So, my son has completed Book 1 of Explode the Code.
In my opinion he did awesome. (88%). I have gotten book 1.5 for him to do next, and he knows that it will be done with less help than the 1st one. The changes that have happened as he worked through it is incredible though. From lots of reading help, to minimal help to do the questions.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming along. 7 chapters down, and he's enjoying it. Posted more in the drop box. Up to and including Chapter 7. Questions and answers for each chapter, as well as drawing/colouring activities, and activities that the child has to be creative/use their imagination. Also recipes, etc at the end of some chapters. ** This here is the link to the right folder for anyone to use on the dropbox. (Answers to chapter 6 and 7 will be posted soon, but the questions are up).
Math is slow go. Find it's being a lot of busywork. But still, enforcing concepts - but concepts he's already aware of. I'm eager to go on to Math You See Beta, but I want him to finish Alpha first, as it's not identical to other curriculum, so I do feel it's important.
Finally got him doing the Astronomy course again. It's been stop-and-go. So much of it is a bit to detailed for him. He's seven, and working out of the Junior notebook. I can see doing this again, in 5 years or so, and using the "normal" workbook. (Same textbook). And having him learn so much more. For now though, space is one of his interests, so we are learning what we can.
Other than that, we've been doing bits and pieces of other work books I've picked up, making sure he's mastering more concepts over the summer. As it's important before we start the "official" grade 2 curriculum.
Well, on to the next thing, as life never stops here ;)
Saturday, 23 July 2016
Friday, 15 July 2016
The mailman, new curriculum, and looking ahead.
My mailman must think I am insane with the number of packages I get.
I work from home. So I get a lot of business stuff delivered, as well as personal.
This week, just about every day I got curriculum delivered. My son is super happy. I've never seen such joy as when he saw his new science curriculum - and religion. And then the disappointment when I explain we have to finish what we have started first though. Before moving on to "Flying Creatures" we have to finish the "Astronomy" unit. etc. Next week I should get his Math You See order. He loves math. Math of all sorts. It's great to see him so happy about the arrivals.
The last few days he's even been eager to do some of the work in the afternoon. He's slowly realizing it's not all torture sessions and seat work. We have to do some at the table, and he doesn't have to write and put pencil to paper - but he also gets to draw, and glue, and play. There's computer software, reading, and math manipulatives. It's not all sit and learn and be bored.
To my husband and me, it's important he learn what they would be learning if he was in school - but that's where that ends. He doesn't have to learn it the same way, or use the same books. And he can learn more - and what interests him. He just needs the basics too. He does need to know to read. But I don't care if he learns from school books, or a computer app. He does need to be able to write, but it doesn't all have to be daily journal sessions. Sometimes it can be about space, or puppies, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Speaking of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he's loving it. He wants to read a chapter every day - which is wonderful. At 7 years of age, a chapter is about all he has the attention span for. But the main thing is he looks forward to it. He sits and listens to the reading, then he answers any questions, and does any seat work/project. I am excited to see what he comes up with when we spend the day in the kitchen, with him making a recipe, and creating one as well.
** This here is the link to my dropbox - where you can follow along on our journey with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
I work from home. So I get a lot of business stuff delivered, as well as personal.
This week, just about every day I got curriculum delivered. My son is super happy. I've never seen such joy as when he saw his new science curriculum - and religion. And then the disappointment when I explain we have to finish what we have started first though. Before moving on to "Flying Creatures" we have to finish the "Astronomy" unit. etc. Next week I should get his Math You See order. He loves math. Math of all sorts. It's great to see him so happy about the arrivals.
The last few days he's even been eager to do some of the work in the afternoon. He's slowly realizing it's not all torture sessions and seat work. We have to do some at the table, and he doesn't have to write and put pencil to paper - but he also gets to draw, and glue, and play. There's computer software, reading, and math manipulatives. It's not all sit and learn and be bored.
To my husband and me, it's important he learn what they would be learning if he was in school - but that's where that ends. He doesn't have to learn it the same way, or use the same books. And he can learn more - and what interests him. He just needs the basics too. He does need to know to read. But I don't care if he learns from school books, or a computer app. He does need to be able to write, but it doesn't all have to be daily journal sessions. Sometimes it can be about space, or puppies, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Speaking of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he's loving it. He wants to read a chapter every day - which is wonderful. At 7 years of age, a chapter is about all he has the attention span for. But the main thing is he looks forward to it. He sits and listens to the reading, then he answers any questions, and does any seat work/project. I am excited to see what he comes up with when we spend the day in the kitchen, with him making a recipe, and creating one as well.
