Our son, Xander, loves the farm life! I'm sure you'll see him many times over the course of our journey here at Homeschool On the Range. If you love his work, click on the Xander tag at the bottom of this post to find more!
(when I bought it)
I bought a old radio from a yard sale and took off the wood from the top and the sides. It was pretty messed up. Then I sanded it down and stained it where the wood had been. I will eventually fix the bottom pieces. There is a place where the front wood came off and I saved some of the sides to fix it. Also, one of the corners is missing to keep it level. And I also need to glue that other post back into place in the corner of the front. There is still a lot to be done, but I will put up pictures when I finish.
It's that time of the year again! Maybe it's because I'm a TK (Teacher's Kid), or maybe it's just because I'm weird....but the back-to-school sales and smell of new books always make me happy. This year, we've got a high schooler and middle schooler...and the house is full of hormones happiness....
Morning Basket (Together Time)
Since as far back as we can remember (which is to say, since the first kid was born), we've started our days with a little bit of reading together time. Now that they're teens, I see no reason to stop this tradition. We just change the book selections!
Seriously though, your teen might grumble that it's not cool to read together with his little siblings and his mom, but inside, he's truly loving it. Here lately, I've been reading aloud while the boys eat breakfast. They're teens, and they're sleeping in later than usual, so this is a gentle way to start the day.
And can we just step back for a moment and reflect on the blessing that homeschool affords us with that flexibility to sleep in? So many teens have to stumble through their early morning classes before their brains, biologically, are even capable of fully functioning. I like knowing that that extra hour or two gets them good sleep, boosting their immunity and helping them to start the day off right!
These are the books we'll be reading aloud together this year:
Once this time is done (usually a couple of chapters), we have a quick rundown of the day. Sometimes this is a quick once-over of their daily assignments. Other times, it's a reminder that we have appointments or a field trip or something special going on.
8th Grade Curriculum
Our 8th grade son is a very hands-on learner, and is still playing catch up in one subject. Best options for him are straightforward and comprehensive. We've chosen:
Saxon Math 8/7 - Pre-algebra plus review of past concepts
Apologia General Science - With the free printable notebook to accompany it, this is a gentle introduction to upcoming high school sciences
Who Dun It? - He's taking a break from TGTB Language Arts this year to pursue something completely different! No worries...he'll be back on the TGTB train next year.
World History - A light introduction prior to high school
The Epic World of Tolkien - This is a fun way to work on fine motor skills (occupational therapy) for older students
11th Grade Curriculum
Our 11th grade son was accepted to a pre-engineering program and prestigious academic school, but opted to decline both of those due to 'rona restrictions and wanting to travel. He is dual enrolling at a local community college for some classes, including:
Mandarin I - A very difficult, but up and coming language for sure!
Blacksmithing & Metal Work - This shop class will include some welding, armor-making, metallurgical principles, and other materials science work
Naturally, there's sure to be some adjustments throughout the year. Both boys will have physical education built in to each day, along with farm chores and life skills. We're planning to supplement our studies with a few long roadschooling trips and college visits to both coasts as well!
Enjoy the Journey!
Looking for a different grade? Check out our other curricula reveals!
The U.S. Life-Saving Service was the ancestor to today's Coast Guard. It had eight-member teams stationed at remote areas of coastline that literally put their lives on the line to save lives. Their unofficial motto was, "You have to go out, you don't have to come back." These men ventured into violent storms and shipwrecks, showing exemplary courage, and saved thousands of lives total during their years of service.
With four aunts and uncles serving in the US Coast Guard, the boys were excited to learn about the history of that branch. We've been listening to their "tales from the sea" for nearly twenty years now...some are mesmerizing! Knowing what they experience, with today's technology, made us very curious about how these same feats were accomplished over a hundred years ago.
History of the Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is one of the 5 branches of the military of the United States. It is a part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard's purpose is to protect the people, environment, industry and security of the United States on seas, lakes and rivers. To do this, the Coast Guard uses boats, ships, helicopters and airplanes to stop smuggling and other crime and terrorism, and to rescue ships and boats in danger.
The Coast Guard traces its roots back to the United States Revenue Cutter Service, which was created by Congress in 1790 when President George Washington signed an act allowing the building of 10 boats, called "cutters." The service was first suggested as a way to collect tariffs which were being lost to smuggling. The first Coast Guard station was in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Until the re-establishment of the Navy in 1798, the Revenue Cutter Service was the only naval force of the early United States. The modern Coast Guard can be said to date to 1915, when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service when Congress formalized the existence of the new organization. In times of war, the Coast Guard or individual components of it can operate as a service of the Department of the Navy.
Take a Friend! Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which can make it hard to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in an emergency.
Be Prepared. First, know how to swim. If you don't, it's never too late to learn. Learning some life-saving skills, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. Check with your local Red Cross and YMCA.
Know your limits. If you're not a good swimmer, don't go in water that's so deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers. That can be hard, especially if your friends are challenging you, but you'd rather live to see them again, right? That said, if you are a good swimmer, keep an eye on friends who aren't as comfortable or as skilled as you are. If they're getting tired or a little uneasy, suggest taking a break.
