Thursday, August 9th, 2007
I was just reading about Spelling Power after hearing that they recommend formal instruction later on–8 and up. I love the sound of that because I believe in letting kids use inventive spelling to get their ideas out on paper when they’re young and not asking them to focus on correcting everything they write.
I haven’t used it personally but like everything I’ve read about it and will recommend it to clients from now on who are looking for spelling curriculum. Reviews can be found on the Spelling Power website and also on HomeschoolReviews.com.
Posted in Curriculum, Reading and Writing | No Comments »
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 »
