"Intellectual distinction is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for election to a Rhodes Scholarship. Selection committees are charged to seek excellence in qualities of mind and in qualities of person which, in combination, offer the promise of effective service to the world in the decades ahead. The Rhodes Scholarships, in short, are investments in individuals rather than in project proposals..."

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Girl's Book Club Year-by-Year

My oldest daughter, who helps with my middle daughter's book clubs asked an important question:
What's next for them?  So, we came up a year-by-year plan.  I thought I would post it here and ask for feedback.

2nd Grade
American Girl - Josephina
3rd Grade
American Girl - Felicity
4th Grade
American Girl - Kirsten and  Kit
5th Grade
Anne Pellowski Series of books
6th Grade
Hilda Van Stockum - Mitchell Series & Cottage at Bantry Bay Series
7th Grade
Louisa Mae Alcott Little Women Series
8th Grade
Anne of Green Gables
9th Grade
Baroness Emmuska Orczy Books

10th Grade
Jane Austen Books

What do you think?  I'll be back soon with my boy's series to see what you think of those.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Brainology: Getting Kids Past the Fixed Mindset

I read Mindset by Carol Dweck last spring and have been trying to figure out how to afford this program for my two fixed mindset middle school aged kids.  I reviewed the book here.  Here's what Brainology is about, from the Brainology website:

Brainology® is a research-based, blended learning curriculum that increases student motivation and engagement and instills a positive view of effort.  It teaches students about the brain, how to strengthen it, and how to apply brain-friendly study skills.  It helps them cultivate a growth mindset, which leads to learning-oriented behavior and higher student achievement.


Right now, homeschoolbuyersco-op.org, a free membership buying group, is offering 20-50% off the program.  If you have kids that get hung up on new challenges or collapse (figuratively) when they fail, check out Brainology.  This may be our "Christmas break" curriculum this year.