Thursday, August 23, 2007

Proclaiming nerdiness

The children and I are about 2.5 weeks into the school year, and already Spyder has decided that English from the Roots Up is by far his favorite study.

I really wasn't sure how he'd take to it. I got it specifically because he reads so much, and he doesn't like to stop and look up words. I can't blame him for that. I never liked doing that, so I just tried to get the meaning from the context. I'm sure he could do that too, but someone recommended the study, and I thought that he could benefit from it.

Because I wasn't sure if he'd like it, I decided to buy just the book instead of the book and flash cards. We're making our own flash cards instead, using the instructions in the book. And interestingly, not buying the pre-made cards has given us much more hands on time with the information. And without even realizing it, Spyder is steadily working on his penmanship in two different classes.

Sass is doing the program as well, almost in the same depth. We discuss the root word, then give examples where it's used in our language. And even though I know the words we discuss, at times I feel as if I'm learning as much as the children.

Considering that we studied Ancient Greece last year, and our current history study is starting with Rome, it all seems to be coming together nicely.

And so far, we're all enjoying it!

4 comments:

PEZmama said...

I took a look and it looks cool. What age is it recommended for? I might want to do that... someday.

It makes me think of that movie Akeelah (sp?) and the Bee. Tell me you have seen it! Learning the roots is how the contestants figure out how to spell so much stuff.

piper said...

it's so amazing that you are home schooling...I admire that so much!

Noodle said...

PEZmama: Realistically, I think not before second grade or so. I wouldn't have started this program specifically for Sass at this point. Spyder would have been able to do it last year, definitely (third grade).

The book isn't very expensive, and you may be able to work in a few things earlier. I think I paid $20 for it new (and in the homeschool buying season). You may be able to find it cheaper mid-year. As I said in my post, I would highly recommend making the flash cards rather than buying them.

Noodle said...

Piper: Thanks. :) I admire you working moms! I'm not sure I could do that!