2013-2014 Curriculum Plan, AO’s Y10 & Y8, 11th & 9th Grade

Not that I’m switching curriculum because it’s AO every time. We’ve come far from our start with CM/AO and I’m impressed with my kiddos. We still won’t cover absolutely everything on the booklist or on the schedule but I’m confident in what we, they, will accomplish. You can see the original Y10 and Y8 AO booklist and weekly schedules at AO’s official site.

I’m getting this all down now and out of the way. Just about all of the books have been acquired but for just a couple. Next step will be the week by week break down. Another post may detail our science plan (not that we really did so well with our ‘plan’ for science this year lol- it’s good to have a plan anyway). There are still 2 weeks left of the 2012-2013 school year but I’m looking forward to next year! *I’m also looking forward to our break in between *

This may seem like a long post but it’s mostly just because I’m spelling out (snicker) all my abbreviations for the year for each student in this post. Of course, it might also have some mistakes. This is possibly the first year using AO that we will have so many physical books. There are links here in this post, none are affiliate links and all link to free resources.

Lee: 11th grade, Y10

Book abbreviations (some books used all terms, some *T1, others **T2 &/or ***T3):
TCS: The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life (devotion) –ebook
AHAP: A History of the American People (history) –physical book
*KUTC: Key to Uncle Tom’s Cabin (history) –online
*TSotA: The Spirit of the Age (short bios) –online
*UFS: Up From Slavery (history) –online
*WtB: Walking the Bible (geography) –physical book
EB: Evaluating Books (govt/econ) –physical book
*TL: The Law, Bastiat (govt/econ) –online
CiD: Character is Destiny (citizenship) –physical book
CE: Current Events (citizenship) –online
WB: Weekly Barden (citizenship/current events/writing)
TSCW: Thinking Straight in a Crooked World (worldview) –physical book
HOEL: History of English Literature (literature/history) –physical book
LM: Les Miserables (literature) –ebook
*UTC: Uncle Tom’s Cabin (literature) –physical book
ROtOS: Roar On the Other Side (poetry) –physical book
POWA: Paradigm Online Writing Assistant (composition) –pdf
LoF: Life of Fred Advanced Algebra, Geometry (math) –physical book
NWtS: North With the Spring (nature study/science) –physical book
HtRaB: How to Read a Book (logic) –physical book
* **AoA: Art of Argument (logic) –physical book
YSGtC: Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers (music) –pdf

Term 1Bible: Reading, verses, TCS
History/Biography: AHAP, TSotA, UFS, Speeches/Documents
Geography: Eothen, WtB, Seterra
Govt/Econ: EB, TL
Citizenship: Ourselves, CiD, CE, WB
Worldview: TSCW
Literature: HOEL, LM, UTC, KUTC
Essays: various
Poetry: Coleridge, RotOS
Grammar/Composition: POWA, written narrations
Math: LoF
Science: Chemistry
Nature Study: journaling, NWtS
Logic: HtRaB, AoA
Art: Degas, Manet, independent projects
Music: YSGtC, practice (trumpet, piano?)
Health/PE: Nutrition 101, other books (?), outdoor activities, homeschool events
Foreign Language: Latin, Sign Language
Free reads: UFS, WtB (those 2 at-your-own-pace, but must be completed by end of term), NWtS, LM (those 2 year-long), any from AO’s list

Book abbreviations not mentioned above (used **T2 &/or ***T3 when specified):
KA: Killer Angels –physical book
ASAL: A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln –ebook
** ***TOT: The Oregon Trail –online
** ***ToB: Tower of Babel –pdf
FR: Frankenstein –ebook
** ***DJMH: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde –ebook

Term 2Bible: Reading, verses, TCS
History/Biography: AHAP, KA, ASAL, Speeches/Documents
Geography: Eothen, TOT Seterra
Govt/Econ: EB, Sowell Essays
Citizenship: Ourselves, ToB, CE, WB
Worldview: TSCW
Literature: HOEL, LM, FR, DJMH
Essays: various
Poetry: E. B. Browning, RotOS
Grammar/Composition: POWA, written narrations
Math: LoF
Science: Chemistry
Nature Study: journaling, NWtS
Logic: HtRaB, AoA (? may be finished Term 1)
Art: Hudson River School Artists, independent projects
Music: YSGtC, practice (trumpet, piano?)
Health/PE: Nutrition 101, other books (?), outdoor activities, homeschool events
Foreign Language: Latin, Sign Language
Free reads: NWtS  (year-long), any from AO’s list

Book abbreviations not mentioned above (only used T3):
BMH: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee –physical book
QV: In the Days of Queen Victoria –ebook
OL: On Liberty –online
GA: Graves of Academe –online
SM: Silas Marner –physical book

Term 3Bible: Reading, verses, TCS
History/Biography: AHAP, BMH, QV, Speeches/Documents
Geography: Eothen, TOT, Seterra
Govt/Econ: EB, OL, GA
Citizenship: Ourselves, CiD, ToB (?), CE, WB
Worldview: TSCW
Literature: HOEL, LM, DJMH (?), SM
Essays: various
Poetry: E. B. Browning, RotOS
Grammar/Composition: POWA, written narrations
Math: LoF
Science: Chemistry
Nature Study: journaling, NWtS
Logic: HtRaB
Art: Hudson River School Artists, independent projects
Music: YSGtC, practice (trumpet, piano?)
Health/PE: Nutrition 101, other books (?), outdoor activities, homeschool events
Foreign Language: Latin, Sign Language
Free reads: NWtS  (year-long), any from AO’s list

