The task card idea is AMAZING! I am always second guessing my book choices! Decision fatigue is real! And sometimes I’m overwhelmed by book choices. Thank you!
I’m a big fan of get-‘er-done curriculum! In our homeschool, if the subject isn’t one that’s either especially delightful or difficult for my students/family, I just wanna get it done so that we can all move on with our day. Evan-Moor workbooks have served that purpose for us in elementary school. I’m also planning to use the History Detective curriculum for my high schooler as I feel that they will help him get in the habit of referring back to the text. And also a big fan of IEW!
Thank you so much for all your tips and sharing what you’ve found most helpful! Is there a way to use a different link for the supplemental material for the Lively Art of Writing? The link in the description doesn’t work because I don’t have access to that forum. Thank you again!
For your son that wanted to just get it done. What were his favorite books/curriculums? That's how my 9th grader works and I'd love some recommendations. Thanks
Hi, Pam. Thanks for sharing! I love your idea of deciding once on the buffet curriculum. I’m curious about your task cards-what happens if you don’t accomplish all the tasks on a week’s list? Do you add it to a notebook planner for the child? Or write it on the next week’s task list? Life happens and I just wondered if you let it go or push it to the next week. Thanks!
It took me a while to decide if I was going to label the task cards by week or not for this very reason. I knew we would get "off" at some point. And we did. The week number just became an order number and we would finish one card even if it took 1.5 weeks or 2 weeks and then move to the next. I explain in the masterclass how to schedule this so it isn't overwhelming and what to do if you get "behind."
This makes me sad. I was looking at their science courses for next year. @genabrady1348, Which courses have you used, if I may ask? Do you think it's because there's a lack of Biblical world-view resources in that arena? Just wondering.
I was initially surprised at how many secular books there are, but, for my high schoolers, I use GH options as a way to introduce opinions, ideas, worldviews contrary to everything they’ve been taught up to that point. I don’t want them to think I “hid” ideas from them, and knowing alternative viewpoints helps develop arguments against them. Just this week they were watching one of the videos from the anatomy course and pointed out the silliness of a quick statement in the video regarding evolutionary advantage. I will add that my kids have always (and continue to) study apologetics and logic, so by high school they have a good ability to see and refute false ideas. In GH courses Christian resources are still as well. I think this is probably more of a concern for the science courses than their other offerings. There just aren’t a ton of Christian options at super specific levels. For example, a book just about salt, or bananas, or whatever you’re going deep into that week. I have presented those materials with the idea that my kids will “eat the meat and spit out the bones”. So far, so good. But I don’t just leave them to it all on their own. I do a lot of pre-reading, listening in, and discussing.
This is the perfect response. There were books we left out and chapters we left out of books we used. But we do that with every curriculum -- even some of the Biblical worldview ones. You have to decide what works for your family. Also, I agree that high school is the perfect place to introduce ideas you don't agree with and have discussions about why you don't agree. Our kids still have to live in this world, so they need to be armed with the knowledge where it is age-appropriate.
@@MichelleL83 Chemistry in the Kitchen, but all their courses are secular. I think they do it that way so those with funding options can be reimbursed. There is definitely a lack of modern, non fiction, Christian literature. Master Books seems to be the only company doing anything about it.
So glad to hear the Mr D recommendation! My 6th grader is starting the getting ready for pre algebra after only having done RightStart his whole life.
The task card idea is AMAZING! I am always second guessing my book choices! Decision fatigue is real! And sometimes I’m overwhelmed by book choices. Thank you!
Thanks Pam! I love your balanced perspective and I appreciate all your training and tips.
So glad!
I’m a big fan of get-‘er-done curriculum! In our homeschool, if the subject isn’t one that’s either especially delightful or difficult for my students/family, I just wanna get it done so that we can all move on with our day. Evan-Moor workbooks have served that purpose for us in elementary school. I’m also planning to use the History Detective curriculum for my high schooler as I feel that they will help him get in the habit of referring back to the text. And also a big fan of IEW!
