Ringin' in the New Year Classical/CM Style

[MyLittleWonders]

Happy New Year to everyone! Here is our December thread for reference ... 

We are looking forward to starting back up again (well, I say "we" loosely - I'm sure the boys are not quite as anxious as I am, but I know they will appreciate the structure again even if they don't want to admit it!). Dh, on the other hand, isn't looking forward to returning to work. Oh, in some ways it would be nice to be independently wealthy so he didn't have to work, but then again, I'd have to go all drill-seargent on them all to make sure we maintain some semblance of routine and structure! 

What is everyone planning for the new year? Any new curriculum choices? We are adding Sentence Composing to our weeks; I think we'll work through it on Wednesdays and Thursdays. My goal tonight/tomorrow is to look at everything we do, see if there's anything that can be dropped for now or lessened, and then rework our daily schedule so it makes some sense. The baby is usually awake from 9:30 until about noon, so I'm thinking I'll probably be slinging her during school time. But it might work, because she'll be sleeping in the afternoon or wanting to nurse/be held while sleeping, so we can sit on the couch all together and read history and science. Fortunately, over all, she's a very laid-back baby (much different in that respect than any of the three boys, though ds#2 was the closet to being laid-back).  I'm hoping to find out this week about beginning services for her (infant stimulation) ... and really, really praying that they are in-home services. 

[MissRubyandKen]

Happy New Year! :)

MLW, I've had the same thought about it being nice to say, win the lottery, but my mind wonders if it would be good or not as far as motivation in life, lol. It is so wonderful the baby is laid back, my last dd was as well. :) It was nice when she was little because I could accomplish a lot of reading while nursing her or holding her while she slept. Now she is almost three and a wiggly, busy handful!

I'm going to be adding in the Sentence Composing book and an outlining workbook for dd. She will also be starting our version of the Book of Centuries, combining a timeline and History notebook somewhat. Not exactly a la WTM, but I think it will work nicely. At some point she will begin outlining for History as well, but I'm in no rush and still plan to have her do narrations some days as well.

We are on somewhat of a hiatus from Singapore Math (which I love). We are focusing on multiplication facts right now until both kids have them down so well it is instantaneous for them. I've tried several things to try to accomplish this in the past, but it hasn't stuck for them. I ran across a link to a video on Math Mammoth demonstrating structured drill for the multiplication facts and we are now using that process. So far so good, it seems to be working. I'm having them both do a few addition and subtraction problems with borrowing and carrying on the black board daily for review so as not to lose anything and throwing in a word problem or two sometimes as well. We've covered multi-digit multiplication and division in the past, but I refuse to do it again and progress any farther until the facts are second nature to them. i just don't see the point.

[kittywitty]

We are adding in a bunch. Only dropping WWE and a lot of our Waldorf block work except (but not all). We're adding more memory work, French for ds (we do some during circle, but more intensive French will be added for him), Latin and Greek for everyone, more history work, more American history/geography studies, some new books for read-alouds, and hopefully karate or gymnastics for the kids. I'd like to get them in piano but it's $60/e per month for that here.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by MissRubyandKen 

Happy New Year! :)

MLW, I've had the same thought about it being nice to say, win the lottery, but my mind wonders if it would be good or not as far as motivation in life, lol. It is so wonderful the baby is laid back, my last dd was as well. :) It was nice when she was little because I could accomplish a lot of reading while nursing her or holding her while she slept. Now she is almost three and a wiggly, busy handful!

I'm going to be adding in the Sentence Composing book and an outlining workbook for dd. She will also be starting our version of the Book of Centuries, combining a timeline and History notebook somewhat. Not exactly a la WTM, but I think it will work nicely. At some point she will begin outlining for History as well, but I'm in no rush and still plan to have her do narrations some days as well.

We are on somewhat of a hiatus from Singapore Math (which I love). We are focusing on multiplication facts right now until both kids have them down so well it is instantaneous for them. I've tried several things to try to accomplish this in the past, but it hasn't stuck for them. I ran across a link to a video on Math Mammoth demonstrating structured drill for the multiplication facts and we are now using that process. So far so good, it seems to be working. I'm having them both do a few addition and subtraction problems with borrowing and carrying on the black board daily for review so as not to lose anything and throwing in a word problem or two sometimes as well. We've covered multi-digit multiplication and division in the past, but I refuse to do it again and progress any farther until the facts are second nature to them. i just don't see the point.

