Saturday, June 9, 2012

Getting Ready for next school year, part Deuce

So with Ace's stuff all decided, I need to work on Deuce's eighth grade plans.

English - Reading and Composition - I have a program that I actually wrote for Ace, that I'm just going to pass along to Deuce - it's heavy on the Verne, but I think she'll like it.  It has lots of creative opportunities.
Math - Continue with Singapore's NEM1 and move into NEM2 if it comes to that.
Science - I'm on the fence with this one.  I am considering the Connect the Thoughts Upper Level Science 1 Basics - but it does involve a lot of writing.  Not much actual experimenting or anything.  Mostly, it focuses on the scientific method, and I think that will be a good thing for her.  I guess, since I've already bought it, I'll try it and see how it goes.
Social Studies - Deuce would like to try another CLEP class, since she's already passed two of them, so I think we'll work on American Government and Politics.  I taught this a few years ago to Ace, and when she took the AP, she passed with a 5.  Deuce isn't thrilled about the essays involved with the AP, but is willing to try the class as a CLEP course.
Music - The violin will continue.  Deuce is becoming more and more accomplished with her playing.  I'd like to get her working on music theory as well as the lessons.
Art - I am going to attempt a fine art appreciation lesson this year for all the kids.  I will be starting out with Botticelli as our first semester artist, and using the artwork suggestions in Ambleside
Japanese Lanugage - I am very pleased that both Ace and Deuce have been so diligent in their learning of the Japanese Language using Rosetta Stone.  Deuce, particularly, has taken to it.  She also has been using a couple of iPad apps to learn Kanji, hiragana and katakana.  Since I purchased 3 years of Japanese, the kids are going to continue this program as well.

I think that this looks like a very well rounded school year for the girl.  She should still have time for her favorite hobby - hanging out in her bed, reading.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

DIY Highschool

Planning, planning for 2012-2013 school year.  Here is the high school line-up for Ace.

Reading - High School Literature discussion group - This will be Ace's 3rd year.  They read some pretty interesting stuff.
Writing - Finishing up the Other Worlds curriculum, Ace does lots of writing anyway, having finished 2 novels, plus maintaining her blogs.  Additionally, this year Ace wants to take the AP in English Composition, and also the English Language AP.  To train for these tests, we will be using the IEW English Composition and English Language programs.
Arithmetic - NEM 3 (she's verry excited about this!!)
Science - High School Chemistry in Your Home (after finishing up biology this summer.)
History - American History 2 at the local community college. (She's taking part 2 before part 1 because she is taking it with a friend.)
Japanese Language - The Rosetta Stone Japanese Language program is going very well here.  Ace will keep on doing this, especially since I bought three years of it!
Driver's Ed. - EEK! (enough said.)
Rel. Ed. - Ace will be continuing her training as a catechist for Catechisis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1.  Plus, she'll start teaching in her own Atrium.

Yup, that will keep us busy.