** This here is the link to my dropbox - where you can follow along on our journey with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
Wednesday, 13 July 2016
Working through the Summer
My son and I have been working through some grade 1 items this summer. In part to review grade One, and in part to I can see exactly what he has learned so far.
Today, I am planning on starting to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. We are going to do a unit study on the book as well.
Now, let me point out that I LOVE reading. For me a life without books would be horrible. I have been reading since I was 3 years old. Yes. I learned to read at a very young age. And I still devour books. At a rate that stuns my husband. (So far this year I have read 65 books, and we're mid July). My husband does not read. We joke that if the writing isn't on a Honda Contract (where he works), that he can't read. When we first got together, I bought him a book. That was November 2005. He's on page 11.
My son, seems to enjoy books. But he doesn't read on his own. He has limited reading. He's 7. I don't expect him to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on his own. I am fully planning on reading it too home, and working on the unit work, etc right beside him. I do expect him to do the writing - or I'll write, and he can copy. Something.
He SEEMS to be looking forward to this book with me. I am overly excited for it. I loved this book as a child, and read it multiple times. I would love for my son to share my love of reading. Eventually. That said. I know my son pretty much hates writing. Dislikes seatwork. And would rather do just about anything else.
So using Confessions of a Homeschooler as a general guide, we are off. We made a 'lapbook' last week, following the basic directions from there (and I paid for and downloaded the unit study). And we will loosely follow it. I have looked up some questions etc on other sites as well, to add a bit more - discussion and such. Here's hoping.
My goal isn't to "mark" my son and his work on this study. But rather to have him think, process, comprehend, and yes, but a little bit of that on paper. I want him to have fun though. Enjoy this. And the benefit of this style of "lapbook" is when it's done, I can file it away, in case it may ever be needed in the future.
I know at this point my son is planning on just doing 1 year of homeschool, and attending school in Sept 2017, for Grade Three. (I don't share those plans, but we will see how this year goes).
On top of that he has been working through Math You See Alpha (AND LOVES IT, so does Mom). As well as Explode the Code. We have other stuff too, but for the summer, these are the three "main" aspects. Oh, and the SummerSmart book. (grade 1-2). As it's a great look at what else he knows too.
Does anyone else do unit studies on books like these with their little "non" readers??? I'd love to hear which ones.
My son did Charlotte's Web in class in Grade One. :)
** This here is the link to my dropbox, where I will upload items that you can use, should you choose to do a study like this. All my own materials/creations ***
Today, I am planning on starting to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. We are going to do a unit study on the book as well.
Now, let me point out that I LOVE reading. For me a life without books would be horrible. I have been reading since I was 3 years old. Yes. I learned to read at a very young age. And I still devour books. At a rate that stuns my husband. (So far this year I have read 65 books, and we're mid July). My husband does not read. We joke that if the writing isn't on a Honda Contract (where he works), that he can't read. When we first got together, I bought him a book. That was November 2005. He's on page 11.
My son, seems to enjoy books. But he doesn't read on his own. He has limited reading. He's 7. I don't expect him to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on his own. I am fully planning on reading it too home, and working on the unit work, etc right beside him. I do expect him to do the writing - or I'll write, and he can copy. Something.
He SEEMS to be looking forward to this book with me. I am overly excited for it. I loved this book as a child, and read it multiple times. I would love for my son to share my love of reading. Eventually. That said. I know my son pretty much hates writing. Dislikes seatwork. And would rather do just about anything else.
So using Confessions of a Homeschooler as a general guide, we are off. We made a 'lapbook' last week, following the basic directions from there (and I paid for and downloaded the unit study). And we will loosely follow it. I have looked up some questions etc on other sites as well, to add a bit more - discussion and such. Here's hoping.
My goal isn't to "mark" my son and his work on this study. But rather to have him think, process, comprehend, and yes, but a little bit of that on paper. I want him to have fun though. Enjoy this. And the benefit of this style of "lapbook" is when it's done, I can file it away, in case it may ever be needed in the future.