Swim in the Safe Zone. Swimming in an open body of water is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions in the open water. It's always best to swim in places that are supervised. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, rip currents, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. If something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques.
In the Event... If find yourself caught in a rip current, don't panic and don't fight the current. Try toswim parallel to the shore until you can get out of the current, which is usually a narrow channel of water. Gradually try to make your way back to shore as you do so. If you can't swim away from the current, stay calm and float with it. The current will usually slow down. When it does, you can swim to shore.
Dive Smartly. Diving injuries can cause head injury, permanent spinal cord damage, paralysis, and sometimes even death. Protect yourself by only diving in areas known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. If an area has "No Diving" or "No Swimming" signs, pay attention to them. Lakes or rivers can be cloudy and hazards may be hard to see, so just don't dive.
Don't Drink the Pool Water. It's easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you're active and sweating, so make sure that you are drinking A LOT. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or nausea can be signs of dehydration and overheating.
Just Say No. Up to half of all water-related deaths are alcohol-related, and half of all teen male drownings are tied to alcohol use. Just don't do it.
In a boat...
Watch the Weather. Before boating, be sure the weather conditions are safe. Local radio, internet, or TV stations can provide updated local forecast information.
Don't get Tired. The U.S. Coast Guard warns about a condition called boater's fatigue, which means that the wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to wear you down when you're on the water.
Grab Your Floaties. It's always a good idea for everyone on the boat to wear a life jacket, whether the boat is a large speedboat or a canoe — and whether you're a good swimmer or not. Wearing a life jacket is the law in some states for certain age groups, and you could face a stiff penalty for breaking it.
Tell a Friend. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back on land. Better yet, bring along another friend so you're not alone. If you're planning to be gone a long time, make sure to bring a weather radio and keep an eye on the day.
In 1898, twelve-year-old Ben rescues a near-drowned girl from a shipwreck off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Although the girl, named Teetoncey, becomes part of his family, she will not utter a single word.
What are some of the most important characteristics that a lifeguard should have when they’re out on duty?
What is the difference between the Coast Guard and the Navy? What do each of them focus on primarily?
Looking for a literature-based language arts program? The Twenty-Three Reads Bundle is for someone who wants a little bit of everything!
It includes twenty-three unit studies covering a wide range of topics. Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student basic background information about the topic at hand. These studies are directed toward upper grades students, but some have resources for younger students so that the whole family can work together.
There are photographs and illustrations, and we have also included primary documents when available.
After this text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students.
You will also find a short list of reading books, including a featured novel that the unit builds upon.
There are vocabulary words, places, and people to identify.
Reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments are included.
We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the era to life.
Includes:
Language Arts
Finding Langston & the Poetry of Langston Hughes
Geography
Anne of Green Gables & Canadian Provinces
Stowaway & Antarctica
Julie of the Wolves & Alaska
Blades of Freedom & the Louisiana Purchase
The Avion My Uncle Flew & France
History
Zlata’s Diary & the Slavic Wars
Freedom Summer & the Summer of 1964
Treasure Island & Pirates of the Caribbean Sea
Farenheit 451 & Types of Government
Red Stars & Russia in World War 2
The Great Gatsby & the Roaring Twenties
The Long List of Impossible Things & Post-War Germany
A Tale of Two Cities & French Revolution
Witch of Blackbird Pond & Salem Witch Trials
The World Made New & Early Explorers
Stitching a Life & Jewish Immigration
Life Skills
Teetoncey & Lifesaving Skills
Freak of the Week & Disabilities Awareness
Island of the Blue Dolphins & Sailing
Science
The Science of Breakable Things & the Scientific Method
Frankenstein & Human Anatomy
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation & Albert Einstein
Nature studies tend to taper off in high school, but this is a fantastic time for more in-depth learning about specialized topics! Herb studies combine both science and life skills....
Herbs have a variety of culinary and medicinal uses. General usage of the term "herb" differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs; in medicinal use, any parts of the plant might be considered as "herbs," including leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, root bark, and inner bark.
Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Herbs generally refers to the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant (either fresh or dried), while spices are usually dried and produced from other parts of the plant, including seeds, bark, roots and fruits.
Some Common Herbs & their Uses
Ashwagandha An adaptogenic super root, ashwagandha is used to increase vitality, relieve stress, enhance sleep, boost brain and cognitive function, and generally help the body to 'adapt' to stressors.
Astragalus Astragalus comes in pill or tincture form, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use has been to boost the body's immune system. Brew and drink a tea from the roots at onset of a cold for quicker relief.
Echinacea One of the trendiest herbs for immune boosting, echinacea can be taken regularly over long periods of time. It has been reported to reduce the odds of catching a cold by 58%, as well as to reduce the duration of the common cold.
Elderberry Used for its antioxidant activity, elderberry also lowers cholesterol and boosts the immune system. It is also used for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis.
Garlic Best taken raw, garlic contains many sulfur compounds which detoxify the body, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.
