer for instruction)
The Thinking Toolbox
And if you notice your child needs a little extra help for logic, I love the James Madison Critical Thinking course by Critical Thinking Company. It teaches formal logic, but in a way that is fun and easy. You basically follow a series of crimes told in story format, and use logic to sort through and solve each. We used it as supplement to Introductory and Intermediate Logic in 7th and 8th.
Other: French from Memoria Press
Latin--Second Form Latin
Music-Understanding Music by Tatchell and Understanding Music by Yudkin (and we listen to music from the time period)
Art--Scultpting this year with Hands on Sculpting and we study art from the time period
Bible/devotion
Geography
Violin
All about Money/All about Time/All about Talent/Money Matters for Teens
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