The next Homeschool Classroom writing prompt is what has not worked for our family ...
With Sunny right this very second scowling at me because I told her she has to do her math assignment and practice the piano before she can watch a movie ... nothing has worked when it comes to getting her to consistently sit down, do her work, and be done with it. Sheesh. Can you imagine what she'd be like if she had to sit all day? She'd be referred for a Ritalin prescription in about 2 seconds. It makes my skin crawl just to consider the possibilities there. So we keep her home and fight the battle here for a 10-minute math assignment and 20 minutes at the piano. I hate it. I really do. But I'm not putting her in public school, no matter how tempting it may be at times. AC keeps reminding me that I told him last summer that I read that it takes 2-3 years to really find a rhythm with homeschooling, so keep at it. Sigh.
The one specific curriculum that we've already rejected is Five in a Row. You're supposed to get a book and read it every day for a week, doing a different activity with it every day. The text gives you the list of books and activities to go with each one. It's a nice idea but we were pretty much doomed from the word Go because our local library has nothing to offer. Seriously, only one or two books out of the 20 listed in the book. And the ones I did find, I didn't even like. I tried it for 3 or 4 weeks with reading the book every day for a week, but eh. We'd already been through our 1000 Book Challenge with Sunny and Posy - reading the same book over and over is not my thing. And a lot of the "activities" were just discussions you're supposed to have with your kids. That's not an activity. An activity is something you do, not just sit and talk about something. I was also irritated that I paid 40 bucks for the book brand new (since I figured I'd use it for multiple kids) and it looks like it was printed and bound at Kinko's.
The jury is still out about Horizons Math. It's going all right, but I feel that it's missing the memorization of the addition tables. (We haven't gotten to subtraction yet.) There are practice problems as part of every lesson, but they're just random - there's no specific order to it. So I'm doing that on the side for Sunny.
3 comments:
Why not try the Clinton Library? We went up there today for a change of scene and had a great time. The Library is minutes off the Natchez Trace and is brand new (yes, I consider 2010 brand new). The computers in the children's library alone make a mommy's heart sore (appropriate child level and accessible, ours was even touch screen). And the fact that the Parenting section is located in the children's section--brilliant!
Not to mention the beautiful architecture (check out the cool arched lighting fixtures in the fiction/nonfiction collection). The fabulous exterior mason (are they mason?) walls that extend seamlessly into the interior of the library. The floor to ceiling windows that irrevocably link the idea that books= light. Modern and gorgeous! And the bathrooms were awesome! Someone had mommies and toddlers in mind.
The grounds were also noteworthy. There was a gravel path around the library that led to a large pond (complete with fountain). Picnic tables were also available in the back. We threaded our way through the pine mulch (and poison ivy--still MS were talking here) to one for lunch. There was also a convient patio outside the main circulation desk. It was small (one table), but if we have a library day again we will use it.
I didn't spend a lot of time exploring the children's section. I did note that the picture books were ORGANIZED by author's last name. And they were organized. The book my daughter pulled from the shelf and requested to read was in pristine condition--a small, somewhat random sample.
It's going to be hard going back to our local library after this. Do we even have to? I learned that you can check out books from the Hinds libraries if you pay a fee ($20 for 6 months). I haven't decided yet if I want to take this step. Still, I'm happy to know it is an option. Especially for the summer heat. I wonder what kind of summer reading program they have...
For the math facts I just make up problems on a consistent basis. Mateo is suppose to practice everyday. They test weekly. Aaron actually created a spreadsheet that changes the numbers. We also do flash cards. I mostly just make up the problems. He loves doing the flash cards. Also you could try having summer test marnie. That's mateos and Adans favorite way of practicing. Jacob loves it too. Before I know it Julia will be practicing :).
Also Amy I loved your comment! I may have to venture to the library now. It's been a long long time since I've done that. Can you check out books since you don't live in Clinton? I'm excited to explore!
Also Trina, have you tried inter library loaning? I hear it's great! I know I just prefer buying books.
Hey, its not perfect, but my girls use a math supplementary program online called IXL math. Sorry I don't know the cost involved (the school covers it) but we do it for about 15 minutes each day per kids to make sure they are understanding math from a new perspective.
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