Welcome to FamilyLife Fellowship, a family life community board.
It is a place where we can discuss family issues, share ideas, ask questions and encourage each other in our journeys as homemakers. The atmosphere of this board is intended to be gracious and supportive.
Each family is encouraged to prayerfully seek the Lord's direction & guidance for their unique family dynamics and needs. Families are encouraged to build strong relationships as they live & learn together. This is a place where homemakers can support and encourage each other no matter where they live, what season of life they are in, or what educational options they have chosen.
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Oh you have an approved evaluator look at your portfolios!!!!!
Yes, we have to have two reviews: evaluator and school district. Most of the evaluators are homeschooling moms who also happen to have teaching credentials. Mine is great - she has a boy with learning disabilities similar to mine and she totally gets different learning styles, lifestyle of learning, unschooling, etc.
I do like it to look nice and be comprehensive, while not going overboard. I believe in minimal compliance - give them what the law requires, no more. This year I want the kids to have more involvement in it. In previous years I have typed up their book lists, but this year they are keeping their own. I keep my own lists of books (readalouds, or workbooks/curriculum) and activities.
When I see a packed 3-inch binder in the school district office, I have to laugh. I know the "homeschool liaison" is not looking those over carefully. But if it makes people happy to put them together, and the district doesn't get it into their heads that everyone needs to do the same... I guess it doesn't matter to me.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #2 Yesterday at 1:12am »
One LAST thing about the portfolios:
We moved to TN at the beginning of May 2008. I finished out the year under La. law, but turned everything in to our umbrella school in TN, and did not send it to Baton Rouge. I also gave the school the previous year's portfolios and our approval letter.
A few weeks ago when I met with the director about finishing Sue's senior year, she pulled out those portfolios and said, "I can tell that she has had a quality education, so there is no need to push her hard this last year while she is so sick."
What a relief!! And, how affirming to me!!! I started crying when she said that!
The EDUCATION was not "made up", but some of the PAPERS were "made up" to reflect the education.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #4 Yesterday at 12:54am »
Awww ladies.. you are so sweet.Thank you for the kind words. Yes, post it in the articles section.
As for older kids..... I made a portfolio in 9th and 10th grade for my oldest. I don't have those handy. They are in her file at the umbrella school office.
But, I think.... we moved to text books as spines in middle and high school years. 1.There are always questions to answer and words to define. It was easy to assign the end of chapter questions and definitions.
2. Also, I bought the test packets from BJU that went along with a few of the books. I assigned a few of those tests mostly done open book. I marked "open book" on the test.
3.I still included coloring of maps and illustrating a character from a book or coloring sheet of historical figure. Elementary portfolios had LOTS of coloring. High school not so much, but still an easy way to provide an extra sheet or two.
4. 3 word outlines, aka IEW style, of chapter summaries followed by the summary rewritten in students own words.
5. Short one page reports about science or history topics.
Once again, the internet is filled with all kinds of free worksheets on every topic for K to 12th grade.
When I had to do portfolios I would just announce several time per day, "Today give me all your written work for the portfolio." I would then get the best effort and I'd put it all in a folder. I also save most everything so at the end of the year I would randomly pull different pieces of paper to include. I always included work that had "red teacher marks". I never turned in a whole portfolio with perfect work in it. I did grade and tried to have a smattering of As Bs and Cs. If at the end I did not have something tangible for a subject, I'd have them produce something quickly that week. If I still did not have something tangible, I would write a paragraph explaining some of the activities we did in that subject, but unfortunately did not save a written assignment for that subject.
In Louisiana, the state gets thousands of portfolios and they only have a few employees in that office. The porfolios are barely looked at and then returned.
I had 4 kids to turn in portfolios for. One year I purposely placed them strangely in the envelope. One was upside down, one was placed with the back to the front, one was upside down and back to front, and only the one of the top was placed right side up and top side up. I got them back in the very same order and position as I had sent them. They took them out of my envelope, stamped approved on the offical form, put them back in another envelope and mailed them back. They MIGHT have glanced at the one on top, I know they did not even look at the ones on the bottom.
After that, the next year, I 'dog-eared' a lot of the pages together in one of the portfolios. If those pages had just been thumbed through the dog-ears would have been separated. It was returned exactly as I sent it. Another time, some dog eared pages WERE seperated so I know that portfolio was at least glanced at.
Make it look pretty. Have it bound at Kinko's. Spend some time typing up 2 or 3 pages of professional prose filled with "teacherese language" explaining the overal scope of your home school. List every educational computer program, every documentary, every field trip.
Even a trip to the grocery store can be described in teacher speak! And doctor's office, and post office, and fast food restaurant!
Oh one year, our Science was NOVA on Tuesday night. We watch NOVA for fun anyway, so I decided that was science for that year. Several times that year, I put the kids on the table with paper and crayons to color something from the show. Some of those coloring were turned in along with a very high browed paragraph about the wonders of the award winning NOVA series and the ideas my young minds were exposed to by watching and processing this wonderful information.
A side note: I think even with high schoolers you could still use NOVA as your science spine. You could then require further reserach into the topic and a 1 page written report on that topic. You could easily watch 36 episodes on tv and the internet and have a wonderful 36 page science notebook.
OK enough... I need more coffee and I guess I should wake my kids considering it is almost 9am.
Oh, and I am NOT suggesting that you do activities that are on different TOPICS you are studying. Do the activities, copy work, coloring pages, illustrations, worksheets, questions on the TOPICS you are learning about anyway.
Pam, you are so funny.
I didn't think you meant anything other than this. It wouldn't even make sense anyway, to do it any other way - would just add to the work!
We have to have a state-certified evaluator approve our portfolios before we send them to the school district for review and approval. I'm going to go over your ideas with my evaluator to see what she thinks.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #6 Yesterday at 12:09am »
Oh, and I am NOT suggesting that you do activities that are on different TOPICS you are studying. Do the activities, copy work, coloring pages, illustrations, worksheets, questions on the TOPICS you are learning about anyway.
After I went to bed last night, it popped into my head that someone might think I was suggesting being deceitful to the state. NO! I didn't mean that!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Re: Needing a problem to solve to learn « Result #7 on Nov 19, 2009, 11:59pm »
Ohhhhh that link will be great for my laid up son who loves stuff like that! He is currently trying to invent a "press" to make his own skateboards. He would love to watch those while he's flat on the couch! I just have to get the computer over there......
Mary - interesting thoughts...... I wonder if it's common with boys? My boys seem to fit that too.
Joined: Mar 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,690 Location: Florida
Re: Word of the day challenge « Result #8 on Nov 19, 2009, 2:18pm »
Okay...so I wrote the word on a piece of paper and brought it in the car....every time someone rode in the car, I asked them the word and to use it in a sentence...we got a "plethora" of examples....
You need 3 samples of work from each of those subjects listed. You can work 3 days per year producing those samples and then enjoy the rest of the year. (Well maybe you'll need 9 or 10 days per year)
Pam, Do you give permission for this to be re-posted in the article section. It needs to be easily referred to
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #12 on Nov 19, 2009, 9:59am »
Pam,
What an awesome list!!! I also like your ideas of how to complete the list. I know most kids would want to spread it out but for some kids spending a few days to do everything to get it over with is a great idea l!!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #13 on Nov 19, 2009, 9:26am »
Wow, Pam! What a list. Thanks for taking the time to put that together. You do make it look quite doable.
