Celebrating New Years Eve 2014

Fine dining, family time, celebration.  

The family in 2011 to 2014

Haley's days - lots of algebra. (Sample days)

We are frequently asked "how much time does Haley spend doing school on home-study days?"

Haley's schedule this past semester has been somewhat as posted above*.  
Monday - Fencing
Tuesday - Hybrid school
Wednesday - Piano lesson, local choir rehearsal, regional choir rehearsal, fencing in the evening
Thursday - Hybrid school, after school speech and debate
Friday - Harp lesson 
Saturday - Fencing
Sunday - Cotillion and orchestra rehearsal.

• Spring semester a few changes will take place:
• Regional choir and Cotillion ends February.
• Harp is changing from Friday to Mondays.
• Friday (or maybe Saturday) we're adding Math club.
• Wednesday evening we're adding algebra session with additional teacher so Mommy can spend less time doing this.

Next semester we will try to make algebra more effiecient (with the tutor and better study habits, better study environment, and transitioning to "thinking in Math."

We will make US History more structured.  It was difficult this semester to do that because of the amount of time algebra and debate occupied.

* It is noteworthy to mention that she also practices piano at the end of the day (or before the day begins) and that's not represented on the particular index card schedules posted.

Merry Christmas

Past Activities and what we have "settled" on (for now).

Over the years the children have had the opportunity to engage in many activities.  Some were compatible with their ability, interest, and natural talent.  I find it is often useful to take a look back and see what worked, what didn't, and what they're doing now.  

Haley has done most sports and after much 'exploration' as new parents, she has settled on:  Music [piano, harp, choir], debate, and fencing.  Upcoming is math.  Jack and Jill continues.

Haley through age 11 (above)

Haley from age 11 - 12

Hana has the benefit of more experience parents who are better able to recognize and hone in on targeted activities that coalesce with her natural talents.  After attempting piano (and briefly harp) we realized that it was too much information coming at her at once, and at 5 and 6 years old the return on investment was too low and time would be better spent focusing on something more time-sensitive - like gymnastics.  Of course gymnastics became all-consuming, and since it wasn't a perfect fit, the sacrifice to her (her family time, risk of injury, stress on her body), and the opportunity lost cost was just too high to reasonably justify continuation:

Hana has settled on:  Music [viola and upcoming choir] and Jack and Jill.  Basketball is only a introduction recreation, much like the afterschool PE she takes which explores all the sports.  We may continue that, depending on time, and how music practice goes.  If there is no time to "get together" with people, the children can always play in the backyard and go to the park.  It is our intention to have her ready to audition for the Junior String Orchestra in 1.5 years.

Hana age through 6

Ian has been quite content taking his sweet time before jumping in and becoming actively involved in extextracurriculars.  Jack and Jill has been great for various "cool" activities.  He tried flag-football and HATED it.  He actually made it quite clear that he didn't want to play sports, period.  So we had to find a sport sans all the testosterone:  swimming and water polo.  He didn't like piano at all, and violin was moving VERY slowly - so we opted to try something different.  He enjoyed horseback riding, so we did that for awhile, but ultimately he grew disinterested in taking care of the entire horse, and being that its expensive and time-intensive, if he wasn't really appreciating the sport, it was time to move on.

We attended a few junior 4H meetings, had various pets and animals, planted gardens, and he took trips to local vets to see what they do.  He lost interest in animals as his interest grew in computers and video games.

Ultimately Ian has settled on:  Swimming & water polo, Music [upright bass, guitar, choir], and Jack and Jill continues.  We are planning to rev up his math curriculum.  We hope he is ready to audition for the Junior String Orchestra in the Spring.

Ian through age 9

 May 2010 - Flag Footbal with i9

Observations and thoughts:  The youngest has the benefit of parents who are better able to select personality (and natural talent) activities for the child, and able to identify and discontinue activities that aren't "working" for one reason or another, timely.  This means wasting less time and money, and focusing *earlier* on high-yield options thereby allowing the child to excel sooner (i.e at an earlier age) and find more success in a particular activity.  

Appears that HALEY began her experiences at age 3 with itty-bitty sports (basketball, T-ball, and soccer at the local YMCA).  She started ballet at age 4 and continued until age 7 (3 years).  After a few false-starts with volleyball, gymnastics, and drama, basketball was more long-lasting.  She started basketball at age 9 and played for a year and a half before realizing that she wasn't having a good time.  Also at age 9 Haley started piano, which continues until today.  In the 3 years she's been playing piano, Haley has risen and demonstrated that music is indeed one of her natural talents.  

