Math Helps!

Today we used 2 wonderful math helps. In order to practice his times tables, Dan likes to go to Multiplication.com. He really enjoys playing the trial version of a game called Timez attack. This is a free download. There are many other games to choose from on this site, also.

Then, today, Max was learning subtraction with borrowing. We found this short little video that really helped him to understand it. Base ten blocks would be wonderful to have. I may have to get some soon! It's going to take a lot of practice, but I think he'll get it.

35 week check

We went in for our 35 week check up today. I had a Non-Stress Test today where they hook me up to the baby monitors and watch contractions, baby heart rate, and I push I button every time he moves. All looked great! I lost 2.5 pounds this week, but now I'm measuring 43 (fundus) and I'm 35 weeks, 1 day. I'm supposed to take it easy because I'm so big I'm in danger of preterm labor. Guess what that is (center, left) in the ultrasound photo above. My OB thought he was SO funny! Hint: It's a package with two parts. I am thinking his name will be Joshua Ezekiel. Joshua means--Christ is my salvation. Ezekiel means--whom the Lord makes strong.

The kids had their homeschool evaluations this week. Of course, all did great! We need to work on some more phonics with Max in the area of special sounds and Celeste needs to brush up on some of her computation skills. Dan (who is a 3rd grader) tested on a 6th grade math level. We'll probably use a 5th grade curriculum next year. All in all, I was told I am doing an excellent job and am very organized. Big sigh of relief here! It's been a year!

My Favorite Math Curriculum

Three years ago I was at the end of my rope. My daughter had tried 3 different Algebra 1 texts with lots of confusion and frustration. Finally, I asked the MOMYS what curriculum they would recommend. Many kind ladies highly recommended Teaching Textbooks. This has been a lifesaver for us. We have used Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry texts from this company. The fabulous thing: you don't have to remember how to teach upper level math, this program does it for you! Each level consists of a lesson book, answer key with test booklet, CD's that include course lectures on each topic and solutions for practice, homework, and test questions. This curriculum is designed for the independent learner, and so, functions like a tutor for your student. Each lesson includes previous material so that the student is reviewing previously learned concepts. This increases concept retention.

In format and method, Teaching Textbooks is very similar to Saxon Math. I believe it explains this upper level material more clearly than Saxon. Your children will enjoy the funny illustrations and word problems. Also, Teaching Textbooks is geared toward homeschoolers and Saxon is not. We have only found one weakness in Teaching Textbooks. If you are a Saxon user, you are familiar with each homework question having a lesson number in parenthesis out to the side which refers you back to the lesson where the problem was taught. TT does not have this and it would helpful if it did. What do the kids like best? My 13 year old, when asked, says he prefers Teaching Textbooks. Both of my teens have a B+ or better math average. Also, Celeste passed into college level math and begins this January. This is enough testimony for me!

FYI, we use A Beka workbooks for grades Kindergarten thru 2nd grade, Saxon for the middle years, and Teaching Textbooks for the upper grades. TT has just come out with lower level math texts and we may be looking into switching over to those, too! It is an investment, but I figure that I have so many children coming up from behind that these books will pay for themselves. Also, resale is almost full price when in good condition. I hope this review was helpful to you! Happy New Year coming up!

Homeschooling

I think you will be interested in this topic even if you don't home educate your children. Do you believe the government has the right to tell you how to educate your children? There are so many choices out there today: public school, private school (Christian or otherwise), charter schools, online education, and home schooling. I am a member of a group called MOMYS (Mothers of Many Young Siblings). In the past through this group, I have personally been in contact with a nice mother and fellow homeschooler, Denise Mafi. Please read this article defining her plight as a home schooling parent in Utah. Note that she thought she was in compliance with Utah's laws regarding homeschool documentation.

I belong to Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). If you look at this map, you will see how the regulations differ from state to state regarding homeschooling. FL is considered a moderate regulation state. If you home educate I encourage you to join HSLDA. For a reasonable fee, they will represent you should you encounter problems relating to your choice to homeschool your children. I feel very strongly about not educating my children in the public schools. This is mostly for religious reasons, but I feel strongly about the state's agenda in the public schools as well. For the most part, it is a liberal environment that is hostile to Christians. Not for me and not for my kids! Unfortunately, when my children hit the college level they will be attending state schools. At the point that they do, I believe their Christian beliefs are solid and they will be able to refute any liberal bias that is thrown at them. And I will pray, pray, and pray some more.

As always, my advice is to be informed. Arm yourself with information and make your own decisions. Don't let the government do it for you.