Science: biology, chemistry, & physics
Apologia Biology
We really enjoyed this subject, and we took about 16 months to study it. We used the text book as well as the DVD, but did not get the notebook. We just used a regular 5-subject notebook. I didn't approve of the Notebook because it seemed too ''fill-in-the-blank'' for us. I wanted my child to do the creating of the pages--it puts the information in long-term memory better when you are the creator of something. This curriculum is the one she studied the hardest in; therefore, the one that strengthened her study skills the most. She worked so hard in that subject that it was hard for her to agree to sell the textbook even though she finished it 1.5 years ago!
I highly recommend Apologia Biology. Just don't forget that YOU make the rules, not the book or curriculum. I always say:
THE BOOK IS A TOOL--NOT THE RULE!!!
You decide how much or how little you use the book or follow its guidelines. And, YES, you may give your child an open book test!! It's OK!! Best to you and enjoy the journey!!! | | blueangel |
Other
If We Could Do It Over Again...
...we would start dual enrollment sooner and begin studying for the SAT sooner. I'm talking starting in the 9th grade of high school! Here we are in the final semester, counting the days until graduation, and there is too much pressure to complete subjects, study for all the proctored tests for dual enrollment courses, and there is nothing left over to take the SAT once again in order to boost the score and get bumped up to the highest scholarship, which is $1000 more per year!
My advice is to begin everything a year or two earlier so you can take it slower and learn better, and make sure the last semester of high school is low stress and fun! Preparing for the prom and graduation is time-consuming, and the lower the stress the more enjoyable it will for both parent and student! Cherish the last semester! It goes by lightning fast! | | blueangel |
| | Baking & cooking
Cook and Eat Organics
My daughter and I both are great cooks. We both enjoy it--she more than I because I've been doing it for so long that it's not as enjoyable as it used to be--and we both appreciate quality food. I buy mostly organic food at a local organic grocery store. Sometimes I buy organics at a couple of big-chain grocery stores. I have learned to make homemade organic bone broth and use it as a base in recipes. The health benefits of organic homemade bone broth are superior, as is organic apple cider vinegar (ACV). The trick is to find a yummy-sounding, healthy recipe, and buy organic ingredients. Since we switched to organics, I'm healthier and have more energy. I used to get sick when I ate, and I no longer go through that. Sure, we go out to eat every week, and I shouldn't as much as I do--homeschooling is so time-consuming it keeps me tired and so not much time and energy for cooking and cleaning as often as I really want to. But we do the best we can when we can.
My advice is... GO ORGANIC, and TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO COOK, EVEN THE BOYS. They will need that skill in life!! | | blueangel |
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