Week 2 VCF- Math and Science anyone?

Welcome back!  Are you having fun at the Virtual Curriculum Fair?  With the frigid temperatures we have has this past week (wind chills of NEGATIVE 50s!) I am for once thankful to not have a fair to have to head out to.  Yep, sitting in my comfy house, curled up in a blanket with the computer and looking at all the choices out there has been just fine with me!  Hope you have had time to do some exploring and maybe even find some new-to-you gems along the way in the Language Arts area.

Next up- Math and Science!

If you just had to take a deep breath to keep from hyperventilating or breaking out in a rash, you are not alone.  Those two words bring fear to many a pro homeschooling mom.  But, the good news is lots of us old timers have been there, done that and have some recommendations.  I am sure you will find that they are  as diverse as those that give them, but I am also sure you will find something that works for you and your child.

Here we go!

MATH!
We are pretty boring in this subject.  Yes, we use Saxon math through the fourth grade.  Yes, it can be monotonous once you have used it 4 times, but I do think it does a good job explaining basic concepts those first few years.  The hands on manipulatives that it uses are great for kinesthetic learners and for those that have to keep moving at all times.  My son loves starting the day with the meeting book no matter how many times his teacher (that's me) would like to just skip it. Kids LIKE repetition, even if we adults do not.

At 5th grade we make a change.  After my first daughter did an upper grade of Teaching Textbooks, I was sold on their upper level math.  While rather pricey for some, I feel that it is worth it.  We have worked backwards and added a new year each year and so we now switch over in 5th grade. Funny thing, my 10th grader uses the book only, except when she is really stuck on a problem and then she will resort to the CDrom.  My 6th grader uses the CD only.  He is a auditory learner so it is perfect for him.  He keeps a white board at his desk, works the problems on it, and then inputs the answers. The newest versions of TT have automatic grading and shows problems missed.  Because everything in on the computer, it has freed up some of my teaching time with him and allowed him to work towards some independence in his schoolwork.


Two extras- We reviewed a company, Math Made Easy, our first year on Crew that sent us their Multiplication Teaching and Learning Made Easy book and loved it!  With my last (he gets the best of the best being the last!) we will do that program over the summer between his 3rd and 4th grade year.  It can be done in six weeks and is a fast, easy way to teach multiplication.  It does seem that the company is no longer around, but I know you resourceful homeschooling mommas can find the program hanging around somewhere! It is worth the hunt.

The other program I swear by is Math U See's Stewardship program.  Think consumer math here. Our girls did Algebra 1 and 2, and Geometry and then used this as their 4th math.  Is comes with a workbook, textbook, CD and Devotion.  It is a simple program yet rooted in the word of God, teaching life skills that so many do not learn before they go off to college.  While the girls were not overly   impressed with the chapters about pouring concrete or the electrical stuff, the rest of the chapters made up for those!  Balancing checkbooks, purchasing a car, getting insurance- I assure you these are important things to learn.


SCIENCE-  I waver on this subject a little.  Part of me feels that science is an extra "fluff" subject until middle school age.  If this is you and you are not sold on science textbooks, I would recommend you get the Nature Readers from Christian Liberty Press and enjoy reading with your child for the first few years.  On the other hand, if you feel that science should be a full blown subject at a younger age, then Jeannie Fulbright's Young Explorers series is the best out there in my opinion.  There are currently 7 in her series  and can be done one a year.  If you want to read, just do that.  If you want to be more involved there are plenty of hands on activities you can do and corresponding note-booking journals you can by to work through.
As far as high school level science, we have worked with ABeka and Apologia.  Both are good, just depends on your style.  ABeka is more old school with tests and quizzes, while Apologia has tests only. I require all of my kids to do Biology and Chemistry.  After that they can choose human anatomy or Marine Biology.  The girls have three sciences on their transcripts, the boys will probably have four. Just the way we work.