At age 10, harp was added to the repertoire, and at age 12 Haley made the Philharmonic Orchestra for harp (1.5 years later).  The kids all intermittently experienced horseback riding (more for fun), arts/crafts, and Jack and Jill events.*  

In the last year and a half (ages 11 and 12) Haley tried tennis (didn't like it) and ultimately picked up speech/debate, choir, and fencing.  

IAN was a little slower to get started with organized extracurricular.  Although we participated in Kindergym (more in order to acclimate to our new community, meet people, and make friends) Ian was not interested in socializing.  Jack and Jill helped (at age 4) but Ian's first organized team was the i9 flag football league he joined (and Daddy coached) when he was 5 years old.  He was no fan of football and really didn't play.

A year later, at age 6, he was introduced to the piano, swimming, horseback riding (which he did intermittently for 2 years), and violin.  He enjoyed horseback riding, but what 'stuck' was swimming.

Another year later, at age 7, Ian moved more towards arts/crafts and animals (junior 4H).  Ian also started kung-fu at age 7, and transitioned to more karate later in the year (in total, martial arts training lasted about 9 months, then his hip pain put impact sports on pause.  After a pause, he decided he didn't really like the fighting anyway, so we stopped).  

At age 8, after a false-start with the harmonica, he began his musical instruction with guitar and a year later (age 9) added upright bass and choir.  Few technology camps at age 8 were positive, and swimming was revved up (together with spalshball) - which is what he does now at age 9.  

HANA has had a precocious experience, being exposed to much more than the other two at the same age due to their experiences.  Hana had access to Jack and Jill at age 2.  Her first exposure to music (the piano) was at age 3.  She was also 3 when she started gymnastics (a sport she would continue until age 6) - for 3 years.  At age 6 she also experienced basketball, started the viola, and joined the choir.  

Summary:

At 6 Haley was doing ballet only (music study wasn't initiated until age 9).  At age 4 Haley performed in recital:  ballet.  

At age 6 Ian had played i9, and was introduced to swimming, but had not yet started *studying* music (but had a few exposures to various instruments).  At age 9, Ian has his first performance:  choir.

By 6 Hana has done gymnastics, played basketball, and is studying music (choir and piano). At age 6 Hana has her first performance:  gymnastics.

So it seems that we are "on track" with the children and their respective on-going activities:

Haley - Music [piano, harp/orchestra, choir], debate, fencing, and adding MATH [college prep]

Hana - Music [viola, choir] - going to diminish sports outside of recreational/PE.  Consider introducing LANGUAGES [?natural talent].

Ian - Music [bass, guitar, choir], swimming/polo.  Consider trying to find more technology training [natural interest].

*The family joined Jack and Jill in April of 2010 (Haley was 7, Ian was 4, and Hana was 2)

Basketball team card - The Royals

Our Mathlete; Skipping a grade (meaning what?)

We met with a premier area competitive math teacher and coach today.  People drive for HOURS from all of North and mid-Texas to participate in this prestigious program - Awesome Math Academy.  There are programs at UT Dallas, Cornell, and UC Berkeley.  There is an application, an exam, interview, and fees due in order to participate.

I've realized that supplemental math courses/exposure is critical to math success.  This program begins at age 12, and being that Haley got an A in algebra, and is excited to learn more, I sought additional opportunities for her in this area.  I scratched the surface of this whole new world, with the help of a couple of books:

What High Schools Don't Tell You (and other parents don't want you to know).

Countdown to College:  21 'To Do' Lists for High School.

I spent all of yesterday reading (cover to cover) these 2 books, taking notes, and implementing some of the advice.  Once piece of such advice was, the math club.  Math has its own international competitions.  Being able to compete is a GREAT advantage for any student.

Did you know that its better to take algebra in 7th grade such that the student has completed calculus by 11th in order to really understand and possibly master AP Physics as a senior?  Do you realize that, at the time of standardized testing, the more math and science a child has completed, the more competitive they are?  And that competitiveness begins in 7th grade?  Did you know that national talent searches (think scholarships, college admissions, and more opportunities to learn and excel in general) are a "7th grade thing?"  Pre-official-talent searches begin in 2nd grade?  If you wait until your child is in high-school (9th grade) you are already behind the 8 ball!!