Always nice to see things a new way. That's why I love it here. Always someone who is a step ahead, and always someone who has a different way of looking at things!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #15 on Nov 19, 2009, 7:54am »
Ok... that helps alot..... and this will be very EASY for you and your kids to do.
You need 3 samples of work from each of those subjects listed. You can work 3 days per year producing those samples and then enjoy the rest of the year. (Well maybe you'll need 9 or 10 days per year)
I. English, to include spelling, reading and writing; 1. 3 spelling tests
2. reading list and 3 short comprehension tests. Make up a list of 10 questions per book or chapter. Let them orally answer the questions as you write the anwers. Let them copy your answers in thier own handwriting.
3. Writing 1. an orignial poem. 2. copy work with parts of speech marked in different colors. 3. a one page report
II. arithmetic; Three tests
III. science; 1. copywork and a drawing 2. chart the weather for a month 3. 10 to 15 words to be defined on paper. (this can be done one word per day) 4. a short report
IV. geography; 1. fill in the blank page with names of continents , oceans, countries, terms to be defined 2. Color a map of the world 3. Color a map of the USA 4. coloring page of maps of the world
V. history of the United States and Pennsylvania; USA: 1. copy work from a history book 2. workbook page printed off the internet 3. short report about a president with a coloring page
PENN: 1. coloring page of the flag 2. map with major cities, rivers, mountains, colored 3. workbook page printed off the internet
VI.civics; Any elections this year? collect some campaign materials to make a 3 or 4 page scrapbook of the campaign.
VII. safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires; 1. fire department probably has coloring books /activity books about fire prevention 2. workbook page off the internet 3. Red Cross should have first aid workbooks
VIII. health and physiology; 1. color page with food pyramid 2. let the kids plan a meal, write out the menu, and take a picture of them cooking /eating 3. copy work some Bible verses about health/healing and list examples under each verse.
IX.physical education; take 3 pictures: 1. running/walking 2. baseball /football/ basketball etc 3. sit ups or jumping jacks
X music; and Color 3 pictures of classical composers. Short copywork sentence or two from each composer.
XI. art Do 3 pictures in different mediums and styles 1. color pencil a still life 2. water color a landscape 3. a modern art collage with different materials (yarn, ribbon, contruction paper, paint, buttons.. YES.. all on the same piece of HEAVY cardstock)
You could choose to do ONE of these activities every day until it is done. OR You could choose one week in the different months to only do portfolio projects. OR You can choose 3 days in the year to produce portfolio stuff. OR
Re: Needing a problem to solve to learn « Result #16 on Nov 19, 2009, 7:01am »
I have one of those. My son has been known to invent things but not all the time. I remember going to a Birthday party where they had stuff out to make "inventions". Really they were more like models or modern works of art but most of the kids were having a blast and my son took absolutely no interest. He didn't have any reason to build anything in particular. When he was the young age of three though he built a magnetic rod to get a battery out of a very narrow topped vase. You couldn't turn the vase upside down because the bottom was wide and the battery would turn sideways. He is always interested in solving problems but gets easily bored without one to solve. The rod was simple to build with his toys but it amazed me considering how little background knowledge he had that he figured that out by himself.
He says he wants to be a carpenter but I think he would get bored quickly unless he was designing something new. I don't think he would like moving from one house to another putting on roofs or installing flooring. I don't tell him that because he may find a way to make the two mesh but so far he seldom uses the woodworking tools he does have. My DH tried to build a canoe with him and he disappeared after a very short amount of time even though it originally was something he was excited about. My four year old on the other hand helped him through most all the process. He sat there patiently and sewed the canoe together with zip-ties, one at a time. You would think a ten year old would be more patient then a four year old but it's really a matter of interest. It's interesting to me to watch them all and I am curious what they will do with their lives.
The instructions are intentionally vague. We have to turn in documentation and/or samples of work for each of the required subjects:
"At the elementary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; science; geography; history of the United States and Pennsylvania; civics; safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires; health and physiology; physical education; music; and art."
We need to supply a materials list (books, dvds), a list of activities (swimming lessons, piano lessons, visits to such-and-such historical site) and a few samples of work in subjects such as math, English, etc. The subjects that normally generate paperwork, you might say. A general guideline is just 3 per subject: one from early in the year, one in the middle, one at the end. I don't have to prove that they did PE, or send a cd of the kids playing piano. (Though I suspect some people do send these things. I've seen some 3-inch thick binders packed to bursting in the superintendent's office!)
No worries about getting back on this quickly. As I always say to my husband: spend only as much time on this as you want to, and can spare.
These are good ideas! My main thing is just getting it to be a pleasant and not painful experience for my kids. They simply don't like to do much of this sort of thing. I wouldn't say they are lazy; they spend a great deal of their days doing useful things. It's documentation that's so hard for them. But having new ideas surely helps because it gives me more suggestions to them (a la Mary's post) to help them with buy-in.
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Needing a problem to solve to learn « Result #20 on Nov 19, 2009, 4:56am »
I had a huge break though in understanding Gil's (13) learning style. This past week we set up a wood lathe in the garage for the boys to use. Anthony (11) has been bugging his Dad for months to let him use it. We found a beginning DVD for the boys to watch which Anthony eagerly watched several times and then he has spent hours each day in the garage turning wood into wooden pens, bowls, and various other wooden gifts for Christmas. Anthony is my "producing" kid. He is always wanting to make something. Gil watched the DVD but other than an initial trial in the garage hasn't returned to the lathe. I was pondering why this was as he loves to work with his hands. That is when it dawned on me about another part to his learning style. Gil has a huge aptitude for learning anything hands on but he isn't interested in learning just anything. He needs a problem to solve. If there is a problem he will devote himself to learning all he can and then he will percolate sometimes for days or weeks and then he will apply what he has learned with a solution to the problem and then he will produce something tangible and incredible to solve the problem. He needs a reason or a problem to solve to inspire him.
So right now he is watching some lectures on astronomy and although he is watching them somewhat willingly I know he isn't getting much out of them because he has no buy in. He doesn't have an "astronomy" problem to solve. He is also watching some online lectures from MIT about learning to use metal machining tools. These are long and in my mind very very dry boring lectures. He is passionately watching them soaking up every word. Why? Because there is a problem that needs solved on the farm that could be solved if someone learns further information on metal machining and how to make a specific piece of equipment for stalls that we buy all the time. We need a better model that won't break so easily. Gil has a problem to solve. He wants to solve it so he eagerly will watch the dry lectures and learn all he can so he can apply what he has learned.
This is a part of learning style that I had never considered before.
In case anyone has a son interested in machining here is a link to the lectures.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do...Mark Twain
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 3,763 Location: Louisiana
Re: Word of the day challenge « Result #21 on Nov 19, 2009, 4:17am »
WElllll we had drop in company this morning, a gal we are counseling about homeschooling who is trying to decide to bring her kids home so she popped in to see us "in action" and our day was thrown off terribly as a result! I really didn't mind but we didn't get to the "word of the day" today and now we're ready to move into prepping for a thanksgiving party we're hosting for the kids at church tonight. We'll have to do it tomorrow! Although we ARE babysitting a 2 and 3 yo tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so we'll try to fit it in. great ideas don't always pan out I guess!
