Next Semester: GO

BIOLOGY

This year Haley had biology.  It is our plan to have her participate in the US Biology Olympiad, and take an end-of-year SAT Biology Subject test.  It is necessary for the biology curriculum to be secular (you cannot ignore reproduction, be ignorant to evolution or other 'evidence of science' and be successful in a scientific area as a student).  This required heavy supplementation to Hybrid school's course from the outset.  For that we purchased Barron's SAT II Biology study-guide.  From that, I integrated her Hybrid school lessons with the study-guide information.  Finally, I incorporated online videos from Crash Course and Khan Academy into the weekly lessons to coincide with the topics being discussed in class, exams being taken, and labs being done.

I also subscribed to Shmoop for added clarification and further explanation of topics and concepts (since the study-guide is only a *guide* and her class text book was inadequate).

This worked well enough until very recently.  Now, for the 2nd semester, we have been informed that the biology instructor at Hybrid school is no longer going to be at Hybrid school.  A substitute is stepping in until a permanant replacement is found.  The problem with a substitute teacher is....s/he isn't going to really take OWNERSHIP of the course.  Also, stepping in half-way through the year is difficult!!

So, we had to step up our home-supplementation game.  As such, we enrolled Haley into Thinkwell's online biology course.

Thinkwell is a GREAT course.  It is better organized than Shmoop.  Is more detailed.  Has printed notes, lecture transcripts, and offers test/quizzes for evaluation.  I'm not sure how long I have access to Shmoop (1 year?) but I feel like it was a "wasted" expenditure.

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SPANISH

It was in the plan to have the children learn Latin.  Seems cool, and is very popular in homeschooling circles (particularly in using The Well Trained Mind/Classical Education Method).  I purchased a book and DVD a couple of years ago.  Haley started the course.  But, got busy with the other (more pressing) aspects of the curriculum.  I then realized (always learning and realizing new things on this journey) Haley didn't love foreign languages, and is not very interested in putting forth the effort to learn them.  Therefore, Latin is the "wrong" language to stuff down her throat as compulsory.  If I only get one, it HAS to be Spanish!  So she is in Spanish class at Hybrid School (this is actually her 2nd year).

Learning from experience (and decreasing the stress that accompanies attention divided) the younger 2 kids are *also* doing Spanish (at this time, foregoing Latin).  However, their Spanish classes are more "conversational" and at the home of a friend who hires una Professora to come to her home and teach a group of friends fun, easy-going, Spanish.

***
WRITING

I purchased a few books in The Complete Writer series:  Writing with Ease, and Writing with Skill set for Ian and Haley at their respective levels.  It was my intention to have them *write more* and *correctly.*  A change in the tutoring situation (we had an in-home tutor/English major graduate that is no longer a tutor for us) shifted the onus of going through the book/course on me.  For Ian (4th grade) the book sufficiently helps the parent instruct the child at a level considered superior for their age.  However, for Haley (middle school), I really wanted someone who "does English for real" to work with her.  So we now have a teacher that stays after school with her and works with her one-on-one with writing (planning, composition, etc).  This teacher prefers the book "The Power in Your Hands." So Writing with Skill is on the shelf.

Additionally, the Hybrid school's 4th grade teacher is from South Africa (and she is about business).  We LOVE her.  She is *serious* about writing, geography, and literature.  This is EXCELLENT because that leaves math to me (which works well because I am VERY familiar with mathematics resources, and having been through this with Haley, tutoring HER all the way up to algebra, I have fresh pre-algebra and at least intro algebra on the tip of my tongue!!).

However, this also means that the Writing with Ease book, while we ARE working our way through it, its going very slowly (because the priority in writing are his Hybrid school papers and exercises which doesn't leave much time to work through WWE).  So, it sits on the shelf quite a bit.

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HISTORY

Initially we started Haley out at Hybrid school in history.  The class was VERY project-heavy (read, time-consuming), to the detriment of her ability to fully participate in math and science (her forte).  So we pulled her out of that project class, and she was to read US History with Dad and discuss, etc.  Dad and Haley started discussing more modern history (for debate prep) and going to debate tournaments, leaving the US History books on the shelf.  This year, she is taking World History (which includes US History during the timeline) at Hybrid school.  She initially struggled with it because it is an Honors class, with heavy writing, and is a high-school class (she is in 7th grade).  But now after a semester focused on writing, and continued writing tutoring, she's doing MUCH better in World History.

