Foreign Languages, Early High School Science, Keeping Records
By Heather Idoni
Added Thursday, July 16, 2009
==========================================================
The Homeschooler's Notebook
Encouragement and Advice for Homeschool Families
==========================================================
Vol. 10 No 51 July 16, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
==========================================================
Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
==========================================================
Welcome to the Homeschooler's Notebook!
If you like this newsletter, please recommend it to a friend!
And please visit our sponsors! They make it possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR:
TELL ME MORE® Homeschool Edition
You *can* teach your student a foreign language with TELL ME MORE®
Homeschool Edition, the most complete, sophisticated, and affordable
language learning software available to homeschool educators. Choose
from Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English(ESL), French, German, Italian,
Japanese, and Spanish.
Our programs are multiple levels in one purchase, and feature
unparalleled, state-of-the-art speech-recognition. The TELL ME MORE®
method is an immersion study, employing dozens of activities in every
lesson, and teaching the whole language:
- Reading and writing
- Listening and speaking
- Grammar and conjugation
- Culture and traditions
Homeschool educators can track the progress and performance of their
students, print out their work, and assign to them timed tests that
are built into the program, and written tests from the Lesson Study
Guides. TELL ME MORE® Homeschool Edition is the best value in
homeschool foreign language software.
Save 20% when you use promo code HMNB at
http://www.tellmemorestore.com or by calling 888-388-3535.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
=================
IN THIS ISSUE:
=================
Notes from Heather
-- Rosetta Stone vs. Auralog Again!
Helpful Tip
-- High School Science in Middle School
Winning Website
-- Have a "Slice" of Math
Reader Question
-- Keeping Records/Notebooks
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
=======================
Notes from Heather
=======================
Rosetta Stone vs. Auralog's Tell Me More AGAIN!
---
This was just a topic of discussion on our Homeschooling Gifted
group, so I thought I'd share since Auralog (Tell Me More) happens
to be a sponsor of this issue! -- Heather :-)
---
From a 7/12/09 discussion on our Homeschooling Gifted group --
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hsgifted/
Question:
"My homeschooled son is 14 needs 3 years of Spanish. He is a math
and science whiz, so Spanish is not going to be his major or minor
in college. He does get bored easily. We live in Texas so I would
like for him to be able to converse and understand Spanish enough
to talk to those he comes in contact with that do not speech English
well. I know many use Rosetta Stone. Thoughts? Other recommendations?
I appreciate all your help." -- Stephanie
And an answer:
"I would really recommend Auralog Tell Me More, especially over
Rosetta Stone. It's more comprehensive, all levels are included,
and -- in my opinion -- will have more to hold his attention. In
the long run, it's also a lot less expensive, especially if you
need three years' worth." -- Jen
---
And from a previous newsletter...
"I wouldn't pay one red cent for Rosetta Stone. I know it's
supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it
really doesn't live up to its reputation. It's really good for
vocab review - if you can get it free or cheap - but that's really
all it is. Glorified vocab and phrase review. It doesn't really
go into grammar, culture, syntax, or anything deductive - it
assumes that older children and adults learn completely inductively
(like a young child), which just isn't true much of the time.
If you're going to pay for something, I'd go with 'Tell Me More'
from Auralog. It's got the good things about Rosetta Stone (the
interactive computer-based program) without the deficiencies.
It's also a full course, beginning to fluency in one program, and
allows you to have multiple users (I think up to 8?). It costs
much less, as well. It covers vocab, culture, grammar, usage,
syntax - for all levels.
I majored in linguistics and teach foreign languages; I've never
had a student who has had a good experience with Rosetta Stone yet.
It was originally made for people like international business reps
and peace corps volunteers - people who had to be able to quickly
function in a language - not for actually learning the language.
However, they figured out that they could hit the homeschool market,
so they did. In my opinion, it's just not worth it." -- Jen
---
Save 20% on TELL ME MORE® Homeschool Edition when you use promo code
HMNB at http://www.tellmemorestore.com or by calling 888-388-3535.
---
Do you have comments to share? Please do!
Send your emails to: mailto:heather@familyclassroom.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OUR SPONSOR
Summer 2009 Offer - $275 in Curriculum Bonuses!!!
When you subscribe to our Homeschooling ABCs class, whether you
are a brand new homeschooling parent or experienced by a few years,
you will learn how to teach specifically to your children's unique
learning styles, select the best possible curriculum for your family,
learn how to stay focused, on-track and even organized, and more!