Still interested in seeing if your kids took the challenge and what great ways they incorporated the "word of the day" into their day.
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #22 on Nov 19, 2009, 3:43am »
I did post this yesterday and then deleted it but Margaret asked that I repost it.
You've probably already done this but have you talked to the kids about this? I think they need some "buy in". They are old enough to understand that you need something for their portfolio. Can you give them choices and options to choose what to contribute? Being in scouts they both understand about completing projects for their badges. Could you build on this to meet your portfolio requirements?
I'm not sure how many items you have to have in your portfolio for each subject but could you break it down by number of projects needed in each area? Math obviously is easy but say you need one or more projects per month in history, science, language arts etc. Make up an idea list of what those projects could include. So history might be book report, timeline, power point presentation, scrapbook page or pages, diorama, short research project, or pages of answered questions. The same would hold true for science or language arts. Have a list that might include book report, experiment, scrap book pages, research project, short story, poem etc. At the first of each month have the kids decide what project they will complete by the end of the month for each subject that needs a project for the portfolio. Then if necessary break it down week by week of what they need to finish in order to complete the project for the month.
If the kids had the option of choosing their projects would it be easier? Basically you are giving them a list to choose from. Brainstorm with the kids and come up with the ideas for projects for each subject. Then sit down and talk
The conversation could go, "You will need to choose one of the projects listed or if you have another good idea I'm open to suggestions but not doing a project isn't an option. One item per month of your choice must be completed in each of these subjects for your portfolio. You will decide at the beginning of the month what project you want to complete. You need to choose wisely because unless there is a major event or illness you need to stick to your first choice."
Granted you can extend grace if they come up with a really good alternative part way through the month. Having them choose at the first of the month and sticking to it may help them from coming at the last minute and changing their mind. This may not be necessary but at least you can stick to your guns and say the project was their choice. It takes the pressure off you to be the bad guy and it take the pressure off trying to decide should we make this learning moment a portfolio project. The other thing is that you have to be willing to let them choose even if it is an "easy" project and even if they choose the same type of project every month unless you state in advance that they need to choose a different type of project every month. The choice has to be theirs. That is the hard part for me. If I give a list of choices and they choose an option I don't like I have to accept that. So you need to make sure that the items on your list are acceptable to you. The other part of a list of ideas would be a list of basic acceptable minimums for each project so that they don't just slap something together in five minutes. Think of it like their badge book with requirements etc.
Another idea would be after the kids have decided on a project that once a month they have a 5-15 minute pow wow with Dad to tell him what they have chosen for their projects for the month. That way if needed you have some back up if they come and complain. If they don't want to complete a project you have the option of saying that they need to talk to their Dad about changing their project. I don't know what it is but my kids know that if I say "do you need to talk with your Dad about such and such", their attitude changes quickly even though I am the main disciplinarian.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #23 on Nov 19, 2009, 1:03am »
I need a little more information please.....
What "grades" are your kids in?
Do you have specific instructions from the state?
Are the state guidelines a general "turn in a portfolio"?
What subjects are your kids "taking"?
Do you need evidence of every single subject?
How many samples of work do you need? 1 or 2 pieces of paper per subject? 10 or 15 pages per subject? somewhere in between?
After I posted last night I thought of another idea that is good for history, science, and living books: Drawing, tracing, coloring a picture from the book on the top of a page with some copywork from that book on the bottom half of the page.... that is an easy way (and fun.. even my teens still like coloring) to add pages to a portfolio.
Another easy idea: Have them dictate an oral narration to you. Then they can copy the narration in their own handwriting. They can then go back with colored markers and circle the parts of speech in different colors. Evidence of English class!! If you did this 1 time per month, you'd have 9 pieces of paper for English.
Another idea: The internet is filled with free worksheets and coloring pages. It is pretty easy to find a worksheet on a subject in whatever book you are reading. Example: You read "A Door in the Wall" out loud. Find a worksheet on Castles and you've got evidence of history.
I'm really busy today so I'm not sure if I can get back to you today. But I do have more ideas. Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #24 on Nov 19, 2009, 12:39am »
Thanks Ladies. Shauna, you are right - I should use the camera more. As I think about it, I always put a couple of pictures in, but could do more.
Pam, looking forward to your comments when you have a chance. And you are right, I don't need to document everything.
This year has been particularly hard so far. The last 2 years (the only years I've had to do this) were a little easier because the kids were involved in some groups that gave them writing and public-speaking opportunities. We aren't part of those groups any more. And, of course, 2 years ago I had 3rd and 4th graders. The expectations are higher now.
It is so hard for me to resist "schoolifying" things. I want to take every good book and make it a "study." I want writing - some writing, not extensive and complex papers - on everything. My kids just don't respond well to that. For some reason that just shuts their interest down.
But, they are old enough to understand they have to do something, and filling out a few bubbles in a test-prep book doesn't really do it anymore!
I had been thinking of getting one of the unit-study books for The Chronicles of Narnia. Then I remembered that I wrecked the "Little House" books by doing the Prairie Primer (or part of it). Ugh! Glad I came to my senses on that one. Actually Mary indirectly steered me away from that idea. Thanks Mary!
Here's a challenge for those kiddos of yours... visit the link, choose the correct group to use words from (actually I don't like the elementary or jr high lists, they seem too easy, the SAT prep list seems just about right even for my youngest! but I do like those high school words as well!)
Teach it to your kids in the morning, if you catch them using the word in correct context (with correct pronunciation) give them a quarter (or a candy or whatever) then come back and post here the sentences they used the word in.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #28 on Nov 18, 2009, 11:58am »
I've got a lot of ideas for you. I turned in a portfolio every year when we lived in Louisiana. We were registered differently than Missy must be registered.
I'll pull out some of those old portfolios and post more info tomorrow.
One thing right now: My kids DID understand that we had to turn in something written for every subject. A few times a year, I would announce that on that day or during that week we would produce something to put in portfolios. You probably don't have to document EVERYTHING, probably just several pages worth in each subject.
I don't remember having such a long list of forbidden foods, back in the dark ages of braces. Maybe it was because we had so much metal in our mouths, and it was so thick it wouldn't break from a bite of a chip!
No kidding - I personified the phrase "metal mouth"! Kids have it so easy now-a-days......boy, doesn't that comment make me sound old! ha!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #30 on Nov 18, 2009, 4:45am »
How about a photo journal? Put together a montage of pictures of the kids "in action" (absorbed in the book). You could add the photo journal in with work samples, book lists, standardized test scores, etc.
I'm wondering if the photo journal would serve as documentation ?
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #31 on Nov 18, 2009, 4:41am »
Kim, those are fine ideas - though my journaling those moments isn't a really a sample of the child's work - to the education bureaucrat's mind - know what I mean?
