On Wednesday, Ryan went off to school, and Mark set about opening his box from Calvert School for 8th grade. Holy Cow, when did my baby get to be that old? Anyway...
Calvert School sends everything you need. We're doing their rigorous 8th grade course this year, with Algebra I for extra fun. And here we are, with Mark starting his Algebra on the first day of school.
These are all of the school books we got. I ordered the grammar workbook separately, to avoid fights over making the child write out sentences from the textbook. He's been quite good at grammar anyway, so as long as he can identify the parts of speech, correct punctuation, etc, etc, etc, why create extra busywork and hard feelings? Ryan cheered vigorously on his brother's behalf because they revamped the reading curriculum, eliminating David Copperfield. To be fair, while the bones of the story are good, since Dickens was paid by the word, he can have a tendency to ramble for 50 pages where 5 would have sufficed. Sorry, Sue, I know you love Dickens, but to a 13 year old boy, those extra 45 pages of long-windedness several times in the book are really hard to stomach. Some of these books can be switched in lieu of the classics (Johnny Tremain, Prince & the Pauper), and I may do so. But I have at least a month to decide.
Not shown in the pictures is the "gold" of the Calvert Homeschool program: the Lesson Manuals. That's how I can get through this. They tell me what to cover every day, what to discuss, give me an introduction to each subject's daily lesson, and questions to ask for comprehension. And I know that in the end, my little guy will know more than his peers starting high school, which is great comfort to me.
Ryan's Trigonometry teacher recognized his last name, and inquired as to whether he has 3 older sisters; we were all greatly amused that the teacher remembered them, especially since he had 2 of them in different classes in the same school year, and it took him until March to realize that they were sisters, and that they were both related to the one he'd had the year before. Ryan was also amused to report that in the first day of Chemistry class, the teacher was explaining that in case of something going awry, there is an emergency shower located in the classroom. However, there is no emergency loofah; Ryan did ask.
So, we're somewhat settled back into the school rhythm. Hope you all have a great weekend!
13 comments:
I'll give you this point. David Copperfield is the Dickens book I like the least. It even bored me.
When did that little guy get those LONG legs?! He was already about my height as I recall...
I see Mark already has already left a bookmark in his new Alegebra text - maybe the High School Trig teacher should be warned about the mathematics skill and talent of the "one still to come"!
So does this mean you have no school at home now? Take care Diane
Howdy Marjie, your school year is just beginning ours will soon be winding down. Our big school break is about six weeks from half way through December to end of January. Good luck to your Sons on their school year. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)
I still can't believe you've home schooled your children but based upon the results you've had, it sure seems to be the way to go.
I always wondered how someone could home school. You should be paid for this!
I love when new books arrive! We are starting our new school year as well. Have a great week! :)
Happy School Time!
It really looks like the Calvert school system is an excellent system!
I completely agree with you about David Copperfield. I still shudder remembering having to read it in eighth grade. Just looking at the book intimidated me and it was BORING! I know it's bittersweet with him being the last one to school.
being a modest 42 I couldn't even get through Copperfield this summer! I didn't know it was because he was paid by the word!
being a modest 42 I couldn't even get through Copperfield this summer! I didn't know it was because he was paid by the word!
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