Homeschool High School Carnival: Record Keeping

For all my sharing of schedules each year, one thing I haven't really shared recently is how we record the bookwork actually done by the children.

Should we keep records on how much work we've covered?  Do I need to list every topic for maths, science and history?  Does it matter?  For some this is a state requirement.  In Victoria (Australia) it isn't.  However, I do really like to see progress made and it's a nice history of how our homeschool worked each year.

You may not have noticed, but I don't write up detailed lesson plans or set goals to finish topics by due dates.  I'm a 'fill in the calendar as we go' kind of gal.  Yes, we have a broad set of goals to get to by the end of each term, but as long as there's learning happening and it's consistent, we really just move with the flow.

Writing it in as we go is also my way of being flexible.  There are times we do extended writing sessions (as we did today, actually!), so we didn't cover maths.  Well, we'll come back and do maths tomorrow.  I can also then check back to see how long it's been before we do another longer writing session (seeing as it went so well today .. I'm sure we'll do it again).

I've gone through many variations on the same theme, but always find myself only writing down achievements after the fact rather than filling in pre-emptive goals.

Here's what I'm now doing:

Each week we start a new page.  I'll write in activities we're due to do outside the home, and then fill in what's completed during the day.  The left-hand "Weekly Objective" column has become where we write in the theme of the week.  Eg: spelling has been focussing on 'ie' words, with particular emphasis on 'ceive' words for Mariposa, and Maestro's working on module 13 in science this week.

I also write in every time we start a new book, whether that's a story, textbook or learning program.

In addition to the recording of all homeschool 'work' achieved, we began keeping a binder of every certificate each child completed from a young age.  This is something I had when I was growing up, which now contains everything right through to my Curriculum Vitae and job references.  If the children complete a course outside the home, I ask for a letter or some form of certificate verifying the learning areas covered.  All of this is added to their binder.

I try to keep everything pretty simple, and I'm still a keen paper user.  I know there are apps for this and that, and I enjoy using my blog to record some of our happenings, but in the end, if someone's going to ask me to show them evidence, I have my paperwork to show.

There are some resources I've listened to and read online that have been helpful.  I started my journey of research, a couple of years ago, with some information from Jim and Sheila Carroll about using Charlotte Mason in the high school years.  This basically encouraged me to continue from where we were already going and keeping notes on what was achieved.  This is when I managed to then come across Lee Binz's YouTube videos.

I don't know if I'm doing it all correctly, but I do know I have to do something to show when the children apply for tertiary entry.  We'll be aiming to get to an open day where Maestro hopes to study in a couple of years, and I'll take in a summary of all his work to give them an overview of his study habits and check his eligibility to start studying there.  If we have anything to remedy, we have a couple of years to fine tune that.

If you'd like to read more about how other homeschoolers are doing their record-keeping, jump on over to the Homeschool High School Carnival.  Thank you to Vicki for hosting it this month! :)

Until next time,

Catherine

Does math have to get boring during the teen years?

It's time for another "Homeschool High School Carnival" topic.  I'm excited!  I really enjoy maths, but I'm not claiming to be an expert by any means.  I just like playing with numbers and trying to make sense of it.

I also enjoy teaching my children math, especially if it's about pulling together manipulatives or finding a really interesting story that involves a math concept.  If the children don't understand a concept, I run through all the saved links I have on teaching through living books ... and then do the same when they DO understand the concept so they can see it applied to other situations.

The topic for discussion is:

Math in High School.... What does your highschoolers math program look like?  What influenced your choices/selection?

Our High School math program has taken a few turns over the past two years.  Maestro finished the Singapore Math primary series, then we moved to the New Syllabus Math.  The way it was set out was very different, and I had to spend a fair bit of time explaining the work to him.  We started off with some pretty interesting problem solving, which then lead us to Pascal's Triangle and the Fibonacci sequence.  We'd never covered this before, so I found some things to take us along that path a bit. You can see what I did on this previous post: What's All This About Fibonacci? 

Somewhere further along in the book, Maestro expressed some frustration about not being able to work through the material alone.  This is when we decided to try out a program called Math-U-See, where there are instructional dvds (intended for the teacher), and manipulatives not too unlike what we've already used.  He started in Pre-Algebra and swiftly worked through that and Algebra I, then into Geometry.  It's worked because he likes to be independent and can work at a reasonably fast pace.  If he grasps the new concept after working on the first page of problems, he goes straight to the review pages, which goes through all work done to that point, and including some of the new material.

If you'd like to see this wonderful video, please go HERE.

So far, this has been working for us.  However, I want to make it a little more interesting as we head into our next couple of years of homeschooling.  I want to have both the children start keeping math journals, similar to this and this.  These ideas came to my attention a little while ago and I thought it was so well done, I'd wished I'd done it sooner.  They'll keep a notebook and write down what they know about already, but then also take notes on what they need to master with my help.  They can then draw a diagram, or make a little flap book (for example), or something creative to show HOW they would solve the problem.  We already have a math dictionary, but they're not using it.  So .. why not start making their own?  This should end up being a great resource, especially if they homeschool THEIR children.