I can make the kids produce written work. I can make up worksheets with questions and make them do it. That's what I did last year, with science - someone gave me a biology textbook and I typed up worksheets (using the end-of-chapter questions) for them to complete - multiple choice, short answer, even places to draw diagrams of, for example, a muscle. They produced - and they hated every minute of it.
I am sure that James at least has learned more just reading some of the human body books (The Way We Work by David Macaulay, for one) than any of the work we did together. I could have made up worksheets from that book rather than a textbook - but then he would have hated that one just as much.
That's really the challenge - I can make them them do the work; I want them not to hate it.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 860 Location: WI
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #32 on Nov 18, 2009, 3:08am »
Interesting. I sort of face the same thing right now. A pastor friend asked about Zoe's academic abilities. In fact what he asked was, "Is she brilliant?" And the answer was that she absorbs and retains an amazing amount of information, but she is stuck in producing output.
Her writing is coming, but not flowing. Her artwork and visual representations are gaining clarity, but they still need explaining. She still fights showing her work on math problems, but she gets concepts. I think this is simply a mismatch of ability and development. Exactly what adolescence is about.
Could you journal those things they pop up with as a record of "oral reporting" Maybe have them record in writing through some narration/ dictation if it's really a well developed idea.
Just thinking with my fingers....and our kids can't do that yet!
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do...Mark Twain
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 3,763 Location: Louisiana
Re: Showing what they've learned « Result #33 on Nov 18, 2009, 1:17am »
Margaret, that does happen around here, but fortunately I don't have to have a portfolio or show any work, just the 180 days... so I can let them have their interest led learning and leave it alone.
I will be pondering how I WOULD try to produce something from that if I had to....
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Showing what they've learned « Result #34 on Nov 18, 2009, 1:01am »
So we live in a state that requires a portfolio of work at the end of the school year. Work samples are required to show that "an appropriate education" took place.
At the level my kids are (grades 5 and 6), a few worksheets and a book list really aren't enough. Yet, it's so hard for my kids to produce something.
For example, every morning for the past week, James has started his day reading a very good geography book, National Geographic's Exploring Your World. It's a big encyclopedia-style book of physical and cultural geography (an example page: entries on "escarpment," "estuary," "ethnic group," and "evaporation.") I know he learns a lot from it. So when I see him absorbed in it I get itchy - I want to start using it systematically, give him assignments from it, and produce something. And, you know, that will ruin the book for him.
Eleanor reads a lot of historical fiction, and some nonfiction, but it's the same thing: she learns a lot, but nothing tangible comes from it. As soon as I assign something, the interest dries up, the book gets put down, and the learning stops.
We spend a lot of time discussing their reading, and they are always popping up to show me something interesting. They may do further research on a topic. So I know they are learning.
But I have to show the state that they are learning.
How do you deal with this? I am sure this is not unique to my family.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Is a stable routine possible? « Result #35 on Nov 18, 2009, 12:58am »
Margaret: I have to count days and hours as well. I am a bit more relaxed in counting a day as 4 hours. There are some days when only 2 hours of seat work gets done but we do have a rich learning environment in our home so kids are learning all day long.
(hey, i will admit that some days are filled with video/computer games and various mind sucking twaddle )
And, about days.... one thing the director of our umbrella school told me a few weeks ago..... The state allows for a certain number of unexcused absenses and then a certain number of excused absenses... and that applies to homeschoolers as well! (in TN anyway) so we can actually count some of our sick days in 180, especially since I usually DO assign some reading on sick days.
So.... instead of taking 1/2 days, I think I am going to decide a stopping point in the books.... specific pages to be finished with by December 15th.
Margaret, do they let you count outside reading, piano, etc.
Yes, I can count all their reading, any exercise counts as PE, their piano practice and lessons count too. So, I just have to figure out what I'm willing to count. Reading a good book of fiction or non-fiction, yes. Lounging around with Calvin and Hobbes cartoons, no. (I might have counted C&H when they were younger and learning to read.) Bouncing on the trampoline, yes. Going out to the trampoline but sitting there chatting, no. Typing or programming practice or a useful computer game, yes; mindless computer games, no.
Of course I'm not standing over them with a stopwatch counting minutes. But, as we go through our day I am mindful of our activities and whether or not they should count.
I do know a few people who just fill out a log sheet with every day as a school day. When they fill in 180 boxes, they call it good. They do have to submit a portfolio of work and a log of books and activities, so they are not idle or faking it, but they just refuse to track school days. I can't say they are wrong but I can't do it that way.
Generally, if my kids do math, piano practice, do some English (spelling test, grammar, etc) and get some exercise, and I read aloud, that's enough for me to count a half day. I have a higher standard for a full day. And they do need to read for an hour or so a day of something I approve - not necessarily assign, but approve.
I have another thread coming with some ponderings on reading without producing anything tangible from it. A lot of that goes on around here... and I love it, but it doesn't help with the portfolio!
Joined: Mar 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,690 Location: Florida
Re: Is a stable routine possible? « Result #37 on Nov 17, 2009, 11:45pm »
Margaret, do they let you count outside reading, piano, etc. My daughter's friend is public school virtual schooled, and they can count all her outside reading, all her outside exercise (which, she trains with my figure skating daughter..lol..I think that is 5 hours!)...etc. Just curious mostly...
I like the idea of half days until Thanksgiving. I'll ponder on that some tomorrow.
If I didn't have to count days (180, 5 hours per day is assumed) I wouldn't bother to track it. But, it does help when the kids are down/sickly/distracted to be able to say "let's get these basics done and then you are free!" I can't do it too much though it does help that I start the school year on July 1 (by law it ends on June 30).
A 9-month, 180-day school year requires 20 school days per month. A 12-month, 180-day school year requires 15 days per month. I like that flexibility with my days.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Braces! « Result #39 on Nov 17, 2009, 2:00pm »
Thanks y'all. It was pretty anti-climactic. He only got a partial set of brackets and it wasn't a big deal.
He's most upset about the "no-no foods list." Ugh, the list is in the form of a poem! He and Eleanor declared it too, too juvenile. I was surprised by a few things - no chips? He is not going to make it two years without nachos, and I can't believe teen boys who have braces do not eat chips! No spiced almonds at Christmas, or my English toffee... my my my. I don't remember having such a long list of forbidden foods, back in the dark ages of braces. Maybe it was because we had so much metal in our mouths, and it was so thick it wouldn't break from a bite of a chip!
Anyway, I reminded him that Eleanor has a friend with a deadly allergy to nuts. That shut him up for a while.
Thanks for the tips. I did give him ibuprofen and he got a goodie bag from the doc with wax and a floss threader. He is pretty conscientious about his dental care (so far) so we'll see how it goes.
Our grocery store had a big sale on ice cream today. I let him buy 4 different kinds (had to buy 4 to get the full discount). We're set for ice cream for a couple of months at least!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Is a stable routine possible? « Result #41 on Nov 17, 2009, 11:15am »
Thanks for bringing this up again. I need to reread this entire thread.
We've had lots of ups and downs this fall. Although not as many as Shauna, still our routine never really got set before the interruptions began.
I like the idea of half days until Thanksgiving. I'll ponder on that some tomorrow.