Do you have the video link for MM and structured drill for multiplication facts? Ds#1 is making progress (we do a combo of Mad Minute drill sheets - though untimed - and flash cards), but maybe changing it up a bit would help him. I like the idea of a couple review problems on the blackboard too - sometimes I think I should breakdown and get the Evan-Moor daily math practice books for ds#1 and ds#2, but then I think it'd just be yet another thing to try and schedule. ;) So, I like the idea of just one or two things on the blackboard for them to work.

Oh, and I'm buying Singapore Essential Math K for ds#3. We have Miquon ready for him, but I think I want to start that in the fall when he's "officially" K age (I can't believe that!). So, the EM books would be a way to get him used to a bit more formal math before moving to Miquon for K, and then integrating Singapore 1A/B and Miquon in 1st grade. 

And dd loves being sung to, so I'm pulling out my Waldorf-based song books by Mary Schunemann, and reteach us the songs. We used to sing them a lot when ds#3 was a baby and ds#2 was doing speech therapy, but then dropped them as the boys got older (though ds#3 loves to sing and would have loved learning the songs as well). I'm glad I didn't get rid of the books as I think both ds#3 and dd will enjoy them. 
 

[CherryBomb]

Subbing!  One thing I've been meaning to ask, what are the similarities between CM and classical?  We are classical, but all I really know about CM is that she was into nature studies and didn't have children of her own.  Just wondering what the connection between the two is :)

[MissRubyandKen]

MLW- here is the link to the multiplication video :). I watched some of the others and found them useful as well.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by CherryBomb 

Subbing!  One thing I've been meaning to ask, what are the similarities between CM and classical?  We are classical, but all I really know about CM is that she was into nature studies and didn't have children of her own.  Just wondering what the connection between the two is :)

I don't have much more of an answer, except to add that she was big on narration, studied dictation (different than WTM style dictation), and believed in short lessons. I think she also was an advocate for somewhat delayed academics, for instance, not starting grammar study until late elementary (again different than WTM style). 

Originally Posted by MissRubyandKen 

MLW- here is the link to the multiplication video :). I watched some of the others and found them useful as well.

Thank you!

[mmmmochi]

Thanks for the link to the multiplication video! Hopefully that will make it easier for dd to remember her tables.

Dh goes back to work tomorrow, then it is back to the usual pattern for us. I cant wait to get back to normal. We are starting Lively Latin, and carrying on with the Calvert curriculum. I think we should finish the second grade by the summer. After we complete 2nd grade ( and third for maths) with Calvert I am not sure what we should do next. I am seriously considering just continuing for now with Calvert, and getting third grade, with 4th grade math. Their customer service was not great in so far as getting it out here to us, and answering questions about the curriculum and access from here. For instance my maps were all coming up on the computer in Japanese! I cannot read in Japanese, dd cannot read Japanese. I figured it must be the global setting, but their tech didnt even offer a solution. I kind of expect more considering how expensive it is!

What does everyone reckon? Do I mix and match or carry on with Calvert? I also have to buy ds`s curriculum. He is a reading phonics level one, knows how to write numbers and letters, four year old. The pre k curriculum seems far too easy.

Happy new year everyone!

[MissRubyandKen]

Your welcome for the link. :) I think I ran across it over on TWTM forums. I did want to add that I am building in review as we go along. I am having them skip count frontwards and backwards by the # we've previously went through the process with, I write random multiplication problems on the chalk board for one #(such as if we are currently studying the 4's I will write 3X1=, then 3X6=, then 3X12=, then 3X9= and they give answers as I go along), and I generate worksheets on this site containing only facts we've previously covered, not the one we are currently doing. The review only adds a few extra minutes to the process. I don't do all of the review things every day, but pick and choose how I want so long as there is some review happening daily.

[mangopassion]

Thanks for starting this thread, MLW! 

We are switching things up a bit.  I want to add more phonics instruction to KiwiBoy's curriculum.  We are going to try to address all his issues aggressively starting this week -- with an appointment with a developmental optometrist this Thursday.  I'm also looking for a speech language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and a neuropsychologist. 

For him we currently use All About Spelling Level One, Math U See, Handwriting Without Tears, and Song School Latin.  We dropped our previous history and geography curriculum and we'll be adding in FIAR volume 4 and other unit studies.  We'll also be beginning BFSU2.  For more phonics instructions, I am looking at adding in Reading Rods, I am Sam books, and possibly Hooked On Phonics.  Does anyone have any thoughts on adding HOP for a possible dyslexic?  I thought I read once here on MDC that HOP is not a recommended curriculum for dys., but I cannot find that info. now. 

