Homeschool Curriculum Reviews

[Darcie]

So it seems we have lots of homeschool families on here. I was wondering what curriculums you may have used in the past; which ones you liked and which ones you didn't.

We tried Alpha Omega LifePacs the begining of this school year and hated them. We were bored to death. This year we have focused on Phonics and Reading. I've bought different readers thru Amazon.com and used ClickandRead.com. Also we've focused alot on our addition and subtraction facts and used Spectrum Workbooks for extra practice. When I introduced fractions, "Key to Fractions" worked well. An inexpensive workbook call "A Complete Workbook on Maps and Geography" has worked very well for my
2nd grader, he loves that book.

Next year I'm looking into:

Saxon Math
BJU English
Apoligia Science

Has anyone tried any of these?

[Sinatra]

So it seems we have lots of homeschool families on here. I was wondering what curriculums you may have used in the past; which ones you liked and which ones you didn't.

We tried Alpha Omega LifePacs the begining of this school year and hated them. We were bored to death. This year we have focused on Phonics and Reading. I've bought different readers thru Amazon.com and used ClickandRead.com. Also we've focused alot on our addition and subtraction facts and used Spectrum Workbooks for extra practice. When I introduced fractions, "Key to Fractions" worked well. An inexpensive workbook call "A Complete Workbook on Maps and Geography" has worked very well for my
2nd grader, he loves that book.

Next year I'm looking into:

Saxon Math
BJU English
Apoligia Science

Has anyone tried any of these?



Hi Darcie.

I've home schooled for 13 years. I've used Saxon Math with all of my children.
IMO It is an excellent program. Each lesson builds off of the former lessons, which I like a lot. (More importantly, my kids like the books). I do implement a lot of worksheets in with the Saxon text for extra practice.


BTW I don't like the lifepacs either.


Sinatra

[Darcie]

Hi Darcie.

I've home schooled for 13 years. I've used Saxon Math with all of my children.
IMO It is an excellent program. Each lesson builds off of the former lessons, which I like a lot. (More importantly, my kids like the books). I do implement a lot of worksheets in with the Saxon text for extra practice.


BTW I don't like the lifepacs either.


Sinatra

Thanks Sinatra. I friend of mine from our church used it this past year. I went over her house to review it and was very impressed by it. Did you use the Kindergarten Saxon? I wasn't too sure on that one.

[Evangeline]

Hi Darcie,

I've been homeschooled my whole life except for kindergarden and half of first grade. Mom used a math curriculum called, "Garlic Press." I highly recommend it. It's simple and it's designed by teachers who have taught "hard to teach" children. They very clearly explain the problems that need to be solved and give you clear steps on how to get the answer you need to get. I had a hard time learning math, so these books helped me, but they have other things besides math too.
Saxon math is good to. I worked with that also and it helped me, but I have to say that Garlic Press helped me much more.
Do you go to homeschool bookfairs at all? If you don't, I'll see if I can find you a map of where all the fairs are held in the states.

[Darcie]

Hi Darcie,

I've been homeschooled my whole life except for kindergarden and half of first grade. Mom used a math curriculum called, "Garlic Press." I highly recommend it. It's simple and it's designed by teachers who have taught "hard to teach" children. They very clearly explain the problems that need to be solved and give you clear steps on how to get the answer you need to get. I had a hard time learning math, so these books helped me, but they have other things besides math too.
Saxon math is good to. I worked with that also and it helped me, but I have to say that Garlic Press helped me much more.
Do you go to homeschool bookfairs at all? If you don't, I'll see if I can find you a map of where all the fairs are held in the states.

I'm gonna google Garlic Press. There are about 2 bookfairs coming up here in Jackson in the next month or so. Thanks for the info.

[Evangeline]

Glad to help. Like I said, I havent' homeschooled anyone, but Mom homeschooled me and I had lots of fun with Garlic press. I couldn't get algebra or Algrebra 1/2 until she got me the Garlic Press.

Have a great weekend~

[Sinatra]

Thanks Sinatra. I friend of mine from our church used it this past year. I went over her house to review it and was very impressed by it. Did you use the Kindergarten Saxon? I wasn't too sure on that one.



Sorry, I never used any of the kindergarten math books. I researched what info. a kindergartener needed (math wise), and just taught those concepts my way. LOL. Not the most orthodox way to do it, but that's what worked for us.



Sinatra

[Kae]

Thanks Sinatra. I friend of mine from our church used it this past year. I went over her house to review it and was very impressed by it. Did you use the Kindergarten Saxon? I wasn't too sure on that one.

I use the Robinson curriculum which also uses the Saxon Math. I start with book 54. What you are already doing is enough (teaching them their facts). I think you are wasting your money with the other books. I have Saxon K, 1, 2, and just the book for 3. They seem to really just take up time and money. I start my children in book 54 when they can read not fourth grade.