It looks like my mom will be spending 3 weeks with us at Christmas. I had planned 2 weeks, but she is getting close to 90 and the years together are few.
DD17 has changed her mind again about college. I think I need to get the paperwork together no matter what the final decision is.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do...Mark Twain
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 3,763 Location: Louisiana
Re: Is a stable routine possible? « Result #42 on Nov 17, 2009, 5:04am »
That sounds great Margaret so glad you have come up with a plan, sometimes the plan is the most important part. And yes, I cringed at using those plastic file crates, and shopped like crazy looking for seomthing pleasant looking yet affordable, but in the end I went with frugal.
Just when I thought I'd lost all my marbles, I found one.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 3,831 Location: Michigan
Re: Braces! « Result #43 on Nov 17, 2009, 3:19am »
Ditto to everything that everyone else said. The Ibu BEFORE the visit is key, and we used to stop for ice cream on the way home. Also, meals for the couple of days following the adjustments were heavy on things like mashed taters, scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, and oatmeal.
All three of my kids had braces, but Josh was the worst about eating the "forbidden foods". It seems like he was breaking wires about every other month. And that reminds me - buy some dental wax (they may give you samples of that too) and make sure he carries some with him, in case of a broken wire or something like that while he's away from home.
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Re: Braces! « Result #44 on Nov 17, 2009, 2:41am »
Quote:
How did Gil do with forbidden foods?
Gil didn't inherit his mother's sweet tooth so it hasn't been a problem for him. Even though they are totally off limit foods he does still eat pretzels, popcorn, peanuts and tortilla chips just slowly so he doesn't twist or break a wire. About the only candy he likes is sour Skittles so every now and again I get those for him but he can allow those to just dissolve in his mouth. He did loose some weight a first just because he couldn't eat.
They should also give you some sample products to use like the mini bottle brushes for cleaning between teeth and braces, the floss threaders so he can floss between his teeth, flouride rinse, and a mouth antiseptic rinse to help healing of sore gums and mouth tissue.
The most difficult thing I have is getting him to floss now. Before braces he flossed three times a day (his choice not mine). Now because he has to floss between the braces I only think it happens occasionally. Because he eats so little sugar it hasn't been a problem for him. Every time he goes in for an adjustment they say he is taking great care of his teeth.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Re: Braces! « Result #45 on Nov 17, 2009, 1:42am »
Yes - ibu is very necessary! I gave my guys a dose just before going in if they were tightning or getting them on. By the time you get home, they're usually already sore.
Re: Is a stable routine possible? « Result #46 on Nov 17, 2009, 1:35am »
Half days. What a novel thought. LOL I am so dense sometimes. Maybe I will try that next year. We are probably taking the month off and I already told them that so I need to stick with it but I have this little voice saying to me. Make Zane at least do his handwriting and keyboarding for half the month but I also know that breaks seem to be good for my kiddos.
I'm glad you had more productive months. I'm longing for January when life slows down a little. Don't tell me kids.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Is a stable routine possible? « Result #47 on Nov 17, 2009, 12:44am »
I thought I would follow up on this oldish thread.
My kids and I worked together to come up with time blocks that seemed to work for us. It took us several days, wherein we wrote down what we did, when we did it, and how long things took. We moved some things around. We discovered that Eleanor really likes a routine even though she had never expressed that before.
We found we work better when we know what we are going to do next, when we start our morning with prayer (dare I admit we sometimes don't?), and when we put our materials away properly when we're done with them. (Wow, you're thinking, great grasp of the obvious!) We didn't track how much time we spend wandering around the house looking through piles of books and papers for the one thing we need, but I know it's a lot.
We came up with 2 different configurations of time blocks: one for normal days, and one for days we are out of the house for a large chunk of time. We just lean on the basics on our "short days."
We had a couple of good, smooth days. Everyone was pretty happy and productive!
Then, everyone got sick and has stayed pretty much sick for a month, off and on. We are still not fully over our colds/coughing/general ickiness. And Thanksgiving is coming! And Christmas! This is our year to travel at Christmas so that adds a level of excitement.
But we are optimistic. I'm planning on half-days from now till Thanksgiving. We are organizing like crazy. Missy, I'm stealing your workbox modification for my kids' school crates and getting a crate for me too - though it won't look as nice as the wicker basket I store my stuff in, it'll be more efficient. I did look for wicker file baskets and they are lovely, but at $30 a pop... I am not sure about spending $90 to have nicer file boxes right now. Though I can see how they would look so nice closed up and stacked next to the stairs... aahhhh...
I have a feeling we won't be fully on track till January. But even if it takes that long, it will have been worth the exercise and the organizing. And examining our habits vs. our desires.
Thanks for all the comments on this. Every little idea helps!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Re: Braces! « Result #48 on Nov 17, 2009, 12:18am »
Give him some advil before you go. That will help with the uncomfortablness of the braces. When my oldest dd had braces a few years ago, I don't remember a whole lot of restricitons on food. I think her main restriction was sugary soda pop. And, yes.... I'd stock up on ice cream!
Not much school work got done during those first few days other than watching some documentaries and listening to audio books.
Aiiiieeee! That is one of the things I'm worried about. You know I have to count days here. We had planned to work through the first 2.5 weeks of November and then take a week and a half off for Thanksgiving. But then everyone got sick and... we've done very little.
Oh well, DVD school it will be, I guess!
Thanks for the advice on the painkiller, Mary - I hadn't thought of that.
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Re: Braces! « Result #51 on Nov 16, 2009, 12:16pm »
Margaret,
Each kid is different but here is what we did for Gil. Bring ibu or Tylenol with you to the appointment and have James take some either before or right after having the braces on. Have him take them every 4-6 hours for the first day or two or longer if needed
In the future whenever he is having new wires put in or a major adjustment its good to have him take tylenol some then as well.
Gil is pretty tough but he was pretty miserable for the first three days. He hardly ate at all. Ice cream and pudding are good choices. We got a milk shake on the way home from his first visit. He really didn't eat much for about a week. He hated the braces for the first week or so and he did have some tears of frustration.
Not much school work got done during those first few days other than watching some documentaries and listening to audio books.
Quite a few of his friends have braces as well and after talking with the moms this is a very common scenario for most kids. Now after a year the adjustment are less painful because they are only fine tuning the movement that is necessary.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Braces! « Result #52 on Nov 16, 2009, 12:02pm »
James is getting braces tomorrow. He had a Twix bar today as a farewell to sticky caramel candy. And he's moping around so much, even bursting into tears sometimes. No hard candy! No corn on the cob! No nuts! (I am not sure about the nuts.) He's not crying about apples and raw carrots.
I had braces and I don't remember being this despondent about it. But it was a long time ago.
How have you helped your kids adjust to braces? Maybe there's nothing to do but say "get used to it."
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 711
Re: Sharon's Simply Canning Website « Result #53 on Nov 16, 2009, 9:04am »
Janet,
You would be my PERFECT previewer. You know how sometimes when you know something is perfectly obvious to you...... but... it is obvious ONLY because you already know it?
I would love to have a beginner tell me if what I say makes sense or if there are areas that are still muddled. Your viewpoint would be invaluable.
And Shauna I was kind of hoping you might volunteer too!