History is being covered very well in Ian's Hybrid School curriculum.  Video links sent home.  Discussions and projects in class.  Presentations of historical figures.  There is no additional supplementation necessary for Ian.  The curriculum being used is The Story of the World.   For the US History component there is a supplementation with the Liberty's Kids Series.

***
MATH

Haley is doing FANTASTIC in Algebra 2 in Hybrid School using Holt Algebra 2 text.  She has almost a perfect grade.  She is "the best in the class" if she's telling it.  And she spends most of the time with her tutor now on *enrichment.*  Her tutor still comes to the home 3 times a week for 1 hour.


Math enrichment includes:

AMC exams (8, 10A, and 10B).  Her Awesome Math meetings have prepared her well for these competitions.  These exams are being organized and administered by her math club (Awesome Math) for $10 each.  A good score on AMC 10 or 12 results in an invite to sit for the AIME. [Haley]

MathCounts.  This competition is upcoming.  Entering was $30 for an individual (which is the only way a homeschool student can participate).  The advantage of being a homeschooled student is, she gets to go to "Local/Chapter" competition automatically.  Most students are competing *within* their school/districts with interal exams to ascertain who will represent the school and make the representing team.  Haley is on no team, and she is the "top" student in our School, so she gets to go.  [Haley]

Mathleague.  This competition is not very popular in this area, as such (or likely due to the fact that) there aren't many exam/competition administrations in the DFW area.  They DO offer 1 mail-in competition (cost is $30).  We are awaiting further instruction from the Mathleague on this. [Haley]

USAMTS (USA Math Talent Search).  Haley has completed all 3 rounds of this competition.  The children have an entire month to answer 5 questions.  They upload their answers.  Those who score well enough are invited to sit for the AIME.  This is free.  [Haley]

MOEMS (Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School).  This competition allows a homeschool to enter as a team.  There are some stipulations, and a fee ($99).  The exam is administered by a PICO (person in charge of olympiads) at our home once a month for 5 months.  It is open to other local homschoolers (but for now, its just Haley and Ian).  In the fee, the children get some goodies, and great practice.  [Ian and Haley]

Purple Comet.  Free.  Online.  Upcoming in Spring.

Math Kangaroo.  Upcoming (more information forthcoming).


***

Summary: 

Exams
USAMTS x3
MOEM x2
AMC 8


Classes
Spanish 1
Space/Earth science
Algebra 2
Logic/Speech
World history
Journalism/photography


Clubs/Meetings
Math club (Awesome Math)
Orchestra (Philharmonic harpist)
Debate/Extemp
STUCO


Sports/fitness
Fencing


Private lessons (with performances)

Harp - TCU
Piano - with John and Cordelia Owings


Social/leadership development
Rhoer Club (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated) Member
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated


Societies:
American Mensa
Davidson Young Scholar
Mensa Junior Honor Society


Scholarship application submitted:
Angela Award


Study for:
AMC 10 x2 (February 2016)
SAT II Bio (Spring 2016)
Biology Olympiad (February 2016)


Social Media/Resume
Linked In profile created here.


Plans for summer
Duke Tip Camp
Awesome Math Camp
Fencing Camp

Haley 8th grade - Profoundly Gifted - Update

Haley is in 8th grade.  She is doing well, adjusting to life as a teen in the various ways teens adjust.  Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is not easy.  I am reading a few books I highly recommend that (I believe) are helping me be a better person and parent:  The Conscious Parent by Tsabary, and A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children by Webb Gore et al.

Raising adults requires you to be open, honest, and willing to made adjustments and learn about yourself.  It also requires that the parent SEES the child as the child is.  As a full, complete, personality.  These two books are helping me keep my eye on that beacon.  

I recently had Haley IQ tested and discovered that she meets criteria for PG (profoundly gifted).  I feel a little behind the curve [what took me so long to consider this, and have her tested?].  I spend quite a bit time communicating with other parents about all things "homeschooling" in the various groups of which I am apart.  One person in particular was SUPER helpful, and based on what I shared about Haley, recommended I have her tested:  "She sounds like a PG kid."  She gave me the contact information for a local examiner, and my brother paid for the testing.  When the results came back, hubby and I had to rethink our entire plan for her education and enrichment.  So....I joined even MORE groups.  One book I've come across regarding this issue is:  Genius Denied by Davidson

This book is good because it helps highlight the state of gifted education and helped me realize just how much "damage" schools are doing to the brightest children - wasting their potential.  It reinforces our decision to homeschool, and helps me articulate (better) why individualized education is so important - especially for children who are non-uniform.  