PLUS, you will receive over $275 in curriculum bonuses with each
class membership when you sign up this summer, 2009 - including
A Child's Geography, In the Hands of a Child & WriteShop materials!
Read more about this "must-take" class here:
http://www.FamilyClassroom.net/HomeschoolingABCs.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
================
Helpful Tip
================
When Can Your Child Begin High School Level Sciences?
---
Did you realize that high school level work can be counted for a
high school transcript as early as 7th grade?
Often the "middle school" years are considered a waiting time --
waiting for a child to get through adolescence, waiting for brain
connections, etc. If you happen to have a child who wants to dig
in to some serious science work, there are some great options!
Greg Landry, from http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com offers
2 courses you can put right on a high school transcript -- and they
are offered for 6th to 9th grade! Pre-Biology and Intro to Anatomy
and Physiology, believe it or not. Get on his mailing list to
find out when these interactive online classes will be offered.
A few years ago I interviewed Dr. Jay Wile of Apologia Science.
He went "on the record" as saying that if you do ANY of his high
school science as early as 7th grade, it absolutely should be
included on the high school transcript. Why wait -- especially
if you have an interested child?
I also used to host college prep seminars with William Tyndale
College in Michigan. The homeschool rep told me that colleges
don't really care when the work was done -- if a student can
show mastery of a high school level course as early as 7th grade,
that is perfectly acceptable.
You can take a course like Greg's Pre-Biology and even go on to
his new Biology CLEP Prep class -- and earn college level credit!
Did you know there is NO age requirement for CLEP exams? They
cost about $72 and are accepted by over 2,900 colleges and
universities. Age 12 is not too early if your child is prepared.
Even a precocious 7 year old could walk in and take a test --
and the credit is permanently recorded!
If you are wondering how to make those middle school years more
productive, this is something to consider.
-- Heather
---
Do you have an idea, experience, or tip to share? Please write!
Send to: mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net
==================
Winning Website
==================
Math Slice - www.mathslice.com
From basic addition to high school math topics, Math Slice offers
interactive worksheets that can be done online or printed. There are
basic instructions for most skills, but the site is best used to
reinforce and review material already learned. (The site does have some
ads, but they seem to do a good job of staying relevant to math topics.)
-- Cindy, www.HomeschoolingFromTheHeart.com
===============================
Last Issue's Reader Question
===============================
"I will be starting my 2nd year of homeschooling this fall. My son
is 6 and will be starting 1st grade. This is the first year I need
to send in my letter of intent to the state. I am required to keep
records, don't have to report them to the state, (I live in CO),
but I need to keep them in case anything happens. I have heard of
homeschoolers keeping notebooks year-to-year of what their child has
accomplished during that year. I am interested in knowing what kind
of notebooks others keep and what resources you use to keep a notebook?
Also, I am wondering what kind of grading system others use with their
kids? Do you use check marks, letter or number grading -- or something
else -- and what method do you use to decide grading? I am new to all
this yet want to keep in touch with my son's progress from year to
year. I can already tell where he is struggling and where he needs
work, but kids also need to do their best as unto the Lord. I am
curious as to others' input in this area. Thanks!" -- Kris in CO
=========================
Our Readers' Responses
=========================
"Kris -- We have kept notebooks through the years. I try to keep
things simple and stress free, and also work at having our children
be accountable for their own schooling. If attendance is part of the
required record keeping (or something you wish to do) a 6 year old
can most certainly check off to mark a school day. This way, little by
little, you have your child keep part or most of his records rather
than you doing all the record keeping. I use spiral notebooks to write
up our lesson plans, and recently began to write them on the computer
and keep the printout in a binder, where I also keep a daily journal
entry, field trips, and library book records. Not something we are
required to do -- it's just a habit I have gotten into. It is rather
nice to be able to look back and see how much we've accomplished.
As far as notebooks, we have always incorporated Diana Zike foldables
into our entire curriculum (children are now entering 10th and 12th
grades). I also use mini books for assessments/tests. Ms. Zike now
has individual subject books for elementary grades, as well as middle
and high school. I used to place the mini books in sleeves and file
those in our notebook binders, but her newest books are designed to
be foldable specifically for notebooks.