Fox: 9th grade, Y8

Book abbreviations (some used all terms, some only *T1, others **T2 &/or ***T3):
TCC: The Case for Christ (devotion) –physical book
TNW: The New World (history) –physical book
*AMFAS: A Man For All Seasons (history/biography) –movie/movie guide
*LSFB: Life of Sir Francis Bacon (history/biography/citizenship) –online
GD: Galileo’s Daughter (biography/history) –physical book
TLCC: The Life of Christopher Columbus From His Own Letters and Journals (geography/history) –ebook
WHJ?: Whatever Happened to Justice? (govt) –physical book
CTAP: Christian Theology and Ancient Polytheism (worldview) –physical book
SotS: Secret of the Scribe (worldview) –physical book
AYHIW: A Young Historian’s Introduction to Worldview (worldview) –physical book
WH!: Westward Ho! (literature) –ebook
*FWFL: Fierce Wars and Faithful Loves (poetry)
SS: Shakespeare Sonnets –online
JG: Jensen’s Grammar (grammar) –physical book
TLAW: The Lively Art of Writing (composition) –physical book
RH: Rural Hours (nature study/science) –ebook
F&WM: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made (health/science) –physical book
HtRaFF: How to Read a French Fry (science/cooking/home ec) –physical book
CE: Current Events (citizenship) –online
WB: Weekly Barden (citizenship/current events/writing)
HOEL: History of English Literature (literature/history) –physical book
ROtOS: Roar On the Other Side (poetry) –physical book
LoF: Life of Fred Beginning Algebra (math) –physical book
HtRaB: How to Read a Book (logic) –physical book
* **AoA: Art of Argument (logic) –physical book
YSGtC: Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers (music) –pdf

Term 1Bible: Reading, verses, TCC
History/Biography: TNW, AMFAS, LSFB, GD, Speeches/Documents
Geography: TLCC, Seterra
Govt/Econ: WHJ?
Citizenship: Ourselves, Utopia, Francis Bacon Essays, CE, WB
Worldview: CTAP, AYHIW, SotS
Literature: HOEL, Everyman, WH!
Essays: Francis Bacon
Poetry: SS, FWFL, RotOS
Grammar/Composition: JG, TLAW, written narrations
Math: LoF
Science: Chemistry
Nature Study: journaling, RH
Logic: HtRaB, AoA
Art: Degas, Manet, independent projects
Music: YSGtC, practice (piano?)
Health/PE: F&WM, Nutrition 101, other books (?), outdoor activities, homeschool events
Home Ec: cooking, HtRaFF
Foreign Language: Latin, German
Free reads: WH!, RH, HtRaFF (all three year-long; at-your-own-pace but must be done by year’s end), any from AO’s list

Book abbreviations not mentioned above (used **T2 & ***T3 when specified):
AHPP: A History of Plymouth Plantation
** ***OC&RP: Oliver Cromwell & the Rule of the Puritans in England
TLoJD: The Life of Dr. (John) Donne –physical book
TDoSP: The Diary of Samuel Pepys –online
** ***KT: Kon Tiki –physical book
GA: Great Astronomers –ebook

Term 2Bible: Reading, verses, TCC
History/Biography: TNW, AHPP, Johannes Kepler in GA, OC&RP, TLoJD, GD, Speeches/Documents
Geography: TLCC, KT, Seterra
Govt/Econ: WHJ?
Citizenship: Ourselves, Utopia, Francis Bacon essays, CE, WB
Worldview: CTAP, AYHIW, SotS,
Literature: HOEL, WH!, TDoSP (excerpt)
Essays: Francis Bacon
Poetry: SS, John Donne & George Herbert, RotOS
Grammar/Composition: JG, TLAW, written narrations
Math: LoF
Science: Chemistry
Nature Study: journaling, RH
Logic: HtRaB, AoA (? may be finished Term 1)
Art: Hudson River School Artists, independent projects
Music: YSGtC, practice (piano?)
Health/PE: F&WM, Nutrition 101, other books (?), outdoor activities, homeschool events
Home Ec: cooking, HtRaFF
Foreign Language: Latin, German
Free reads: WH!, RH, HtRaFF (all three year-long; at your own pace but must be done by year’s end), any from AO’s list

Book abbreviations not mentioned above (used only in T3):
TW: The Holy War –ebook
WH&D: William Harvey and the Discovery of the Circulation of the Blood –ebook

Term 3Bible: Reading, verses, TCC
History/Biography: TNW, OC&RP, GD, Speeches/Documents
Geography: TLCC, KT, Seterra
Govt/Econ: WHJ?
Citizenship: Ourselves, Utopia, Francis Bacon essays, CE, WB
Worldview: CTAP, AYHIW, SotS
Literature: HOEL, THW
Essays: Francis Bacon
Poetry: SS, John Milton, RotOS
Grammar/Composition: JG, TLAW, written narrations
Math: LoF
Science: Chemistry
Nature Study: journaling, RH
Logic: HtRaB
Art: Hudson River School Artists, independent projects
Music: YSGtC, practice (piano?)
Health/PE: F&WM, Nutrition 101, other books (?), outdoor activities, homeschool events
Home Ec: cooking, HtRaFF
Foreign Language: Latin, German
Free reads: WH!, RH, HtRaFF  (all three year-long; at your own pace but must be done by year’s end), any from AO’s list

Plantagenet Empire, Y7, AO & Heritage History

Still combining curriculums, working through more scheduling for Fox, my Y7 student, I remembered that Heritage History has maps in the study guide for British Middle Ages. There are also timelines. Map work and time lining always get left behind in our studies.