One issue I've learned about is "asynchronous development" and I realize that I have misunderstood Haley in this regard.  Now that I KNOW I am really seeing the effect of this, and making modifications.  For instance, take a look at these grades:

In math, she has her B because she did poorly on a quiz or two (the math teacher gives a quiz each class day).  Haley didn't study in depth (and thought she understood a concept that she didn't quite get fully) and on a 4 question quiz, missed 2.  50%.  Brought down her average.  This is a valuable lesson for her.  I was able to "use" this as a learning opportunity to explain to her (with real-life to 'back me up') that she needs to be methodical and consistent with math and science to master the concepts.

Regarding World History:  she is trying various "short-cuts" and hitting brick walls every single time.  Skim reading - NO.  Guessing - NO.  Studying at the last minute (or not at all) for tests - NO. Writing ONE draft of something and turning it in half-assed?  NO.  Eventhough she KNOWS what to do, she's opting to "try it her way."  And in this class, I'm allowing her to BECAUSE I know she needs to "experience the consequences" of doing it the way she's doing it.  Better to learn now, and maybe learn....

...but it bugs me nonetheless.  The silver lining?  This is a high-school honors (9th grade) class that she's taking early 2 years early.  So, if necessary, she can take it again next year - this time with all the "don't do it that way" out of her psyche.  Also, the instructor allows her to drop one score, and opt-out of one assignment (all semester) so 2 low scores going away could raise her grade significantly.  In addition to the added "bonus" of the honors scale, she could actually have a solid B in this very difficult TWO credit course!


Also, there's the option of "testing out" of some classes by demonstrating mastery after self-learning or more in-depth understanding of a course taken previously.


Overall, I am proud of her and feel that we are on target.  Recently I had a lunch meeting with a PG mom whose daughter went to college early, and is now a graduate student at 16.  That got me thinking (together with the 'recommendation' by the psychologist that evaluated Haley) that perhaps we should consider "early college" for her too.  I fretted over it, and meditated on the idea.  I even consulted this helpful guidebook:  Considering the Options:  A Guidebook for Investigating Early College Entrance. 

After consulting with Hubby, Haley, reading the book, talking to other parents....and then *realizing* the asynchrony in her development as evidenced by some of her behaviors, interests, and the grades (study habits, follow-though, diligence, etc) it was clear that Haley needs more time.  She can DO the work, academically.  But she'll require support.  There's no way she'll be ready to "do it on her own" in time for college away from home next year (or the year following). She needs time "figure things out" with regards to her study habits, decision making, prioritization, etc.  She still needs "too much help" getting the "right" things done, timely, and completely.  Which is a great thing to know.  There is no benefit in pretending that sending her off to college at 16 will yield the desired results when we can deduce otherwise from current actions.

But also, it came down to "not limiting her."  If she goes to college early, she would need more support than we can provide from afar.  So that means moving WITH her (which isn't very practical, nor fair to the other family members; and may even place a heavy burden on her), or it means she'll have to attend college close to home (limiting her to Texas schools).  So no Ivy consideration.  No HBCU.  No fencing scholarship.  And for what?  Wouldn't it be more beneficial for her to stay in high-school until 2020, graduate when she's ready, and during the last year or so of high-school she can really enjoy her time and shine in her sports/activities.  She may earn merit scholarships that may not be available (or she may not be competitive for) earlier.  And, literally, the entire world opens to her in 2020.  Why make a hasty decision just to get "college done" and then....end up with a degree that wasn't "best" for you?

So many considerations, but ultimately, I think the Universe gave us a great "sign" when her algebra quiz with the 50% just so happen to post during all this.  Combined with a drop in the World History grade from her B to a C (due to a few mistakes she made in that class).  A sign that, our goal (our curriculum, our plan of action) isn't for her to go to college early.  Or else "limit" her to nearby...

As an alternative, we are considering having her take some classes at the junior college.  And continue Hybrid school, likely until they have nothing else to offer her (so at LEAST until 2019).

