Making homeschool decisions easy
Evaluating a Classical Education It’s that time of year again. No, not spring cleaning. (although I’m working on that too!) It’s the time of year where we’re winding down and I’m evaluating. What did we learn this year? What has worked well? What didn’t work? What do we need to do better next year? One of the things on my mind a lot lately is
Apologia: Exploring Creation With Biology 2nd Edition This is a college-preparatory, high school level, biology course that would be recomended in a student’s freshmen year. It is designed to be an independent study. It includes tests, labs, and video clips to go along with the course. Dr Jay L. Wile is the author of this course. Overview of the program : The are 16 modules to
Math-U-See Math-U-See is a mastery based math program. This means that it teaches math concepts to mastery. This is very different from the spiral approach, which spirals through math concepts adding harder equations as the years progress. (Saxon would be a good example of a spiral approach). Understanding the difference between the two approaches can be key to picking the right math curriculum for your
Beyond Numbers: A Practical Guide to Teaching Math Biblically by Katherine Loop is the most helpful introduction to teaching math with Biblical principles that I have come across. She packs a lot of food for thought into less than 100 pages, and as a busy mom I appreciate that I can read it in one night. Chapters include “Where Did Math Come From and Why
Rod and Staff English: Grades 3, 4, and 5 I am generally a devout Charlotte Mason homeschooler but I do wander off the path sometimes. When it comes to teaching grammar I tend to go the way of classical education. We have been using Rod and Staff English for 3 years now and it has been one of my tried and truly loved curriculums. We
Explode the Code I have used a myriad of Phonics programs, but have found myself drawn back to ETC which is what I used for my first born when he was in K. ETC and Get Ready, Get Set, and Go for the Code are simple enough that you can add in extra activities based on what your child needs. I love using the Pocket Wall
Just Write “Just Write” is a writing program for the elementary years. There are four levels taught. Each level is taught over one year. It is a workbook type program. It is a creative writing program that is easy to teach program with very little preparation. This is one program my children have truly enjoyed. This program does not kill the joy of writing as some programs can do.
Phonetic Zoo, Excellence in Spelling This is another great program put forth by the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Phonetic Zoo has been wonderful tool for me as a mother to many to put my time in to the fun subjects, like history and science. Spelling can be mundane and boring for all people involved, but the Phonetic Zoo has made this an independent program
What is dictation? Dictation is the practice of reading a passage to your child and having them dictate, or write it down. You first read the whole passage, then you break it down into bite size chunks for them. After they complete the passage you next check the spelling, punctuation and possibly correct the handwriting if needed. How can I work dictation into our homeschool?
My Favorite Curriculum by Korey When I began homeschooling 3 years ago, I was looking for the perfect curriculum for every subject. In my first year I was so full of new ideas and excitement. I wanted to try everything and boy, did I. I had a separate program for Bible, geography, history, art, art history, music, science, math, grammar, spelling and and and……….. You get the