So we are thinking:  Haley is in "8th grade" because many doors open in 8th grade that are closed in 7th.  And many more doors (particually community/socially) are open to "high-schoolers" (i.e. 9th grade) than to middle schoolers.  What you do well, matters more in "9th grade."  Therefore, as it serves her (for access and opportunity) we will have her portrayed as an 8th grader this year (9th grader next year - think hospital volunteer that cannot be an 8th grader but CAN be a 9th grader).  But really, it is our plan to have her graduate in 2020.

As a bonafide 12yo 7th grader, she is way ahead of the curve, and in-line with most expected accelerated programs (on course to take math beyond calculus, AP science, and spend significant time on personal development, interests, and making an impact in an area of interest - thereby maximizing her chances of being accepted to a university of her choice).


References:
http://books.google.com/books/about/What_High_Schools_Don_t_Tell_You.html?id=kRyoPAAACAAJ

https://www.awesomemath.org/

Hana starts the VIOLA

Hana has been eager to play an instrument.  After much consideration, and a few false starts (piano, harp) we have found a match for Hana:  VIOLA

The viola is unique, having its very own alto clef.  Its in demand.  Its unpopular.  And within the household, there is zero competition, animosity, jealously, and everyone is supportive of each other one's unique involvements.

Every orchestra needs violists.  And having a unique skill-set is powerful!!

Lessons begin in 3 weeks.  Hana has already learned the alto clef (in one day)!!  

Candle light Service

Holiday Piano Recital and Awards Ceremony.

Duet practice at home in preparation for the performance.

Ready to perform

The "Upper" Studio students.

Haley earns the OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Student and teacher.

And this is the duet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK5msRBBhsA&feature=youtu.be

End of Semester update - little kids

As I investigate 'college prep' for Haley, I have learned about Talented Youth Programs.  It is my intention to see if Ian (now, Hana later) qualifies.  He has taken mental math, and is quite good.  I am also going to rev up his math curriculum.  He's too young for Mathclub - but with more practice, and in time, he'll be a great addition to the club.

Ian:  The weekly schedule (sample of the last week attached) outlines the recommended curriculum.

Handwriting
Spelling
*Spelling U See supplement
*Reading comprehension
Math
*Math supplements
First Language Lessons
History - Story of the World
Science - working on astronomy/planets
Music - guitar, bass, choir
PE - swimming and splashball (waterpolo)

Hana also works her curriculum at home as shown:

Handwriting
Spelling
Phonics - Explode the Code
First Language Lesson
Reading Comprehensive
Math
*Math supplement
History - American Pioneers
Science
Music - Viola and choir
Sports - Gymnastics, afterschool PE, basketball**



*supplements added above/beyond
**upcoming will be adjusted to allow more time to focus on STEaM;  considering adding a foreign language since Hana seems to have a very good ear for languages.

End of Semester Evaluation

Haley ended the semester strong.  One low quiz grade in Language Arts really pulled her overall grade down such that she now (hopefully) realizes that you can't blow off even one "little" quiz and expect to get an A in the class.

US HISTORY:  You may recall, we made adjustments to Haley's history curriculum.  That was a great move.  Not having the group projects has freed up her time.  Now she just reads a chapter, or a few, and discuss it with Hubby.  During their debate discussion and research, history is incorporated in the arguments and evidence.  In Language Arts, there is also historical overlap in essay writing, book reading, and discussion.  She does not yet have a grade in US History as she started the semester late, and she's been quite busy and has not had the time to "make it up."

PHYSICAL SCIENCE is a class Haley LOVES.  There is lab, and experiments.  The reading is "easy" and interesting, she claims.  Honestly we don't spend too much time outside of school on Physical Science.

ALGEBRA is a class that has required the most time and study.  Sometimes up to 4 hours a day she'll study, do problems, and watch videos.  I'll spend over half of that time sitting beside her, helping to guide her and showing her how to recognize key information, take notes, study, and learn.  For the Winter break (as she studied for her semester 'final' I hired a university student to help her study - which is more efficient since I do not have the time to consistently learn, then teach, algebra.  He has been great, and she still has her Hybrid school teacher.

Starting next month she will participate in more in-depth study of math.  This prestigeous program will require some additional math study, so the tutor, the teacher, and the math club, should provide plenty of math and set her up to excel.

