Did you make any adjustments? (scheduling, tests, assignments, etc.) or did you do it "as-is"?

This post was edited on Jul 30, 2010 07:55 PM

I used Apologia General Science when my oldest boys were in 8th & 6th grades. I didn't count the module 1 test against them. :-) It might not be true for all 6th graders--a lot is based on personality and ability--but I ended up having to do a lot of studying/explaining with my 6th grader. We all covered the material together, but when it came time for the study guide I had to do a LOT of re-explaining and reviewing for my 6th grader to do well on the tests. I also did not expect detailed lab write-ups from him.

On the one hand, it turned out fine given that my goal was to keep the two together, although it was more work for me than I had bargained for. On the other, if I had to do it over again, I would not have done General Science in 6th grade with this child.

He just graduated, though, and is not scarred for life! And I think he actually learned a lot that year!
Chrissy

Thanks, Chrissy! I'm planning to do this with a 7th/8th grader and a 6th grader, so I'm in a very similar situation to what you were doing. My 6th grader is very sciencey, but not as strong as his older sister in reading. It sounds like he would gain a lot even if he didn't do the tests at all, or if I gave him alternate tests of some sort. I do have two sets of tests available (the one with the book set and the one from Red Wagon Tutorials). Maybe I should look and see if one set seems any easier than the other set.

I've got the tutorials too, and from what I've seen (not looked at them all), the Red Wagon ones are longer.

I don't know which is easier (as far as the questions), but I'm planning on using the ones from the Solutions and Tutorials.
Shorter always seems easier for me, lol.

We're doing Biology this year.

Of course, with more questions, they do count off fewer points each...

You could skip the tests for the 6th grader or make them open book. But honestly, taking the tests is what "forced" my 6th grader (and me!) to work so hard and for him to gain as much as he did. He was not and still is not science-y, and was not as strong in reading & comprehension. It wasn't a waste of time--it just took a lot more of my time than I had anticipated. I had hoped to streamline by teaching them together, but in the end I don't think I saved myself any time! :-) The best laid plans...