A few extras- We recently had the opportunity to review EEME.  If this is something you can swing, DO IT!  Electrical engineering projects are sent one a month and directions and video are available on their website to follow.  Such cool stuff.  My son and husband have been doing them together and love them.  If you have kids of any ages that like hands on science the best place to look on line is at Supercharged  Science.  Taught by Aurora with just about every concept under the sun covered, your child could stay busy for hours watching and following her videos.  She wears me out, but the kids love her!

That's it!  Well, not really IT, but all I have for you.  There are so many good math and science programs out there.  I again encourage you to find out your child's learning style and then find the best fit for them.  Our kids are not made alike and one of the glories of schooling them is to be able to teach to THEIR needs.  Try something new and if it is not a good fit, move on 'til you find just the right program!

Head over to Susan at Homeschooling Hearts and Minds to find the other mommas who are talking about Math and Science today- bet 'ya find something you like!

See 'ya next week for History, Geography and more oh my!

Participating bloggers!

Our {almost} FREE 2nd and 4th Grade Math Program by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds

Supercharged Science's Mathemagic  by Kristi K. @ The Potter’s Hand Academy

Math & Logic Resources by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

How We Tackle Middle School Math, Logic & Science by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool

 A Peek into our Homeschool: Math & Logic by Brittney @ Mom's Heart

Math and Logic: Patterns and Reasoning by Leah@As We Walk Along the Road

2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair: Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science by Stacie @Super Mommy To The Rescue

Virtual Curriculum Fair: The World of Patterns and Logic by Joelle

Discovering Science & Math w/ Apologia & Saxon  by LynnP @ Ladybug Chronicles

Make Math Fun: Your Kids Will Thank You by Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker

Our Curriculum Choices 2014 ~ Mathematics by Renata @ Sunnyside Farm Fun

My Favorite Math For Boys by Monique @ Living Life and Learning

Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science in our Classical Homeschool by Sharra @ The Homeschool Marm

Homeschool Math Choices for a Future Scientist or Computer Programmer by Amy @ Eclectic Homeschooling

Math--Our Four Letter Word by Nicole @ Schooling in the Sun

If I Knew Then What I Know Now by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset

Godly Patterns in Homeschooling by LisaN@Golden- Grasses

Math and Science anyone? by Michele@ Family, Faith and Fridays

My 7 Favourite Math Resources by Kim @ Homestead Acres

Basic Instincts by Chelli @ The Planted Trees

Getting My Teens Ready for Algebra by Debra @Footprints in the Butter

Math We Love by Laura @ Four Little Penguins

2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair ~ Math & Science by Jennifer @ a glimpse of our life

Our Take on Math, the Elementary Years - Charlotte Mason-style by HillaryM @ Our Homeschool Studio</ p>

Tackling Math and Science from Multiple Angles by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World

Blessings,

*** Just a quick note.  I am not receiving any compensation for recommending these products.  All mentioned are my personal opinions only.  I added some links just to make it easy for you and linked reviews I have done in the past if you want more information.***

52 Weeks of Family Scripture Memorization

Yes!  You read it right, 52 weeks! (Yes, I am squeezing in at the last minute)  Several of my blogging friends, DaLynn, from For the Display of His Splendor decided to do a 53 Weeks of... series and I love it!  Some of the ideas out there are awesome and I know you will be blessed by them.  Make sure you follow the cute purple button at the bottom to get started!

So why 52 Weeks of Family Scripture memorization?

When my girls were little they were a part of AWANA.  In that church program they learned Bible verses weekly for patches, prizes and accolades.  It was a great program, but I did have some reservations about their motivation in learning them and if they would really remember then later on. Much to my surprise, not only do they remember many but so do I!  Seems candy works after all. ;) Oh, and all that repetition and putting half of them to music which helped solidify it in our minds - and hopefully our hearts.  Now my youngest is in a similar church program where he too is learning scripture.

So yes, we think scripture memorization in important.  In the Bible when Jesus himself was tempted by Satan, He used scripture to avoid wrongdoing.  (not that He would have ever done wrong)  But I do think it provides us an example of one of the many reasons to memorize.