LANGUAGE ARTS:  Haley did not enter into LA with a strong foundation.  The public school failed to really teach the subject, and her writing organization needed some remediation.  This semester, after writing many papers with direct help from me, hubby, and input and corrections by the teacher, she is likely at grade level - she is 12, consistent with 6th or 7th grade (if she's advanced/early).

Its important to remember that "skipping a grade" opens so many doors and unlocks a myriad of opportunities that are only 'available' to the older student.  While Haley now has *access* to these opportunities (learning algebra, mathclub, volunteer, cotillion, youth talent search) we are not sure she should (or will) GRADUATE early.  The more we learn, the more we realize that her being "only" a 7th grader allows more time (many more years) to demonstrate excellence and earn a spot into a college of her choice while also being mature and ready to delve into college as a young woman.

Etiquette:  Cotillion
Performing Arts:  HARP - Fort Worth Philharmonic Orchestra, Harp at the University (more information forthcoming - Haley has been accepted into the TCU Harp Studio of Dr. Logan Brandenburg which is an awesome opportunity to get on a university campus and take classes there, with the training with, and endorsement of a professor.  Also attractive, TCU does have full-ride harp scholarships which could be a motivational carrot for Haley if she likes the campus, the program (and they, her), and decides she wants to pursue joining.

PIANO - Haley is taking the 8th grade Music Theory and World of Music Exams.  Again, it would be nice to get "done" with the curriculum "early" and have the credit and honor of completion as a senior without having to worry about something else to do.

CHOIR - is enjoyable and hasn't required any excessive study or practice (at this level).  She also is in the Regional North Texas Children's Choir.  She enjoys the performances, and the final regional performance is in January.

Sport:  FENCING.  Haley has shown steady progress and the sport seems to play to all of her natural talents - quickness, mental speed, aggressiveness, fearlessness, and competitiveness.  She won her first club tournament.  The rate-limiting factor this semester has been conflict with higher priority activities - such as algebra, piano, and debate.

DEBATE:  Haley is doing Team Policy with Daddy.  It has been a fantastic learning experience, and Haley loves public speaking.  We have one more tournament in the Spring.  She will do the summer camp (if it doesn't conflict with the Math Camp).  Next year we are thinking that Extemporaneous debate/speech will be our event of choice - something she can do without so much hand-holding, and doesn't require schedule coordination with a team-mate.  Busy people have trouble coordinating schedules.

Foreign language:  Holding Latin because Haley is finding it more difficult to learn concurrently with Spanish.  And Spanish is more important.  She is not taking Spanish this year as the school couldn't find a teacher.  The college foreign language requirement includes 2 (preferably 3) years of the same foreign language.  It is recommended that this be taken the last 2 or 3 years of high-school so the student can either test out at the college level for credit, or take the class and do well because its all still fresh.  Since Haley isn't scheduled to graduate until 2020 (right now) 2017, 2018, and 2019 are the ideal times to take Spanish "for real."  It is only 2015,

College Prep initiation - As mentioned in the last post, I have books, check-lists, and a game-plan is forming.  Haley is scheduled to take the ACT vs SAT (which one is best for you?) test in May.  I have printed materials.  I am familiarizing myself with requirements, and working on 'merit badges' and exposing the children as the geniuses that they are.  :)

We have SAT vocab flash-cards.  It is my intent to initiate these slowing into the curriculum this semester.

We also have to decide on SAT II Subject test topics - and get ready for those.

Christmas Choir Concert

Stay tuned.  Haley now reads well enough to join the choir in JANUARY!!

Orchestra Holiday Concert

Hanging with friends

This girl was our first babysitter, and is probably the kids very best friend!!  

National Caucus of Black State Legislators Party

The children attend a "fancy" party - and practice their formal social etiquette - at the California Legislators Black Caucus.  Hollywood style.  

Doing the Wobble with "very important people."  

Haley harp gig

Haley plays her harp for a holiday party!  #FirstGig

She even took "requests" and improvised - leaving the crowd impressed.

Hana makes her first BASKET

Hana is doing VERY well in basketball.  She'll likely be a GREAT point-guard (or 2 guard).  Look at the form!!!  Can't wait for her first game!!

Debate and Speech Club Christmas Party

Christmas Party with the Debate and Speech Club

White Elephant gift exchange - Haley "losing" her teddy bear coffee cup (to her dismay).