[Blubayou]

I have heard good things about Saxon Math- the only drawback I saw with the Saxon series- this was several years ago- was a lot of repetition work. I have known several school systems that have used them with a lot of success.

[JaneEyre]

I know some folks who used this curriculum and liked it. They did not homeschool their children, but it was used in the church school. Several of the students went on to win honors in college.

Check this out.

https://www.abeka.com/

[Sinatra]

I have heard good things about Saxon Math- the only drawback I saw with the Saxon series- this was several years ago- was a lot of repetition work. I have known several school systems that have used them with a lot of success.






They still use repetition. However, the newer editions are not as repetitive as the earlier editions.MO


Sinatra

[Sinatra]

I know some folks who used this curriculum and liked it. They did not homeschool their children, but it was used in the church school. Several of the students went on to win honors in college.

Check this out.

https://www.abeka.com/




I know several who use this and love it. However, my youngest absolutely detested their Science book. She was simply bored out of her mind by it. My oldest liked the Science books and is now in college working on a degree in medicine :) I think it's all about finding what works for each individual child.:thumbsup




Sinatra

[Darcie]

Sorry, I never used any of the kindergarten math books. I researched what info. a kindergartener needed (math wise), and just taught those concepts my way. LOL. Not the most orthodox way to do it, but that's what worked for us.



Sinatra

I'm begining to realize that's the way to go with Kindergarten. My daughter started this school year in Pre-K. In January I bumped her to Kindergarten workbooks. I'm begining to think I may be able to start her in 1st this new school year.

[Sinatra]

I'm begining to realize that's the way to go with Kindergarten. My daughter started this school year in Pre-K. In January I bumped her to Kindergarten workbooks. I'm begining to think I may be able to start her in 1st this new school year.





That's great! You know, that's one of the wonderful things about the blessing of being able to homeschool. You're children aren't locked into a "set" grade level, but they are able to learn and advance at their own pace.


Sinatra

[MissBrattified]

This time around, I did a lot of research--and looked through the curriculum on display at our Christian bookstore for hours--before I picked anything! Part of the problem last time was that we used School of Tomorrow (it was ACE when I was a kid), and we hated it. I think ACE and Alpha Omega Life Pacs are similar. The only props I'll give SoT is their phonics program, which is pretty good.

This time around, I went with BJU Press, and it so good. I love the in depth Teacher's manuals, everything is full color, and there are lots of hands on activities to choose from for every lesson, especially in Math and Science. This is definitely the curriculum we'll be using again next year.

The only down side of BJU Press is that it requires quite a bit of teacher prep, especially IF you plan to use their methods of presenting Math and Science. I don't mind that, because I'm home fulltime, and I like being involved with the kids all day. For someone with less time on their hands, though, I wouldn't recommend BJU Press across the board, although it could still be used for Math and Science.

It's also on the pricey side, BUT nowhere near as expensive as putting your children into a private school--even a cheap one. I'm saving the Teacher's Manuals from Hannah's 7th grade curriculum for Sarah, so when Sarah's 7th year rolls around, I'll save about $25 - $50 per subject.

I did purchase additional Science kits from www.homesciencetools.com, because they offer full grade kits packaged by curriculum, and it's very convenient. Hannah's kit came with a preserved frog & earthworm, a dissection kit, and other things I would have trouble locating on my own. That was another extra expense, but well worth it, IMO.

The Science is presented firmly in support of Creationism, but does not shy away from thoroughly investigating evolution, biological evolution, mutations, adaptations, etc. If you want your child to have well-rounded views, and have a clear understanding of where good science ends and agenda-driven fact twisting begins, this is a great curriculum.

Jeffrey's K5 material is great as well, he is already reading quite well, and can sound out unfamiliar words phonetically, and writes notes to stick on his sisters' backs, also spelled the way they sound. ("Im Stoopud" was one recent example) He's already conquered the Math--I probably could have started him on 1st grade Math, but I'm a bit persnickety about making sure all the bases are covered. He complained about it the other day, though, because I was boring him with subtraction drills, so we called it quits and moved on to more interesting material.

My review of BJU Press is an enthusiastic A+ for parents who have time to put in a full day, and like lots of hands on activities.

[Blubayou]

I loved Abeka's early reading program, very phonics based, but good. Again, I am not current on these programs, because I retired 5 years ago and have not done anything in the field since then.
Miss B- you sound like a born teacher.
Another curriculum you might look at is Direct Instruction- It is scripted and was originally written for student who have trouble learning- but many schools are using it with success. I think some Charter Schools are using it.

Yall are making me want to start teaching again. I can think of nothing I would rather do.

[Darcie]

This time around, I did a lot of research--and looked through the curriculum on display at our Christian bookstore for hours--before I picked anything! Part of the problem last time was that we used School of Tomorrow (it was ACE when I was a kid), and we hated it. I think ACE and Alpha Omega Life Pacs are similar. The only props I'll give SoT is their phonics program, which is pretty good.