Last year as a family we worked through a book called 100 Bible Verses That Everyone Should Know By Heart.  Some verses were challenging, all were great!  We have since completed that book but I do not want to stop there.  So we will be working on memorizing one verse a week as a family - thus was born this series.  Each Tuesday we will add a verse.  Some weeks, that will be all you see - the verse. Some weeks I may try to share a little, but the whole point is the scripture - not Michele!

I pray you will join us.

So where to start?  With the verse that helps us to remember why we are doing what we are doing!

See 'ya back next week!

Blessings, 

Learning to Count to Six Again- Our daughter's Change in College Plans

Have you heard the latest news at our house?  Our oldest daughter, a college junior, is coming home to finish her degree online.  Yep, like packed up all of the stuff in her dorm and moved back in with us.  I know, crazy, right?  As my husband said - we are learning how to count to six again, now that four kids are back in the house.

I want to tell you a little about the decision and how it came to be, but I want you to know from the very get go that this is MY side of the story and how her father and I see it.  I cannot speak for her, though I did get her permission to post this.  She will have to tell you her side of things next week.

My husband and I both went to college.  It was what one did then and what we grew up believing it was the norm. Therefore, as our oldest got closer to that age, we began planning her college future.  She dutifully took the ACT, CLEPed a few classes and dual credited her senior year here at home via online classes.  We, as in her parents and her, researched many colleges, visited a few, and then she chose one she felt was the best fit for her.  That being said, all the while this process took place, she kept telling us she would rather stay home.  We patted her on the hand, smiled, and then told her no.  She was young.  She was our first born.  She was timid and we felt she had a lot to learn and that she needed to do that out from under our roof.  And so out of obedience to us, she went away to school, entering as a sophomore because of the classes she had already taken online.

We stopped counting to six and started counting to five.  It was a hard transition. For all of us. Because we are a military family, we knew that no matter where she chose to attend she would not be close to "home."  She chose a school over 1,020 miles away. She got through her first year.  She would tell you it was not the most fun experience, but she proved to herself and to us she could do it. We were proud of her.  We saw our timid, first born child take her life in her hands and accomplish great things.  She made all A's except for a dreaded B in Ancient Biblical Greek (my bragging mom moment) and she grew by leaps and bounds.  She made friends that she will always cherish and she found out she was able.  She took classes that she loved and she managed to find joy in the little things.

But, in the end, we were ALL glad when summer came and she headed home.  All too quickly fall came again, but this time because of our recent move, we were now only 7 1/2 hours away from her. We told ourselves it would make all the difference in the world.  It did not.  Despite being closer to her and seeing her more often, my husband and I watched our bright, vibrant girl losing her joy.  Yes, she loved her friends at school and continued to excel in classes and even found her dream job sewing in the school's costume cottage, but on a whole the unhappiness seeped through.  Before even Thanksgiving we began to talk about the what-ifs.  What if she finished with an Associates degree now?  What if she transferred to a school that was closer?  What if we ended up moving even further away from her - then what?

There were so many things to process and decisions to be made.  Here is what it boiled down to -
Her joy is found in the home - cooking, sewing and helping around the house.  While that may not be the "popular" thing, it is who she is and what she loves.  Those are things not easily done in a small dorm room.
She found she could finish her BS degree online and possibly even a semester early.
She had honored her parents by going away to school because they felt she should, but not because she felt called to or wanted to.  She had accomplished that which we had asked of her, though in hind-sight we now will tell you she probably could have done all that at home as well.
She didn't need to go away to "find herself" or discover who she was or what she liked.  She knew those things already and quite frankly they were right here all along.
We knew if we stayed put in our current location, she could "make it through" for another year and a half, but if we moved there was no way she was going to want to be even further from us.
Sometimes mom and dad don't have the perfect plan or all of the right answers.  We are learning and growing too!  (please don't tell the younger three)

At that point her father said, "If she cannot see herself staying there if we move, then she does not need to stay there regardless of where we live.  No one should be miserable at school, except at the Air Force Academy."  ;)   Was she miserable? No, but pretty close and you get the point.  Staying just to stay was not the right answer for us or for her.  And so, when her semester finished, her hero daddy packed her up and helped bring her home.