For CherryPie, we dropped MCT Voyage level, and Latin for Children A.  We replaced them with Writing Strands 3, Growing with Grammar, and Galore Park's Latin Prep.  In addition to this, she will also be doing unit studies via BYFIAR or Amanda Bennett independently.  We also recently switched her from a Singapore Math / Life of Fred combo to Teaching Textbooks.  She will be doing the majority of her studies independently.

We made a lot of changes so essentially I consider ourselves starting our school year over this month.  But we are going to push through and I expect CherryPie will be able to finish at least the TT level and WS by the end of August, maybe sooner.

[Momma Aimee]

Originally Posted by CherryBomb 

Subbing!  One thing I've been meaning to ask, what are the similarities between CM and classical?  We are classical, but all I really know about CM is that she was into nature studies and didn't have children of her own.  Just wondering what the connection between the two is :)

I think CM is great to read, but you need to remember (as i had to be reminded rectently LOL) that she dealt with school aged childrebn, in a school setting, from upper class families in a differnt time.  She is great, and I apperciapte her wr itting, butttttttt it doesn't always happen the way she presents it for thoese of us that have to actually get them up, dfed, dressed, into a car, batheoughtd, in to bed and so on ... the life stuff.  But read she, it gives some good food for thought.

lot of nature

lot of good reading

lot of narritve and memory workl.

I like :  http://simplycharlottemason.com/

http://www.amblesideonline.org/ is great too -- and has active yahoo groups -- it seems more advanced TO ME, i could be strage.

[MyLittleWonders]

Oh my ... today is a do-over, let's put everyone in bed type of day. So, my laid-back babe decided that she only would sleep if I held her (normally when she's asleep, I can put her in her bouncy seat in the kitchen/dining room with us and get at least 30 minutes of 2-arm time). Ds#2 cannot focus on math at all. Ds#1 is ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE!!! I swear I might have to start giving him coffee in the morning to try and calm him down. Ds#3 is being a pill (I love him, and them all, dearly, but go eat your lunch finally!!!). I just sent them all to their bed because they can't keep their hands off each other (not in a good way). Sorry for the vent ... I knew it'd be hard getting back into a routine but I was not expecting it to be this bad. Unfortunately for them, they'll have work to do with dh when he gets home. And, they don't know it, but dh isn't in a great mood as he's exhausted and neither of us feel great. (I think I'm getting a cold.) 

Phew ... that's done! On a good note (because I don't like everything being doom and gloom!), we started Mr. Popper's Penguins in lieu of WWE today. I think it'll go well as the story is very engaging. Plus, having read most all of Deconstructing Penguins, I can help them analyze it as we go. (Right now I have them thinking about the town name of Stillwater in relation to Mr. Popper. Plus I think we might read Zen Shorts (or Zen Ties - I can't remember the title) as the Panda is Stillwater, and compare a bit there too.) 

[Ravin]

So far so good, we've got two school days actually done so far this week--i.e., we're on schedule. DD seems to be clicking on math, so I've stepped it up a bit on the pace. We fell behind my original schedule last semester because it wasn't clicking.

We're keeping up the pace on FLL, too...that is to say, 5-6 lessons/week when we do school 4 days/week. DD is setting a rapid pace herself on her phonics program, too, and showing more enthusiam for read-alouds. I'm going to pick up the pace on geography, because we've dropped history and, again, DD seems to be clicking with the subject and really enjoying it. She finished How to Read a Map, and we'll be starting the next Evan-Moor book with the next lesson.

[MissRubyandKen]

Originally Posted by MyLittleWonders 

Oh my ... today is a do-over, let's put everyone in bed type of day. So, my laid-back babe decided that she only would sleep if I held her (normally when she's asleep, I can put her in her bouncy seat in the kitchen/dining room with us and get at least 30 minutes of 2-arm time). Ds#2 cannot focus on math at all. Ds#1 is ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE!!! I swear I might have to start giving him coffee in the morning to try and calm him down. Ds#3 is being a pill (I love him, and them all, dearly, but go eat your lunch finally!!!). I just sent them all to their bed because they can't keep their hands off each other (not in a good way). Sorry for the vent ... I knew it'd be hard getting back into a routine but I was not expecting it to be this bad. Unfortunately for them, they'll have work to do with dh when he gets home. And, they don't know it, but dh isn't in a great mood as he's exhausted and neither of us feel great. (I think I'm getting a cold.) 

