Homeschool with my Baby :)

So, my 14-yr-old just completed her first quarter of ninth grade, and I have decided that the quality of the curriculum we are using is not up to par.  So, after hours of research, I have put together a potpourri of books that will not only fill her head with knowledge, but increase her analytical skills and critical thinking skills.  I relied on many veteran homeschoolers' reviews, such as Cathy Duffy and Karen Andreola.  One book I am excited to be receiving is The Thinking Toolbox and Words on the Vine.  The former book has lessons to build reasoning skills, and the latter is a fun book to discover the Latin roots in common, and not so common, vocabulary words.  These books will complement her Daily Grammar textbook.

I came to this decision after reviewing a number of articles on childrens' learning styles.  I think as a new homeschool mom 17 years ago, I was more attuned to my older children's learning styles, and knew that my oldest was/is a visual learner and that my middle two were/are kinesthetic learners.  In the chaos of the last few years, my youngest daughter has been expected to learn by whatever method is presented to her.  She excels because she is a perfectionist, whether at public school with an unlimited stream of rote memory work and papers, or at home with whatever she is forced to do.

She is an analytical learner.  She thrives on identifying patterns, sequences, and she learns better by talking and engaging in a variety of methodology.  Keeping this in mind, I was able to find materials that will hopefully challenge her, and also give her the foundation needed for her first year of high school.  I have a lot to be accountable for.

We are using Short Lessons in World History, as an adjunct to a textbook already owned.  This workbook uses timelines, puzzles, maps, biographies, etc. to engage the learner and looks exciting.  Singapore Biology Matters, Easy Grammar Series Grade 9 (Easy Grammar is the best Language Arts curriculum out there), Writing Strands, and Keys to Algebra.  I used Keys to Algebra with the twins when they were freshman, after a frustrating semester of algebra on Switched on Schoolhouse CD.  It is amazing.

I love homeschooling.

"Words" by Ginny Yttrup...

The following review from  Nora A. Stlaurent "The Book Club Network" on Amazon.com.

"I can't talk. I can't breathe. Tears choke me."

That's exactly how I felt when I read the last page of this book. I'm thrilled to have received a review copy of such an astounding, debut novel. I haven't read anything this profound, inspiring and life changing since Redeeming Love and June Bug. The author is a master wordsmith and trusts the readers' imagination to fill in the blanks about the abuse Kaylee endures and talks about it without being graphic. Ginny L. Yttrup has overcome sexual abuse in her own life, is compassionate towards its victims and has penned a story filled with healing and hope. Ginny shows the reader a way to shine the light of Jesus in the darkest places of life in a real way.

Kaylee is a ten year old girl fascinated by words. Words are a colorful protective shield she uses to give her hope and clarify things she doesn't quite understand. Kaylee is a bright and loving child surviving day after day anticipating her mother's return.

I enjoyed Ginny Yttrup creative writing style. It was fun to read and had a powerful impact to the story, for example Kaylee says, "my favorite C word - co-loss-al. It means awesomely huge."

She uses it to describe the colossal redwood trees she loves. The tree is her special place to hide her earthly treasures and new words. The author's style adds richness to the novel and gives Kaylee a distinctive way of expressing herself.

"I'm so hungry I could eat the scrambled egg in one bite. Instead, I try to make it last, make it seem like more. I take tiny bites. I think of a word that I added to my box this week.

Sa-vor - verb 1) to perceive by taste or smell, esp, with realism 2) to give oneself to the enjoyment of: savor the best in life.

Yes, I savor each bit of my eggs."

This author's unique voice allows the reader to experience and see the healing power of love in action. This book is not preachy but potent. The message is clear "Jesus is the word - the most important word"

Ginny had me going in parts of the story I thought I had figured out, and threw in twists I didn't see coming. Parts were surprising, suspenseful and I found myself nervous for the characters. This book is quite an experience, one you'll never forget and don't want to miss. This novel is one of the reasons why I read and promote Christian Fiction. I highly, highly recommend it. Treat yourself to reading Words. I don't know where Ginny will go from here but I'll be following.

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