Here are a few books I've seen on Amazon. Still haven’t had a chance to read every one of them so please preview suitability on Amazon.com or at your local library.
Books about Space and Rocketry
Rockets and Spaceships (DK Readers Beginning to Read, Level 1) by Karen Wallace
Roaring Rockets (Amazing Machines) by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
Rocket Science: 50 Flying, Floating, Flipping, Spinning Gadgets Kids Create Themselves by Jim Wiese
Rocket-Powered Science by Edwin J. C. Sobey
Wrapper Rockets and Trombone Straws: Science at Every Meal by Edwin J. C. Sobey
Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1 by Curt Gabrielson
Rocket Man: The Story of Robert Goddard (Trailblazer Biographies) by Thomas Streissguth
Exploring Outer Space: Rockets, Probes, and Satellites (Isaac Asimov's New Library of the Universe) by Isaac Asimov and Francis Reddy (OOP)
The Everything Kids Space Book: All About Rockets, Moon Landings, Mars, and More Plus Space Activities You Can Do at Home! (Everything Kids Series) by Kathiann M. Kowalski
Also see the Earth and Space Booklist.
Apr 6, 2009
Apr 2, 2009
Thoughts for Year 2
Just when I thought everything was going smoothly...something not so smooth happened.
And it has got me doubting how effective and meaningful our methods and curricula have been so far.
I won't go as far to claim that DS hasn't learnt anything of use this past year. Two areas in Math stand out like a sore thumb, however...time and money.
DS' attitude towards Math has dramatically improved if you compare it with when we first began homeschooling officially. He has grown from a boy who could do Math well but didn't love it to a boy who thinks about numbers and codes and numerical relationships all the time with terrific glee.
But due to the nature of Math texts and curricula we've chosen so far, and my total ineptitude at giving him real-life time and money experiences, we haven't spent a long time on the two Math topics I mentioned. A sudden decision on my part to administer a Singapore Math Placement Test two days ago revealed how much we've neglected these concepts.
I was so miserable that day. I felt like I had failed him for life. Thankfully I took his inability to solve these questions in a much lighter mood than I normally would have and hence, I don't believe his confidence has been overly shaken. However, it's been a heeewwwwgggg eye-opener for me.
It also made me analyze how we've been approaching all the other subjects. And I guess unavoidably, my insecurities about Science have resurfaced.
On hindsight (and after a handful of semisweet chocolate morsels), I can see how timely all this doubt is since I've also been thinking for a few weeks about what to use for Year 2, which I plan to begin once we've completed our Ancient Egypt studies.
On the cards are a return to a Math curriculum we once set aside, trying a new Science curriculum (I know, I know...just be patient with me LOL) and seeing if a more structured history schedule ala History Odyssey might be helpful for us. As much as DS and I have enjoyed Ancient Egypt and as much as I feel it's okay to let a child linger for as long as he wants to on a topic of interest, we really need to at least get a little further by the end of next year. I also want to focus a little more on writing. I don't think I'll use anything formal for this just yet unless I get a good deal on it.
Amidst all this, I was also struck by this post at Learn at Every Turn. Despite all the different curricula and books I hoard, nothing will work like I want it to if I don't approach our coffeetable homeschool mornings with 100% of my attention.
I'll write about our chosen Year 2 curricula once I'm done previewing and testing samples. Meanwhile, I'd love to know what you've found useful so far.
And it has got me doubting how effective and meaningful our methods and curricula have been so far.
I won't go as far to claim that DS hasn't learnt anything of use this past year. Two areas in Math stand out like a sore thumb, however...time and money.DS' attitude towards Math has dramatically improved if you compare it with when we first began homeschooling officially. He has grown from a boy who could do Math well but didn't love it to a boy who thinks about numbers and codes and numerical relationships all the time with terrific glee.
But due to the nature of Math texts and curricula we've chosen so far, and my total ineptitude at giving him real-life time and money experiences, we haven't spent a long time on the two Math topics I mentioned. A sudden decision on my part to administer a Singapore Math Placement Test two days ago revealed how much we've neglected these concepts.
I was so miserable that day. I felt like I had failed him for life. Thankfully I took his inability to solve these questions in a much lighter mood than I normally would have and hence, I don't believe his confidence has been overly shaken. However, it's been a heeewwwwgggg eye-opener for me.
It also made me analyze how we've been approaching all the other subjects. And I guess unavoidably, my insecurities about Science have resurfaced.
On hindsight (and after a handful of semisweet chocolate morsels), I can see how timely all this doubt is since I've also been thinking for a few weeks about what to use for Year 2, which I plan to begin once we've completed our Ancient Egypt studies.
On the cards are a return to a Math curriculum we once set aside, trying a new Science curriculum (I know, I know...just be patient with me LOL) and seeing if a more structured history schedule ala History Odyssey might be helpful for us. As much as DS and I have enjoyed Ancient Egypt and as much as I feel it's okay to let a child linger for as long as he wants to on a topic of interest, we really need to at least get a little further by the end of next year. I also want to focus a little more on writing. I don't think I'll use anything formal for this just yet unless I get a good deal on it.
Amidst all this, I was also struck by this post at Learn at Every Turn. Despite all the different curricula and books I hoard, nothing will work like I want it to if I don't approach our coffeetable homeschool mornings with 100% of my attention.
I'll write about our chosen Year 2 curricula once I'm done previewing and testing samples. Meanwhile, I'd love to know what you've found useful so far.
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