One of the options in our state is to do portfolio evaluations instead
of testing. Toward the end of the school year we pull from each of our
subject notebooks what we feel reflects the student's best work. The
student makes the final decision about what goes in the evaluation
portfolio. After the evaluation, we put back the material in our
subject binders. We tended to keep these notebooks and build upon them
each year. Sometimes we pull something out and replace it with more
'grade level material' -- we consider doing this as updating our
notebooks. Since both of our children are now in high school, their
portfolios look nothing like what they did say, 10 years ago, but in
most cases it's the same 2 inch binder they started out with (I use
wide clear tape at the seams to avoid the binder breaking).
As far as grading material, when our children were in the elementary
grades my grading system was simple -- if the material was correct,
or it needed some more work (correction), it would be considered as
completed. No percent grade, no letter grade, no pass or fail, just
finished/completed or incomplete/needs more work. I wanted to teach
them diligence, and to excel, by only putting in their notebook their
best work -- no errors since they always made corrections. Assessments
-- as already noted I used the Zike system and they made mini-books
using what they learned to create the books (a sort of test). For
middle school I started to do school a bit more formally and introduced
actual grading percentages and letter grades. Still, however, they
had to make corrections to have work be considered complete. I deducted
grade points if the work needed correction. For high school they are
permitted only one try on a test and they are required to get 80% or
better. They can, however, raise their grade through projects --
usually creating mini books/foldables as an additional assessment.
Hope this and what others write gives you creative ideas on how to
organize your school and your notebooks." -- Judy A. in Florida
---
"Kris -- I have been homeschooling for 8 years. I have seven children
-- five in school and two toddlers. Living in Delaware I am not
required to keep notes, or turn in anything but the two reports the
state sends each year for me to fill out (one for expected attendance
and one for aggregate days in school). From the start though, I kept
a record of my children's work using a school plan book for each child.
I keep track of the weeks and write in what they did each day under
each subject. This way I have a record of their progress. We are
trying to sell our house and move to another state that requires
quarterly reports, so I'm glad now that I have been keeping track as
this will make it easier for me to prove what we did and what we are
doing. You never know where life will take you -- and even if you live
in a state with easy homeschool laws, you may one day have to move to
one that is not so easy. Good luck in your homeschool journey."
-- Mary from DE
---
"I am also starting my 2nd year of homeschooling. I live in Texas
where we seem to be very homeschool friendly, but we are advised to
keep some sort of record and grading system as well. So here goes...
For record keeping I got one of those teacher planner books from the
teacher store for about $4.00 and I use it by the layout -- that way
I have a planner and records at the same time. I also throw all our
school work in a bin and sort through what I want to keep and toss
later. I keep mostly the stuff that is vital (tests and quizzes), and
then the stuff we really had fun with. They make excellent doubles
for memory boxes. With that said, my grading system is the traditional
way as in public schooling. I spent $2.00 on the numerical grader at
the teacher store and use it as it instructs. Then, at the end of my
grading period (which I only did at the end of the year this last
session), I simply add up all the grades and then divide that number
by the number of papers I added. That sum is where I get my average
for the subject. Hope this helps, and have a great school year."
-- Stephanie
---
"Kris -- Great question! I think you are very wise to be looking ahead.
I currently live in a state where reporting to a local school board is
not required -- and I am very grateful for that. However, I also know
that because of the hubby's job, we could have to move anywhere. With
recent events in the state of Pennsylvania, it is wise to somehow keep
a record of what my children do. But where to start? What to put in?
What medical records might I need? What might be required? Our family
did something unique.
Each year we create a memory book -- a yearbook of sorts. I go to the
office warehouse and get the widest 3-ring binder I can find. I get the
ones with the clear plastic front that you can slide stuff in and the
family personalizes it. I put the following items in it:
I keep a notebook where I give a brief explanation of what we do that
day; whether it be book work, field trips, experiments, outside classes,
dates of attendance -- whatever. At the end of the year, I punch three
holes in it and put it in the binder.
I also purchase picture album pages to fit and put in all pictures from
field trips (as well as brochures from places visited), special events
or social events during the year. You can not keep ALL the projects you
do, so I take a picture of the kids with whatever they have made, samples
of work (various worksheets, special projects, lapbooks, tests and stuff).
Let the kids pick out several examples they think is their best work!
I keep a folder with receipts for all books, supplies and field tips,
as well as pictures torn out of catalogs to show what curriculum was
purchased as well as proof of membership and fees paid for various
Homeschool groups.
