For my ds 5th grader: Finally decided on Saxon 5/4 with Saxon Teacher's Cd's for Math. (prob will do the tests till he starts scoring less than 90% then start there and try and continue through Saxon 6/5 too until we hit summer. I have the homeschool kit handed down from a friend but I'm wanting to purchase the Teacher's Cd's so he can do this much more independently. What's the difference between the DIVE Cd's and the Saxon Teacher's Cd's? If you have used the Teacher's Cd's I like your input please! Also for Language Arts I have so far: Vocab- Worldly Wise Book 5 Spelling- Building Spelling Skills Book 3 (he's a poor speller) Writing- Writing Strands 3 plus an 8 week essay writing class through co-op group and an extra 16 week Public Speaking class with the co-op Handwriting- HWT: Cursive for 4th graders then Can do Cursive for 5th graders (he still struggles with cursive) Need a good Grammar book and Reading program. Any suggestions? Am I missing any parts to complete the Language Arts? Is this enough or to much? Still deciding on the Science and Social Studies. TIA for any suggestions/ input.
You have PLENTY for Language Arts! I'm really liking Rod and Staff for grammar, but would go with the 4th grade book, unless he has a really strong grammar base. As far as reading goes, just "assign" good literature for him to read. You could have him do book reports if you want, but it isn't necessary.
ok, so "Reading" is just that. If I assign 2 books a month (or 1) we're good? I wasn't sure if Reading meant book reports, comprehension quiz, or any in depth study of Literature.
I don't think the number of books matters near as much as the content. I mean... there's a big difference between War & Peace and Dr. Seuss (not that you'd assign either of those, of course). Pick reading content that is at or very slightly above the right level, and then make sure some reading is done every day, every other day, or however you choose to do it. Some kids are fast readers, and some are slow. Some pick up the details on their own, and some need guidance from you (questions, outlines, book reports, etc.). I always aced the reading portion of every test I've ever taken (state guidelines, college entrance, whatever), but I'm definitely NOT a reader! I hate reading with a passion, and I hate assigned reading even more. I've learned to hate it over the years because I was given what I thought was an unreasonable deadline to finish something. My friends would be outside at recess, and I'd be stuck in my chair reading page after page. Obviously I know how to read, I know how to pick out details, and I know how to research. Why keep doing something over and over if you know how to do it? Isn't there another way to get the info you need (online, tv, books-on-tape, etc.)? I got through AP english using Cliff's Notes, by the way. There was no internet back then! :lol: I could write an essay on just about anything and make it sound as if I have a clue. It's a gift and a curse, I suppose.
I am selling Saxon for 30% off through the end of July. Just so you know! I have a 5th grader and we are going to be using Easy Grammar next year. For Science we are doing Considering God's Creation and History - Mystery of History. We will also use The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide for Geo/SS.
Reading is whatever you WANT it to be. It can be phonics, or literature, or "reading books". YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COPY WHAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DOES! Do what YOU think is best for your child, and write up what you WANT. You're doing just fine!!!
Has anyone every tried Calvert for Homeschooling? I have previously used Sonlight but this year I am trying out Calvert for my K4-er and wondered if anyone had tried it and what they thought? Thanks! Tia
