Research
Research
The one area that has been a struggle this year has been the research. We have tried using Wikipedia, but I find it hard to read through it and find the information we are looking for and Noah finds it almost impossible. He isn't great at skimming material for important information, but he can do it if the reading is closer to his level. Wikipedia just seems so over his head. We have a Bible dictionary that works for bible related topics and we have the Usborne history of the ancient world. Does anyone use anything else? I have though about paying for a subscription to something like world book online. I really want him to be able to do the research part independently next year, but I think he will need something other than wikipedia to be successful at this.
Mom to:
dd 22 college graduate and employed as an Intervention Specialist
ds 18 US2, Loved Preparing, CTC , RTR , Rev to Rev, MTMM ,WG, WH and US1
http://www.graceandfur.blogspot.com/
dd 22 college graduate and employed as an Intervention Specialist
ds 18 US2, Loved Preparing, CTC , RTR , Rev to Rev, MTMM ,WG, WH and US1
http://www.graceandfur.blogspot.com/
Re: Research
We found our Bible dictionary to be very helpful, just as you have. 
I have to say we did mainly use Wikipedia though. My ds struggled with skimming first too, but I figure that's a good skill to learn, so we spent some real time on that. The biggest help was to have my ds look for the blue words (or whatever color the links are on your screen), as well as the headings. He would also look at the outline on the sidebar of the site to find the best link for the question he was researching. He learned the back tab and learned to skim paying close attention to the colored linked words. Dc don't have to answer every single question, so they can just pick a few to answer and work up to more as their research skills mature. I found that the research we did in PHFHG was more of a teaching year for me, but after that year, now in CTC my ds can do it independently. Maybe someone else will have a different hardback reference you could try though! I hope something here helps. I do think that research initially goes exactly as you are describing, which is why it's so great that this skill is woven into HOD from PHFHG on up. It is a skill to be gradually honed over time. 
In Christ,
Julie
I have to say we did mainly use Wikipedia though. My ds struggled with skimming first too, but I figure that's a good skill to learn, so we spent some real time on that. The biggest help was to have my ds look for the blue words (or whatever color the links are on your screen), as well as the headings. He would also look at the outline on the sidebar of the site to find the best link for the question he was researching. He learned the back tab and learned to skim paying close attention to the colored linked words. Dc don't have to answer every single question, so they can just pick a few to answer and work up to more as their research skills mature. I found that the research we did in PHFHG was more of a teaching year for me, but after that year, now in CTC my ds can do it independently. Maybe someone else will have a different hardback reference you could try though! I hope something here helps. I do think that research initially goes exactly as you are describing, which is why it's so great that this skill is woven into HOD from PHFHG on up. It is a skill to be gradually honed over time. In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: Research
Lynn,
Research is a new skill that is introduced in Preparing Hearts. Whenever a new skill is introduced, it will be pretty tough going for the kiddos. But, it will get easier as the year goes on. Since it is a new skill in Preparing, I made sure I was right next to my son and talked through how we would look through the categories listed in wikipedia under the topic in order to find the answer. I also spent some time talking about skimming. I would ask the question in the guide, then we'd look at the categories listed and go to the category we thought answered the question. Then, we'd skim for the answer. Sometimes, I scrolled to the answer and pointed out where to find it. Think of it as a cooperative effort.
During my public school teaching days, having kiddos learn to use encyclopedias (even in paper form) was a tough skill. It did take time to develop but was so necessary for the writing and research required for higher level learning. So, be encouraged that your little guy isn't meant to master the skill independently yet. He will get better over time.
It is a progressive skill.
Blessings,
Carrie
Research is a new skill that is introduced in Preparing Hearts. Whenever a new skill is introduced, it will be pretty tough going for the kiddos. But, it will get easier as the year goes on. Since it is a new skill in Preparing, I made sure I was right next to my son and talked through how we would look through the categories listed in wikipedia under the topic in order to find the answer. I also spent some time talking about skimming. I would ask the question in the guide, then we'd look at the categories listed and go to the category we thought answered the question. Then, we'd skim for the answer. Sometimes, I scrolled to the answer and pointed out where to find it. Think of it as a cooperative effort.
During my public school teaching days, having kiddos learn to use encyclopedias (even in paper form) was a tough skill. It did take time to develop but was so necessary for the writing and research required for higher level learning.
So, be encouraged that your little guy isn't meant to master the skill independently yet. He will get better over time.It is a progressive skill.
Blessings,
Carrie