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First Year HS, using boxed crriculum, need advice
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So, I don’t know what the feeling is about boxed curriculum around here. I chose to use it because it’s my first year, I’m expecting a baby in December, and I have a very part time job. I thought it would be helpful to have it all planned out for me while we get used to Homeschooling, amid everything else going on.
Well, we’re several days into it, and I’m finding that it’s way too much for her to do all in one day. She’s 7, very intelligent/quick learner. Reading somewhat comfortably…depending on her mood. (Is that normal??)
My question is, if we start using a timer to keep things focused and not allow the subjects to take 45 mins or more (which some of them have!) what do we do if we don’t finish? I know this seems like a silly question, but I just need some affirmation…. 10 mins of writing sentences = grammar is complete for the day, regardless of whether all the problems on the page are completed. Which means, the next day, you do the next assignment?? Which means if it takes 3 weeks to copy one poem, that’s ok?
I don’t want to be a slave to our curriculum, but I still have to be confident that she’s not falling behind, or that we’re doing the right thing, you know what I mean? I know that 45-60 mins on one assignment/subject is going to be the end of us both! Just looking for some guidance, I guess…..maybe a pat on the head, “it’ll be alright, dear”….. ? Thanks.
I think there is a time and a place for a good boxed curriculum. I used it part of our first year. What are you using?
The timer can be a good tool to keep lessons short. So you may not finish, but have made a lot of progress.
I find that each year we start back to school that it takes a few weeks to get into the groove and subjects can take longer at first until we are used to them. So you could ease into it by subject or expect to get less done the first few weeks (or take longer).
Giving you the pat on the head and the “it’ll be alright, dear…” Sorry, couldn’t resist, LOL!
More specifically – yes, if it takes 3 weeks to copy one poem, that’s ok. (though if it were me, to prevent boredom for my child, I would never choose a long poem at this age!)
I go by the glossy-eyed look more so than the timer. If my child is “on fire” for a subject, is clearly engaged and shows no need to stop, we keep going – whether it’s copywork, pointing out grammar, practising extra words on the word board to point out spelling, math lesson, or whatever. But when I see the eyes getting glossy, the fidgety hands or feet going, or an otherwise bored look, yawn, etc., we stop. PROMPTLY!
What boxed curric are you using? Your comment was:
“Well, we’re several days into it, and I’m finding that it’s way too much for her to do all in one day.”
I have found that many of the boxed curricula (though often AMAZING in content and in other areas) simply have TOO much work to support short lessons and utilizing the child’s ideal and freshest attention. Which means it’s all up to Mom to determine what stays, and what goes. Hard decisions, of course, because you hate to throw out or not use what you paid for! But ultimately, this is what it might come down to. You should feel okay, though, at age seven, just because you don’t use/cover ALL that’s in that box, your child is not behind AT ALL.
I will say, at age 7, I stick to the three R’s and that’s pretty much it. Seriously, 20 minutes math, 10 minutes copying something (with me watching the whole time to ensure proper letter formation if this is still an issue) and 20-30 minutes “reading instruction” (2 sessions, one first thing and one as the last thing we do) where child reads aloud to me and we pause at unknown words to figure them out, sound them out or discuss word meaning.
When we’ve touched these three areas, we’re done “school” (or, we’re done with the stuff that LOOKS like school)…the rest of the day is still spent learning, but it happens via me reading aloud here and there throughout the day, in between trips outside.
On your question on falling behind…this will depend on your own priorities and on the laws of your state or province. I am in a province that doesn’t require any testing or reporting. (I am mindful that this is a blessing and not the case for everyone!)
I guess, in short, when my kids are 7’ish and beginning to read independently, ALL I care about is that they spend the year growing an AMAZING attitude towards reading and truly embrace all the joy and learning that books bring.
Outside of this:
– If they end the year knowing most of the addition and subtraction facts, I’m totally happy and the year was a success. Period.
– If they happen to learn a bit of science, geography, history or music as well during this year, it’s just a bonus. And on this last point, it’s actually only a good thing if they did those subjects with true happiness of spirit.
You will do great! Watch her face, her eyes, and her attitude more than what’s in the box. A love of reading is most important. Your DD is going to grow, mature and learn – so much – with your new baby coming in December! That is science for the year, for sure 🙂
Blessings,
Angie
Oh I’m so relieved! Thank you so much!
We chose Heart of Dakota, and she’s doing Bigger Hearts for His Glory (2nd grade level). Last year she was in kindergarten, but easily could have been in 1st grade. (When she started kindy, she knew most of her letters and sounds, and had a good handle on numbers). She will be 7 and a half in September. In kindergarten, they expect very little of the students, so not only is she adjusting to the whole idea of homeschooling, but also to the vast difference in what I’m asking of her. I really appreciate the encouragement to simplify and that it’s ok.
With HOD, there are 10 subjects covered everyday, with language arts having 3 separate things: cursive, spelling or dictation, and grammar. I think coming from kindergarten, cutting some of those out the first few weeks or couple months is definitely called for. Just because she may be able to handle/grasp/learn everything, developmentally and age speaking, doesn’t mean I should force it on her, right? Right now we plod through the day wondering if we’ll ever get done to get some time outside…. I feel in my heart of hearts that this is NOT what I want for her or our HS experience as a whole.
I will say, at age 7, I stick to the three R’s and that’s pretty much it. Seriously, 20 minutes math, 10 minutes copying something (with me watching the whole time to ensure proper letter formation if this is still an issue) and 20-30 minutes “reading instruction” (2 sessions, one first thing and one as the last thing we do) where child reads aloud to me and we pause at unknown words to figure them out, sound them out or discuss word meaning.
When we’ve touched these three areas, we’re done “school” (or, we’re done with the stuff that LOOKS like school)…the rest of the day is still spent learning, but it happens via me reading aloud here and there throughout the day, in between trips outside.
This is most helpful. Thank you so much.
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