Let me tell you where this has all landed us, other than having to learn to count to six again! ;)

We are overjoyed that she is home to stay for a while.  While I am thrilled that she went out of obedience to us, I feel a little guilty that that is why she went to college.  We have learned that there is more than one way to do things.  Yes, we knew that, but we obviously did not apply that in this situation.  Instead we followed what the world said was the thing to do.  Raise a kid until they are 17 or 18 and send them off.  Do not hear me wrong, we are not now rejecting the college path.  I am thankful even today that she will still get a college degree.  But, if asked, we do now acknowledge that there is, as my mom would say, more than one way to skin a cat.  Online classes work well for our daughter, and quite honestly would probably have been the best bet for her all along.  Every child is different and is called to something different.  That is also not to say that the past year and a half at school were wasted.  God works ALL things for our good and I do not think He wasted one minute of her past year and half at school.

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see. 
-Corrie Ten Boom

I do think that she was on a good path that her father and I thought at the time would take her where she wanted to go.  We now see that that path was not only not quite where she wanted to go, but was also not the best path for her to take anymore.  Flexibly is not always this family's strong point but we are learning.

To trust God.  And to trust our daughter.  I think they are onto something.

And in the meantime, I am just glad to see the joy coming back as she not only spends time continuing to learn but doing the things that she loves with the people who love her best.

Hey, I not only got my girl back, but my seamstress, cook, and cleaner all in one!  What a deal!

I hope you will come back next week for her side of the story!

Blessings,

VCF- The Power in a Word

You know how some people are a little obsessed with office supplies?  You know- the type that shop all of the back to school sales even though they KNOW they have enough pens for the free world and just as many notebooks.  OK, yes, I am one of those people.  I admit it.  As long as we are confessing, I also admit I am a curriculum junkie as well.  You know- buy it in case you may need it and then make your children use it in the summer even if they are out of the age range.  Yep, I am that person too.  But when is the last time I went to a curriculum fair?  YEARS!  Really, my kids were all probably still in elementary school at the time, meaning there were only two of them then, not four.  It was actually a local homeschool convention, but let's just be honest, I went for the curriculum.  I may have listened to one or two speakers, but I stalked the vendors.

Curriculum speaks to me.  It is one of the reasons I do reviews.  So much curriculum, so little time!

And that my friends, is why I love Susan's idea of a Virtual Curriculum Fair.  I do not have to leave the house and I can stalk everyone else's curriculum choices.  Win-win for me!  So let's get started!

I do find it amusing that Susan decided to start with what I consider the hardest category- Language Arts.  It really has been the hardest for me to choose and folks, I have been on this ride over 15 years.  I have been there, done that with more stuff than I even care to admit.  Let me say, I do not think I am fickle, but I am choosy.  And, I have learned that each of my children learn a different way and so with each one I have to think outside the box a little to find the "perfect" match.  There is NO such thing, by the way.  Sometimes you just find the best choice for the moment and move forward.

That being said, let me share some of what I consider the best out there!  For now.

Let's start with spelling.

I am NOT a five days a week, pretest, post test spelling curriculum fan.  I have used several and had no luck.  I do not like for my children to spend a week studying words they know how to spell, while doing mindless word searches and other time wasters. (not opinionated at all, huh?!)  So here is what I suggest-

All About Spelling- This is new to me with my last child.  Figures!  It is hands on, easy to follow and genius!  My 1st grader has just started level 2 and we will plan on doing level three for his second grade level.

Spelling Power- This one we have been using since my oldest was in elementary school.  I am sure the format has changed a bit, but the bottom line is that you call words until your child misses a few and then they study those words.  There is a little more to it, but you get the idea.  One book, all grades, period.  I would start it in third grade and finish when your child has completed all the levels.

