Homeschool Chat Part III

[Grammyof2]

I have some questions. I HS my 12 year old and she would be in 7th grade if in public school. We have used Saxon math and this coming year she would be in math 8/7. She is not a math lover but does OK. It is a challenge some days to get our math done and have thought of switching it up.

I see a lot about Math U See but it works very differently if I understand what I am reading. I am wondering how long each book is. I don't see a recommended schedule. I am also wondering if she has decimals and fractions completely straight in her head. Is it possible to use Epsilon and Zeta as a reinforcement and not make it a year long adventure and then move on to Pre-Algebra or am I missing or not understanding how the program works?

Math is so very important and this is the one area I am always worried about. What about the manipulatives? I really am looking for some insight into someone who used this for an older student that didn't use it from the beginning.

Is there something else out there that I should consider? Thanks for all your help in advance.

 

[dis-happy]

I have some questions. I HS my 12 year old and she would be in 7th grade if in public school. We have used Saxon math and this coming year she would be in math 8/7. She is not a math lover but does OK. It is a challenge some days to get our math done and have thought of switching it up.

I see a lot about Math U See but it works very differently if I understand what I am reading. I am wondering how long each book is. I don't see a recommended schedule. I am also wondering if she has decimals and fractions completely straight in her head. Is it possible to use Epsilon and Zeta as a reinforcement and not make it a year long adventure and then move on to Pre-Algebra or am I missing or not understanding how the program works?

Math is so very important and this is the one area I am always worried about. What about the manipulatives? I really am looking for some insight into someone who used this for an older student that didn't use it from the beginning.

Is there something else out there that I should consider? Thanks for all your help in advance.

Did she already complete Math 7/6? If so, skip Math 8/7 and go straight to Alg 1/2. Math 8/7 is basically a review year if you've done everything up to that. Personally, I'd stick with Saxon until you get into the algebra portion, then look at your options. If you don't want the Saxon alg, I'd consider teaching textbooks. Both are good options for high school math. Math U see is very different and I wouldn't switch at this point.

 

[Ellester]

So is there a website or somewhere I can go to see about how to record keep? I'm a little confused on what I need to do. Or do I need to look it up by my state? (GA)

www.ghea.org is the most helpful. In Georgia you have to submit a "Declaration of Intent to Homeschool" every year. It just changed this year that you submit it right to the state, online, instead of to the county. You do not have to declare until the year after your child turns 6 unless they have previously been enrolled in a public school for more than 20 days. You are supposed to keep a record of attendance showing at least 180 days of instruction, but (again new this year) you don't submit it. You just have to keep it for your records. You also are required to test every three years starting the the 3rd grade using any nationally normed test. Once again, you don't submit you just have to keep record of it. You are also supposed to write a progress report each year and keep it for 3 years. It does vary state to state. Georgia is pretty easy, very little oversight. It's really nice now that they've gone to reporting to the state. I do not miss e-mailing my monthly attendance reports! Yes, my child was here. Where are you at in GA? We have some great homeschooling resources here in Columbus and there are many support groups across the state.

 

[DisHmsklMom]

I see a lot about Math U See but it works very differently if I understand what I am reading. I am wondering how long each book is. I don't see a recommended schedule. I am also wondering if she has decimals and fractions completely straight in her head. Is it possible to use Epsilon and Zeta as a reinforcement and not make it a year long adventure and then move on to Pre-Algebra or am I missing or not understanding how the program works?

Math is so very important and this is the one area I am always worried about. What about the manipulatives? I really am looking for some insight into someone who used this for an older student that didn't use it from the beginning.

I would go to the Math-U-See site and have her take the placement test, that should give you a good idea if she is lost on fractions and decimals. If it is only a few key concepts you see she is missing you may be able to use Khan Academy to brush up. If it turns out she missed the fractions and decimals it will be worth the time to work through the program as fast as she feels comfortable, otherwise Algebra can be very difficult and she'll have to spend extra time there because she didn't have the foundation. There is a MathUSee Swap group on yahoo groups, often you can find great deals there on used curriculum. For us we usually do a lesson a week, I have my kids do all of the pages in each lesson. They enjoy using the manipulatives, especially the fractions set.
HTH

 

[Ellester]

I would go to the Math-U-See site and have her take the placement test, that should give you a good idea if she is lost on fractions and decimals. If it is only a few key concepts you see she is missing you may be able to use Khan Academy to brush up. If it turns out she missed the fractions and decimals it will be worth the time to work through the program as fast as she feels comfortable, otherwise Algebra can be very difficult and she'll have to spend extra time there because she didn't have the foundation. There is a MathUSee Swap group on yahoo groups, often you can find great deals there on used curriculum. For us we usually do a lesson a week, I have my kids do all of the pages in each lesson. They enjoy using the manipulatives, especially the fractions set.
HTH

Good suggestions. We are another MUS family, but we have been using it for years. I have an engineering degree from Georgia Tech and I never understood some stuff about fractions until I went through Epsilon with my oldest! The fraction manipulatives really help in the understanding of the topics, IMHO.