Goldenseal Goldenseal helps to boost the 'power' of other herbs, and is often paired with echinacea. It has antifungal and anti-infective properties, which explain the healing actions of this herb. It should not be taken for long periods of time, but should be used more intermittently.
Oregano A natural antioxidant source, Oregano Oil contains phytochemicals which support the body’s natural resistance. Gaia Herbs supercritical CO2 extract of Oregano volatile oils contains phenols, including Carvacrol and Thymol. These oils help support a healthy microbial environment in the intestines and a healthy immune response.
Rosehips A rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, rosehips support the heart and cardiovascular system, enhance the integrity of the vascular system, and can be used as a daily tonic. They are also useful in speeding the healing of bruises and wounds.
*This information is not intended to diagnose or treat ailments. I am not a medical professional.*
When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds it full of secrets. The mansion has nearly one hundred rooms, and her uncle keeps himself locked up. And at night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. The gardens surrounding the large property are Mary's only escape. Then, Mary discovers a secret garden, surrounded by walls and locked with a missing key. With the help of two unexpected companions, Mary discovers a way in—and becomes determined to bring the garden back to life.
Using a flower or seed catalog, create a chart showing at least ten different types of flowers.Tell whether they are annual or perennial and in which conditions they thrive.
Teaching Kids About Herbs - In this year-long course, you'll learn about many herbs! Each month, your child will learn about a new herb and how to use it. Herbs are placed in seasonal positions throughout the book, but it does not have to be completed in order. Includes basic information about seasonally-appropriate herbs, project ideas, and recipes.
Choose one project from this book to complete as you read The Secret Garden.
Vocabulary
Obsequious
Sallow
Preen
Languid
Perennial
Vain
Distended
Vexes
Reproachfully
Bromide
Austerely
Unscrupulous
Bounteous
Gentry
Hypochondriac
Restive
Think
The children go to great lengths to keep the garden and Colin’s recovery a secret.Tell about a time when you kept something secret from your parents because you wanted to give them a happy surprise.
“Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow.”Do you think this is true?Why or why not?
Teaching Kids About Herbs– Each month, your child will learn about a new herb and how to use it. Herbs are placed in seasonal positions throughout the book, but it does not have to be completed in order. Includes basic information about seasonally-appropriate herbs, project ideas, and recipes. (28 pages of lesson plans)
Simple Kitchen Fixes– Learning to use herbs effectively, for both cooking and remedy, is a lost art. This resource was designed to introduce the beginner to basic herbs and their uses. (31 pages)
This homeschool homesteading course is designed for anyone who has a desire to live more independently and prepare much of what is needed each day using their own hands. In this elective course, the student can learn how to work for what they want by making it themselves, instead of participating in an “on demand” society. Homeschool students of all ages learn patience, along with the skills needed to make their own cleaners for the home, sunscreen, homemade ketchup and dry mixes, as well as how to choose animals and prepare for emergencies, and much more.
Each unit addresses a new topic, including science, history, and geography. Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student basic background information about the topic at hand.
You will also find a short list of reading books, including a featured novel that the unit builds upon.
There are vocabulary words, places, and people to identify.
Reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments are included.
We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the topic to life.
The books selected for these unit studies can be found in the upper grades areas of The Good and the Beautiful Book List. However, Homeschool On the Range and Sparks Academy are not employed by or affiliated with, nor do they receive any compensation from, The Good and the Beautiful. It has simply been their curriculum of choice for many years. These unit studies are not endorsed by The Good and the Beautiful or Jenny Phillips.
One question that we're often asked in the Facebook support group for moms using The Good & the Beautiful to teach high school is how to make the history work for a high school credit. If you're not familiar with TGTB, their history program is designed to be used family-style. This means that the entire family, regardless of age / grade can sit around the table and learn together. There are a lot of advantages to this type of learning, as we discussed in How to Do Family-Style Homeschooling, but it might leave you wondering if your teenager is getting enough...
To that end, one of our contributor moms recently created a daily lesson plan that incorporates The Good & the Beautiful, Story of the World audios, Crash Course videos, and a few extra YouTube videos. I love this because it not only challenges the kids further, but also teaches to all of the modalities - aural, visual, and tactile!
This daily plan covers a complete school year and features Ancient through Early Modern World History. Lessons are designed to take about an hour, and each day delineates the pieces used from the three spines, plus there is a supplemental section that includes extra work assigned to high schoolers in the Student Explorers from The Good & the Beautiful. As this set of lesson plans is strictly for high schoolers, elements such as coloring and basic mapwork were removed. If you are primarily teaching middle and high schoolers, you could use these lessons to still complete history family-style.
If you're still not sure about teaching high school history, there is also the option to use teacher-led courses at Sparks Academy. They use TGTB for language arts and Notgrass for American History and World History. They also offer a year-long Civics course that covers introductory government and economics. There has been chatter that they may offer history courses using The Good & the Beautiful in the future, but for the '22-'23 school year, they only offer Notgrass. Some benefits to using a co-op, however, include outside accountability, official grading, writing feedback, flexibility, and peer interaction.
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