Lacie Files

The past two days have been fairly productive.  Like you, we constantly balance home-school lessons around Co-op and a busy schedule.  We finished Algebra 1 test 7, quizzed on Latin first declension terra,mterrae, checked WBE, and worked on History.  Lacie is completing Chapter 4 in order to organize her notes to prepare for the mid-term.  Yesterday, I introduced second declension nouns, and  assigned the lab report for Chemistry.  Lacie finished and corrected the lab report. Chemistry has Christmas work, sewing a mole and preparing a time-line for the development of Atomic Theory.  I’m assigning Christmas work early; the kids can complete it before the holidays.  After Chemistry today, Lacie is doing the time-line and completing the History materials.  We have class and lessons next week; but, I need to focus on Latin, Theology and Algebra.  

Right now, Lacie does WBE and Bible readings at home.  She reads her Lit at home, too.  Lacie is reading Oliver Twist.  I think the kids need to struggle through the original (or listen to an audio version) before they resort to Sparknotes.  Once she has read OT, she will work through the entire study guide.  Then, we’ll work through questions from her syllabus and materials I have.  At that point, Lacie can write an analysis paper and study for the Final.

Lacie has three upcoming papers in Theology.  I assigned the Bible readings.  Next week, I’ll have her read Laux and answer the study guide questions.  I reviewed the paper topics.  I did some of the research for her.  The first theology paper requires Lacie to locate verses in the Gospels where Jesus quotes Psalms.  I did it and decided Psalm 22, 110, and 118 with specific verses from the Gospels would serve as the basis for her paper.  The last thing I did was write several questions for her to answer before she organizes and writes her paper.  We are working on essays.  Lacie is still learning how to craft a robust thesis and develop her ideas.  I think it’s important to guide this development.

Lacie’s writing needs work.  I’m supplementing WBE, too.  For example, she is learning how to hone  a thesis statement.  WBE has one or two examples.  Lacie needs ten.  I made up ten.  For example, Abortion is controversial.  Instead, Abortion tears apart the fabric of society.  Another, Football players need a good diet.  Alternatively, NFL athletes must balance a strict diet and exercise regime in the off-season to remain fit.  She and I spend time practicing.  

I have three goals: finish the curriculum by July, teach Lacie how to study, and help her to write a cogent essay.  

Brit Lit: Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice

Once we finish Romeo and Juliet, we’re reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  I’m starting with the BBC lessons.  Anna and Angel are reading the original and are selecting adaptations, such as  Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I just read Unmarriageable, a Pakistani Pride and Prejudice.  It’s a bit risqué.  There are a number of adaptations and films.  We’ll use Stobaugh and this guide.  One goal for Brit Lit is to include literary analysis.  Here is a list of writing prompts. The girls and I determine the assignments together.  I like some of the essay topics.  We may discuss a few together, write a few paragraphs, and determine a project.  I can’t wait!  I love Jane Austen.  I believe I’ve read all of her work.  We should have fun!

Lacie 12/3-5 update

The past two days Lacie had Chemistry, worked on WBE, did Algebra, and started Latin.  The entire first chapter in Latin is complete!!!!   This morning, the Marine Corps Museum in Woodbridge, VA held a workshop for home-schoolers on projectiles.  Lacie went.  Projectiles is Physical Science or Physics; the other home-schoolers are her friends.  I wanted her to go.  After lunch, Lacie did more Algebra and started Latin.  At home, she is reading Oliver Twist and working on WBE.  Tomorrow, after Chemistry, I plan to tackle History.  She has to review Chapter 3 and work through Chapter 4 to prepare for the Mid-term.  Theology resumes after we complete the History Mid-term.  I'm putting out one fire at a time.

After Chemistry and a short bike ride, Lacie completed and corrected her balancing equations quiz.  After lunch, she studied for 45 minutes memorizing first declension noun endings for a quiz and took a Latin vocabulary quiz.  Then she worked in History.  I want to finish Chapters 3 and 4 and prepare for the Mid-term.  We might retest Algebra Lesson 25, Test 7 after History.  Lacie’s homework is to complete all of the Latin notecards and work on WBE.