Just an aside: Have you wondered what exactly is the “Plantagenet” in Plantagenet Empire? I didn’t really pay much attention to this in school. Recently, I’ve wondered over the word, “Plantagenet.” In Winston Churchill’s The Birth of Britain, (BoB) the main Y7 AO history book, he says:

Henry Plantagenet was born to empire…Geoffrey’s marriage to Maud had united the Norman and Angevin lands, and the child of this marriage was from his birth in 1133 recognised as the “master of many peoples.” To contemporaries he was best known as Henry Fitz-Empress; but he carried into English history the emblem of his house, the broom, the Planta Genesta, which later generations were to make the name of this great dynasty, the Plantagenets. (pg 166-167)

Interestingly, the ‘broom’ isn’t what we use to sweep the floor. It is a shrub. If you knew that already, you don’t have to share that with me  

And now that we’ve covered the word, I’ll continue on with the original purpose of my post- maps and time lines. When plotting and planning I’m sure I noticed the link at AO that leads to maps for the year…but as I am prone to do, I either skipped it or just didn’t take note as I should have. I found two maps at that link that would have been helpful… 2-3 weeks ago. *face palm* Oh well. It’s good that I have the HH study guide (and remember!) because it has relevant maps for us, that we need now. If you don’t have the Curriculum from them, you can look at their website and find a lot of maps. Here is the specific page for British maps. The two specifically we are going to use this coming week:

• The Angevin Empire of Henry II
• England and France, 1259

I may also use the British Isles, 1200-1450, because it goes along with some of the other readings he is doing through AO. I’ll print out two of outline maps that is included in the study guide for this section and have Fox label and color accordingly.

As for the time lines that come with HH, I don’t plan on having Fox write them down as they are in the study guide (they’re already there, why rewrite them? although I will say that Lee did choose to rewrite them- on her own) but instead it is my hope that while he is reading through the time line he will come across something he finds to be interesting or profound and will take the initiative to record that in our family Book of Centuries.

Again, if you don’t have the curriculum or the study guide from HH, you can still get a lot of information at the website. Here is the page for Wars & Battles time line. You can choose what civilization you want to see, as well as the time period; then choose brief or detailed descriptions. I choose to use the time line from the CD because it includes more than just the battles (who was born, who died and such).

Also, while reading in BoB, some of the individuals we have no idea who are. Perhaps we do not pay attention well enough but I’d like to think that’s not the case. *cough* So, I am going to be picking (again) from the suggested readings in HH to add to Fox’s history. This time I think I’ll stick with the suggested chapters so that we can get a more varied selection, rather than just one book.

***Disclaimer: I am an affiliate with Heritage History. If you purchase from Heritage History and put in BLOSSOM3 at checkout, I may be credited as an affiliate, enabling me to receive monetary compensation. However, this post is written because I really appreciate HH and actually use it in our homeschool. There is also an Amazon.com affiliate link in this post. See Disclosure/Policies for more information.***

Vocal Coach Singer {Schoolhouse Review Crew}

Singing is a wonderful ability that we have. Many feel that they cannot hold a tune but still enjoy singing. I’d figure into that category! Both of my kids can hold a tune though and I thought this program would be good to fine ‘tune’ (haha) their talents –and hopefully help me get a tune! Through the Schoolhouse Review Crew I’ve been privileged to receive Vocal Coach for review.

Chris and Carole have been teaching singing for over 40 years.  In addition to their wonderful products, they offer private vocal coaching and vocal seminars.  They are passionate about teaching people to sing. (from Schoolhouse Review Crew post)

What we received:

10 zipped files for download (MP3s) (retail $99.99) that include the same program that is included when you purchase the physical product (retail $119.99):

Vocal Coach Singer Includes:

7 Training CDs:

Getting Started
Complete Breathing
Complete Warm-Up
Complete Tone
Complete Expanding Your Range
Complete Diction
Complete Performance

4 Workout CDs:

Daily Workout High Voice 1 & 2
Daily Workout Medium/Low Voice 1 & 2

Plus these great educational tools:

Guidebook – Full-size Instructional Guidebook to Ensure Success
Printable Lead Sheets – each exercise in our course, plus track lists
Personal Singer's Journal (Getting Started Journal & Workout Journal) to Track Your Progress
Vocal Coach Song Evaluation – Evaluation form to enable you to make more intelligent song selections

Technical support for MP3s:  LIMITED SUPPORT

It can be downloaded and transferred to a portable device like an IPod to be used on the go. I did not get this to download onto any of my own personal devices but not due to any fault of the downloads I was sent –chalk it up to faulty software and technologically challenged user.  ‘Vocal Coach Singer’ is intended to be used with older students and adults.

The order that is recommended to go through this program is:

• Posture
• Breathing
• Tone
• Warm Ups
• Rhythm
• Diction
• Dynamics
• Vocal Health

Here are a couple snapshots of the pdfs included in this.

Song Evaluation:

Work-out Journal:

My thoughts of the program:

It’s difficult for me to say that I would recommend this or not but this is in no way due to the program itself –I did not get to use it as fully as I’d hoped in the review period. Because I could not get it to download to a player, or mobile device, I found it difficult troublesome to go through the cds after each ‘lesson’. It just wasn’t as easy or convenient for me to get them running. I just mention this because you could be in the same boat!

As for the content of this program –it would appear to be a very well done and laid out program. I’ve never had any instruction in singing besides high school choir. My kids both were in a class at a homeschool co-op where they did get some instruction on singing. But this is more in-depth. It covers much more than simply going through the notes (do-re-me-etc. –my apologies if I wrote that wrong). It goes through why they suggest doing what they suggest (such as the posture and exercise lessons).

When I listened through the lessons, I did find the voice of Chris and Carole to be nice and not grating on my nerves. Sometimes the dialogue does seem rehearsed but it wasn’t too bad. I like the journal for each time going through a lesson with the program –it helps to give immediate feedback as to how we feel and think about what we are doing.

I do plan to get this into our week more because from the little that it was used, it is a good program. I like that it is Christian focused as well as homeschool friendly. They also have free resources on their websites.

If you have more questions that I’m sure I didn’t answer, you can check out the FAQs. Vocal Coach also offers programs for younger ages –some of the Schoolhouse Review Crew were given Teaching Kids to Sing. Chris and Carole also offer personal singing lessons. 

