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Jun. 13, 2007 - Back on Track

I think I'm back on track.  It may not be the right one, but I'm on one .  

The Homeschool Convention was great.  Nothing went the way I planned, (does it ever?), but it was very good nonetheless.  We took all the kids on Friday and I very quickly remembered why we usually go alone.  Two of the boys went to the kids program at the Convention center and had a great time.  One I could strap in a stroller, one was old enough to be a help and so that only left  two to chase. haha

Thus, I did not hear many speakers on Friday, but the keynote by Michael Smith of HSLDA was encouraging and sobering.  He talked about the biggest threat to homeschooling - Apathy.  I'd say that's the biggest threat to our American society in general, but he really encouraged vigilance within the homeschooling community.  Our government and in particular groups like the NEA, even the UN, are not going to roll over and play dead just because we have 'rights' right now.  They are very strategically trying to implement things like the UN Resolution concerning the rights of the child.  They are actually trying to bring this into the US under the form of a treaty.  He strongly encouraged everyone to sign on their petitions to stop this in Congress when it does come forward.  I believe you can check out more about it all at their website www.hslda.org.  There is a good article overviewing Parental Rights issues http://www.hslda.org/parentalrights/  .  There is also a new website being started by Michael  Farris www.parentalrights.org  .

 

Saturdays top speaker for me was probably Generations of Virtue, Julie Hermine.  She tackles the diificult issues concerning..well, um..God's amazing plans for filling the Earth.  (for G rated viewers)

I spent way more time at the Vendor hall that I had anticipated.  I was still undecided on several things.  After hubby checked out other prominent math programs, he still chose Saxon.  So since he teaches it - fine with me!  I had an itch this year to do things a little differently in other areas though.  We've been doing the same things for several years and we all wanted to change it around  a little.

So, up on the New Curriculum shelf this year we have : 

 

 Analytical Grammar. Why I chose this: Her approach is this; Grammar is a finite subject.  There is a particular body of information to be learned and the incessant teaching and review from 2-12 grade isn't necessary. You study grammar half the year and review those concepts once a week the other half of the year while you focus on other language arts. You can do this in 1,2, or 3  years and she also has a curric. for 4-6th graders. Who is it for:I am going to try this with my two oldest.  Rod and Staff has been old faithful since we started homeschooling 8 years ago and I'm not going to abandon it altogether.  I think that AG may work better for my 10yos and it will streamline things for my 13yo.  www.analyticalgrammar.com

 

God's Design Chemistry Units- Why I chose this: In the past I have used everything from ABeka full scale, as a spine for unit study, Considering God's creation, various readers, to no science at all - All the kids have tested great on the science portion of the ITBS so I see that sequence has no bearing for us.  But if I study birds, insects, clouds or planets again this year I. think. I. will. scream. Who's using it: My 10yo is going into '6th' and I'd like to start Apologia General Science in 7th. Since I think he needs to ease into a more structured study of science , I went with a textbook (gasp). I like God's Design because it is very pointedly creationist, it is interesting, and while being structured it isn't to overwhelming ( like ones with teacher book, student book, activity book, test book, answer book - phone book!!!)  However, because I am going to do chemistry 'stuff ' with all the younger ones too, we will do lots of hands on.  I'm ordering 'Fizzy Foamy science' and a crystal kit, and some slime maker :) and a few other really cool things from Home Science Tools.  Great Catalog!

 

Falacy Detective and Thinking ToolBox: Why I chose it:  I've been waiting for somebody to get old enough to use them!!  They are very funny and very good!.

 

History has been a major source of late night catalog looking.  I purchased SOTW Vol.4 to use with both older boys - I'll beef it up for my older son.   After really looking at it, I'm not sure.  The bulk of modern history (1865-present) involved wars or conflicts, so it's not light reading.  But I think there are a least a few significant things that happened not involving fighting (I am NOT a pacifist) so I may need to do a little digging.  BUT...I'm not feeling settled with it.  I love her format.  It takes out so much work for me, but I'm not sold on the content 100%.  I'm having 'chronological issues'.  The kids will all study Modern History in depth in High School and I don't know if I really need to delve in now.  My plan B for this year (or top choice for next year) is to let 8th/9th grade son go ahead with BJU World Geography course.  Then I would do My Father's World Countries and Cultures with everyone else.  I really love the MFW as it appears to be a 'gentler unit study'. (ToG is just too much for me right now)  I like the missionary focus too.  As you can see, the jury is still out here.  I'll let you know what the final verdict is.

 

 While in Orlando, we did get to play in the pool at Grandpa's, watch channels that we don't have at home ( which is all of them) and we got to visit with another homeschool family in Mims, Florida.  On the way home we went to Great Grandma's to celebrate (early) her 90th birthday!  She is still going strong!

 

Coming home from our vacation was like jumping in the deep end!  I have had enough loose ends to tie up that I could make an area rug.  But we're close to finishing up, the summer schedule is sufficiently packed and our evaluations will, hopefully be in the next two weeks.  I can't get in touch with our evaluator and I'm starting to worry a little.

 

Nap time is almost over, dinner prep is calling, and I think I hear an iced java in the refrigerator.

~Cindy

 

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