Classical/ Ecelcetic homeschooling mom in Tucson, AZ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:18:00 -0500 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:18:00 -0500 “Help Lord I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler!”   Have you ever found yourself saying this?  I have, and wondered, “what in the world am I thinking, homeschooling in high school.”  God has provided us for our needs thus far, and he continues to do so with amazing authors, researchers, and homeschool veterans such as the tremendous families contributing to this e book.   This book covers many challenges, questions, and opportunities we are all seeking in addition to encouragement for families finding themselves in this predicament.        If you are homeschooling advanced children, children with special needs, or average high-schoolers, this book is for you.  The stories are real, encouraging, and vary in the experiences they share.  Readers will find themselves and their families within the text and see the potential that exists in homeschooling high school.  I highly recommend this book! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/721482/ Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/721482/ We are 4 weeks into the new homeschool year.  We do year round to follow my husband's schedule as a year round teacher.  We have final homeschool plans as below: Cory: 8th grade: Math= Teaching Textbooks Algebra, Grammar/ writing= Bob Jones 9th; Bible= Lifepac 9th; Vocabulary= Wordly Wise 3000 9th; History= Mystery of History II; Science= Apologia General Science; Latin= Bob Jones Latin I; Handwriting= Horizons 5th; Literature= various great works- currently Ivanhoe; Classical Writing= Classigal Writing with Diogenes; Music= Music Appreciation of various music types; Art= freestyle related to History; PE= Tang Soo Do and group PE Jacob: 5th grade: math= teaching Textbooks 6th; Grammar/ writing= Bob Jones 5th; Bible= Lifepac 5th; vocabulary= wordly wise 3000 5th; History= Mystery of of History II; Science= Abeka 5th; Latin= latin Alive; Handwriting= Horizons 5th; Literature- various great works- currently 10 boys who didn't give in; Classical Writing- with HomerA; Music= Music Appreciation of various music types; Art= Draw thru History; PE= Irish Dancing and group PE Megan: 4th/5th grade: math= teaching Textbooks 4th; Grammar/ writing= Bob Jones 4th; Bible= Lifepac 5th; vocabulary= wordly wise 3000 4th; History= Mystery of of History II; Science= Abeka 4th; Latin= latin Alive; Handwriting= Horizons 5th; Literature- various great works- currently 10 girls who didn't give in; Classical Writing- with HomerA; Reading Comprehension extra= Sylvan reading Comprehension 4th; Music= Music Appreciation of various music types; Art= Draw thru History; PE= Irish Dancing and group PE http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/715474/ Sat, 8 Aug 2009 11:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/715474/   (1 set)Abeka Grammar and composition I student book and teacher’s manual 15.95 new students/ 20.00 new teachers 10.00 set good condition (1 ea)Latin Christiana I teacher’s manual, CD, and grammar cards 4.95 CBD 2.00 excellent condition (1 ea)Considering God’s Creation book and teacher’s manual (2 lesson’s missing in kids manual) 29.95 set 9.00 good condition (1 ea)Christian Studies Book I student and teacher’s book (Memoria Press) 16.99 student book/ 19.49 teachers book- CBD 15.00 excellent condition whole set (set 4)Twin sisters math books (multiplication and division without the cd’s; addition and subtraction with cd’s) 12.99 brand new with cds 9.99 CBD with cds 5.00 for whole set (3)Latin For Children Activity book 16.95 new 16.49 CBD 6.00 excellent condition   (1)Latin For Children Activity book teacher’s manual 9.95 new   4.00 excellent condition (1 set)Latin Christiana I Activity -Ludere Latine student book and teacher’s manual 19.95 new 18.49 CBD 8.00 good condition Christian Conflict Resolution 7.99 new 6.49 CBD 2.00 good condition   Building with Diligence 4th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 14.90 new 7.00 excellent condition   Building with Diligence 4th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 14.90 new 7.00 excellent condition Building with Diligence 4th grade grammar/ English teacher’s manual (Rod and Staff)   20.20 new 9.00 excellent condition Following the Plan 5 th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 15.3 new 7.00 excellent condition     Following the Plan 5 th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 15.3 new 7.00 excellent condition Following the Plan 5th grade grammar/ English teacher’s manual (Rod and Staff)   21.90 new 9.00 excellent condition     Gr 6-Science: God’s Marvelous Works Student books (Rod and Staff)    12.35 new 6.00 excellent condition     Gr 6-Science: God’s Marvelous Works Student books (Rod and Staff)    12.35 new 6.00 excellent condition Science: God’s Marvelous Works teacher’s manual (Rod and Staff)  11.45 new 5.00 excellent condition   Gr 4 or 5- Growing In Music student books (Rod and Staff)  6.20 new 2.00 excellent condition   Gr 4or 5 - Growing In Music student books (Rod and Staff)  6.20 new 2.00 excellent condition http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707775/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:14:01 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707775/   (1 set)Abeka Grammar and composition I student book and teacher’s manual 15.95 new students/ 