Educating Emme: High school - Changing Directions






Homeschooling a sullen, moody teen can really be difficult sometimes.  Emme is in 9th grade now and she has been doing an online program for the past month.  She's been dragging her feet, very reluctantly doing her work and is continuously complaining.  




I sat her down and asked her if she preferred the Internet or book format.  It was then that she told me that she was having a hard time retaining much from reading things online.  She needed something tangible in her hands, something to highlight and make notes in - even doodle if she needed a moment. 

...the Internet will never replace books, for books provide the in-depth knowledge of a subject that sitting in front of a computer monitor cannot provide. We can download text from an Internet source, but the aesthetic quality of sheets of downloaded text leave much to be desired. A well-designed book enhances the reading experience.  Homeschool World 

I didn't want the Internet schooling to go away completely - but I don't want her to dread school either.  So I decided to use my birthday gift card and order her some books.  




I went with BJU in biology, math, grammar/writing geography and history.  

We will stick with the Internet for her ASL class, Bible, music and art appreciation and current events. Literature is also online, but with real books to read.  (She doesn't even like e-books!!  I should have known)  Other than the basics, this still isn't set in stone.  I realize it's out of the ordinary to start the year in May - but we take off a lot of time during the holidays and we school year round.  

This is a HUGE year.  Full of lots of documentation for me, more in-depth note taking, paper writing and the start of ACT/SAT prep for her.  

And UNIT STUDIES.  Nature study.  Home economics.  So many things I want to do and explore with her now that she is old enough to share in the decision making. 

With the new books and new direction, get what I get to do?  PLAN!  Ohhhh, it's my favorite part.  



Comments

  1. Hi Sherry, so lovely to meet you!

    I totally agree re: the tangible book/online study dilemma! There's nothing like highlighting that precious and valuable info by hand, as if you've found gold! Then, when in review mode, it's all there for you, ready to soak it in.

    Best of luck to Emme!

    Poppy
    P.S.: Love your pretty checkered background!

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  2. We have a similar set up. My 9th grader is taking lots of online classes, but I require that she do this daily in order to get use of her cellphone (1) Take notes on what ever the reading/lesson is (2) If there is no 'reading' she is to research the topics of the online discussion and create notes (3) She is to build study flashcards that she can print out on Quizlet. This method has helped her be successful in her online learning courses. Also, we do Abeka Academy which comes with both the DVDs, books, teacher manuals, test, quizzes and online/over the phone free tutoring. It has been a great help to her in High School.

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