As a habit leftover from homeschooling in Virginia, I give my children a standardized test every year. My current state only requires every three years, but I like to have a test for my records, since we have a tendency school in a nontraditional way. I think it's good for my children to have practice taking tests. It gives me a sense of completion for the year.
This year, I did something a little different: I had Bug take online CAT test at Christian Liberty Academy. I had intended to have him take the ITBS at our (now dissolved) co-op. I normally like to test in May, but the test was to be offered in August, and then with the coop dissolved, I had to come up with something different to do.
Giving the ITBS myself at home is not a great option with a toddler in the house. I would have to do it on the weekends when my husband could watch Dot, and that is a pretty big drag on our weekend. At least this year, I could have given both tests at the same time, since grades 3-8 can be given together. Still, I just felt it was too much on top of starting a new school year. Besides, if I want them to take the ITBS in the spring, I thought it would be better to do a different test; I don't want them taking the same test with just a few months in between.
The online CAT test was easy to sign up for and easy to give to Bug. I had him take it while Dot was napping or occupied, and we did it over a couple of weeks. Most of the sections were very short, under 15 minutes. The best thing about it was that his score was sent to me instantly after he finished the final test. I was able to immediately email the results to my husband and print them for my records book.
The disadvantage is that it is only a language and math test. I like the science and social studies sections of the Iowa because they show that my children have a good level of literacy in those subjects.
Bug did quite well. His best score was for vocabulary (99th percentile)
and lowest in language mechanics (75th percentile). Haha; I am hoping
WriteShop will help us with those skills. As is the pattern for both of
my boys, Bug did better on math concepts than he did on computation.
I'm very pleased with how he did. I intended to give him a little bit
of test prep, such as some arithmetic and grammar practice worksheets,
but, as usual, I didn't get around to it, so his scores represent what
he can do with absolutely no specific test practice at all. (Sorry for the shameless bragging--I can't stop it!)
Overall, I am happy with the test and will be giving the CAT to Bee in a couple of weeks. I really want my kids, particularly Bee, to get practice taking a test in a group setting, so I may not use it again, but I will keep it in mind as a solid back-up plan for the boys in the future.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Review of WriteShop, Part II
So, we have had WriteShop for about 3 weeks now, although we have not worked on it as many days as I might have liked. Next month, I am going to have a daily checklist posted, so that we are clear on expectations. Both boys have finished their first assignments.
Bee, working in WriteShop I, has completed a carefully written description of an object. Bug, working in WriteShop Junior, Level D, has a short letter of invitation finished.
I will put both finished assignments into a writing portfolio for the year that they can show to their dad and possibly their grandparents, and so that they can feel like they have made progress.
I am happy because we actually completed writing assignments together with a minimum of pain.
It's interesting how it worked out. Bee seemed to dislike the initial work but worked diligently on his actual planning and paragraph. Bug had more fun with the prep work and was absolutely sick of the idea of a letter of invitation by the end! So definitely time to move on to a new assignment.
I am not stressed by this program at all and am looking forward to the future assignments. I feel more confident and excited about teaching writing to young children, and I think that the children will feel more confident as writers by the end of the year.
Bee, working in WriteShop I, has completed a carefully written description of an object. Bug, working in WriteShop Junior, Level D, has a short letter of invitation finished.
I will put both finished assignments into a writing portfolio for the year that they can show to their dad and possibly their grandparents, and so that they can feel like they have made progress.
I am happy because we actually completed writing assignments together with a minimum of pain.
It's interesting how it worked out. Bee seemed to dislike the initial work but worked diligently on his actual planning and paragraph. Bug had more fun with the prep work and was absolutely sick of the idea of a letter of invitation by the end! So definitely time to move on to a new assignment.
I am not stressed by this program at all and am looking forward to the future assignments. I feel more confident and excited about teaching writing to young children, and I think that the children will feel more confident as writers by the end of the year.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
One week with Speekee Accelarate
Bug was so resistant to taking online Spanish lessons via Skype that I agreed that he would not have to do so, even though I think it is the best way to learn. We decided to try Speekee. We used that program briefly years ago, but he was so little, and we had trouble sticking with it. It turns out, they have something called Speekee Accelerate for kids his age. Bug is 9.