20.00 new teachers 10.00 set good condition (1 ea)Latin Christiana I teacher’s manual, CD, and grammar cards 4.95 CBD 2.00 excellent condition (1 ea)Considering God’s Creation book and teacher’s manual (2 lesson’s missing in kids manual) 29.95 set 9.00 good condition (1 ea)Christian Studies Book I student and teacher’s book (Memoria Press) 16.99 student book/ 19.49 teachers book- CBD 15.00 excellent condition whole set (set 4)Twin sisters math books (multiplication and division without the cd’s; addition and subtraction with cd’s) 12.99 brand new with cds 9.99 CBD with cds 5.00 for whole set (3)Latin For Children Activity book 16.95 new 16.49 CBD 6.00 excellent condition   (1)Latin For Children Activity book teacher’s manual 9.95 new   4.00 excellent condition (1 set)Latin Christiana I Activity -Ludere Latine student book and teacher’s manual 19.95 new 18.49 CBD 8.00 good condition Christian Conflict Resolution 7.99 new 6.49 CBD 2.00 good condition   Building with Diligence 4th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 14.90 new 7.00 excellent condition   Building with Diligence 4th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 14.90 new 7.00 excellent condition Building with Diligence 4th grade grammar/ English teacher’s manual (Rod and Staff)   20.20 new 9.00 excellent condition Following the Plan 5 th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 15.3 new 7.00 excellent condition     Following the Plan 5 th grade grammar/ English student book (Rod and Staff) 15.3 new 7.00 excellent condition Following the Plan 5th grade grammar/ English teacher’s manual (Rod and Staff)   21.90 new 9.00 excellent condition     Gr 6-Science: God’s Marvelous Works Student books (Rod and Staff)    12.35 new 6.00 excellent condition     Gr 6-Science: God’s Marvelous Works Student books (Rod and Staff)    12.35 new 6.00 excellent condition Science: God’s Marvelous Works teacher’s manual (Rod and Staff)  11.45 new 5.00 excellent condition   Gr 4 or 5- Growing In Music student books (Rod and Staff)  6.20 new 2.00 excellent condition   Gr 4or 5 - Growing In Music student books (Rod and Staff)  6.20 new 2.00 excellent condition http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707774/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:14:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707774/ If you are ever in Tucson, AZ., there are many good Bible based churches, but Vail Christian Church not only provides real Bible based teaching, digging into the meat of God's word, but a church family you get to know and care about.  My middle schooler loes middle school group gatherings "better than video games," a huge complement!  My elementary schoolers also love everything related to church.  My family and many others are so much a part of the the church and each other's lives at Vail Christian Church (VCC).  God Bless you all!  May you all find a church to edify you and your families with the love of Jesus Christ! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707428/ Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:34:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707428/ My hubby is back to work tomorrow- back to school.  My kids are back to homeschool tomorrow.  We follow Daddy's schedule. Our final choices for homeschooling : Cory 8th grade are: Math- BJU Algebra I Bible- How to study Bible for kids then Lifepac 9th Bible Science-  Apologia of General Science Language Arts- Lifepac 7th grade Lang Arts Literature- Great Books History- Mystery of History II Latin- Wheelock Latin Classical Writing: With Diogenes Music- Teach yourself violin and listening to classical music Art: Freestyle and related to history PE: marital arts (Tang Soo Do) and group PE Megan and Jacob 5th grade: Math- Jacob= BJU Pre- Algebra   Megan= Math U See Delta Bible- How to study Bible for kids then Lifepac 5th Bible Science-  Abeka 5th grade Science Language Arts- Rod and Staff 5th grade grammar Literature- Great Books History- Mystery of History II Latin- Latin Christiana Classical Writing: With Homer A Music- Jacob= Teach yourself guitar and listening to classical music                                                   Megan= teach yourself to sing and listening to classical music Art: Draw and Write thru history- Middle Ages PE: Irish dancing both children and group PE http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707422/ Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:12:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/707422/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/703194/ Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/703194/        E Books are the growing rage in any educational atmosphere, including homeschooling any age, and advancing degrees through colleges and universities.  However, this new and growing learning resource is often a bit daunting to homeschooling parents who are often at a loss as to how to how to best use these learning devices.  “E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-Book Revolution” From the Old Schoolhouse magazine is the resources to answer the questions and concerns of these homeschool parents.   This E-Book provides information on such topics as the benefits and use of E-Books in homeschooling, why choose to use E-Books, and how to organize the E-books purchased.  Life is to be enjoyed— one book or E-Book at a time! ~ Amanda Bennett      Many advantages exist for E-Books over traditional books, the use of these technological learning resources is hard to avoid.  