I know at this point my son is planning on just doing 1 year of homeschool, and attending school in Sept 2017, for Grade Three. (I don't share those plans, but we will see how this year goes).
On top of that he has been working through Math You See Alpha (AND LOVES IT, so does Mom). As well as Explode the Code. We have other stuff too, but for the summer, these are the three "main" aspects. Oh, and the SummerSmart book. (grade 1-2). As it's a great look at what else he knows too.
Does anyone else do unit studies on books like these with their little "non" readers??? I'd love to hear which ones.
My son did Charlotte's Web in class in Grade One. :)
** This here is the link to my dropbox, where I will upload items that you can use, should you choose to do a study like this. All my own materials/creations ***
Wednesday, 6 July 2016
Why?
Why does society teach children, to focus on how to be like their peers. Why does society as a whole feel that it's so incredibly important to be the same.
Same clothes.
Same shoes.
Same marks.
Same level of knowledge
Same interests.
Same, same, same. Strive to be the same, and strive to do well on tests - or be 'testable'.
My son, in essence, has spent 3 years in the 'public school system'. Yeah, I've done 'part time homeschool'. I've bought curriculum. I've done work with him. I've TRIED to teach him he doesn't have to be the same.
He is my son, not my neighbors son, not his Aunts son, MINE. And all he has to be, is himself.
Let me tell you the basics, Grade One is officially done. My son describes him self as (his words):
Seven Years Old.
Done Grade One. Almost in Grade Two.
Mommy and Daddy's boy.
A brother.
Bad at reading.
Bad at spelling.
Bad at soccer.
Bad at the monkey bars.
Stupid compared to other kids.
Behind in reading. (level 7, most other kids are level 12 or more)
Bad at bike-riding, as I can't ride without training wheels.
Bad at gym.
Good at math.
Mom's best boy.
Stupid.
Bad at talking - other kids don't understand me well always.
Why is so much of it focused on the bad. I tell him so much good. I praise him many many many times a day (as does his farther), but still the "bad" sticks.
Let me tell you what I see (and his Dad).
MY son is:
Seven Years old.
Done grade one. staying home for grade two.
My little boy.
My only child.
My miracle.
A active swimmer.
the youngest kid to ever make the local swim team.
Someone who loves to help.
A kid that has only been speaking for 3.5 years (started talking just before he turned 4, long story). A kid that is at level for how long he's been talking.
A master of mathematics. He sat at my table and explained multiplication to me today.
A kid who is eager to read.
A kid who got 5 sightwords right of the grade 3 list.
A child who asks questions.
A child who will (with assistance) actively search out the answer of questions his parents can't answer.
A child who loves God.
A child with a heart condition, that limits the sports that he can participate in.
A child who loves broccoli. And asparagus (pickled of all things).
A child who is behind in language from his same-age-peers, but who actively does speech lessons, etc to come to his same-age-peers. When compared to kids who have been talking same time as his, he is on par.
I understand we are 'trained' to care more what our peers think, then our parents. I get that. But it is so wrong, that by seven years of age, we have taught our children to focus on the negatives. Of all the phrases my son uses to describe himself, only two are positive. a few are neutral, but only TWO are positive. Why must we, as a society, beat down our children that much.
My child can accomplish anything. And it's time society stopped telling him otherwise.
My child, is MY child. He has his strengths, he has his weaknesses. But he is MY child. He is his own person. Stop trying to turn him into a drone. This is not Star Trek, and we are not the Borg. He is a seven year old boy. Stop tearing him down, and help me start to build him up. Our children are children. Let them play. Let them be kids. Let them learn, and grow, and discover. Let them become what we haven't managed (if they choose to). Build them up.
Children are our future. So help them be great. Help them be good. Stop telling them they are bad, or insufficient when compared to others.
We cannot expect our children to become great people and leaders if we continue to leave them in a system that tears them down.
**As a side note, my son is my only child, but I have also 'helped' raise my husbands two daughters, both of whom are no adults and have homes and families of their own. This situation is not unique to boys. It is not unique to my child, or my family. It just is. And it needs to be changed.
Same clothes.
Same shoes.
Same marks.
Same level of knowledge
Same interests.