I eagerly signed up for it, as it promised to do all the Spanish prep for me.
There are four videos a week. The first was pretty good, although only 4 minutes long. The other videos turned out to last only a few seconds each! I am really not happy about it.
Obviously, Bug has prior experience with Spanish, but it's just not enough material in my opinion, even for a beginner. Each week seems more like part of one day's material to me. So, I guess that's how we will use it, and then we will have to figure out something else to try.
It did spark interest though, and after he watched the videos for days 2-4, he was trying to figure out how to say that his brother is dumb in Spanish.
I will update, if my opinion changes.
I eagerly signed up for it, as it promised to do all the Spanish prep for me.
There are four videos a week. The first was pretty good, although only 4 minutes long. The other videos turned out to last only a few seconds each! I am really not happy about it.
Obviously, Bug has prior experience with Spanish, but it's just not enough material in my opinion, even for a beginner. Each week seems more like part of one day's material to me. So, I guess that's how we will use it, and then we will have to figure out something else to try.
It did spark interest though, and after he watched the videos for days 2-4, he was trying to figure out how to say that his brother is dumb in Spanish.
I will update, if my opinion changes.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Trying out The Ultimate Homeschool Planner
I've written about this before, but keeping records of our homeschool activities can be very stress reducing for me. I do have trouble keeping up with systems like that. For the past couple of weeks, I have been using The Ultimate Homeschool Planner by Debra Bell.
This is totally not the kind of thing I would have bought when I first began homeschooling. For one thing, while I am now a devout Christian, I was an atheist-agnostic at the time, and this is very much a Christian planner. While it can be used by anyone, there are many sections that a person who is not Christian would need to ignore or alter.
Here is what I like about the planner:
My goal is to get done with certain things each month. So, each day, I can look at our progress so far, think about where we are in the month, and what we most need to get done that day.
This is totally not the kind of thing I would have bought when I first began homeschooling. For one thing, while I am now a devout Christian, I was an atheist-agnostic at the time, and this is very much a Christian planner. While it can be used by anyone, there are many sections that a person who is not Christian would need to ignore or alter.
Here is what I like about the planner:
- It is colorful and fun to use.
- It makes me feel professional.
- The weekly grids are easy to customize, based on number of children and personal preference.
- If there are pages I don't want to use, I can simply paste other pages over them.
My goal is to get done with certain things each month. So, each day, I can look at our progress so far, think about where we are in the month, and what we most need to get done that day.
One week with WriteShop
I started using WriteShop with our boys this week, and I'm happy with my purchase so far. Teaching writing to them has always been a huge struggle for me, and I've been saved by online writing tutors and co-op classes. This has actually been a big disappointment to me, because I enjoy writing and have tutored it at the college level.
At any rate, I had already decided to do writing with Bug at home because he was really burnt out on taking classes, and with us buying a house and moving locally, I wanted to save the money. And then Bee's writing class was cancelled, and the entire co-op disintegrated shortly after. Given the problems I have had in the past, I decided to look for a curriculum that would help us to be more successful.
So, the main issue that I've had in the past with both boys is that I give them something to write, and they claim it is too hard and refuse to do anything. Part of this is perhaps a relationship issue, but I think the main problem was my own failure to break down the assignments into small parts.
So, in my googling, I came upon WriteShop, a fairly popular program, originally written to be used with homeschool co-ops. The main complaints about the program is that the assignments are short with too many steps. This sounded perfect for us! Both the positive and the negative reviews pointed to this being exactly what our family needs.
Bug is in the fourth grade, and I ordered WriteShop Junior, Level D for him. I received the teacher's manual, student workbook, grammar pack, and timesaver pack (highly recommended!). They offer a digital version, but my printer is annoying, and ink is expensive, so I prefer to buy hard copies whenever possible. I must admit not being thrilled at having to assemble these Fold and Go grammar packs, but they weren't too hard. I am still making the bookmarks because I didn't have a good adhesive last weekend. Still, it only takes about an hour or two of preparation for the entire year.