They are often less expensive than their traditional counterparts, instantaneously available in most circumstances, and easily read via online availability with the ability to shrink or enlarge print as needed.  Of course, the materials can also be printed and stored in a binder or folder if wanted.  E books require less storage space, use no bookshelves, and are easy to organize with slight effort.  “Since I am an organized person, I treat the storage of my E-Books like I would a real filing cabinet in which I store the bills to pay or ones that have been paid. . . . I have grouped similar topics together in each sub-folder, and left the publishers or companies to their own sub-folders.” Michelle Amos      E books offer a means to strategically utilize time to the homeshooler’s advantage by accessing information in an easy to access and read format which  be manipulated  in order to locate specific content areas with less time and effort than used in traditional research.  Couple this capability with E-book bibliographies and hyperlinks access, and the research abilities of any homeschool family is greatly enhanced.  “Instead of Googling your time away, you purchase an inexpensive E-Book on the topic of your choice, taking away all the guesswork.”Kathy Reynolds       Homeschool families frequently complain of a lack of space for homechooling curriculum and traditional book space, however, e books use a different type of space, electronic space.  E books are flexible, convenient, and offer assistance in any homeschool style you may be using.  Whether it is Charolette Mason, Classical, Eclectic, Unschooling, or any other form of homeschooling style, e books offer a useful addition to your homeschooling curriculum options. “No matter what your family‘s style of homeschooling, E-Books can be an invaluable addition to your bookshelf. However, this particular bookshelf can be called your electronic bookshelf, and requires no assembly or floor space.” Amanda Bennet      I highly recommend this E-book for any parent seeking a means to expand their children’s horizon in homeschool education, and successfully prepare them for future educational endeavors. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/703177/ Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/703177/ I asked my husband for this at Christmas.  The time is now here for the gift.  We are attending the conference this weekend in Pheonix!  I feel so blessed!  I love listening to Family Life on the radio- KGMS 940AM in Tucson at 10:30AM weekdays.  Dave Rainey and Bob Lupine have amazing guests and great family driven Christian shows. Here is info about the weekend from their site- check it out- "Weekend to Remember is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God's design for marriage and family. The environment is fun, non-threatening, and sometimes hilarious. And it's a wonderful time for couples to refresh good marriages or heal troubled ones. There are over 150 conferences in cities all across the U.S. each year. Registration is open to individuals, couples, or groups. Whether you're engaged, newlywed, or remarried, enrich your marriage and begin a godly legacy for your family by attending a conference in a city near yofu. Or plan a memorable getaway to a destination of your choosing. " We have many friends who have attended in the past, and the guys and girls alike both said it is amazing and  great for marriages. Even the guys said they liked it! God Bless!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/696101/ Fri, 5 Jun 2009 02:55:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/696101/   When I Grow Up I Want to Be…….        “When I grow up I want to work with puppies.”  “When I grow up I want to work at Sea World.”  “When I grow up I want to work at the zoo.”      Children love to share their dreams of the future, and explore the possibility of different careers when they grow up.  Do your children like pets, enjoy going to the zoo, dream of riding horses, or ask about the trainers at Sea World?  “When I grow up I want to be a Veterinarian” e- book/ unit study published by the Old Schoolhouse magazine is for you.  This all encompassing unit study offers learning in the form of reading, writing, science, math, poetry, art, research, and creativity.  It is an all in one unit study, presenting a whole gambit of learning opportunities easily adapted to various ages, learning abilities, and learning styles.      The study is set up with an intriguing story about the life of one veterinarian, Brad Christensen, is perfect for reading together as a family.   The veterinarian is especially good at expressing gratefulness to his father for introducing him to care of animals as a child, and to God for the blessing of his many talents and gifts he has received as a Veterinarian.  Following the story, the reader learns the requirements of a veterinarian as it relates to school, advanced specialization, and to the possibility of scholarships for veterinarian education and organizations interested in propelling veterinarian education and talents into the world.   The survey about the general life and education of a veterinarian ends by updating the reader on potential income as a veterinarian in a variety of settings.       The study is followed by an in depth analysis at one animal, the owl.   The owl study gives the student the opportunity to research and learn about owls as types of birds, as they relate to other birds, their particular features, and means to study and learn more about them.  