Same, same, same. Strive to be the same, and strive to do well on tests - or be 'testable'.
My son, in essence, has spent 3 years in the 'public school system'. Yeah, I've done 'part time homeschool'. I've bought curriculum. I've done work with him. I've TRIED to teach him he doesn't have to be the same.
He is my son, not my neighbors son, not his Aunts son, MINE. And all he has to be, is himself.
Let me tell you the basics, Grade One is officially done. My son describes him self as (his words):
Seven Years Old.
Done Grade One. Almost in Grade Two.
Mommy and Daddy's boy.
A brother.
Bad at reading.
Bad at spelling.
Bad at soccer.
Bad at the monkey bars.
Stupid compared to other kids.
Behind in reading. (level 7, most other kids are level 12 or more)
Bad at bike-riding, as I can't ride without training wheels.
Bad at gym.
Good at math.
Mom's best boy.
Stupid.
Bad at talking - other kids don't understand me well always.
Why is so much of it focused on the bad. I tell him so much good. I praise him many many many times a day (as does his farther), but still the "bad" sticks.
Let me tell you what I see (and his Dad).
MY son is:
Seven Years old.
Done grade one. staying home for grade two.
My little boy.
My only child.
My miracle.
A active swimmer.
the youngest kid to ever make the local swim team.
Someone who loves to help.
A kid that has only been speaking for 3.5 years (started talking just before he turned 4, long story). A kid that is at level for how long he's been talking.
A master of mathematics. He sat at my table and explained multiplication to me today.
A kid who is eager to read.
A kid who got 5 sightwords right of the grade 3 list.
A child who asks questions.
A child who will (with assistance) actively search out the answer of questions his parents can't answer.
A child who loves God.
A child with a heart condition, that limits the sports that he can participate in.
A child who loves broccoli. And asparagus (pickled of all things).
A child who is behind in language from his same-age-peers, but who actively does speech lessons, etc to come to his same-age-peers. When compared to kids who have been talking same time as his, he is on par.
I understand we are 'trained' to care more what our peers think, then our parents. I get that. But it is so wrong, that by seven years of age, we have taught our children to focus on the negatives. Of all the phrases my son uses to describe himself, only two are positive. a few are neutral, but only TWO are positive. Why must we, as a society, beat down our children that much.
My child can accomplish anything. And it's time society stopped telling him otherwise.
My child, is MY child. He has his strengths, he has his weaknesses. But he is MY child. He is his own person. Stop trying to turn him into a drone. This is not Star Trek, and we are not the Borg. He is a seven year old boy. Stop tearing him down, and help me start to build him up. Our children are children. Let them play. Let them be kids. Let them learn, and grow, and discover. Let them become what we haven't managed (if they choose to). Build them up.
Children are our future. So help them be great. Help them be good. Stop telling them they are bad, or insufficient when compared to others.
We cannot expect our children to become great people and leaders if we continue to leave them in a system that tears them down.
**As a side note, my son is my only child, but I have also 'helped' raise my husbands two daughters, both of whom are no adults and have homes and families of their own. This situation is not unique to boys. It is not unique to my child, or my family. It just is. And it needs to be changed.
Monday, 4 July 2016
Benchmark - Where Are We Right Now
Okay.
July 4th. 2016.
He IS enrolled in summer school. For 3 more weeks.
Grade 1 curriculum we bought - Where we are. *unless noted would like done by end of September*
Math You See - Alpha. Done up to and including Lesson 5. Want to finish this before September
SummerSmart - Grade 1/2 - Just started
Explode the Code - Book 1 - done up to and including lesson 6. Wanting to finish this and another book or two over the summer.
Exploring Creation with Astronomy - barely started. Looking to finish by December.
A Reason for Handwriting - Level T - Transition - done about 7 lessons, looking to finish by end of school year. (in 2017)
English Smart 1
Math Smart 1
Complete Math Smart 1
Science Smart 1
I also have a couple of other grade 1 'workbooks' based on Canadian curriculum for extra practice and to use as needed - or to keep busy as Mom is working on other things.
Grade 2 Curriculum - working on, and looking to have done by end of May 2017.
Math You See - Beta (to be ordered)
Explode the Code - Complete Series - up to Book 8, including half levels.
Beyond the Code - Complete Series - 4 books.