I keep another folder with all medical info (vaccinations, sick excuses,
appointments, etc.) I keep a letter that I add to all year long. I
start out with our goals for the year and add special events as they
happen and I finish the letter talking about how it ended. I also include
an honest assessment of how well we did and my plans to improve things.
Grades –- some curriculum guides have these sheets and an explanation on
how to grade. At your kids' ages, I would not worry about that right now.
I have up to 4th graders and I really do not do much on grades. You can
use a basic grading scale. Take the number of questions on a test and
divide by 100 to see how many points each question is worth; 100-90 is
an A, 89-80 is a B and so forth.
This can become not just a great way to show the work your children are
accomplishing; this can become a great family keepsake!" -- Danielle T.
=========================
Answer our NEW Question
=========================
Weepy Girls
"Ugh -- this was not a problem when I homeschooled my two boys. I am
at my wit's end with my two girls, ages 13 and 10. I know they are at
an age that is often 'trying', but they are driving me batty with their
over-emotional natures. A little background -- I am not a weepy person
-- I'll cry tears of happiness watching a school play or a graduation,
but I am not one to cry in frustration. My girls, however, start the
waterworks at the drop of a hat! It pushes my buttons to the max. An
example would be: I give my 10 year old daughter a placement test in
spelling, prep her by telling her I don't care how she scores -- it's
designed for her to miss some -- no pressure, just for fun, etc. She
does the test, I tell her 'Nice job', and STILL the tears, because 'I
could have done much better'. The 13 year old had tears (same day) when
the 10 year old read aloud her little composition and she realized it was
better than hers. These aren't bratty fits -- they are weepy tears about
performance. I really don't get it -- I don't grade, don't yell if they
get something wrong, and I'm about the most relaxed homeschooler I know.
I also don't give them attention for this behavior, but mostly tell them
to leave the room until they can get a hold of themselves. We do lots
of different, fun activities, and I have no qualms about dropping school
altogether for the day if some fun field trip comes up. Why do they put
so much pressure on themselves? My encouragement and 'no big deal' pep
talks are not cutting it. Is this something I just have to wait out,
or does anyone have ideas? Thanks in advance." -- KleenexMom
---
Do you have some thoughts or an experience to share with our "KleenexMom"?
Please send your answer to: mailto:HN-answers@familyclassroom.net
=====================
Ask YOUR Question
=====================
Do you have a question you would like our readers to answer?
Send it to mailto:HN-questions@familyclassroom.net and we'll see
if we can help you out in a future issue!
=======================
Need Immediate Help?
=======================
Visit our Homeschool Encouragement Center! This is a live 24/7
'chat' area where you can talk with our homeschool counselors
by typing in a box. When you get there, just introduce yourself
and let them know that Heather sent you!
This ultra-safe chat is supervised by experienced moms who are
there to serve and share their wisdom... or just offer a listening
ear and encouragement.
==============================
Subscription Information
==============================
Here is the page where you can subscribe to all of our newsletters!
http://familyclassroom.net/screensubs.html
And here is our searchable archive of newsletters:
http://www.familyclassroom.net/archives/
===========================
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
===========================
There are opportunities for your business to be a sponsor of this
newsletter! Read more about our VERY AFFORDABLE advertising here:
http://www.homeschooladnetwork.com/homeschoolersnotebook.php
=====================
ADDITIONAL NOTES
=====================
All contributed articles are printed with the author's prior
consent. It is assumed that any questions, tips or replies to
questions may be reprinted. All letters become the property of
the "Homeschooler's Notebook". [Occasionally your contribution
may have to be edited for space.]
Again, I welcome you to the group! Feel free to send any
contributions to mailto:HN-articles@familyclassroom.net or
mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net.
Our main website is:
http://www.familyclassroom.net
We also sponsor an incredible site with over 1,500 pages of helps!
http://www.easyfunschool.com
===========================
REPRINT INFORMATION
===========================
No part of this newsletter (except subscription information
below) may be copied and/or displayed in digital format online
(for instance, on a website or blog) without EXPRESS permission
from the editor. Individuals may, however, forward the newsletter
IN ITS ENTIRETY to *individual* friends (not email groups). For
reprints in paper publications (homeschool support group newsletters,
etc.) please direct your request to: mailto:Heather@FamilyClassroom.net