Reading

Two of my kids learned to read magically.  OK, I know not possible, but it sure seemed like it!  One I am proud to say is NOW a great reader but was at one point in time, hopeless.  Our last blows me away daily with his reading.  We have tried everything but if I was starting over here's what I would do.

PAL from IEW.  This was a review item and by far, hands down the BEST thing we have ever used.  Again, only with my youngest.  Again, figures!  I have no doubt this kid would have learned to read regardless, but we would have never had this much fun!  Hands on, active and, did I mention, fun?!    If you have a child that likes to be busy, they will enjoy this.  There is some writing involved, but also lots of games and activities.  The initial prep time is hefty, but worth it.  Start here and you will not be sorry!

Two "extras"- Reading Eggs and Reading Kingdom.  Both are computer based, both make reading fun.  If you have a visual or auditory learner, these may be worth checking out.  We use them daily.

Literature

OK, I am going out on a limb here- but after your child learns to read, can I suggest that is just what you do?  Read. And read some more.  Talk about what you read, notebook if you want, but I am here to tell you that all the extra fluff does not help your child to read.  It just takes up precious time that could be spent reading!  If you are worried about comprehension, after they are finished reading - TALK about the book!  Ask questions, discuss.  Not only will you know if they are comprehending what they read, you are spending quality time with your kiddos.  Here's what I figured out about Literature- every program out there recommends your child read something different.  Every public school out there is the same.  And some of those choices are HORRIBLE!  So my recommendation is find what YOU want them to read and have them read!  Make a list at the beginning of each school year and dive in.  It's more fun anyway.

Writing

For beginner readers, I love Write Shop!  Again, this was a review item that we were blessed to use with my then 5th grader.  As soon as we were done I bought the first book for my youngest.  It is simple to use, inexpensive and just well done in my opinion.  We will continue with it probably until about 5th grade.  The first level has simple writing pages you use with each lesson and some cute activities.  The older level we used incorporated more games and grammar components as well.



At that point (6th grade) I switch to IEW.  If you do not know about this company, you need to do some research about them!  My kids love Mr. Pudewa and his humor.  The videos are invaluable, and the skills taught are wonderful.  My college student has been complemented for her writing by numerous professors, and trust me, she did NOT learn any of it from me.

Two "extras"-  You know, for those summer school times...heehee

1. One Year Adventure Novel

2. Sharon Watson

We have used both and I highly recommend them!

And that brings us to Grammar!

Ugh!  This one is just tough.  We tend to hit Grammar hard in the middle school years and then move on.  I am just gonna lay a few out for you and when you find the "great"one, please come back and share.

Logic of English- A newer one that I recently reviewed.  A little over my youngest's head but I think it may be what we try for next year. (2nd grade)  They also have a lower level called Foundations that I hear good things about.

Analytical Grammar- If you like some diagramming this might be a good program for you.

All in One Grammar- This is just a little workbook that does a solid overview of basic Grammar.  I really like its simplicity and use it in 4th grade.

Bridgeway English.- very workbooky (my made up word) but we have had good success with it.

Wow, is that all?  You forget all that is covered in language arts, don't ya?  No wonder it is such a hard subject to find.  I know there are several all in one programs out there, several which we have used, but I have found that because I am so particular, mixing and matching in this category works best for us.

Confused or still not sure what to do?  Head on over to these other VCF participants and see what they recommend! Remember, in the end, no one knows your child like you do!  Don't be afraid to try something new and move on to something else if you need to.

