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…

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.

Source: Intro to Visual Spatial Learner

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

Very cool site.. Definitely worth a visit!

Homeschool Buyers Co-op

The idea of homeschooling several children can be scary for some parents. The unit study approach will help you maintain your sanity while meeting your children’s needs.

Homeschooling Multiple Children: Meeting Their Individual Needs Without Going Crazy

I learned about this through the unschooling math listed called “Mathing Off.”

I explored it for a bit and there are some really great games on it that will enhance a child’s math skills as long as you’re there to provide feedback and assistance. It’s not providing explanations, so you really need to spend time with your child when he or she visits the site the first few times. 

One game, “Add It Up” is lots of fun.  I also liked the one designed to improve spatial skills.  Very cool. 

With so many math sites out there, I’ll try to wade through them and post about some of the best ones here.

Kids’ Numbers

This is an AMAZING essay!   I remember the term “teachable moments” from my college days. We were told to watch out for them. They’re a moment when a child is interested in learning something and actively engaged..

I haven’t heard this term in awhile and love the author’s use of it. 

Anyway, here’s the article.

I’m starting a new category for FL homeschool info since that’s my home state…

The first info I’d like to share is that homeschooled students are eligible for the Bright Futures scholarship program.  This one is near and dear to my heart because I was a recipient of one of these awards and had all 4 years covered.  Anyway, it’s a great program which pays for 75% (the Medallion award) or 100% (Florida Academic Scholar) of a child’s tuition for all four years at a public university as long as they do well in their classes.  I was able to continue getting my award all 4 years only because I kept a 3.0 or above… (I assume that’s the same requirement not but didn’t see that on the website.)

Anyway, the information is all here, including the home education requirements.  Even if your child isn’t a junior now, I’d go ahead and take a look so you can help them plan for the future if they intend to go to college..

The home education packet is even available for download.

Yes, I wrote it.   Hot off the presses:

Unschooling: An Introduction to Self-Directed Learning