Thanks.
I am going to try very hard to get this ready for you tonight. BUT we are also packing to leave for my oldest sons graduation day after tomorrow. So if I don't get to it tonight, I'll get it done next week.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor « Result #54 on Nov 15, 2009, 11:49pm »
Mary, by the way - thanks for the list. Some of those books are new to me, some are ones I've heard about and forgotten about, and there are a couple we tried out too early and might revisit.
It's nice to have some lists to refer to. I come back to old threads a lot to scan for resources.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 860 Location: WI
Re: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor « Result #57 on Nov 15, 2009, 11:45am »
Thanks! That sounds great. Zoe has really enjoyed Life of Fred. It seems to make the more dry and mundane math palatable for her. She see application in it. That's why this sounds like it might be another fit for her. She is also much better at concepts than the math facts, though those are coming. And she can describe what she's doing but doesn't have the patience to execute an algorithm or check her work. I remember in college, in "short calc," being just thrilled with the discovery that math was so visual! That it described things I could see in my head. I'm hoping she gets the same "aha" But it's hard for me to tell what will click. I have a few of the books in Mary's list and she didn't like any of them. Til Fred. And also Danica McKellar's "Math Doesn't Suck" She appreciates some 'tude in her math I guess.
I don't see myself using this as a textbook though, but as a book to dip into and enjoy and absorb. I don't know if Eleanor will use it at all, and though I expect James will work through the problems, I doubt I will do it in a systematic way, but let him run with it. The one I have is the 2nd edition, which has exercises (but not answers to all of them); I think the later editions were more "textbook-like" with more exercises, teacher guide, etc. I don't expect to get all that.
Here's my logic. My boy's brain is messy. (Yeah, I know, whose isn't?) He still hasn't mastered his basic facts. (Uh, 6x7... 6x7... uh... 54! No! 48! No! 42! [heavy sigh of relief.]) But he understands math concepts that I don't - I know he gets them because he and his Dad talk about them. So, he need basic arithmetic still - but it's boring, so he needs more, or he will lose interest and decide all math is boring. He has a math brain, but not an arithmetic brain, if that makes sense at all. And he needs to be able to explore it on his own, without the constraints of assigned work, tests, mom's expectations.
So I will use a typical curriculum to move him along in the basic math he needs, and this will be a treat for his own edification and enjoyment.
I expect to use it myself, because I found it quite engaging and interesting and I want to like math!
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Re: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor « Result #59 on Nov 15, 2009, 8:03am »
Kim,
It really is a high school level book. That being said you could use it at a lower level if you have a child who is interested in "out of the box" math and you or your husband can facilitate it to work with younger kids. IMO kids need to have had some of the puberty "brain change" working to get some of the ideas. You could do it with younger ones but in order to get the best out of the book it would be better to wait until kids are older.
Here are some book ideas for elementary and junior high level math that might be worth checking out. These are great to use on their own every day or to supplement from time to time. I have used each of these with my oldest son from 5th-7th grade. These books are about mathematics which can be stretching for parents like myself who were only taught arithmetic.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 860 Location: WI
Re: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor « Result #61 on Nov 15, 2009, 4:16am »
Margaret, Since you have it in your hands, what age/ math level could benefit from it? Is it a lot of stuff or is it the kind of thing you can take in small bites to flavor your regular scope and sequence? Would you get a second workbook? It looks like there's a hardcover with workbook and text or a hardcover text and separate paperback workbook. Expensive either way. K
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor « Result #62 on Nov 15, 2009, 2:13am »
I actually stayed up last night for a little while reading it. It made me want to get out paper and do some of the exercises. Cris looked it over and said "Wow. I've been working with binary systems for 20 years and I just learned something" I asked how he knew the book was right. "It's just obvious, now that I see it."
Joined: Aug 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 801 Location: Kentwood, MI
Re: Well, it happened again! « Result #66 on Nov 14, 2009, 10:08pm »
Awwh. What a frustrating feeling! I'm so sorry that happened, Shauna. I love that one moment in our life doesn't define us, don't you? God sees the big picture. Even I can see that you are a really capable and "put together" lady. Don't beat yourself up too much. Janet
I actually enjoy doing laundry, I just hate lugging it all up and down 2 flights of stairs.
Grocery shopping I only like if I can go without my youngest (he's not a good shopper) and when the store isn't busy. I usually go after 8:00 at night on a weeknight, then it's pretty quiet, otherwise I can only handle going to Horrock's. As one who has worked for a major grocery chain (can you guess which one? ), I can tell you than shopping any time between Friday night at 4:00 pm and Sunday night at 9:00 pm is just plain insanity! I would get to my cash register and never look up to see the light of day until my shift was done. Craziness!
Well, that explains a lot for me. lol We make the weekly menu, and then shop for it ON THE WEEKENDS! I'm going to hate it the closer we get to Christmas. I almost never go out then, and work really hard to have my gift shopping done by the end of November. So, is it "Walmart" you are speaking of? lol Janet
Joined: Aug 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 801 Location: Kentwood, MI
Re: Sharon's Simply Canning Website « Result #68 on Nov 14, 2009, 9:53pm »
Sharon, I'd be willing. But since I've only canned a few things within the last couple of years, water bath only.....I'm not sure I'd be a great critic. I'd definitely be your "beginner," and that is what your target is, but I'd not have the experience to make educated comments on it, kwim? What do you think? Janet
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Mathematics: A Human Endeavor « Result #71 on Nov 14, 2009, 12:39pm »
Anyone familiar with Mathematics: A Human Endeavor by Harold Jacobs? I kept hearing how great it was and checked it out from the library. My initial reaction is that it's very cool and a good fit for James. And for me too, a confirmed math hater. But I'd love to hear from others who have actually used it.
It's very pricey too! Anyone have one to sell, cheap?
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Well, it happened again! « Result #73 on Nov 14, 2009, 11:15am »
This time it was my fault.
So..... I found this great sweater at Goodwill - $3.49. It was a very cute brown wool sweater that went perfectly with a pair of brown cordoury pants that I have (another thrift store find). So - I wear the outfit yesterday - I even have jewelery and shoes to match. I was thrilled! Love it when I have cute outfits that are total thrift store finds!
Well - it's laundry day.
Yep, I washed AND dried the sweater (I was NOT paying attention!)
And now it looks like it was made for an elf!
Janet - even you can't wear this. It might be Meg's size.......
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Need ideas for high school « Result #74 on Nov 14, 2009, 9:02am »
Pam, are you looking for a long-term change or something to shake things up for a few days before going back to the things and routine you've been following?
Do you have a local charity that could use your kids? I know of places here that are always looking for help with sorting books, clothing, toys, food... also fixing things, doing office work, cooking, etc. I look forward to the day we can do some of those things. What about an animal shelter?
Do you still have two who are sick and housebound? Maybe there is something they could do from home. Sewing?
Another thing I look forward to is reading Shakespeare and other plays with my family, with everyone taking parts. Discussing the play and the times in which the play was written or set.
What about a study of a book or books, such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy? Or some other classic novel that everyone could enjoy? Often there are resources online for discussion and writing topics, other projects related to books. Add in the movie and discuss the differences between the book and flick.