So, I'm guessing you can tell that I want to make sure the children know the material well, but I still want to give them a broad path of experiences with math so they see it as fun, as ways of explaining the world around them, and applied in a variety of situations in the real world.

What else have we been using?  There are a variety of things here, so I'll make a list.

• We have a small collection of dvds from The Teaching Company (also known as The Great Courses).   We have started to watch The Joy of Mathematics, and also have a copy of Algebra I from a friend.  

• Life of Fred books were quickly read through to Algebra, but again, Maestro is happy to continue using Math-U-See instead.  I mention these books as some others may find they are something that could be useful in their homeschool.  They do go through to Calculus, but we didn't use them that far.

• As an additional resource to play with Geometry programming, I purchased the Geometer's Sketchpad.  (If this interests you, check the Homeschool Co-op for their occassional special purchase price.)

• Some saved You Tube examples of math in real life, along with those with a great sense of humour, to inspire some creativity.  I especially enjoy this one about Doodling in Math Class:

and the beautiful video called "Nature by Numbers" on Vimeo.  Actually, I've saved a heap of similar videos and all sorts of links on my Pinterest Maths page (wow .. I'm LOVING Pinterest and how it leads you to so many shared ideas!)

There are many options open to making math fun right through the upper levels, but I know it's still my job to help keep that fire burning by presenting new ideas.  The most difficult part is finding the time to do the homework and then figuring out where and when to use it.  At the moment I'm using post-it notes to scrawl down the webpage address and what to check out there, then sticking them onto the math page Maestro will find it relevant to.  I've also started bookmarking the pages into an internet folder that's just for him.  I'll probably get this right by the time he's finished high school and well into tertiary studies, but at least I'm able to have some fun with him on this now.  It's the only way I can, since he's so independent!

Please jump over to the Carnival, being hosted by Fisher Academy International, on December 3rd, 2012.  Other homeschoolers will add their wealth of knowledge too .. which I'm looking forward to!  I need as much inspiration as I can get!!!

Until next post!

Catherine

Teens: Nuturing Independence

In my last post about teen homeschooling, I shared my philosophy of teaching to the latter end.  In re-reading that, I've realised that I've listed many ideals to which I will probably discover the reality of as we continue our journey through the high school years.  Maestro is still a young teen, and only just starting to find his feet in many ways.  He still comes to us for a lot of advice and direction, voluntarily, which is wonderful.

Last weekend we did have an interesting discussion about his choice in career preferences and how he seriously wants to start finding out about what he needs to study in order to get a job in that field.  It's a path we knew he was leaning towards, and he's already taken steps to learn as much as he can independently with what we're currently able to provide.

But how much should we open this up so he becomes MORE independent?

This month's Homeschool High School Carnival topic is:

Nurturing Independence in High School....  To what extent do your highschoolers collaborate in planning their studies, how do you encourage your highschoolers to take the reins of their education, what tools do you use and how is this input communicated?

Well, as this hasn't really happened as yet, I can't speak from experience.  I can only share the thoughts I have on the subject, and what little I've discussed with my spouse (fondly known as 'Papa' on this blog).  We still have plenty to sort out as far as an actual plan of action goes, and may even change tact / refine thoughts along the way.

I do think that listening and heeding to our children's natural interests is very worthwhile.  If a child enjoys something, they'll willingly learn more.  It may be a very worthwhile task that we spend time writing down a little list of all the things the children enjoy learning and doing.  This could be done as a one-off and added to when new interests arise, or (my preference) write it out anew each year, using the previous list as a reference but giving more detail if possible.  If this could be done as a family activity, then everyone can share what they feel are good character traits which may also be added.  What's happening here, then, is practice in writing up a character reference which could be taken to job interviews.  I had such a folder (and still have it) of all the activities I did in my teen years, certificates awarded from camps, letters of references from friends and work experiences, AMEB exam results .. you name it, it's all in one big display book.  I have already started something similar for my children since they started dance and music exams, but I'd like to add those annual goals and reflections to help hone their independence in that way.

On the opposite side of the coin, there are some prerequisites that we know from experience will enable them greatly in the adult world, and these may well be areas that they don't enjoy so much.  Are they going to be able to get by as adults if they don't do all those things?  Well, yes, maybe .. maybe they can make enough income to pay other people to mow their lawns and weed their gardens.  Maybe they can hire a cleaner to come through the house once a week or fortnight.  But, chances are, that's not going to be a reality.

I know I gave examples of regular housework then, but I also see nurturing independence as nurturing the willingness to keep on learning and expanding on their talents.  I don't want my children to settle for the most comfortable seat, especially so early in their lives.  Keep striving to be better, and that's the part which falls to Papa and myself.  We still need to set reasonable goals and expectations, and to follow up so that they're encouraged by our interest.

Now, what do you do with a teen who is already learning so much at a greater rate of speed than you thought they could?  I currently have Maestro half way through Geometry, and he only started it at a few months back.  We'd covered a lot of it back with Singapore Maths 6, so he has those fundamentals. Well, I keep pushing him on to find where he's needing to slow down a little and learn something new.  I do the same with my music students; they can learn some pieces quite quickly and master the technique, but then they need to add in the emotion, learn to evaluate their playing by listening to others, and learn a little about the composer.  Keep building laterally as well as moving ahead to new skills.