 

[Aunt Stepody]

I have some questions. I HS my 12 year old and she would be in 7th grade if in public school. We have used Saxon math and this coming year she would be in math 8/7. She is not a math lover but does OK. It is a challenge some days to get our math done and have thought of switching it up.

I see a lot about Math U See but it works very differently if I understand what I am reading. I am wondering how long each book is. I don't see a recommended schedule. I am also wondering if she has decimals and fractions completely straight in her head. Is it possible to use Epsilon and Zeta as a reinforcement and not make it a year long adventure and then move on to Pre-Algebra or am I missing or not understanding how the program works?

Math is so very important and this is the one area I am always worried about. What about the manipulatives? I really am looking for some insight into someone who used this for an older student that didn't use it from the beginning.

Is there something else out there that I should consider? Thanks for all your help in advance.

We've always used Saxon as well. This year we are planning on using Teaching Textbooks for Algebra 2. I do not know anything about Math-U-See. Good luck!

 

[GottaLuvMickey]

Hi! I'm new over here & to the homeschooling world! I have a DS who just turned 1 and a DD who will turn 5 on Sept 4. We live in AZ where the cutoff date is August 31 for kindergarten. DD is already really smart and I can't keep her out of school for another year. I could have tested her into the local charter school this year, but due to many different family factors (primarily her little brother's major medical issues) I didn't see that as a good idea for this year. I don't plan to homeschool her forever - only a year or two. I am SO lost as to where to start or what to do with her! Also, all I am finding online is state rules for homeschooled kids 6 and older - are there any AZ families that know what I need to do for this year to make the state happy? Anyone have any advice or words of wisdom for me?

 

[chris31997]

Hi! I'm new over here & to the homeschooling world! I have a DS who just turned 1 and a DD who will turn 5 on Sept 4. We live in AZ where the cutoff date is August 31 for kindergarten. DD is already really smart and I can't keep her out of school for another year. I could have tested her into the local charter school this year, but due to many different family factors (primarily her little brother's major medical issues) I didn't see that as a good idea for this year. I don't plan to homeschool her forever - only a year or two. I am SO lost as to where to start or what to do with her! Also, all I am finding online is state rules for homeschooled kids 6 and older - are there any AZ families that know what I need to do for this year to make the state happy? Anyone have any advice or words of wisdom for me?

Go get the books for K that you see in the local bookstore. Kumon is a good one. Jumpstart is agood fun one with a computer program(or at least used to )

Probably, the rules are for 6 and older, because that is when the child has to be in school. Kids have to be in a school by the age of 6, so technically the rules don't apply and you don't have to do anything or worry about anything. If this year goes good, you can continue or put DD in school next year.

 

[lucigo]

Time4Learning has announced on facebook that they will be offering high school this fall.

http://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/high-school.html

 

[mum2simon]

Hi! I'm new over here & to the homeschooling world! I have a DS who just turned 1 and a DD who will turn 5 on Sept 4. We live in AZ where the cutoff date is August 31 for kindergarten. DD is already really smart and I can't keep her out of school for another year. I could have tested her into the local charter school this year, but due to many different family factors (primarily her little brother's major medical issues) I didn't see that as a good idea for this year. I don't plan to homeschool her forever - only a year or two. I am SO lost as to where to start or what to do with her! Also, all I am finding online is state rules for homeschooled kids 6 and older - are there any AZ families that know what I need to do for this year to make the state happy? Anyone have any advice or words of wisdom for me?

I don't think you have to do anything to make the state happy...lol...my oldest has a late december birthday and by the time he "should" have entered kindergarten he was reading and doing 1st-2nd grade math...he would have been bored and a trouble maker. I'm not positive about Arizona, but in Massachusetts, we don't have to report anything until the year our child turns 6....so enjoy this year free of reporting

 

[bcbmommy]

I need curriculum ideas for my 9th grader who is extremely inattentive, kinesthetic learner & behind in most subjects.

Well, the good news is that my prayers are being answered! This will be my first full year of homeschooling my kiddos. Was just planning on having 3 at home, as my 14 year old ds wanted to go to high school, however...he has slowly changed his mind. While I am thrilled, I am also scared! I will have a junior, freshman, fifth grader and 2 year-old at home. The junior and fifth grader I'm not too worried about, as I've had months to think about this. Not that I've ordered any curriculum for them yet, but I'm close! .

My 14 y.o. has had an I.E.P. for the past two years and has had a para by his side every day at school. How am I going to do this? I know we probably need to get high school curriculum for him, but I really don't know that he's ready for that. If there was a way to teach him all his core subjects with a hands on curriculum, I'd buy it in a heartbeat! Any ideas, advice? Thanks so much!

 

[lucigo]

I need curriculum ideas for my 9th grader who is extremely inattentive, kinesthetic learner & behind in most subjects.