Back to School 2015

Public and Private Schools

Hybrid/Homeschool

Summer in review - collage

The summer before 8th grade in pictorial review.

Haley had a very full and productive summer. She attended Awesome Math Camp which is a big deal.  There she took algebra 1.5 and geometry.  She *continued* geometry over the summer, completing 110 lessons in Teaching Textbooks with the assistance of her tutor after the camp.  Now she is ready for Algebra 2 this year!!  (She insisted *she* wanted to do it, and she did it!!).

Haley also participated in the 1st fencing camp; but the 2nd fencing camp she signed on as a "coach in training" and lead the younger children in exercises and drills.  We had the opportunity to visit New York City (and peek at Columbia and Julliard).

We had a few out of town guests (Great Grandma Nellie, Grandpa Harry, and Uncle Marquis), and bonding with family is always educational. Of course there was some time to hang out with friends and family.

Haley did extemporaneous speaking camp (in preparation for a switch to extemp this academic year). She spent some time shadowing a prominent elected official.  She continued her piano and harp studies.  And she enjoyed waterpark fun and horseback riding.  We already "met the teacher" and Haley jumped right into reading her biology and watching videos on Cornell note-taking.

All we have left to do is a tiny bit of organizing, and we'll be all ready!!  #ExcitedForHer

School year in pictorial review (collage)

There are plenty of post about each of these activities so we won't go into that here.  But noteworthy to point out:  7th Grade Talent Search John Hopkins CTY and Duke TiP.  Awards in piano and music theory.  Cotillion.  North Texas Children's Choir.  Change in studios to very prestigious music instructors.  Artemis conference and great debate year.  Fencing greatness.  And great academic success (including an A in algebra).  She joined a math club, and participates in Jack and Jill.

While Haley is busy, because she is homeschooled, there is plenty of TIME for her to spend her time doing each of these things without the "distraction" of public school and all the time "wasted" there for 40 hours/week or more.

Preview:

Nonetheless, this upcoming year Haley wants to try Student Council, Journalism (so yearbook and/or photography) in addition to orchestra/harp, piano, Extemp, and math club.  She has Spanish, Algebra 2, Biology (pre-AP), Earth and Space Science, and AP World History (with writing, speech and logic).  She is enrolled in two AoPS online math course to prepare for the AMC 8.  And we are looking for a research mentor for science.  We are considering English online via Duke Tip, but that may not be necessary if AP History offers enough writing and research opportunities for this EIGHT grader!!  Finally, she will have a writing class with an English instructor.

7th Grade

The year of TWELVE has been phenomenal for this little girl!!  From a speech that helped win a Peabody, to a premier math-camp opportunity, this girl has been a shining star.

Her curriculum this year has focused on HER.  Whatever she vaguely thought she might want to pursue, we tried to give her a taste.  Afterall, this is the last year of "whimsical fluttering" from flower to flower.  Its time to FOCUS and specialize!!

There are a few *staple* foci, which include math, and language arts.  As stated here:  math is the metronome for the cadence of education.  We focus on math - regardless of the desired ultimate field of study.  Additionally, being able to read well is the foundation of being able to "self-teach."  Ultimately, "self-teaching" is how all teaching is done.  

This is what we did this 2014-2015 7th grade academic year:

• Algebra - we spent last summer doing pre-algebra so she'd excel this year
• Language Arts - Excellence in Writing, Elegant Essay, and lots of time spent doing Analytical Grammar.
• Physical Science - PLUS science fair.
• Debate:  Team Policy
• Piano
• Harp
• Orchestra
• Fencing
• Choir
• Jack and Jill

Also it's important to mention that this year was the year of the Talent Searches. Haley took the ACT and qualified for Talent Searches (in qualifying for 1, it is very likely qualifications have been met for the others).  So we opted to participate in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth and Duke TiP.  These additional merit badges are intrinsically great (especially for a homeschooled child) as external validation of "smartness."  Also, though, they have GREAT online courses (which are outstanding resources for homeschooled students) and summer camps.  It is our intention to have Haley participate in an online course this upcoming year, and go to a CTY camp in upcoming years. 

Summer Plans

• Math Camp (geometry and algebra 2)
• Geometry 
• Piano
• Harp
• Fencing camp
• Debate camp:  extemporaneous 

What she's done from then to now (2014).