Just In Case...

anyone was worried that I was ruining my children's ability to ever meet the standards of others out there in the "real world" by choosing to homeschool them, here are the first quarter progress reports for Brishen's live online classes. This is the very first time he is having to meet the expectations of anyone besides me, and it seems to be going really well. Although he is still technically in junior high, 7th grade in this academy begins the secondary degree program that goes all the way through high school. For those who don't know, "omnibus" (as seen in the title of the last two classes) means "all encompassing." He gets three credits for the two omnibus classes: one in History, one in Literature, and one in Theology and Doctrine. For the primary class, he is reading ancient primary sources such as Codes of Hammurabi, Gilgamesh, Socrates, etc. The secondary class focuses on secondary sources, such as RC Sproul and CS Lewis. It adds up to a lot of reading and some pretty hefty discussions. Latin I: "Brishen contributes encouraging and thoughtful comments to class discussion. He makes positive contributions to class discussions. He demonstrates a good understanding of important concepts. He projects a positive role model in class. He completes assignments on time. He is a joy to have in class." Composition I: "Brishen comes to class prepared and ready to discuss assignments. He puts thought into submitted papers. He gives attention to detail. He completes assignments on time. He demonstrates a good understanding of important concepts. Brishen makes a good effort in this class." Omnibus I Primary: "Brishen comes to class prepared and ready to discuss assignments. He makes excellent use of class forums. He completes assignments on time. Brishen shows creativity and insight." Omnibus I Secondary: "Brishen comes to class prepared and ready to discuss assignments. He argues clearly and convincingly. He contributes encouraging and thoughtful comments to class discussion. He shows creativity and insight. He shows keen insight in responding to the work of others. He puts forth a good effort in this class. He is a joy to have in class." The grades he is getting on assignments and tests have also been really good. He got a 100% on his first Latin exam, so I feel good about the choices I made for Latin through his early years. I also feel good that someone else is getting to teach him now, especially Latin and Composition. I miss being in charge of his history, and I would happily hand over his science, but, other than that, we are very pleased with this new way Brishen is getting to learn. He also has a school mascot, gets to be in the Latin Club, gets to participate in "meet the author" nights and college nights and such. I am really thinking that, for us, this is the very best merging of two educational worlds. Good times!