This week, we began our program, and Bug responded really well to it! He seemed to enjoy his first grammar pack and the initial activities. I like how colorful and child-friendly the grammar packs are. Today, we did a mix-and-match exercise on the invitation letters, and that was fun, and it did the job of helping Bug to develop an awareness of the different parts of a letter.
With Bug, there are 10 writing assignments to be completed in this level. If we do one assignment most months and two in one month, we can be finished in time to take off November and December, as I hope to do. The program does require parent interaction, but it's very clear and easy.
Bee in in the eight grade, and I ordered WriteShop I for him, to complete this year, and the teacher's manual for me. If it works out well for him, I'll probably do WriteShop II with him next year. We've been working through the initial exercises, and Bee did his first "sloppy copy" today. He didn't seem to be radiating happiness during the skill builders, but he seemed relatively content doing the brainstorming and "sloppy copy" for his first assignment. This is in contrast to tears, screaming, and the dreaded blank page/screen that we have dealt with in the past.
For Bee, he has 16 assignments to complete this year (with multiple steps to an assignment), so we will do 8 in the first semester and 8 in the second semester, 2 a month. I think it's both a child and parent friendly program. The parent has to do some modeling and explaining and helping with revisions, but there is a lot of independent work as well. I like that it is very clear on what is expected for each assignment.
It's hard to tell if a program will continue to work for an entire school year, but I'm happy after a week. I'll try and report back later this semester and school year about if the program continued to be useful to us.
At any rate, I had already decided to do writing with Bug at home because he was really burnt out on taking classes, and with us buying a house and moving locally, I wanted to save the money. And then Bee's writing class was cancelled, and the entire co-op disintegrated shortly after. Given the problems I have had in the past, I decided to look for a curriculum that would help us to be more successful.
So, the main issue that I've had in the past with both boys is that I give them something to write, and they claim it is too hard and refuse to do anything. Part of this is perhaps a relationship issue, but I think the main problem was my own failure to break down the assignments into small parts.
So, in my googling, I came upon WriteShop, a fairly popular program, originally written to be used with homeschool co-ops. The main complaints about the program is that the assignments are short with too many steps. This sounded perfect for us! Both the positive and the negative reviews pointed to this being exactly what our family needs.
Bug is in the fourth grade, and I ordered WriteShop Junior, Level D for him. I received the teacher's manual, student workbook, grammar pack, and timesaver pack (highly recommended!). They offer a digital version, but my printer is annoying, and ink is expensive, so I prefer to buy hard copies whenever possible. I must admit not being thrilled at having to assemble these Fold and Go grammar packs, but they weren't too hard. I am still making the bookmarks because I didn't have a good adhesive last weekend. Still, it only takes about an hour or two of preparation for the entire year.
This week, we began our program, and Bug responded really well to it! He seemed to enjoy his first grammar pack and the initial activities. I like how colorful and child-friendly the grammar packs are. Today, we did a mix-and-match exercise on the invitation letters, and that was fun, and it did the job of helping Bug to develop an awareness of the different parts of a letter.
With Bug, there are 10 writing assignments to be completed in this level. If we do one assignment most months and two in one month, we can be finished in time to take off November and December, as I hope to do. The program does require parent interaction, but it's very clear and easy.
Bee in in the eight grade, and I ordered WriteShop I for him, to complete this year, and the teacher's manual for me. If it works out well for him, I'll probably do WriteShop II with him next year. We've been working through the initial exercises, and Bee did his first "sloppy copy" today. He didn't seem to be radiating happiness during the skill builders, but he seemed relatively content doing the brainstorming and "sloppy copy" for his first assignment. This is in contrast to tears, screaming, and the dreaded blank page/screen that we have dealt with in the past.
For Bee, he has 16 assignments to complete this year (with multiple steps to an assignment), so we will do 8 in the first semester and 8 in the second semester, 2 a month. I think it's both a child and parent friendly program. The parent has to do some modeling and explaining and helping with revisions, but there is a lot of independent work as well. I like that it is very clear on what is expected for each assignment.