Thank you for the recommendations Pam, I’m looking into several of these!
You are so welcome!
Always such good advice...thank you, Pam! ❤
Thank you so much for all your tips and sharing what you’ve found most helpful! Is there a way to use a different link for the supplemental material for the Lively Art of Writing? The link in the description doesn’t work because I don’t have access to that forum. Thank you again!
Sonlight's high school World Literature recommends The Lively Art of Writing! We aren't there yet but now I'm excited to try it!
Such a great book
For your son that wanted to just get it done. What were his favorite books/curriculums? That's how my 9th grader works and I'd love some recommendations. Thanks
Hi, Pam. Thanks for sharing! I love your idea of deciding once on the buffet curriculum. I’m curious about your task cards-what happens if you don’t accomplish all the tasks on a week’s list? Do you add it to a notebook planner for the child? Or write it on the next week’s task list? Life happens and I just wondered if you let it go or push it to the next week. Thanks!
It took me a while to decide if I was going to label the task cards by week or not for this very reason. I knew we would get "off" at some point. And we did. The week number just became an order number and we would finish one card even if it took 1.5 weeks or 2 weeks and then move to the next. I explain in the masterclass how to schedule this so it isn't overwhelming and what to do if you get "behind."
My kids absolutely love Mr D math!
Yes! Dennis just gets working with kids.
What curriculums do you recommend for kids who just want to get done their day?
Also how long is your high schoolers day?
Pretty much the ones I suggested in the video and then using the task cards for Guesthollow. Day is 3-4 hours including Morning Time.
I know you said you introduce formal grammar instruction in middle school. When do you begin a formal writing curriculum/instruction?
Around age 10 give or take depending on the kid
Hello! I have a 13 and 15 year old.. we have never used a formal writing program.. any suggestions on which IEW program/level To start with? Thx!
I have the same question for 8th and 9th graders?
I wanted to love Guest Hollow, but it is just SO secular. Every single book, article, website, and video are from secular view-points.
The website says they are Christians, but (as a Christian) I have been surprised at the resources they use.
This makes me sad. I was looking at their science courses for next year. @genabrady1348, Which courses have you used, if I may ask? Do you think it's because there's a lack of Biblical world-view resources in that arena? Just wondering.
I was initially surprised at how many secular books there are, but, for my high schoolers, I use GH options as a way to introduce opinions, ideas, worldviews contrary to everything they’ve been taught up to that point. I don’t want them to think I “hid” ideas from them, and knowing alternative viewpoints helps develop arguments against them. Just this week they were watching one of the videos from the anatomy course and pointed out the silliness of a quick statement in the video regarding evolutionary advantage. I will add that my kids have always (and continue to) study apologetics and logic, so by high school they have a good ability to see and refute false ideas. In GH courses Christian resources are still as well. I think this is probably more of a concern for the science courses than their other offerings. There just aren’t a ton of Christian options at super specific levels. For example, a book just about salt, or bananas, or whatever you’re going deep into that week. I have presented those materials with the idea that my kids will “eat the meat and spit out the bones”. So far, so good. But I don’t just leave them to it all on their own. I do a lot of pre-reading, listening in, and discussing.
This is the perfect response. There were books we left out and chapters we left out of books we used. But we do that with every curriculum -- even some of the Biblical worldview ones. You have to decide what works for your family. Also, I agree that high school is the perfect place to introduce ideas you don't agree with and have discussions about why you don't agree. Our kids still have to live in this world, so they need to be armed with the knowledge where it is age-appropriate.
@@MichelleL83 Chemistry in the Kitchen, but all their courses are secular. I think they do it that way so those with funding options can be reimbursed. There is definitely a lack of modern, non fiction, Christian literature. Master Books seems to be the only company doing anything about it.
❤❤