Fully Alive - Grade 2
Math Makes Sense 2 - this is the book for the public school curriculum in math
Exploring Creation with Zoology 1 - Flying Creatures
Expedition Earth
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Book Study
The Wright Brothers Unit Study
Finding God's Promises - Grade 2.
Complete English Smart 2
Science Smart 2
*depending on time, and how things go, also*
Book Study on Stuart Little
Unit Study on Thomas Edison
Unit Study on Alexander Graham Bell
Unit Study on Henry Ford
Exploring Creation with Anatomy and Physiology
June 2017.
Looking to get the CAT testing from Canadian Test Centre, grade 2, end of year level. In order to achieve an 'unbiased benchmark' of success for the end of the year.
Today, July 4th, did a sight word test on JK words, and he got 35 of the 40 words correct (reading). Of the SK words, he got 31 of 52 words correct. Testing for grade 1, 2, and 3 words will happen throughout this week. Spelling these words will also be checked by the end of July.
July 4th. 2016.
He IS enrolled in summer school. For 3 more weeks.
Grade 1 curriculum we bought - Where we are. *unless noted would like done by end of September*
Math You See - Alpha. Done up to and including Lesson 5. Want to finish this before September
SummerSmart - Grade 1/2 - Just started
Explode the Code - Book 1 - done up to and including lesson 6. Wanting to finish this and another book or two over the summer.
Exploring Creation with Astronomy - barely started. Looking to finish by December.
A Reason for Handwriting - Level T - Transition - done about 7 lessons, looking to finish by end of school year. (in 2017)
English Smart 1
Math Smart 1
Complete Math Smart 1
Science Smart 1
I also have a couple of other grade 1 'workbooks' based on Canadian curriculum for extra practice and to use as needed - or to keep busy as Mom is working on other things.
Grade 2 Curriculum - working on, and looking to have done by end of May 2017.
Math You See - Beta (to be ordered)
Explode the Code - Complete Series - up to Book 8, including half levels.
Beyond the Code - Complete Series - 4 books.
Fully Alive - Grade 2
Math Makes Sense 2 - this is the book for the public school curriculum in math
Exploring Creation with Zoology 1 - Flying Creatures
Expedition Earth
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Book Study
The Wright Brothers Unit Study
Finding God's Promises - Grade 2.
Complete English Smart 2
Science Smart 2
*depending on time, and how things go, also*
Book Study on Stuart Little
Unit Study on Thomas Edison
Unit Study on Alexander Graham Bell
Unit Study on Henry Ford
Exploring Creation with Anatomy and Physiology
June 2017.
Looking to get the CAT testing from Canadian Test Centre, grade 2, end of year level. In order to achieve an 'unbiased benchmark' of success for the end of the year.
Today, July 4th, did a sight word test on JK words, and he got 35 of the 40 words correct (reading). Of the SK words, he got 31 of 52 words correct. Testing for grade 1, 2, and 3 words will happen throughout this week. Spelling these words will also be checked by the end of July.
First Post
Well, the husband and I have decided to keep our son home for Grade 2. We've toyed with homeschooling in the past - and even ordered most of the curriculum for grade 1, however caved and sent our son to school.
After a INSANE Grade 1 year, we have decided that's it. We need AT LEAST a year without the crazy environment known as Public School.
Here is our attempt at homeschooling our son.
We are also holding ourselves (publically) accountable to following curriculum (as close as possible).
Here comes what I am guessing will be a crazy year. It's July now, but we are going to spend the next two months trying to "catch up" as we discovered that MOST of what our son was supposed to be taught - wasn't. In short, it seems they "system" gave up on our little boy, and pushed him to the back burner.
I know my son can be amazing... and here is to the next (14) months to proving it!
After a INSANE Grade 1 year, we have decided that's it. We need AT LEAST a year without the crazy environment known as Public School.
Here is our attempt at homeschooling our son.
We are also holding ourselves (publically) accountable to following curriculum (as close as possible).
Here comes what I am guessing will be a crazy year. It's July now, but we are going to spend the next two months trying to "catch up" as we discovered that MOST of what our son was supposed to be taught - wasn't. In short, it seems they "system" gave up on our little boy, and pushed him to the back burner.
I know my son can be amazing... and here is to the next (14) months to proving it!
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