Is map work too "young?" Maybe find a bio of Captain Cook or Marco Polo or other explorer and map the routes, study the areas they explored...
Just some things that I think about for the future with my kids... hope this sparks some ideas.
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Re: Need ideas for high school « Result #75 on Nov 14, 2009, 8:42am »
Pam,
I'm not sure if the weather is cooperative or not where you live but about a change of venue? Could everyone load up with a sack lunch and take school to a park or some place in the country? If outside doesn't work what about to the library? If it is only a bit cold out what about dressing warmly and taking a thermos of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and some muffins and heading out for a short hike some where and then settle in for a read aloud or everyone do their own reading or sketching?
Do you have any museums near by with "free days" ? What about a county historical museum? The ones in our area often have a family price for about $5.00.
Or what about simply moving school outside to maybe enjoy a beautiful fall day?
Is there a documentary you could watch and then head to the library to find books on the subject maybe with a stop over somewhere for some sort of cheap treat or bring your own goodies ?
What about a trip to a used book store or the thrift store to find a new book. I know there are still a few places with cheap books
How about a trip to Borders just to look at books or listen to music?
I never let my schooling interfere with my education. Mark Twain
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,918 Location: TN
Re: Need ideas for high school « Result #78 on Nov 14, 2009, 6:01am »
Internships! What are the kids interested in? Any future hairdressers? Research scientists? Mechanics? Librarians?
Ask around the business community and chat with folks. When you find someone you feel may be a good match for your kid....ask the person if they'd consider taking on some free help.
Daniel is interning at an antique mall and is loving it. The owner was quite happy to take him on and is helping Daniel with business math. (I told the owner the "deal" would be this....he gets free help, I need help with teaching Daniel math.) So Daniel cleans toilets....and works on books.
Everyone is tickled. If Molly and Caleb end up back home, I'll seek a similar thing for them as I am really sold on this. John Taylor Gatto calls this "Open Source Learning."
Joined: Sept 2007 Gender: Female Posts: 793 Location: West Michigan
Re: Woo Hoo! I finally got it all done! « Result #79 on Nov 14, 2009, 5:55am »
I actually enjoy doing laundry, I just hate lugging it all up and down 2 flights of stairs.
Grocery shopping I only like if I can go without my youngest (he's not a good shopper) and when the store isn't busy. I usually go after 8:00 at night on a weeknight, then it's pretty quiet, otherwise I can only handle going to Horrock's. As one who has worked for a major grocery chain (can you guess which one? ), I can tell you than shopping any time between Friday night at 4:00 pm and Sunday night at 9:00 pm is just plain insanity! I would get to my cash register and never look up to see the light of day until my shift was done. Craziness!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 1,299 Location: Middle Tennessee
Need ideas for high school « Result #80 on Nov 14, 2009, 4:33am »
I need to breathe some fresh life into school. I'm burnt out and need a change of routine.
To totally not do any school right now would make me feel worse. I tried that a couple of days last week and a couple of days this week. I thought today we would just take the day off from lessons, but the kids really needed something to do and I needed them busy!
I can't buy anything new, which is what I usually do for a change of pace.
Three of my four kiddos are high schoolers, so baking cookies and a trip to the zoo are not really the type of suggestions I'm looking for. (Although a trip to the zoo IS a great idea for one day next week!!)
Joined: Aug 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 801 Location: Kentwood, MI
Re: Woo Hoo! I finally got it all done! « Result #81 on Nov 14, 2009, 4:28am »
We do about 7 or 8 loads in one day. But, then, the entire day is dedicated to it. Or half a day, and another half a day. Laundry is definitely not my favorite thing to do. I don't mind doing dishes. The worst chore in the world????? GROCERY SHOPPING! Our entire family hates it with a passion!
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Re: I am loving my sewing class! « Result #82 on Nov 14, 2009, 2:37am »
Thanks guys! I should add - it's not nearly as low cut as the pattern drawing makes it seem. The instructor helped me to measure so I could see where it would hit me, and she was going to help me to make it a higher neckline (or I figured I'd wear a cami or something under it), but when we actually laid the pattern on me, it fit much more modestly than I originally thought it might.
Joined: Sept 2007 Gender: Female Posts: 793 Location: West Michigan
Re: Woo Hoo! I finally got it all done! « Result #85 on Nov 14, 2009, 1:50am »
I try to do laundry about 5 days a week. If I tried to do it all in one day, I don't know that it would be possible. Even with a very large capacity washer, we still do about 12-15 loads per week.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Writing and development « Result #88 on Nov 14, 2009, 1:10am »
Pam, the thread naturally evolved. I think Diana came to the conclusion she was really asking about writing, not history after all. Yours was just the first post that really had writing content.
I think your posts were good and needed to be put in a new thread in that area, so people can find it in the future. Mary had some good stuff in there too. I'm glad the writing topics came up and I'm pretty sure others are too.
No apologies needed! Threads change this way - just like conversations!
Re: Which is better? « Result #90 on Nov 14, 2009, 12:07am »
Thank you all for your input! Good point about the dough being rock hard in the middle even though the outsides have thawed and begun to rise. Although the info that someone else provided said to make the loaves only 2" thick so that they can thaw quickly. Our 1/2 cow is being delivered in a week or two, so I'll probably have to make the dough and freeze it that way as I won't have much freezer space left to work with once all the meat is in there. Thanks again so much!
Re: Which is better? « Result #91 on Nov 13, 2009, 11:57pm »
I have not had any luck with freezing loaves to be baked as bread either. I have had success when making rolls and cinnamon rolls and freezing them before they rise. Then I can thaw them on the counter for several hours and bake them fresh.
Joined: Aug 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 801 Location: Kentwood, MI
Re: I am loving my sewing class! « Result #93 on Nov 13, 2009, 11:18pm »
I'm really glad you are enjoying yourself, Shauna. What a fun thing to do. And what a sense of satisfaction too. I can't wait to see all the projects you complete. Janet
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Re: Which is better? « Result #94 on Nov 13, 2009, 11:07pm »
Personally, I have never had luck with the "freezing dough" thing. The outsides thaw too fast, and start rising, when the insides are still rock solid. So - I make bread and freeze it as soon as it's completely cooled. (Any heat whatsoever in that bread - even slight heat, will create steam, and cause ice crystals when it goes into the freezer!) I use very high quality freezer bread bags (I get them from my co-op, don't have a brand name to share.... they're just "bread bags" in the catalog).
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
I am loving my sewing class! « Result #95 on Nov 13, 2009, 11:01pm »
I finally signed up for a sewing class (the Intermediate class, as I've been doing some sewing on my own for a few years now) at our local fabric store. I wish I would have done it much sooner!
It's the green one with the sash. I've got a beautiful jewel tone fabric with a deep violet sash.
I hope it turns out the way I think it will. I've never made my own clothes (just for my kids or home decor projects). I can see where this could start a new trend! My fabric store is having a huge sale this month, so I'm going to get some supplies for some other projects to do after this one. The sewing classes resume after Christmas, and I'll probably sign up for more. (The intermediate class is set up where you work on your own project and get individual help from the instructor as needed.)