You can read more reviews of this and the other program by checking the post at the Schoolhouse Review Crew. Click on the image below to get to the post.

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Contact Vocal Coach:

Website: http://www.vocalcoach.com

Email: contact@vocalcoach.com (general questions, schedule lessons)

customerservice@rede-commerce.com (questions, comments regarding an order or product)

Contact on the website: http://vocalcoach.com/contact/

Phone:  615-280-0554 (9am-4pm CST)

Blog: http://blog.vocalcoach.com/

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***Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed item free from Vocal Coach via the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given. All opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

WealthQuest for Teens {Schoolhouse Review Crew}

There are some smart people out in this world and I get to try out a lot of the creative programs they put together. One program that some of the members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew have been blessed to review is from Jill Suskind, WealthQuest for Teens. Let me just say this: my daughter loves this program!

What is WealthQuest for Teens? It is an “online resource for finding innovative, engaging, practical tools for teaching your teen effective money management.” (from the website, emphasis mine) It was designed for teens ages 14-19 and their parents.

I don’t feel that the website gives very much information about this program. There are no samples that I could find, other than the above video, for what you will see in this program. You can sign up for the mailing list and receive the first chapter of the parents ebook free  (on the homepage, on the right, you have the option of signing up via email). I would like to say that the endorsements by apparently well-known finance gurus was a selling point for me but it wasn’t really. However, there are testimonies from previous parents, teachers and teens that have used the program; all good reviews.

Money ‘issues’ have never been hidden in our house but I don’t know that we are open about our habits with money with our kids. Growing up I heard, “I don’t have any money,” from my parents a lot. But there wasn’t a lack of income just a lack of efficient money management. They didn’t share with us what they did. I don’t even recall any advice on how to handle money. I did have a Personal Finance class in high school but…honestly, it didn’t help at all. I don’t recall anything of value from it.

I think what caught my eye and why I was interested to review this product is because it is a program for helping “this generation of teens to meet the financial realities of adulthood with confidence and competence.” Growing up with poor examples of money-management and attitude toward finances, I understand that this is an issue, not just in my house but for this entire country. Adequate instruction isn’t given in school to help our teens know how to be smart with their money. But not just that: “While all of the lessons offered through WealthQuest for Teens online products are about money and wealth building, they are really about wealth in all areas of life.”

I looked over the program before letting my 16 year old daughter use the program. She will be the one to tell you what she liked/disliked, what worked/didn’t work. I will give you my thoughts on the program as well as all the nitty gritty details like where to find this and how much it’s going to cost. Here goes!

The program can be purchased for $39.95 and consists of four ‘parts’:

• Basic Seminar QuickStart Guide Teen Workbook,
• 7-Module Video Series,
• Parent ebook
• and Online Money Management Program (MoneyTrail.net)

Here are the questions I put to my teen using this program, and her answers:

Q: When you first heard you were going to be using this program, what did you expect? Did using the program change your initial expectations? If yes, how so?

A: I expected a boring course on budgeting, savings, stocks, and such, but it really turned out to be different! It isn’t about all those ‘complicated’ parts of money, but really the basics – the basics that aren’t very well known. It turned out to be fun and educational.

Q: How did you ‘use’ the program? Take us through your typical session using WealthQuest for Teens.

A: Each day I watched one of the videos, filled out the questions, and read from one of the suggested books. I would think about how it all applies to me, and then I would apply it to my life – dividing my money up, saving my money, and figuring out what I wanted my money for. *My note: she ‘narrated’ quite a bit from the book readings she did and taught us a few things along the way!*

Q: What was your favorite aspect of this program?

A: It’s very easy to understand. The program wasn’t hard to read, but the things I learned kept me thinking later on – it really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I also like the ‘silo system’ – the system suggested for managing your money: it’s simple but efficient!

Q: What did you think of the online money management system?

A: It’s simple to use and works fine. I didn’t use it very much because I felt it was simpler to have a physical notebook (*she uses envelopes for ‘silos’*) for keeping track, without having to go online.

Q: Do you think this is a beneficial program for teens? Why or why not?

A: I think it is very good for teens! I would not be saving my money as well as I am now if I had not gone through this – and those habits will stick with me for life! As is said in the program, the sooner you learn these things, the more time you have for it to become a good habit, and that will help you out a lot later in life.

Q: What else would you like to let readers know about this program?

A: There are many good suggested books to read along with the program – definitely read at least one! The more you know, the better you can do with your money. (One she is reading pictured below)

This program gets a hearty thumbs up from my 16 year old as a great money management program that will instill good habits for later life as well.

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I read the Parent’s Guide that came with the program. It is 60 pages long, so not a terribly long read. The table of contents looks like this:

• Prelude: This book is for you if…
• Chapter 1: Teen Financial Literacy: Defining the Problem, the Goal, and the

  

• Solution
• Chapter 2: Origins and Overview of the Online Video Program: The Basic Seminar for Teens
• Chapter 3: Recognizing the Old School Model: Mistakes Parents Unintentionally Make
• Chapter 4: The New School Model: What to Teach and How to Measure Success
• Chapter 5: Allowance and Jobs: The Pitfalls and the Possibilities
• Chapter 6: Teen Philanthropy: The Black Belt Level of Teen Financial Literacy
• Chapter 7: The New Normal: Financial Literacy as a Peer-Group Experience for Teens and a Grassroots Movement for Parents
• Endorsements
• Acknowledgments

While reading this, I found myself nodding in agreement through at least Chapter 4. I thought would  have a different mind-set about Chapter 5 about Allowances but it could honestly be because I don’t expect the right responsibility from my kids when it comes to what they do with that allowance. Follow-through is always important.