3 Reasons to Read to Your Teens by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds
Language Arts {Virtual Curriculum Fair} by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses
A Classical Take on 6th Grade Language Arts by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool
The Power in a Word by Michele@ Family, Faith and Fridays
The Latin Road to English Grammar Volume 1 by Kristi K. @ The Potter's Hand Academy
Starting a Foreign Language in Elementary School by Amy @ Eclectic Homeschooling
These are the words we say by Christa @ Fairfield Corner Academy
A Peek into our Homeschool: Language Arts by Brittney @ Mom's Heart
Our Curriculum Choices 2014 ~ English by Renata~Sunnyside Farm Fun
Virtual Curriculum Fair: A World of Words by Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
It Starts with the Alphabet by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset
Playing w/ Words-Charlotte Mason Style by Lynn P @ Ladybug Chronicles
2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair ~ Playing with Words: the Language Arts by Jennifer @ a glimpse of our life
Our PreK-1st Grade Language Arts Mix by Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker
Fun (or Not) With Spelling by Nicole @ Schooling in the Sun
Word Nerd Love by Lisa N@Golden Grasses
Our Favourite Resources For Teaching Elementary Language Arts by Kim @ Homestead Acres
Unconventional Reading Lessons While Homeschooling by Lori@My Journeys Through Life
My Favorite Writing Curriculum for our Boys by Monique @Living Life and Learning
Virtual Curriculum Fair: Playing With Words - Language Arts  by Stacie @Super Mommy To The Rescue
Fun With the Language Arts by Mary @ Winecup Christian Homeschool
Our Grammar Path by Laura @ Four Little Penguins
Virtual Curriculum Fair !!! by Jessica @ Modest Mama
Creating a High School English Course (or two) by Debra @Footprints in the Butter
Language Arts in Our Homeschool This Year by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World

If you would like to link up a curriculum post we would love to have you join us!

Join us next Monday when we talk about the next VCF subject- Math and Science

Blessings,

*** Just a quick note.  I am not receiving any compensation for recommending these products.  All mentioned are my personal opinions only.  I added some links just to make it easy for you and linked reviews I have done in the past if you want more information.***

Who Am I? And What's This Blog About?

Go ahead, sing with me...

"Who am I? 2-4-6-0-1!"

credit to the Official Les Miserables Twitter

Ignoring, of course, that in the song from Les Miserables that number represents a prisoner, wouldn't it be an easy way to identify a person?  You know, like every digit representing a part of who you are.

Stay with me, friend - here is a start of my number - Who Am I?

Christian - saved by God's grace many years ago.  So while I am far from perfect and do not claim to have all of the answers, sometimes I write about my faith.

Mom - Yes, that is a large part of me so I write about that too.  My two girls, my two boys, and the things that affect them.  

Teacher- In case this is news to you, I homeschool my kids.  Every. Single. Day.  So sometimes I write about their day, their schedule and their projects.  I even toss the college girl into the mix.  With that comes the reviews that I am blessed to be able to do.  I get the privilege of using some amazing things and I love telling you all about them.

Wife -  Been one for over 21 years.  To a pretty amazing guy, by the way.  And while I do not write about him much (he's an introvert if you can believe that) he is a large part of who I am and so occasionally he shows up on this page as well.

Friend - I don't rat them out too much, but my friends sneak into my stories sometimes.  I try to ask their permission first! ;)

ahhhhhhh.  I need a longer number than Jean Val-Jean!  I still have categories -

    -cook

    -military dependent (that's secret military code, haha)

    -homemaker

    -frugal shopper
    -and on and on

So why am I telling you this?  I thought you would never ask!

Over the holidays I have been reading all about blogging.  The most common advice is to develop a genre, an identity, a theme to center your blog on.  It keeps your readers engaged, loyal and coming back they say. According to them, my blog may be doomed, dear friends!  

Because, after much prayer and thought, the theme I come up with again and again is -

LIFE!

  

Sorry, that's it.  You see, if I tried to write about just one thing it would bore me to death, and you probably you too!  And that is just not me-only one thing?!  There is no way!

So what you see is what you get here -

my day, my reviews, my kids, my recipes, my savings tips, my faith, my thoughts, and my family.

LIFE!

Welcome to Family, Faith and Fridays.  I hope you will grab a chair and stay a while.  Just maybe we will prove those people wrong.

Blessings,

Linking up today with Christian Fellowship Friday!  Hope over to read some great posts!