Actually, if I may, I'd like to divert a little more here.  I must say that with all the resources homeschoolers have available to them via forums, blogs and numerous websites, I find that there is a plethora of materials to be found to extend learning.  I wish I'd had those resources available to me as a teen, but I didn't.  Instead I did have some wonderful teachers and mentors in our church community who did encourage us to study up on (for example) Noel Whittaker's finance book (after having him as a guest speaker).  We also did a long study on Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.   Now, we have many classical books which encourage good thinking in our teens, and good habits, which is where I'd still require that learning from my children in order to get them to develop a better sense of independence.

So, how would I encourage them to take the reins with their independent learning?  Well, again, this is the plan.  We're going to be making appointments with the tertiary institutions where Maestro wants to study.  We'll be discussing what their requirements are and the sorts of students they see do well (positive role models are great incentives). We'll aim to get him some work experience in that field, as well as following up on any opportunities the arise with other homeschoolers (as happened with the Film Making course earlier this year). From there, we plan to make some goals. These will be goals we will oversee and keep in check, but ultimately require him to take ownership of ... which I'm assuming he will if he really wants it.  I'm already asking Maestro to do a better job with presenting his written work, so he'll have it if needed to see how he works.  He needs to know that tertiary papers get better grades with good presentation and well set out thoughts (something we're working through with his IEW curriculum).  Of course, good knowledge in how work is presented on computer is necessary also, which is something we'll need to ask of the tertiary institution.

I'm hoping I've written enough to cover this topic.  I think much of it is covered just by the way we work as a family and are happy to discuss all these sorts of things regularly.  Some of my ideals may change in the actuality, but that's to be expected.

Please ... jump on over to 'Living Without School' to find others who have written for this High School Carnival topic.


edited to add:
I found this blog post this morning: Successful Teen Homeschooling: Two Vital Factors.  You may like to head over and be inspired there also.

Until next post!!

Catherine 

Teens: Teaching to the Latter End

Last year, I had the honour of finally joining the ranks of Mums who homeschool teenagers.  It was a bit of a step up in expectations, especially from 'outsiders' wondering if we can handle this task.  And then again, it wasn't such a step up, as our patterns of expectations toward our children have been pretty constant.

Earlier this month, the Homeschool High School Carnival was launched.  I missed this launch, but have been inspired by what others have written to pipe in with my wee response also.

The topic was:

The Wide View:How does your family's 'big picture'/goals/educational philosophy affect/guide your planning and translate into what your highschoolers do on a daily/weekly basis? Do you generalise or specialise? 

Many years ago, I was given the task of writing out my educational philosophy.  It involved words of 'loving to learn', 'creativity' and 'ultimately learning to teach themselves without a teacher'.  The idea I've always had is that if I'm still keen to learn, as an adult, wouldn't I want to nurture that same response in my children?

When they are young, they learn perseverance in working hard to master the difficult task that now seem so easy.  Learning to read was hard (and still is for some!), as is speaking out to a group of peers, finding your way around a new town/city, talking to people on the telephone to find information, standing up to responsibility ....   Can you see where I'm going with this?

Yes, we do, we SET OUR CHILDREN UP!!  From the time they were little, they had to learn and we were there, but now that they're getting older, we expect that they should be learning how to find that information for themselves.   But, it's little steps along the way.  Each new venture requires the right preparation, open communication to share experiences, and the encouragement for the effort put forth.

At the basis of all of that is a good relationship with the children, and lots of modelling of how we handle those situations.  Communication is a must; listen TO THEM, as well as you sharing your input.  The sooner this trust and love is established, the easier it is to guide later. (Yes, that's another part of my philosophising.  I know there are always bumps along the way, but I'm aiming at the bigger picture here ... the latter end of our children's growth to adulthood).

So, the next question is, who sets the goals?  I admit, we've had an equal share in this.  Maestro's reached the stage where he knows the style of learning he enjoys and he's asked for the structure he needs through his curriculum preferences.  He also ventures into other learning (especially with regard to digital music recording and podcasting) of his own accord.  On the other hand, we've made it clear that we expect him to learn certain life skills, too.  Even if he doesn't master how to repair a car, he should at least have some basic car maintenance skills under his belt before owning his vehicle (.. an example).

In our home, routines have been set up as a guideline, but they are flexible.  We now know that there is a standard of responsibility learned, so now Maestro owns how he manages most of his time.  At this stage though (he's almost 14yrs old), we still ask that he confirms with us where he's at with his subjects and goals for the week.  Family discussions at dinner are a great time to relax and share what's gone on in the day, and it's become a great habit that we all tell a little of our stories then.

All in all, we want a great relationship with our children.  We want to know that they can come to us in the good times and the bad.  We want to watch them mature into wonderful adults who will know how to love others with the full measure.  None of us have all the answers, but we know that if we really want to, there's a way to learn ... and so much to learn!  I hope my latter end hasn't come just yet.  There's still a long 'to do' list I'm working through!

Thank you for dropping by!