Supplement: something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.
Supplement simply means an extra book, resource, or a few more lessons to help a subject along. For instance, I take a Vitamin D supplement every day because I am Vitamin D deficient. If I don’t I get calcium stones. Currently, my 14yr old is science & history deficient.
During Christmas Break – a month long break for CC students – a few conversations popped up and it was painfully obvious from my son’s comments he knew very little to very inaccurate information. Repeatedly in the subjects concerning physical science and history during the 1840’s-1900’s. This is not the first time I’ve noticed a gap in his science and history knowledge. It’s the reason why we left Classical Conversations at the end of last year.
But we came back after charter school bombed and I completely forgot to supplement! I was so busy trying to buy curriculum and catch up over fall break. I recently chatted with a CC veteran mom who confirmed “CC high school students are behind in science. Some colleges are not accepting Apologia’s middle school Physical Science as a high school credit.”
Second semester kicked off with history being replaced for mock trial and the lack of a science spreading for 10 weeks, (2 & 1/2 months!). I immediately felt like I was sinking in last year’s disappointment all over again. Feeling like I’m part of the orchestra on the Titanic.
Titanic History Lesson!
Did you know, Wallace Hartley lead the 8-member band on the Titanic? His violin was recovered from his body. It sold at auction for 1.7 million dollars.
Second Semester Supplementing
Once I overcame my complaining and panic attacks, I got involved with lesson planning and supplementing. Isn’t that what we’re always told – regardless of co-op curriculum. I am the teacher! I purchased a few items to help us fill in a few blanks and fun things to do which CC does not offer outside of it’s strands.
- The Story of the World, Modern Age. This book kicks off with Queen Victoria and the Industrial Revolution.
I asked Henry, Can you tell what was the Industrial Revolution? Nope. So we’re starting in a good place. He left charter school when they were discussing Queen Victoria so it seems to be the spot for 8th graders & social studies. I’m adding a few Science YouTube videos in whenever I can to match SotW. For instance, Chapter 1 of SotW and How do Steam Engines Work video. Chapter 2 Sepoys Mutiny and YouTube: How Does a Rifle Work. Nothing too crazy, supplements.
- Master Books Survey of Geology and Archeology. Since Challenge B did a fantastic job covering astronomers in the 1st semester – I felt we could skip to Survey of Earth & Sky. It’s slightly amusing I used to review for Master Books back in 2010-2012.
This will be a nice fill for the 10 weeks 2nd Semester CC dedicates to Defeating Darwinism (which I do not consider needs all 10 weeks and a huge miss on physical science when it’s really apologetics – don’t get me started. I’m the parent who believes you should be discussing faith regularly with your children and not making it a “strand” or a 10-week subject during core classes).
- Fine Arts Friday – I’ve already shared how much I’m enjoying Fine Arts and adding opportunities for creativity on Fridays using Chalk Pastel Art’s Fine Arts Curriculum. Having such creative kids and married to an artist – we need us some art!
- Money Management. Henry has always been interested in money, making money, saving money, etc. I’ve tried to put this off for Economics in high school – but there is a great YouTube Channel – Two Cents, that is educational and fun.
- Homeschool Nature Study, #OutdoorHourChallenge Monthly Membership. This is definitely more of a relaxed nature learning we’re applying to Colorado wildlife during our walks & hikes than a sit down & study type of core subject. We live along a beautiful “open space” where we’ve seen so many wild animals and flowers. HNS offers a calendar and we follow along with the themed information.
- Writing Prompts. The second semester of CC is full of reading short stories and then writing a short story towards the end of the semester. I’m all about getting in the reps and practice, so we are picking writing prompts and working on our short story early thanks to “Lady Writer’s” free worksheets. I have found a treasure trove of great worksheets to help my son learn to write a short story effectively.
Stef Layton Pep Talk
I struggle a lot with guilt. Guilt I’m not doing a great job. Guilt my kid isn’t learning what he “should” be learning. Guilt I’m a “bad” homeschool mom. Guilt I didn’t notice gaps earlier. Guilt I sent my kid to charter school because he wanted to go. Guilt I sent my kid back to CC knowing it’s not science strong. Guilt I can’t be a “good” Classical Conversations mom and follow along without questions. Guilt I just turned them down to direct Challenge 1 next year.
Who ordered me an all you can eat guilt platter at the buffet table?
So if you’re anything like me, and I truly truly hope you don’t struggle with guilt like I do. Let’s cheers our coffee cups and read this together. Because it’s becoming my mantra: Do what you need to do for your kid. If they need more, supplement. If they’re lost, slow down. If they need less, back off. If they are interested in whatever, do it. If something steals their joy, get rid of it. Stop comparing your homeschool. And drop the stupid guilt – it’s a form of pride.