And here is what I think WealthQuest for Teens really emphasizes:

At first I felt like the program was striving to make a millionaire out of my kids but I don’t think that’s the case at all. It doesn’t matter if they make $10,000 a year or $1,000,000- that’s not where their ‘net worth’ is. Those are just numbers. In the course, yes, it does talk about net worth in terms of actual money- but it focuses a lot on the attitudes that are carried about that money. That’s important. I don’t want my kids to feel that money should have such a lofty position in their lives. I also really appreciated the “Philanthropy” chapter- giving to others is important and I’m so glad that this was made part of the program.

The Parent’s Guide gave a lot of good tips for how to implement, or rather how to not hinder, the New School Model for healthy money management.

Here are some screenshots of other bits of the program as it was used:

We couldn’t print out the notebook from the website (due to lack of ink at times during the review period) but Lee figured out that OneNote worked well for keeping these interactive notebooks for future reference. I show you a few shots of different modules that she went through.

And also the Teen Ebook, that is printable, Lee figured out how to keep her notes by leaving comments and then saving the document. This workbook is a 30-day program but honestly, it can be gone through quicker than that. I do think it is something she will go back to again and again. She can look at this and reevaluate what she feels and believes about her ‘wealth’.

Bottom line:

I think this is a wonderful program for teaching teens how to appropriately handle their money, no mater how little they might have. My daughter, who has a babysitting job and does not have a large income, has saved (and spent!) more using this system than any of our previous “Old School” methods. I’ve been quite impressed with the amount of responsibility she has taken with what she has.

The program is easy to go through, isn’t stale or boring and appeals to her partially because there are other teens who are presenting it. I personally think that if it were Jill alone presenting these videos my daughter would have gained just as much but this different perspective definitely didn’t take away from the program. It is really great to have a program for this life skill that does such a great job and instills such positive results.

The cost is very low for what is presented and the skills that are learned. The skills will last a lifetime, if the person who is going through the course wishes them to. I believe that once they see the benefits of going through WealthQuest for Teens and applying the strategies they will be sold! My daughter definitely is. She insists that *I* need to complete this as well as her 13 year old brother!

Others of the Schoolhouse Review Crew also reviewed this. Click the image below to read more reviews.

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Contact WealthQuest for Teens:

Website: http://www.wealthquestforteens.com

Blog: http://yourteensmoneyskills.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WealthQuest-for-Teens-Ltd/110310148997232

Webpage contact: http://wealthquestforteens.com/contact-jill/

Phone: 781-724-0382

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***Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed items from Jill Suskind, WealthQuest for Teens via the Schoolhouse Review Crew, free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own or those of my family members. I only recommend products that I feel would be beneficial for others based on our experiences. See Disclosure/Policies***

TOS REVIEW: Judah Bible Curriculum

Education for liberty

This is a K-12 Bible curriculum. The curriculum allows for lots of adaptability in your design of the daily study.

We received, as a download:
    1) Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual;
    2) Elementary Notebook Ideas booklet;
    3) Eight-lecture Teacher Training Seminar.

Available as a download for $44, no shipping charges, or as a physical product for $74 (includes shipping), with lectures on CD. Also access to the website where you can find blank Key Sheets and samples. The website also has a very helpful Teacher Walkthrough page. Click here to go to the order page.

The Principle Approach (from the website):

• The BIBLE is the textbook. The student studies and learns the Bible.
• The student learns God's purpose in history, studying the hand of God in the lives of men and nations through the Bible.
• The student develops his reasoning ability, helping him to apply Biblical principles personally.
• The curriculum helps you shift from rote learning to Biblical reasoning.
• The student learns the relationship between the sovereignty of God and the personal responsibility of the individual.
• The student learns the relationship between individual character and national liberty.

See the Judah Bible Curriculum Scope and Sequence

When first starting this curriculum, I think it is important to read through the entire Manual but not to listen to every audio. There are 515 minutes of audio!

The themes covered in this are (from the website):

1. THEME 1. CREATION God creates man to bless.
   Creation, fall, flood
   Genesis 1-11
2. THEME 2. THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION BEGINS God prepares a people for Godly self-government and liberty.
   Abraham, Moses, Joshua
   Genesis 12-Ruth
3. THEME 3. THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL The people want an earthly king and slavery.
   Saul, David, Solomon
   I Samuel – Malachi
4. THEME 4. THE KINGDOM OF GOD God’s New Covenant, an internal kingdom.
   Jesus, 12 Disciples
   Matthew – John
5. THEME 5. THE EARLY CHURCH The increase of His government and peace will have no end. (Is. 9:6)
   Pentecost, Apostles, Paul
   Acts – Revelation

We received this and it took me 2 1/2 weeks to feel that I could actually do it. {I will be honest with you, I did not do the very first step: Pray. I really think that if I had of done it *first* my head would not have been so confused.} The Teacher Walkthrough page on the site has ‘examples’ of every lesson (for the most part) and I used that as a loose guide.

Here is how we did our study of the Bible using the Judah Bible Curriculum, for the first week:

• Each day begin with a prayer for guidance (we take turns).
• Day #1: Read Genesis 1:1-25 (recite Genesis 1:1 {a verse that’s been long memorized}). Discussed the different creations of God. On the Key Events, we fill in the columns, addressing each point in the column. {we used the whiteboard, not a notebook page}
• Day #2: Read Genesis 1:26-2:25 (recite Genesis 1:27). Discuss the key verse (made in God’s image). We use Key Individuals for this and discuss the points in each column, filling in our answers.
• Day #3: Read Genesis 2:16-17. Discuss self-government as put forth by God; free will. I read some of the article posted on the JBC site dealing with this particular theme and we discussed more. We used  Key Documents for this and filled in our columns. (You can see sample Key Sheets at this page)
• Day #4: Read Genesis 3:1-24. Using the Key Event and Individuals sheet, we discuss the passage.
• Day #5: Review the weeks readings and Key topics. Discuss application of what we covered during the week.

