SuzinTR's resource question for 9th-grade daughter

[Dianna]

Thank you, Dianna! I am happy with Video Text Interactive Algebra and Apologia Science. But I chose a relatively new curriculum called Tapestry of Grace for our history/literature/government coursework. Please don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful course of study and most people can't sing its praises enough. But it just isn't working for us. My original choice was Covenant Home Curriculum, and I have pretty much decided to change to that. Of course, I am open to any and all suggestions as this is my first foray into the world of homeschooling AND I am hs'ing a high schooler. A daunting task, indeed!

Suzanne, you're not alone. I've heard others saying that TOG hasn't worked for them, either. It sounds like you have your math and science taken care of. Can you list the other subjects your daughter is studying this year so we can make specific recommendations for each subject area? Also, does she learn best by textbooks or by other resources (tv, documentaries, books, magazines, etc)?

Dianna

[SuzinTR]

Suzanne, you're not alone. I've heard others saying that TOG hasn't worked for them, either. It sounds like you have your math and science taken care of. Can you list the other subjects your daughter is studying this year so we can make specific recommendations for each subject area? Also, does she learn best by textbooks or by other resources (tv, documentaries, books, magazines, etc)?

Dianna

Honestly, Dianna, I have felt tremendously insufficient in regard to teaching because I could not make ToG fit our family. Mainly because I had not heard of one mom not being overwhelming in love with it. Finally, one person posted that it wasn't the right fit for her family and, embarrassingly enough, that gave me courage to admit it wasn't working for us either. :lol:

In any event, if we do not proceed with ToG, then I will need Language Arts, Social Studies, and bible of some sort. I am really interested in an Institutes of Christian Religion study I came across for her bible.

I am still trying to figure out her learning style, she seems to adapt to whatever I give her. She loves the Apologia approach, the textbook is written to the student. But she also loves the interactive videos that VTI offers. I don't think life pacs would interest her, however.

[Dianna]

Honestly, Dianna, I have felt tremendously insufficient in regard to teaching because I could not make ToG fit our family. Mainly because I had not heard of one mom not being overwhelming in love with it. Finally, one person posted that it wasn't the right fit for her family and, embarrassingly enough, that gave me courage to admit it wasn't working for us either. :lol:

In any event, if we do not proceed with ToG, then I will need Language Arts, Social Studies, and bible of some sort. I am really interested in an Institutes of Christian Religion study I came across for her bible.

I am still trying to figure out her learning style, she seems to adapt to whatever I give her. She loves the Apologia approach, the textbook is written to the student. But she also loves the interactive videos that VTI offers. I don't think life pacs would interest her, however.

I understand how hard it can be to go against the flow sometimes. But I've found that people tend to rave about new products at first. Then, after using it a while, those that don't like it tend to be more vocal, and then you get better, more balanced reviews of products. It's happened this way with many, many products, so that's why I try to keep my "ear to ground" when new resources come out so I know the whole story! :smile2:

In high school, Language Arts is traditionally called English I, II, III, IV; with each course including varying aspects of writing, literature, grammar, and vocabulary. I wouldn't worry too much about the grammar at this point, except on how it relates to writing. The focus, in my opinion, should be writing and literature. We need to make sure our students are well-read, and can write well. We use the Wordsmith series for writing, as well as other resources as needed. (Wordsmith is the text I use as a base in my online Writing classes.) There's a review of the Wordsmith series on my reviews page if you'd like to read it: www.carolinahomeschooler.com/reviews.htm (http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/reviews.htm) I would recommend starting out with Wordsmith first, then moving up to Wordsmith Craftsman. For literature, I recommend developing a book list of classics, contemporary novels, and anything in between. You can use book notes to discuss the literature and the elements of each work (see my resources and links page for links to online book notes). For vocabulary, your daughter could join in on our Word of the Day contest. :smile2:

If you don't like any of the English ideas above, let me know and I'll think of more. Others may hopefully jump in, too.

For social studies, do you want your daughter to focus on US History, World History, or what type of social studies this year? We'd be able to help more if you could narrow it down a little for us.

Warmly,
Dianna

[SuzinTR]

I mentioned in the thread below on Language Arts that my daughter completed English I Honors in eighth grade last year. I still plan on four years of English because I recognize the importance of it.

That said, we purchased Write Source writing books and the one for my ninth grader is Writers, Inc. I'm not certain if you are familiar with it. It doesn't offer exercises or assignments as much as being a handbook. So I am not certain if that would work as a stand alone. I did look over the Wordsmith Craftsman sample pages you provided, as I think that would be more appropriate for her level given her strength in this area.

One of the things that so interested me in ToG was that the course of study offers history in a linear progression, which is what I am interested in. So I would like to begin with Ancient History, perhaps the Greeks/Romans and progress to Western Civ and ending high school with US History and Constitution. I understand that all SC high school graduates must have one half credit each of US Gov. and Economics, or at least my public school educated sons did.

[SuzinTR]

Hey Dianna, I was surfing the Common Sense Press website and wondered what you thought about the literature course of study, The Gold Book, British Literature. I looked over a sample lesson, and it looks interesting. Are you familiar with it?

I apologize for bombarding you with questions, I'm just a little freaked because we're four weeks into school and I am making a change!

[Dianna]

That said, we purchased Write Source writing books and the one for my ninth grader is Writers, Inc. I'm not certain if you are familiar with it. It doesn't offer exercises or assignments as much as being a handbook. So I am not certain if that would work as a stand alone. I did look over the Wordsmith Craftsman sample pages you provided, as I think that would be more appropriate for her level given her strength in this area.

One of the things that so interested me in ToG was that the course of study offers history in a linear progression, which is what I am interested in. So I would like to begin with Ancient History, perhaps the Greeks/Romans and progress to Western Civ and ending high school with US History and Constitution. I understand that all SC high school graduates must have one half credit each of US Gov. and Economics, or at least my public school educated sons did.

Suzanne, I love the Write Source guides. They are excellent reference materials. As you said, they don't provide assignments so you'll either have to do that yourself, or choose a resource such as Wordsmith Craftsman for that.

For your history, you may want to use the resources that are suggested in TOG. You don't have to use the TOG format or structure, but doesn't it provide a reading list and a list of recommended texts? If so, would you want to just use what it suggested since you like that format? Also, I would recommend tying in your literature with your history. If you're studying the ancient period, read ancient lit for English. If you're studying US history, then study American lit, and so on.

Dianna

[Dianna]

Hey Dianna, I was surfing the Common Sense Press website and wondered what you thought about the literature course of study, The Gold Book, British Literature. I looked over a sample lesson, and it looks interesting. Are you familiar with it?

I apologize for bombarding you with questions, I'm just a little freaked because we're four weeks into school and I am making a change!

Suzanne, I've heard some good things about Common Sense Press's high school lit resources. However, I haven't had personal experience with them. I tied my high schooler's literature in with his history and just used Spark Notes or Pink Monkey notes to discuss the literature, for essay prompts, etc. I don't think you'd go wrong with the CSP resources, though, from what I've heard about them.

Please don't be nervous about changing. I make changes and adjustments to our schedule and resources whenever they're needed. If something isn't working, then it's not working and we move on. That's one of the main benefits of homeschooling, being able to switch gears when something isn't working. :smile2:

Warmly,
Dianna