I am just about ready to be done with K12 and create my own curriculum. I'm trying to hang in there until Jack finishes 2nd grade math (probably 6-8 more weeks) but we'll see. I've talked with others about Saxon and Math U See and there's pros and cons for each. I think we'll probably stick with Singapore.
I've said it before, homeschooling is not easy. I never quite know what to do with my girls and feel like I'm neglecting them anytime I have to explain something. So I've been looking more at Robinson Curriculum which is more of a self-taught approach. I don't agree with everything about it, but I'm thinking I may need to adopt some of it. And of course since I learn toward a classical approach I am in LOVE with all those classic books on cd-rom!!! Bottom line, right now I'm spending too much time as a "learning coach" (that's what K12 calls the parents) and not enough time as a mother.
Why haven't I just pulled him out? Well, I feel good about teaching math, science, and history, but language arts I really need help with. I have no idea what he should know and I honestly can't afford to buy another curriculum right now. Can he just read awesome books and have some grammar lessons (and how much of that?!) Any 2nd/3rd grade teacher input is welcome!! (you know who you are)
Enough of me feeling insecure. Here's some fun pictures of what we've been up to:
I've said it before, homeschooling is not easy. I never quite know what to do with my girls and feel like I'm neglecting them anytime I have to explain something. So I've been looking more at Robinson Curriculum which is more of a self-taught approach. I don't agree with everything about it, but I'm thinking I may need to adopt some of it. And of course since I learn toward a classical approach I am in LOVE with all those classic books on cd-rom!!! Bottom line, right now I'm spending too much time as a "learning coach" (that's what K12 calls the parents) and not enough time as a mother.
Why haven't I just pulled him out? Well, I feel good about teaching math, science, and history, but language arts I really need help with. I have no idea what he should know and I honestly can't afford to buy another curriculum right now. Can he just read awesome books and have some grammar lessons (and how much of that?!) Any 2nd/3rd grade teacher input is welcome!! (you know who you are)
Enough of me feeling insecure. Here's some fun pictures of what we've been up to:
FIRE STATION FIELD TRIP
HEE HAW FARM AND CORNBELLY'S
ZOO TRIP (FOR FREE!!!!)
OH! AND HERE'S OUR NEW CHICKENS!!!
Fortune and Glory
Hoping to get 2 more of the same breed, but we haven't seen any for sale.
I don't know if you want my 2 cents, but as far as language arts goes, you would want to focus on comprehension strategies. Googling that will pull up a variety of ways to teach them. You can also check out pinterest for ideas. I've pinned a few. I will have to think about what I did for grammar. I know I taught it, but I can't remember what I used or what I did. It's been seven (SEVEN!!!) years. Can you believe that?! Me neither. :)
ReplyDeleteAh Ha! I remember. I did this every week. Like, 5 exercises a day. The kids would do each one, then I'd explain it. Quick, easy, and you could totally do it on your own. http://www.mtmath.com/index2.php?req=kits&prod=LK3
ReplyDeleteCan't afford the kit right now, but the list of concepts is awesome!!! THANK YOU! I was hoping you'd have something for me :)
ReplyDeleteKris, you rock. I miss you!
ReplyDeleteI really believe that if he reads lots of good books and writes every day, he will be FINE. But teaching grammar concepts would be good, especially if you're not comfortable correcting all of his writings.
Hmm . . . I would look up on google books to see if they have any old grammars scanned and maybe go from there.
I support you! You're awesome!