It's hard to tell if a program will continue to work for an entire school year, but I'm happy after a week. I'll try and report back later this semester and school year about if the program continued to be useful to us.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Our plans for the school year
Our homeschool co-op has recently completely fallen apart, with allegations of financial mishandling, among other things. Bee was signed up for several classes, while Bug was signed up for one class that he very much wanted to take, in addition to both being signed up for piano lessons there, and now it's gone. I have received about half of my money back and am very much hoping that I get the rest of it. There is a new co-op starting with many of the former instructors, and we are hoping that both boys will get to continue their robotics. But the nice plan I had made out became completely screwed up a few weeks ago.
So, the most important quality in a homeschooling parent is flexibility. This is my 8th (!) year to homeschool, and every year, I do things a little differently. Sometimes I move in one direction for a while and then find myself surprised to be moving back in the other direction. For a while we were moving to taking a lot of outside classes, and now we find ourselves returning to doing most classes at home. They had both requested to take fewer classes, and now we are doing it almost all at home again.
Plans for Bee (8th grade!!!):
Plans for Me:
So, the most important quality in a homeschooling parent is flexibility. This is my 8th (!) year to homeschool, and every year, I do things a little differently. Sometimes I move in one direction for a while and then find myself surprised to be moving back in the other direction. For a while we were moving to taking a lot of outside classes, and now we find ourselves returning to doing most classes at home. They had both requested to take fewer classes, and now we are doing it almost all at home again.
Plans for Bee (8th grade!!!):
- English: We are using a program called WriteShop, Level I. We started it today. No lesson plans for me, and every tiny step for each assignment is very clearly spelled out. We should not have any issues with "blank page syndrome" or "writer's block," which is why I have frequently used writing tutors or classes for Bee. I'm very excited about it. If we like it, we will go one to Level II for next year. I'm also going to have him work through the Life of Fred Language Arts series this year. For literature this semester, I am having him read 8 books related to the Cold War, and do a short response on each one. Next semester is still TBD.
- Social Studies: We are studying the Cold War, and he is watching an extensive 24-part documentary on YouTube, in addition to the books he is reading. Next semester, I will let him choose a different topic.
- Math: He continuing to work in an algebra book by Harold Jacobs. It's going well.
- Science: I hope that he will continue on his robot team, if the team continues. Otherwise, I will have to come up with something.
- Spanish: He is back with Homeschool Spanish Academy! Yea! Last year, we took a break from private lessons because we were just so busy with co-op classes. But it's too much for me with a little one in the house to make lesson plans, prepare, and have the time to interact with him individually. In addition, I'm going to have him watch the episodes of BBC's Mi Vida Loca, on days that he doesn't have class.
- Arts: He will take private piano lessons with a teacher close to our new home. I'd like to add in some art and drama, but we'll see what comes available. He was signed up to be in a play before our co-op fell apart.
- PE: He will continue his team at the rock climbing gym, in addition to family outdoor activities.
- English: Bug will be working through WriteShop Junior Level D. At his request, we will continue the All About Spelling program, although I must admit, that with Dot running around, it is so hard for me to keep up with. Bug spends hours every day listening to audiobooks, and at the age of 9, I just let him pick what he wants to read. This worked well for Bee. I will start assigning Bug some literature in the 6th or 7th grade.
- Social Studies: I decided to try a Holling C. Holling book, as a literature-based approach to geography. If it goes well, I'll order more.
- Math: Bug will continue with Life of Fred and practice on Khan Academy as well.
- Science: Bug was excited about being on a rookie FLL team. He may still get to be on one, if the stars align. Otherwise, I'll have to come up with something else.
- Spanish: Bug adamantly refused to take online lessons. We are going to do the Speekee program for kids his age instead.
- Arts: So far, just private piano lessons.
- PE: He will continue his team at the rock climbing gym, in addition to family outdoor activities.
Plans for Me:
- I've never included this before in my blog, but I actually think that one of the most important things a parent can do is model a love of learning for the children. Over the years, my children have seen me learn about gardening, Spanish, genealogy, and theology, among other things.
- My big project this year is continuing my Education for Ministry program (offered by the Episcopal Church). Last year, I studied the Hebrew Bible; this year, I will focus on the New Testament. My class meets once a week in the evening during the school year. I have loved it.
- I've been enjoying reading books when I get a minute--fiction and nonfiction.
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