Each day it took about 30 minutes (give or take a few minutes). Subsequent weeks will be done the same way, with Friday being a day of review and application. I’ve not had the kids do any writing assignments except for the Key Sheets. That could change later.

For resources we have Matthew Henry Commentary, various translations of the Bible but we use the KJV predominately bordering on exclusively, and the concordances and Bible dictionary from biblestudytools.com or blueletterbible.org

I was surprised how this facilitated such animated and heartfelt conversation and discussion. Also, attitudes, which were not always great at the start, always improved greatly by the end.

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Bill Burtness, the creator of the Judah Bible Curriculum, also has written two books that are available at the website: The Third Alternative and Self-Evident Truths

Contact information for Judah Bible Curriculum:

Mail:
Judah Bible Curriculum
PO Box 122
Urbana, IL 61803
Website:
http://www.judahbible.com
Email:
Contact via email here.

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Pros:

The Bible is the textbook. I really enjoyed that the focus is on God’s Word. The Bible is the primary focus “expanding the study with commentaries, concordance, Bible handbooks, and other reference material”.

It really got us discussing the Bible. Before it seemed to be just reading and memorizing, really no worthwhile discussions. We also talked more of God, his personality, his design and purpose.

It can be used with all ages and as a family. It can be used in a class or with only one student. I do like that it is not ‘flashy’. The only color added is what you or your students add to it (literally!).

There isn’t a ‘set’ way of doing this curriculum. It lays out a basic outline (each year cover 5 themes, rotate the themes every 6 years, all ‘new’ users start with Creation, etc.) but it doesn’t have a “Day #1: Read Genesis. Teacher script: On the first day…” It does have a Teacher Walkthrough on the website that is very helpful, but it is only a suggestion. It is open for adaptation. They make the statement to pray before beginning and do not worry about how “he” (the creator of the curriculum) intends you to use it but how God intends you to carry it out.

This is a k-12 curriculum that can be used again and again; it would pay for itself in short order especially if it is used with a large family or a group year after year.

Cons:

This is/can be very confusing and overwhelming. It might seem more like a teacher preparation program rather than a curriculum (the regular or a particular course of study in a school,college, etc.). Because it has no books to add to the study some may feel that there has to be ‘more’ {I did}.

The audios aren’t going to be a great resource to those who are visual. I’m a bit of both so as long as I was reading/looking at something pertaining to the audio, I was okay. When the audio had not companion visual material, I had to replay it a few times. Also, there are questions asked in the audios of who I would guess are the speaker’s audience but we cannot hear their replies. These would be great as videos, I believe. Or perhaps a text file of the audios would be a plus {I’d like to see that}.

Some may feel that they have to go through this entirely before starting but that is not the case. Definitely read the manual and perhaps a couple of the audios. Look at the sample Key Sheets, pray and begin. Of course, if you get this during the summer months and wish to use it the following school year, by all means, read and listen to everything! It can’t hurt.

Other points:

It uses the Principle Approach, which shows a direct relation of God’s Word and the actions of man, of ourselves. God is the focus.

There are use of words that make me cringe when they are said in the audios (stupid, idiot) and I see them throughout. It’s a little thing that really doesn’t really detract from the program but grated on my nerves every time I heard the words. A better and more impressive choice of words could have been chosen, imho. We try not to use those words.

Bottom line:

How we had been doing our Bible study is by reading a chapter a day and narrating from it, along with memorizing verses and dd has been reading a commentary on select books. But really we lacked guidance and direction, I suppose. I think this curriculum does help with that. And God should be in every part of our lives- including, and especially, our ‘government’.

Would I personally have purchased this? Most likely not. Unless I had someone to tell me that this was a great program that they had used/were using. The reasons are there is simply not enough information the website to give a perspective buyer a good idea of what is included {I don’t mean physically- that is clear} in this product, there are not enough samples to give a possible buyer an idea of how to use the curriculum and many are likely to think it is nothing more than reading the Bible and discussing (which many do already).

Now that I’ve reviewed it, would I recommend it? I would definitely tell others about it but I wouldn’t want the frustration of trying to understand what to do with this to get in the way of actually focusing on what is the main idea: to study the Bible, to understand God’s Word. I would recommend it to families that are serious about digging deeper to see how and where God will take them, according to His Will. Also if someone already follows or is looking into the Principle Approach, this would probably benefit them. If someone is looking for a ‘fun’ and ‘exciting’, colorful, game-driven curriculum that includes all the mentioned then no, I would not recommend this to them.

Be sure to read other reviews by my fellow Crewbies at the TOS Crew blog.

***Disclaimer: I received the above downloads from Judah Bible Curriculum via the TOS Homeschool Review Crew for free in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own or those of my family. I only recommend products that I truly feel will be beneficial to others based on my experiences. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Heritage History Classical Curriculum- Review {Ancient Greece, British Middle Ages, Young Readers Teacher’s Guide}

“Putting the story back into History”

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review Heritage History’s new Classical Curriculum. I will often refer to this as HHCC in this post. Here’s a little information on Heritage History and their new curriculum (from the website):

“…the primary goal of Heritage History is not to reiterate a set of stories that "all students should know", but rather to engage students' genuine interest and instill a life-long passion for history.”

Link Up with Training Children up for Christ: Let’s Talk Curriculum

I posted awhile back (wow, in March!) about what I had planned to use for Lee and Fox for *gulp* 9th grade and 7th grade but since then I’ve tweaked it a bit. Rodna, at Training Children up for Christ, has put together a Link Up about what we’re using this year. Yay! It’s always fun and admittedly somewhat frustrating (because I some times second guess what I’ve planned when I see what others are doing lol) when I read the posts of others. I decided to link up my revised plan for the coming year (which has started for us). We use Ambleside Online Year 8 and 6 for our base.