I'm also taking a serger workshop class his Sat. It's a 6 hour workshop where we make a samples notebook. I can't wait! Tomorrow! I just can't believe how much fun I am having with sewing.
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 5,257 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Re: Home remedies for cough? « Result #98 on Nov 13, 2009, 10:46pm »
Just a side note: My mom used to buy the Fisherman's Friend lozenges for me when I was a kid..... they taste nasty, but they are the only effective cough drop I've ever used! I shouldn't say "nasty" - they're just strong. Not those cherry candy flavored "Luden's" types.
I had completely forgotten about Fisherman's Friend! I don't know why....... Thanks for the reminder, and I hope they give you some relief Margaret (and James!)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,527 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Dyslexia and Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, « Result #99 on Nov 13, 2009, 12:54pm »
I recently came across an article on assisting people with dyslexia in preparing for upper level science. It is the first time I have found specific helps in this area. The entire article is 18 pages and can be found at this address. You may need to cut and past the web address into your browser.
If you have an LD child who is thinking about college or are interested in a homeschool high school coop for science this may be helpful.
The underpinning literacy difficulties of many dyslexic pupils will impact on their learning in all areas of the curriculum, including the Sciences, but those who also experience dyslexic difficulties in Maths will be further disadvantaged due to the need to apply certain Mathematical skills to studies in science, particularly in Physics. Theory and preparation Additional barriers to learning dyslexic pupils may: Fail to identify a diagram, table, chart or graph as an integral part of text Be unable to process information presented as tables, charts or graphs Spend so long drawing diagrams, tables, charts or graphs, that they fail to label accurately or enter any data Struggle to record information in a table, or transfer data to a chart or graph accurately Be unable to recall scientific vocabulary and terminology Struggle with scientific formulae that require a combination of upper and lower case letters, which are not interchangeable Have difficulty writing formulae where superscript or subscript numbers must be correctly positioned in order for it to make sense e.g. powers and indices
Confuse the scientific meaning of terminology with other uses of this in the curriculum or in everyday life e.g. conductor Have difficulty understanding and remembering scientific symbols; Be unable to follow/remember a sequence of instructions Have difficulty assimilating abstract concepts Confuse similar words, resulting in misinterpretation of content and context
Suggested support strategies:
Pair up a dyslexic pupil with a good reader as peer support Explain the role of diagrams, etc. in the text and teach how to create good diagrams with minimal written explanation Provide a full explanation of how to interpret each diagram, table, chart or graph in context Provide blanks tables, charts etc that are already labelled Always show and name lab equipment when giving instructions for its use Label all lab equipment cupboards with pictures as well as words - and do not move things around Put up posters and wall charts of lab equipment use a picture/drawing +name Issue pupils with illustrations to help them remember scientific vocabulary and terminology Highlight key information/vocabulary and issue word lists of new vocabulary for a new topic in advance if possible Do not penalise spelling errors but explain and give examples to stress its importance e.g. word endings in Chemistry
Revise and remind pupils of the need to use upper and lower case, sub and superscript in formulae ICT use helps with this Help pupils to devise individual ways to ensure that they do not confuse upper and lower case, sub- and superscript in formulae Use a Maths or Science reference booklets to help with mathematical aspects of the science subject Issue a formula prompt sheet with colour coding or highlighting to stress upper and lower case, sub- and superscript in formulae Use ICT with word prompts to support word finding Do not ask dyslexic pupils to copy notes/diagrams issue copies of these Do not ask dyslexic pupils to make notes while watching a demonstration or listening to instructions Allow pupils to record dictated notes so that they can store them as voice files for revision or issue legible copies of these Practical activities
Barriers to learning - dyslexic pupils may:
Have difficulty locating appropriate equipment Find holding a list of instructions in memory difficult Misunderstand complicated instructions Be unable to carry out a sequence of actions in the right order Take 3 to 4 times longer than classmates to complete the same activity Confuse directions - left/right or forward/back Have difficulty processing problems at the same rate as classmates Struggle to read scales and measurements Confuse similarly named equipment and substances and select the wrong item Have difficulty recording data when carrying out a practical task
Suggested support strategies teachers should:
Pair a dyslexic pupil with a good reader as a safety precaution Set vocabulary learning/revision for homework use word searches and a games approach in class to revise Highlight names of equipment needed use pictures as well as words Give only a few instructions at a time and repeat instructions frequently Encourage pupils to check each others equipment set up for safety points rewards for collecting these can be built in Design flow charts showing the sequence of steps in an activity; Number the steps in a practical activity and encourage checking these off once completed Use prompts and arrows to indicate directions Give help for reading scales Allow pupils to dictate results during an experiment Allow extra time for dyslexic pupils to carry out practical tasks, or set up their workstations in advance Permit the use of alternatives to writing when recording results e.g. Dictaphone
ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ASSESSMENTS
SQA and other examining bodies offer a range of alternative assessment arrangements for dyslexic pupils taking examinations. These are designed to reflect the support provided for dyslexic pupils in the curriculum and to address any specific difficulties caused by the style of the examination and its impact on the opportunities for dyslexic candidates to demonstrate actual attainment.
Consideration should be given to the following points:
Some dyslexic pupils may require alternative arrangements for practical assessments in Science subjects and many will need these for timed, written exams If the assessment instructions are given orally, dyslexic pupils may need to have these repeated sometimes more than once It may be necessary for dyslexic candidates to ask for specific work station arrangements in practical assessments in order to take account of ambient lighting etc When an internal assessment has been prepared in advance, dyslexic pupils may request that their notes are in digital or electronic format to enable them to be used effectively When an internal assessment involved reading and writing, dyslexic candidates are eligible for the same linguistic support used in class and for timed exams
The range of alternative assessment arrangements available for dyslexic candidates in timed, written exams includes:
Linguistic support (reader, digital examination papers, scribe, transcription with correction) Extra time allowances Use of word processors with spellcheckers, specialised software and other technological aids Transcription without correction to remove illegibility Use of formula prompts and calculators where these are not generally available Rest periods/supervised breaks when the extra time makes the exam extremely long Adapted question papers for candidates who experience visual distortions
Joined: Feb 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 2,979 Location: Pennsylvania
Re: How do you do history? « Result #100 on Nov 13, 2009, 8:53am »
I have started a new thread in the Language Arts area to pick up all the writing content in this thread. All the posts that had to do with writing were copied over there. Please come over there and follow up with anything about writing. If you want to talk about history, stay here!
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Margaret
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Mom to:
I want to take every good book and make it a "study." I want writing - some writing, not extensive and complex papers - on everything. My kids just don't respond well to that. For some reason that just shuts their interest down. 
Maybe have them record in writing through some narration/ dictation if it's really a well developed idea.
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What a frustrating feeling! I'm so sorry that happened, Shauna. I love that one moment in our life doesn't define us, don't you? God sees the big picture. Even I can see that you are a really capable and "put together" lady. Don't beat yourself up too much. ![[image]](http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss26/CSBDan/Smilies/laughing-smiley-007.gif)
I'm going to hate it the closer we get to Christmas. I almost never go out then, and work really hard to have my gift shopping done by the end of November. So, is it "Walmart" you are speaking of? lol
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