More questions about Preparing...

Marsha · Post by **Marsha** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:32 pm

I am trying to plan budget wise, so...
I will have 3 children doing Preparing.
I think it would be easier to buy each child a copy of the books of atleast the Science and their level of history.
Would would 12 year old read the Extension books and the SELF-STUDY DELUXE or just the Extension?
Also, I am debating on whether to put her in Preparing Science and Apologia or just one of them.
Any suggestions?

6timeboymom · Post by **6timeboymom** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:15 pm

I would probably do just the Preparing Science if it was me. There's a lot of content in the HOD science, and the apologia might be off-topic compared to what the others are doing, kwim? Besides, I'm all about making it as easy as possible-and for me it's easier to adjust up the HOD science then retro-fit the apologia to the HOD.
(I'm not a fan of Dr. Wile, though, so hopefully someone else will chime in, too)
My two that are doing the same extension pack are sharing books. Which actually is really good for them-they are my "oil and water" boys who drive each other nuts constantly. So to be "forced" to cooperate is a wonderful lesson for them both. I'll post a snapshot of our dayly routine in the weekly check in thread so you can see how we share.

blessedmomof4 · Post by **blessedmomof4** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:36 pm

As for the independent reading, your 12 year old would just need the self-studyextension for 5/6. The self-study deluxe is aimed at 3/4th graders.

Nancy · Post by **Nancy** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:25 am

I have my 12 yo doing the Apologia General Science for 7th grade this year, and quite frankly, it's tough!! I'm amazed that this is recommended for 7th grade...it's VERY meaty and gets into a lot of philosophical depth. The tests are very difficult imo. It's a BIG textbook with A LOT of reading. My dd doesn't mind all of the reading, but some of the concepts are just over her head and too much to retain at this age I think. I don't think we'll be reusing this program in the future, although, we're sticking it out and finishing it for this year. Apologia is updating the General Science with a new edition that should be out before next fall sometime, I think; maybe the changes will make it a little more age appropriate?? I don't know. I find myself wishing that I had gone with A Beka for 7th grade Science and just add in some extra living books and nature studies for fun. This particular child of mine is very Science minded, but probably would have barely passed the course if I took official grades on her tests. I know a lot of people love Apologia, but my opinion leaves much to be desired. My advice would be to go with HOD's books, and beef it up with something like a basic A Beka textbook to make sure she's "covering" everything.

Nancy

joyfulheart · Post by **joyfulheart** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:46 am

Apologia science is awesome but very time consuming.

Depending on the kid, doing two sciences might be overwhelming.