It's been a long while since I last posted. We've been quite busy packing, moving, re-structuring our lives in a new city and studying.
Chip started his first year of senior high. As I noted in my previous post, Chip started the year fully-aligned with the Provincial curriculum. His courses are either delivered on-line (OL) or through correspondence (CORR). Currently, Chip is taking the following courses: Physical Education (OL), English Language Arts (CORR), Social Studies (CORR), Pure Math (CORR), Science (general) (CORR), Spanish (OL), Design Studies (CORR), Job Preparation (OL) and CALM (Career and Life Management) (OL).
Unfortunately, Chip struggled with the resources - both on-line and via correspondence. The correspondence materials were particularly problematic. This was our first time trying the correspondence method and it looks like it will be our last. The correspondence resources consisted of 5-6 modules for each lesson and an equal number of assignment booklets in addition to text-books and notebooks. Flipping from module, to text, to notebook, then back to module and finally to assignment book was not working for Chip. We dropped all modules and assignment books but kept the text books. This way, Chip was working between the text and notebook alone.
Social Studies: Chip is simply working through a text book, completing exercises in a notebook. In addition to this, Chip will write 2 research papers on any topic covered in the text. His first paper is due before Christmas. This course is a 1/2 year course. The teacher will assess his work based on the exercises he completes in the notebook and the 2 papers he will submit.
Pure Math: Unfortunately, the text book was not working for Chip. The font is quite small, the material is packed too tightly, it full of colour and illustrations and is too distracting for Chip to follow efficiently. Instead, we've switched to the
Absolute Value Publications' Pure Math Grade 10 Workbook. This math resource is very much like the math resource Chip used last year - no colour, basic instruction and limited illustrations. In addition to the workbook, Chip will write exams using
the Key. This course is was a 1/2 year course but we recently changed it to a full-year course. The teacher will assess his work based on the exercises he completes in the workbook and the exams he writes using the Key.
Physical Education: Unfortunately, the OL resource is not working for Chip. Instead, he will prepare his own monthly logs, logging in all the time he spends on physical education. This year, Chip chose to start competitive swimming. He decided not to continue with tae kwon do. He continues to trail biking and will try various other activities such as kayaking and wall climbing. The only curriculum outcome he is not looking forward to is the dance component but I'm sure he will enjoy it once he gets moving! He will also write 2 papers on any topic pertaining to physical activity. This course is a full-year course. The teacher will assess his participation based on his logs and papers.
Spanish: Chip is working through the OL resource which is supplemented with a workbook and disks. This is a full-year course. The teacher will assess his work based on on-line exercises he completes and conversations via the telephone (with teacher).
Science: Chip will use a textbook for Science. He will complete the exercises in a notebook and may use the Key for exams or may prepare 2 research papers instead. This is a 1/2 year course and does not start until the second term.
English Language Arts: Chip will work through an anthology, using a notebook for exercises. He will use the
Language Works 10 workbook (only) for grammar. He will read a novel for this course and will write a paper on the novel. He will also have a textbook available as a reference book should he need to consult it at any time but will not be working through it. This is a 1/2 year course and does not start until the second term. The teacher will assess his work based on the work completed in the notebook, workbook and the novel study.
Design Studies, Job Preparation and CALM: These are all 1 credit courses and have short booklets with exercises that Chip is required to complete. His work will be assessed based on the work he does.
In addition to the above-noted work, Chip returned to drumming. He receives 1 hour instruction once a week. He is happy to be drumming again. We still have his acoustic drum set but, since we currently live in an apartment building, Chip is not able to practice at home.
We've had quite a few hurdles with the resources and are just settling into a smooth routine but at least we have choice and a little more freedom. I'm thankful for the flexibility we have with homeschooling!