Hard Copy of a Book is Better than Online Reading

Steph comments:

You mentioned the suggestion of having a hard copy even if it is online.

I just heard on Sacred Heart radio -( EWTN/St.Joseph radio) that there was a study done on reading comprehension. Reading online is NOT good for some kids. Something about holding it an actual book, working other areas of stimulation. ( the heaviness, smells, touch etc) helped comprehension. Don't read this as a blanket statement.. but for some kids having an actual book in hand really helps.

I said:

The marketing of RC is very poor. I passed it up in 2004. Now, that I am using it, I am very impressed with the book choice especially on Economics (which is my graduate degree). I also like the rationale of the mental discipline of math
if your children will be pursuing the science and graduate studies. I also like that the books are not too technical and scholarly but enjoyable to their reading levels. I do not worry about workbooks etc. I am not pressured to fit a curriculum to my lifestyle. And, with highly sensitive, RADish and ADHD children, they do not get "stressed out".

In the beginning, I just had second thoughts on how I can address my goals for a Catholic education for my children as a priority. I came to the conclusion that if I can immerse it through their essays and bring up their reading level so
they handle the actual Catechism of the Church, the bible, Catholic literature in raw form. Also, I incorporated what the Catholic HS providers are aiming in giving a superior Catholic education.

I do not think though this curriculum will fit everyone. But, the results for my emotionally challenged children are amazing. And, it is very affordable. I did not have to spend over $1,000 to educate the 8 kids. You just need a laser
printer and the desire to go "thrift shopping" for vintage books.

God Bless,
Joy

Visit my other blogs:

mrstreasures.wordpress.com - my scratch pad for ideas to write.

joyinpiano.wordpress.com - my piano teaching studio

Teach Science After Calculus

In my Catholic large family discussion group, Patti made a comment on Science in college.

I wrote:

"Science is after calculus. I know this will create dissent. But, I have no problems with it. I do not stop the kids from enjoying nature and reading about it in the encyclopedia. There is just no formal study until after calculus."

Patti comments:

Actually, being a chemical engineer major in college (although I met my dh and decided that was NOT what I wanted for my life anymore ;-), I tend to agree about the formal study of science AFTER the study of mathematics. I believe that SERIOUS study of the sciences is very difficult without the proper mathematical background...too much must be taken for granted and not fully understood (particularly in physics and chemistry, but even to an extent in the other sciences). The Apologia high school series has math requirements for each level...but I even think they are a little lenient in this regard.

This all being said, I love the Apologia younger series for an introduction to science from a natural science point of view. This can be easily understood, particularly when you bring the Creator into it, without higher math. I'm sure there are plenty of other series that focus on natural sciences that can be used for younger children....I just happen to like this series -- we're even lapbooking it this year!

I personally love the idea of TJE and Robinson....I actually own the Robinson curriculum. But I have problems implementing it with our learning issues here (two dysgraphic, highly kinesthetic learners). But I keep hoping for a child that it will work well with....still have four that have yet to be determined ;-)

Blessings,
Patti

Catholic Homeschool and Self Teaching

I like the Robinson Curriculum Book Sequence. I feel no pressure or resistance from the kids. I am very tempted to use the book sequence of other Catholic homeschool curriculum providers but for now I will stick with RC to put other "variables constant".

I am of course adding one hour to the mandated 5 hour a day studying. I added Catholic Studies/Bible/Catechism/Literature. So our family is doing 6 hours a day.

My goals are to train them the habit to self-teach themselves and not be afraid to handle old, thick books and actual historical writings/memoirs/documents. Before, my kids were averse to old prints and they prefer the glossy, shiny
attractive books. Now, they appreciate books that are yellowish, thick and in the early 1900s. When I am able to buy a vintage book, their eyes widen and lit up. Again, the goal is for them to critically analyze history through actual
historical documents and make their own conclusions. I recall doing that in college with my history professors. I hated it because I was not used to the smell of old books. But, the lesson that I got was clear: history is from the perspective of the writer.

I want to bring up their reading level to the point where they can handle college and graduate studies work. The results of their reading manifest greatly in their essays. Their choice of words are improving. In correcting their essays, they see the pattern in their errors in writing. So learning grammar is in the reverse. Grammar studies are from "parts to whole". In this approach, it is from "whole to parts". Either way is good.

In terms of critical analysis and reading comprehension skills, I sort of do a check when I discuss the books with them but not to challenge them but to engage them in an intellectual discussion. I want them to be able to study and learn
as much as they want without me (but of course I know what they are reading). I like our discussions after I implemented the program for two months because I do not have to go down to their level. They go up to where I am.

The 6-hour schedule for me a day is already rigorous. But, remember it is 6 days a week, year round. The rationale for that is it takes time for your brain to gear up after a long vacation. WIth a five day schedule, by Friday you feel like already doing a TGIF thing and your concentration drops dramatically. The mandated 5 hour in RC aims for you to do chores and other interests the rest of the day so it does not all accumulate on a Saturday.

On Math, it is time-based for 2 hours. Some kids can do 2 lessons a day. But, the average is 1 lesson per day after 1.5 hours. So, I encourage them to proceed to the next lesson but they don't follow me and just stick with one lesson. They must be already drained by one lesson. The older kids say that they can go faster but with the 5% error rate they do not want to take the chance of repeating the lesson again, so they rather work slow.

It is a tough call on delaying science. But, the rationale behind it is the "real science" requires a solid understanding of high level math.