Maestro is now almost fifteen years old. (How did that happen so quickly?!) His studious personality has certainly made my life a lot easier. He's still a prolific reader, but diverts from the suggested Sonlight reading list to other books found in the library or recommended by friends. His current education 'package' looks like this at the moment:
History: Pandia Press' History Odyssey: 'Modern Times Level 2' ... which includes a list of classical and modern literature, research and writing projects.
Sonlight Core H is also on our shelves for him, where I'll select some books relevant to the time period for him to read, or we'll read together.
Language Arts: Apart from the writing of research papers with Pandia Press, we've begun using IEW's Speech Boot Camp. It was recommended that teens use speaking as a means of delivering their writing, but Maestro isn't so keen on the idea of public speaking. Still, we're encouraging him to put together a speech a week and use the opportunity to develop his skills in organise thought flow and delivery of smooth speech.
Maths: At the beginning of this term, Maestro moved on to Algebra 2, using Math-U-See. This is still working for us as he can view the lesson on the dvd and then continue with his work. Only occasionally have I needed to help go over the material again to explain it.
Science: Also beginning this term, he's started Chemistry using Apologia. I'm so glad I bought the prac. kit! Having the beakers, test tubes, thermometer and even a little spirit burner in it (which he's yet to use) has helped me time-wise not having to track down all those bits and pieces on online stores.
This week he's begun learning more about the periodic table. I think it may be time to get out those posters I'd had stored away for up until now, and put them up in his room.
Elective: I decided we'd tag some of what he's reading/doing under 'electives', which is primarily Life Preparation. We started this year with learning about finance. Now he's reading up on Home Maintenance, using CLE's Home Repair and Maintenance text. Book learning here isn't the same as application, so we're making lists of things that need fixing around the home and he'll work on those for a bit of income. If he could fix the plumbing with our dishwasher, that'd be fabulous!!
Dance is still part of his regular activities, with at least 5 hrs a week spent on lessons, plus competitions which have been running adhoc since May through to August. And in his spare time, he's still working on his music technology (music remixing and podcasting).
Then there's all the other running around to catch up with friends, and organise activities outside of the home. This week it was laser tag with our local homeschool group. Next week a group is going to the docks to learn about imports/exports. We have some regular meetups organised so the teens can work on crafts (like a sewing circle, but the guys will bring another small project their working on). Yes, it's keeping me VERY busy ... and I've only shared what the elder child is doing today. I'll post again soon with Mariposa's list of books/subjects.
Until next time!
Catherine
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