For Lee’s 9th grade:

Bible: KJV-reading: continue OT/NT, Memory verses: Romans 6/Colossians 3/Psalms 139, devotion: Mere Christianity/The Mind of the Maker, study: Commentary by Henry & Brown (Bible Explorer)
Math: Life of Fred: Beginning Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Khan Academy
Writing/Literature: Written narrations, History of English Literature for Boys and Girls, Everyman: A morality play, Westward Ho!, Fierce Wars and Faithful Loves, The Holy War, The Roar on the Other Side (Poetry), …
History/Geography: Western Civilization (11-13; 15-16), http://bit.ly/hizMTY , How the Heather Looks, The Life of Christopher Columbus
Science: Mader Biology 9^th Ed (1-16) (?), http://bit.ly/eLkFR1
Gov’t/Economics/Logic/Civics: Whatever Happened to Justice?, Ourselves, Plutarch’s Lives, Utopia & Francis Bacon Essays, The Fallacy Detective/How to Read A Book
Foreign Language: First Form Latin, Second Form Latin, Greek Level 4
Art/Music/PE: Anime Studio, 4H Visual Arts, Scenic drawings from readings; Composer Study; …
Home Economics/Life Skills

For Fox’s 7th grade:

Bible: KJV-reading: continue OT/NT, verses: 1 a week, study: Saints and Heroes Vol 1 & 2
Math: Life of Fred: PreAlgebra 2 with Economics, Beginning Algebra, Khan Academy
Writing/Literature: Written narrations, The Hobbit, Animal Farm, Tales of Troy; poetry of Robert Frost, Carl Sandberg
History/Geography: Story of the World Vol 4 (2^nd half), *Story of the Greeks, *Story of the Romans; Around the World in 180 Days
Science: The Storybook of Science, Murche’s Science Readers VI, *The Sciences (Holden)
Gov’t/Economics/Logic/Civics: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?, *Plutarch’s Lives, The Fallacy Detective
Foreign Language: First Form Latin, Second Form Latin
Art/Music/PE: Pictures in cursive (picture study); undecided; …
Home Economics/Life Skills

I do plan on having Nature Study in there as well. Art and Composer Study I really hope to implement much more but will see

I’ve also made up reading lists for each of them. Since we started ‘late’ with AO, it is a bit necessary, I think, to get a little caught up to speed with the readings from previous years. I don’t think it would be detrimental if I did not have them read but it will give them an edge (I hope) on the year and subsequent years. The lists are primarily the same but for a few books:

Our Island Story –
   OR Part 1: http://librivox.org/our-island-story-part-1-by-he-marshall/
   Part 2: http://librivox.org/our-island-story-part-2-by-he-marshall/
Fifty Famous Stories Retold
Parables from Nature
*Wind in the Willows
Books by E. Nesbit
Understood Betsy
Otto of the Silver Hand
Tanglewood Tales (Lee)
*This Country of Ours (Lee)
The Princess and the Goblin
Unknown to History: The Captivity of Mary of Scotland
Heroes Every Child Should Know
The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (audio)
   http://www.candlelightstories.com/audio/podcast-of-robinson-crusoe/
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (audio)
   http://librivox.org/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-by-washington-irving/
Rip Van Winkle (audio)
   http://librivox.org/short-story-collection-vol-026/
Kidnapped
*Complete Book of Marvels (Lee)
Great Inventors and Their Inventions
The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
   http://www.celtic-twilight.com/camelot/pyle/ka/index.htm
*Across Five Aprils
*The Hobbit (Lee)
*Letters from Rifka (Lee)
The Story of the Von Trapp Family Singers
*Animal Farm (Lee)
*Books by Louisa May Alcott
(Personal Reflections of) Joan of Arc
   http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/conte-joanofarc.html (Lee)
*Age of Fable (Lee)
*Age of Chivalry (Lee)
Books by Jean-Henri Fabre http://www.efabre.net/e-fabre.htm
Beowulf http://www.lone-star.net/literature/beowulf/index.html (Lee)
*Daughter of Time (Lee)
*Beautiful Girlhood (Lee)
How to Be A Man (Fox)

Besides their ‘curriculum’ they also will be learning through 4-H. I’m not sure what projects they will choose in October when the new 4-H year starts, but Lee has voiced the strong desire to do Photography again. Fox may not do any.. not sure.

So, I think that is about it…and I think that’s what I have planned   It’s always subject to change What are you using this coming year for your curriculum? Link up at Training Children up for Christ if you would like to share.

Next School Year Curriculum

Tentative Plan for 2011/2012 year:

July 2011-May 2012

9th grade:

Bible/Verses/Devotion/Study: 

KJV (continuing reading through alternating Old Testament and New Testament), Romans 6, Colossians 3, 1 Corinthians 13 Psalms 139, The Mind of the Maker, Commentary by Jamieson-Faussett-Brown and/or Matthew Henry (Mark, Ephesians, Esther), Saints and Heroes (should be finished, or almost, with Vol 1 and moving to Vol 2)

Math:
Life of Fred Beginning Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Khan Academy 

Writing/Literature/Grammar/Composition: 

Written narrations, History of English Literature for Boys and Girls, Everyman: A morality play, Westward Ho!, The Holy War, The Roar on the Other Side, others?, Jensen's Grammar if haven't finished 

History/Geography:  

Western Civilization chapters 11-13 and 15-16, How the Heather Looks, towards the end of the year possibly Introduction to Geography OR The World Today

Science:  

Biology 9th Ed. chapters 1-16, BodyQuest (maybe not- because the amount of material covered in the biology text)

Government/Economics/Civics:

Whatever Happened to Justice? (followed by Are You Liberal, Conservative, Confused?), Utopia, Francis Bacon Essays (will see how many we get to), followed by The English Constitution, Common Sense and Essays (by Jane Haldimand Marcet), Ourselves Book 1 and 2, Plutarch's Lives

Foreign Language:  
First Form and Second Form Latin and Spanish (1010) possibly at the local community college.

