Wednesday, June 27th, 2007
With all the math curriculum out there, I wanted to be able to recommend something to parents who weren’t sure where to start. I chose one that looked comprehensive, interactive, research-based, and visually appealing. Horizons Math is a program (that’s often recommended by Sonlight) that has all of these things. I just ordered the kindy set since my son (we unschool) is really into math and workbooks.
As a former elementary school teacher, I was really impressed with the program as well as the fact that many of the manipulatives called for are found around the house. I also bought a few sets of materials that were necessary such as 3D shapes and base ten blocks. I feel that hands-on materials should be used often in math (and everything else, actually) so I wanted something that encouraged children to take a more active approach to understanding mathematical concepts.
Sample pages can be viewed on the Sonlight homepage. I couldn’t find sample pages on the Alpha Omega Horizon page. They aren’t the most impressive pages available but definitely give you an idea of what the program offers. By the way, the teacher’s manual is good in that you’re not boxed into a specific script. The program provides parents with a guide but doesn’t “box them in” regarding instruction and how it should occur.
Note: I have since found a bit of religious content in this program. I have the kindergarten set, so it’s not a lot–only one page. Just wanted to add that in cas you were wondering about religious content. Not sure how the sets for the older children are…
Posted in Curriculum, Math | No Comments »
Monday, June 11th, 2007
As you know, we unschool, but I do a lot of homeschool consulting so I feel the need to know what’s out there and what’s in line with educational research, multiple intelligence info, etc. I know some parents really do want to buy a curriculum, so I’ll be sharing any programs I find that offer the following:
–literature-based (encourages the use of real books rather than workbooks)
–engages the whole child/suitable for multiple intelligences
–delayed academics (meaning a program without too much pressure in the younger grades)
–nature-inspired activities
–encourages active play and frequent outings
Oak Meadow is the first I’ve found that offers all these things. While I don’t have personal experience with it, I’ve read many positive reviews and encourage you to at least consider it if you’re looking for a packaged curriculum. From what I understand, it provides general guidelines and some structure without ignoring the individual needs of the child (and family). There’s plenty of freedom to individualize your child’s learning experience without totally unschooling if that’s not something you’re comfortable with.
By the way, the provide teacher support if you want it, and the high school program looks amazing! Definitely worth checking out.
Posted in Curriculum | No Comments »
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
| AUDITORY-SEQUENTIAL |
VISUAL-SPATIAL |
| Thinks primarily in words |
Thinks primarily in pictures |
| Has auditory strengths |
Has visual strengths |
| Relates well to time |
Relates well to space |
| Is a step-by-step learner |
Is a whole-part learner |
| Learns by trial and error |
Learns concepts all at once |
| Progresses sequentially from easy to difficult material |
Learns complex concepts easily; struggles with easy skills |
| Is an analytical thinker |
Is a good synthesizer |
| Attends well to details |
Sees the big picture; may miss details |
| Follows oral directions well |
Reads maps well |
| Does well at arithmetic |
Is better at math reasoning than computation |
| Learns phonics easily |
Learns whole words easily |
| Can sound out spelling words |
Must visualize words to spell them |
| Can write quickly and neatly |
Prefers keyboarding to writing |
| Is well-organized |
Creates unique methods of organization |
| Can show steps of work easily |
Arrives at correct solutions intuitively |
| Excels at rote memorization |
Learns best by seeing relationships |
| Has good auditory short-term memory |
Has good long-term visual memory |
| May need some repetition to reinforce learning |
Learns concepts permanently; is turned off by drill and repetition |
| Learns well from instruction |
Develops own methods of problem solving |
| Learns in spite of emotional reactions |
Is very sensitive to teachers’ attitudes |
| Is comfortable with one right answer |
Generates unusual solutions to problems |
| Develops fairly evenly |
Develops quite asynchronously |
| Usually maintains high grades |
May have very uneven grades |
| Enjoys algebra and chemistry |
Enjoys geometry and physics |
| Learns languages in class |
Masters other languages through immersion |
| Is academically talented |
Is creatively, mechanically, emotionally, or technologically gifted |
| Is an early bloomer |
Is a late bloomer |
Source: Intro to Visual Spatial Learner
Posted in Learning Styles and Special Needs | No Comments »
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
I’m mom to a right-brained (visual spatial) kid. Married to one too. I’m also one!! LOL 
I wonder where Loralei will fall on the spectrum since we’re all right-brained!! Why is this important?? Because traditional schools set these children up to fail… The same can be true of traditional homeschool methods. Anyway, this is an excellent blog post that I thought was worth sharing..
Understanding the Right-Brained Creative Learner
Posted in Child-Led Learning, Learning Styles and Special Needs, Reading Room | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 5th, 2007
Very cool site.. Definitely worth a visit!
Homeschool Buyers Co-op
Posted in Money Saving Tips | No Comments »