Phew ... that's done! On a good note (because I don't like everything being doom and gloom!), we started Mr. Popper's Penguins in lieu of WWE today. I think it'll go well as the story is very engaging. Plus, having read most all of Deconstructing Penguins, I can help them analyze it as we go. (Right now I have them thinking about the town name of Stillwater in relation to Mr. Popper. Plus I think we might read Zen Shorts (or Zen Ties - I can't remember the title) as the Panda is Stillwater, and compare a bit there too.) 

The day here wasn't exactly top notch at all points either. :) It's challenging with such a little one. They like to keep you on your toes, lol. Got used to that, oh time to change it up a bit!

[MissRubyandKen]

I wanted to post a link to worksheetworks.com. I printed off one sheet of multi-digit addition with carrying and one sheet of multi-digit subtraction with borrowing, both with answer keys. I three hole punched and put them in my teacher's guide binder. There are a lot of problems per sheet. This makes it really easy for me to just have the kids do a couple or few problems on the chalkboard each day. There are also printable word problem sheets, but I've only created one and it seemed super easy compared to Singapore's word problems. I'll have to try again. The one I gave ds today he read and didn't even write on the board, just did mentally.

[chrissy]

Hi!  I joined this thread last month (I think) but then didn't participate much. 

We're using a mix of Waldorf and Classical resources.  I'd really love some advice on science and Latin, particularly for my 3rd grader.  We have not done any official science yet and no Latin at all (though he has had a year of modern Greek).

I love reading this thread, even though I haven't participated much. 

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by MissRubyandKen 

I wanted to post a link to worksheetworks.com. I printed off one sheet of multi-digit addition with carrying and one sheet of multi-digit subtraction with borrowing, both with answer keys. I three hole punched and put them in my teacher's guide binder. There are a lot of problems per sheet. This makes it really easy for me to just have the kids do a couple or few problems on the chalkboard each day. There are also printable word problem sheets, but I've only created one and it seemed super easy compared to Singapore's word problems. I'll have to try again. The one I gave ds today he read and didn't even write on the board, just did mentally.

You are the queen of great links! Thanks for that one as I was wondering how I was going to continue to be creative with math problems 

Originally Posted by chrissy 

Hi!  I joined this thread last month (I think) but then didn't participate much. 

We're using a mix of Waldorf and Classical resources.  I'd really love some advice on science and Latin, particularly for my 3rd grader.  We have not done any official science yet and no Latin at all (though he has had a year of modern Greek).

I love reading this thread, even though I haven't participated much. 

We use Latin for Children A with our 4th grader and 3rd grader. I am really pleased with it and we love the Magister on the DVD. If you want something more easy-going and light, and want to include your younger children, then Song School Latin might work. It is mostly just introducing vocabulary through song with a few workbook pages. There is very little grammar instruction, but is a nice way to just get used to the language itself. We did it last year with our then 3rd grader, 1st grader, and PreKer (who loved learning the songs and still remembers some of them). But, if it's just for your 8 year old, it might be too young for him. I know some like to use Prima Latina as a introduction to Latin; we have never used it (and it is Christian-based - not sure if that would be an issue or not), but others say it is boring. But, I wanted to throw out another option. 
 

[CherryBomb]

Originally Posted by chrissy 

Hi!  I joined this thread last month (I think) but then didn't participate much. 

We're using a mix of Waldorf and Classical resources.  I'd really love some advice on science and Latin, particularly for my 3rd grader.  We have not done any official science yet and no Latin at all (though he has had a year of modern Greek).

I love reading this thread, even though I haven't participated much. 

Hi Chrissy.  The classical approach to science is that it should be pretty informal at this age, lots of experiments and nature studies, things like that that have them observing and interacting with the world around them.  Dd1 is in 3rd grade and this year we've been using Behold and See 3, which is a Catholic, experiment based curriculum.  I think we might go with something a little more challenging next year, though, but only because science is dd1's favorite topic and she really wants something more.

We use Memoria Press Latin curricula.  Like the pp said, some people complain that it's boring, but I like it.  We did PL in 2nd grade and Latina Christina I this year.  Part of what program you learn depends on whether you want your child to learn classical pronunciation, or ecclesiastical.  I much prefer ecclesiastical, plus it's more practical for us since we're pretty traditional Catholics (ie, lots of Latin).

[chrissy]

So, for Latin for Children, do you all use the whole bundle?  That seems so $$$$$.  I'm thinking of trying the Song School Latin for the rest of the year.  Is the monkey really annoying?  LOL

Cherrybomb, thanks for the science tips!

[Jennifer3141]

Good afternoon!

I have no idea if this post will go through or not. MDC is giving my computer FITS.

We're still here and i try to read you all everyday.

I'm recovering from a terrible cold so we've had a light week.