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.