Well, the good news is that my prayers are being answered! This will be my first full year of homeschooling my kiddos. Was just planning on having 3 at home, as my 14 year old ds wanted to go to high school, however...he has slowly changed his mind. While I am thrilled, I am also scared! I will have a junior, freshman, fifth grader and 2 year-old at home. The junior and fifth grader I'm not too worried about, as I've had months to think about this. Not that I've ordered any curriculum for them yet, but I'm close! .

My 14 y.o. has had an I.E.P. for the past two years and has had a para by his side every day at school. How am I going to do this? I know we probably need to get high school curriculum for him, but I really don't know that he's ready for that. If there was a way to teach him all his core subjects with a hands on curriculum, I'd buy it in a heartbeat! Any ideas, advice? Thanks so much!

Look into Time4Learning. They have a new high school curriculum this year, and they will let you have 3 years worth or curriculum to chose from, so if you tell them he is in 9th grade you will also have access to 8th and 10th grades. My son has autism and he uses T4L. I haven't seen the high school curriculum yet, but we are hoping to be able to use it when we get to that point.

We use their curriculum as a base and then I take what interests my son about the lessons and we do hands on projects, or search the internet to expound on the things that grab his attention. We also use manipulatives to further reinforce the lessons, like counting blocks and an abacus for math. We do a lot of applied math, like going to the grocery store and figuring out which item gives you the most for your money, going into the fridge to find pints and quarts, measuring items around the house for metric versus standard. There are lots of ways to make math make sense and working at home you aren't restricted to state standards and core curriculums.

Don't get hung up on grade level, work toward making progress.

 

[bcbmommy]

Look into Time4Learning. They have a new high school curriculum this year, and they will let you have 3 years worth or curriculum to chose from, so if you tell them he is in 9th grade you will also have access to 8th and 10th grades. My son has autism and he uses T4L. I haven't seen the high school curriculum yet, but we are hoping to be able to use it when we get to that point.

We use their curriculum as a base and then I take what interests my son about the lessons and we do hands on projects, or search the internet to expound on the things that grab his attention. We also use manipulatives to further reinforce the lessons, like counting blocks and an abacus for math. We do a lot of applied math, like going to the grocery store and figuring out which item gives you the most for your money, going into the fridge to find pints and quarts, measuring items around the house for metric versus standard. There are lots of ways to make math make sense and working at home you aren't restricted to state standards and core curriculums.

Don't get hung up on grade level, work toward making progress.

Thanks so much! I will look into Time4Learning. I like your ideas about applying math to everyday life. He is definitely one who likes/needs to know why and how he is doing something, instead of just memorizing. My 5th grade ds's teacher last year was wonderful about teaching applied math, and my ds just ate it up! Hopefully I will be successful in teaching that way to my 9th grader.

 

[Grammyof2]

After a lot of searching I purchased a few Math Mammoth blue series workbooks on fractions and decimals and one on percent for my daughter. I am going to give them a try for the rest of the summer and see if I feel she is up to speed. I think she just needs review since she did finish the Saxon 7/6 textbook but she always seemed to struggle to remember the different rules. Hopefully this will help put my mind at ease. I hate when we struggle with concepts and I like to be sure.

If we need a little more time that is fine. I just don't want to move on till I am sure. Thanks for all the input.

 

[DawnM]

Good to know! Thanks.

There is a program you can buy that is similar, but you must buy the entire year up front and I don't like that as I can't get a good feel for what it really looks like. It was called Uplifting Education.

Both programs use Compass Learning so I am hoping that Time4Learning for high school will basically be the same but the ability to pay monthly.

Time4Learning has announced on facebook that they will be offering high school this fall.

http://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/high-school.html

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Hello! Does anyone have any experience with Nancy Larson Science? We were impressed at a homeschool conference this weekend and would like some reviews before we jump in.

Thanks!!

 

[Aunt Stepody]

Time4Learning has announced on facebook that they will be offering high school this fall.

http://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/high-school.html

Thank you for the info... I will definitely keep this in mind.

 

[bcbmommy]

I need some math suggestions for my dd, who will be a junior. This will be our first year homeschooling, and I was going to start with Algebra 2. She's already had this class in ps, but she didn't understand it and the teacher made fun of the kids if they asked questions. Ugh.

I'm starting to wonder, though, if starting with Alg 2 is a good idea. It seems each company teaches math a certain way, and may or may not cover everything. If we start with Teaching Texbooks Alg 2, will she be lost?

 

[lucigo]

I need some math suggestions for my dd, who will be a junior. This will be our first year homeschooling, and I was going to start with Algebra 2. She's already had this class in ps, but she didn't understand it and the teacher made fun of the kids if they asked questions. Ugh.

I'm starting to wonder, though, if starting with Alg 2 is a good idea. It seems each company teaches math a certain way, and may or may not cover everything. If we start with Teaching Texbooks Alg 2, will she be lost?

Doesn't teaching textbooks have a placement test online?

 

[Ellester]

Once you get to upper level math, I don't think you need to worry about missing anything. By then all the curriculum providers follow a pretty standard scope and sequence.