Finally, the inquiry is completed with a variety of fun, creative activities easily adapted for your child’s needs and enjoyment in this learning opportunity.      The initial story recounts the life of a veterinarian who first began to work with animals at his father’s side providing care for large animals. He narrates his experience with his father and further delves into his pursuits as a veterinarian caring for both large and small animals in a career spanning many diverse areas of animal medicine including office work stateside and missionary work across the globe.  The chronicle about treating animals in the missionary field of Africa is especially fascinating and motivating in the use of God’s talents and skills to help others across around the world.  Mr. Christensen is remarkable as he comments on the deplorable conditions he encountered and motivating as he explains his treatment of the animals and the difference he was able to make in the lives of local people in need.  He even talks about treating a camel, and creating a makeshift clinic in an alleyway.      Mr. Christensen delved further into the various opportunities available to veterinarians including zoo work, ranches, offices, farms, specialty parks, missions, and even covers opportunities to work in research and statistics as a Veterinarian studying diseases and how to heal them.  He continues his note worthy investigation by examining the education required to become a Veterinarian.  Children who may be dwindling in their study interests, but excited at the perspective of working with animals may find some incentive in their continued pursuit of higher education.  Not only does he discuss the importance of higher education to become a Veterinarian, but Mr. Christensen discusses the small number of schools offering Veterinary Medicine studies, 28 colleges total, and explores various means of paying for such an education including the military, scholarships, and involvement with education driven veterinarian organizations nationwide.      The unit study then probes into the available pay for Veterinarians in a variety of animals and with various years of experience. This is then followed by quiz based on the reading, encouraging comprehension in the reading process.  Writing opportunities are also given with the help of multiple creative prompts sure to light up the mind, dreams, and desire to explore veterinarian opportunities in any child’s mind.  The reading and learning activities are rounded out with science activities involving zoo applications, rescue center examination, and online scientific learning prospects.      The story of the life of this astounding Veterinarian, Brad Christensen is followed by the occasion to perform further research and scientific study in the life of one particular animal, the owl.  One example of this fascinating study is the fact that the owl has no gizzard as other birds do to aid in digestion.  This owl study also provides the chance to see in a larger format the parts of the owl and their function, the occasion to perform scientific research using owl pellets, and the artistic opportunity to color a large picture of an owl and write an acrostic poem about the amazing owl.      The final activities of the study are realistic veterinary math.  This math is especially helpful for children who may balk at math, but love animals.  They gain an insight into the real world use and applicability of math as Veterinarian.  Vocabulary lessons, a word search, and crossword finish the study.       I found the study to be intriguing and fascinating.  My children especially enjoyed learning about Brad Christensen and his experiences as a veterinarian.  They also liked learning about the potential pay opportunities as a Veterinarian.  We read the story together and discussed the importance of his work as a missionary and the use of his talents as given by God to help others in the world.  The only drawback I found was the organization of the study, which can easily reshuffle and reorganized by any homeschooling parent.  We reorganized the study to have the math, vocabulary, and puzzles follow the story due to their general veterinary content, and finished with the owl study as a more in- depth occasion.  Following the provided organization seemed to b a little chaotic as it skipped from general veterinary medicine to the owl study, and back to the general veterinary medicine study with the math and puzzles in the end.  We also were perplexed by the provision of a funnel to cut out and use as people use to when no hearing aids were available as they are today.  It seemed out of place in a veterinary study.  However, we decided to pull it out and use it as an additional fun activity on a different day when we are doing arts and crafts or playing outside and want to listen better to birds and other air traffic.      Comprehensively speaking, I recommend this study for any family with children interested in animals large or small.  It is an interesting, informative, and fun opportunity to step into the life of an accomplished Veterinarian, explore many career opportunities within this one specialty, and the opportunity to use many learning platforms in one intriguing unit study. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/695599/ Wed, 3 Jun 2009 17:45:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rjcmjconnet/695599/