For PE/Band/Choir/Music/Art I'm not decided yet. I am still looking for another trumpet program for Lee because the one she has is very beginner (she isn't done with it but will need something else soon). PE is an every day occurrence but never really scheduled. For Art, she may take a class through the community college (community education department- not for credit). Choir we have at Co-Op. As for 'music', we'll see how it goes...

7th grade:

Bible reading/verse/study:

KJV (continuing reading through alternating Old Testament and New Testament); a memory verse each week; Saints and Heroes (should be finished, or almost, with Vol 1 and moving to Vol 2)

Math:

Life of Fred: PreAlgebra with Economics and Beginning Algebra, Khan Academy

Writing/Literature/Poetry:

Will begin in earnest with written narrations; The Hobbit; Animal Farm; possibly followed by Tales of Troy; Robert Frost; Carl Sandberg

History/Geography:

The Story of the World Vol 4 (second half); Story of the Greeks; Story of the Romans; Following the Equator by Mark Twain

Science:

THIS IS VERY TENTATIVE

Secrets of the Universe (because I found them at a local library!!) OR Murches' Science Reader Book VI along with other 'readers' such as The Storybook of Science by Jean-Henri Fabre, The Fairy-Land of Science and Nature Study by Grades Vol 3

Foreign Language:  
First Form and Second Form Latin

For PE/Band/Choir/Music/Art I'm not decided yet. I will need to find a better quality guitar for him because his is falling apart. PE is an every day occurrence but never really scheduled. For Art I am not sure what we will do but something will most likely present itself. Choir we have at Co-Op. As for 'music', we'll see how it goes...

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We are still using some of the resources/books from last year and will continue with them. I decided to go ahead and make this the official schedule because we school year round, we will be into the Yr6 and Yr8 materials towards the end of the 2010/2011 year. It all blends together.

Curriculum: 2010/2011

July 2010-May 2011
tentative curriculum updated 06/08/10
*updated 12/13/10


Yr7/8 AO: Lee (grade 8/9)
(Ambleside Online Yr 8 booklist
but we will not be using all listed and adding some not listed.)
Bible: Reading from the KJV bible and +studying using class books from Padfields
Math: Life of Fred: Decimals & Percents *finished*; PreAlgebra 1 with Biology *finished*; Beginning Algebra
Foreign Language: Latin (First Form, Memoria Press), Spanish (+Poco A Poco) *postponed to later in the year*, German and Japanese (various free resources) *postponed to later in the year* (It is my goal that they can at least have a simple short conversation in any of those languages- even only one might be satisfactory!)
Grammar: Jensen's Grammar *starts January 2011*
History: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People (12 week text file), The New World Vol 2 of Winston Churchill's A History of the English Speaking Peoples *has been taken out for the year*, Beacon Lights of History Vol 8 *will be used later in the year*, World Studies for Christian Schools, biographies (may exclude these), In Freedom's Cause
*Church History: +Saints & Heroes Vol. 1, Vol. 2
*Natural History: +Animal Heroes, +The School of the Woods, The Sea Around Us (may exclude this 'subject' if others are getting 'crowded')
Geography: The Brendan Voyage, How the Heather Looks (after TBV), +Afoot in England (?) *decided to just use HtHL*, +The Life of Christopher Columbus: From His Own Letters and Journals and Other Documents of His Time by Edward Everett Hale, map drills; Kon Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl
Science: Order & Reality by ABeka, Christian Kids Explore Physics, +The Sciences by Edward Holden
*Nature: Circle of the Seasons/+Life of the Spider *spiders aren't a favorite around here!*, try to keep a nature journal *has been taken out until warmer weather*
*Health: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
Government/Economics: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?, Whatever Happened to Justice by Richard Maybury, The Story of the Constitution by Sol Bloom and Lars Johnson
Citizenship: +Plutarch's Lives (more than one version available at mainlesson), +Ourselves by Charlotte Mason, +Thomas More's Utopia (haven't decided on which one), &/or +Francis Bacon's essays

Logic: The Fallacy Detective, How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler (maybe)
Pizza Hut Book It! incentive program for Lee to read some of the additional readings (scroll down to the bottom).
Daily News and Dictation/Copywork


Yr5/6 AO: Fox (grade 6/7)
(Ambleside Online Yr 6 booklist
but we will not be using all listed and adding some not listed.)
Bible: Reading from the KJV bible and +studying using classbooks from Padfields
Math: Life of Fred: Fractions and Decimals & Percents, websites, worksheets
Foreign Language: Latin (First Form, Memoria Press), Spanish (+Poco A Poco) and German (various free resources) (It is my goal that they can at least have a simple short conversation in any of those languages- even only one might be satisfactory!)

History: +This Country of Ours, Story of the World Vol. 4, What Everyone Should Know About the 20th Century (maybe), +Story of the Greeks,
*Biographies: A Passion for the Impossible by Miriam Huffman Rockness (if we can get through it) *we couldn't*, Theodore Roosevelt an intimate biography by William Roscoe Thayer
Winston Churchill (haven't decided on one)
*Church History: +Saints & Heroes Vol. 1 Vol. 2
*Natural History: +Animal Heroes, +The School of the Woods, The Sea Around Us

Geography: Map work of places from readings
Science: Order & Reality by ABeka, Christian Kids Explore Physics, +The Sciences by Edward Holden
*Biography: Albert Einstein and the Theory of Relativity, Galileo and the Magic Numbers
*Nature: try to keep a nature journal *in warmer weather*
Literature: +Oliver Twist, Animal Farm, +Age of Fable
Citizenship: +Plutarch's Lives (more than one version available at mainlesson)
Pizza Hut Book It! incentive program for Fox to read some of the additional readings (scroll down to the bottom).
Daily News and Copywork.


Links with a (+) before them are free and available online.