This time around, I went with BJU Press, and it so good. I love the in depth Teacher's manuals, everything is full color, and there are lots of hands on activities to choose from for every lesson, especially in Math and Science. This is definitely the curriculum we'll be using again next year.

The only down side of BJU Press is that it requires quite a bit of teacher prep, especially IF you plan to use their methods of presenting Math and Science. I don't mind that, because I'm home fulltime, and I like being involved with the kids all day. For someone with less time on their hands, though, I wouldn't recommend BJU Press across the board, although it could still be used for Math and Science.

It's also on the pricey side, BUT nowhere near as expensive as putting your children into a private school--even a cheap one. I'm saving the Teacher's Manuals from Hannah's 7th grade curriculum for Sarah, so when Sarah's 7th year rolls around, I'll save about $25 - $50 per subject.

I did purchase additional Science kits from www.homesciencetools.com, because they offer full grade kits packaged by curriculum, and it's very convenient. Hannah's kit came with a preserved frog & earthworm, a dissection kit, and other things I would have trouble locating on my own. That was another extra expense, but well worth it, IMO.

The Science is presented firmly in support of Creationism, but does not shy away from thoroughly investigating evolution, biological evolution, mutations, adaptations, etc. If you want your child to have well-rounded views, and have a clear understanding of where good science ends and agenda-driven fact twisting begins, this is a great curriculum.

Jeffrey's K5 material is great as well, he is already reading quite well, and can sound out unfamiliar words phonetically, and writes notes to stick on his sisters' backs, also spelled the way they sound. ("Im Stoopud" was one recent example) He's already conquered the Math--I probably could have started him on 1st grade Math, but I'm a bit persnickety about making sure all the bases are covered. He complained about it the other day, though, because I was boring him with subtraction drills, so we called it quits and moved on to more interesting material.

My review of BJU Press is an enthusiastic A+ for parents who have time to put in a full day, and like lots of hands on activities.

Thanks so much for the info Ms. B. I was sold on the BJU English already. Jaden will be in 3rd grade next year. I'm gonna search it out for math. Have you compared BJU Math with Saxon?

[MissBrattified]

Thanks so much for the info Ms. B. I was sold on the BJU English already. Jaden will be in 3rd grade next year. I'm gonna search it out for math. Have you compared BJU Math with Saxon?

I did look at the Saxon math briefly a couple of weeks ago, and I intend to look at it a little more before we order our new curriculum. However, we like the BJU Press Math so much (so far), I doubt I'll switch, unless we hit a roadblock.

Really, everyone should investigate numerous styles of curriculum. That's the beauty of homeschooling--you can design it to fit your teaching style, your kids' learning styles, and your lifestyle. (too many "styles" in that sentence...LOL!)

Our Christian bookstore will be having a curriculum fair/sale around June-ish, and I intend to be there! :thumbsup

[Darcie]

I did look at the Saxon math briefly a couple of weeks ago, and I intend to look at it a little more before order our new curriculum. However, we like the BJU Press Math so much (so far), I doubt I'll switch, unless we hit a roadblock.

Really, everyone should investigate numerous styles of curriculum. That's the beauty of homeschooling--you can design it to fit your teaching style, your kids' learning styles, and your lifestyle. (too many "styles" in that sentence...LOL!)

Our Christian bookstore will be having a curriculum fair/sale around June-ish, and I intend to be there! :thumbsup

I was checking out the BJU Math and I'm still leaning to Saxon. I'm not a math person (at all) and I like how Saxon is so scripted. I'm a really creative person, so I don't have problems teaching any other subject using the library, internet, etc. However, because I'm so weak in Math, it paralizes me.

I use Ed Hirsh's "What Your_____ Grader Needs to Know. Its our "homeschool bible". It's a great guide for History, Science and Language.

[Pressing-On]

I was checking out the BJU Math and I'm still leaning to Saxon. I'm not a math person (at all) and I like how Saxon is so scripted. I'm a really creative person, so I don't have problems teaching any other subject using the library, internet, etc. However, because I'm so weak in Math, it paralizes me.

I use Ed Hirsh's "What Your_____ Grader Needs to Know. Its our "homeschool bible". It's a great guide for History, Science and Language.

We used Saxon for our Math program. One of my sisters is using BJU and loves it. Another uses ABEKA.

Darcie, I appreciate what you said about being weak in Math. That was not my forte either. I leaned on this handbook for terms and methods. Sometimes I needed something else to understand a little more what Saxon was trying to explain. You would love having this in your library.

http://www.amazon.com/Math-Call-Mathematics-Andrew-Kaplan/dp/0669508195

[Sinatra]

We used Saxon for our Math program. One of my sisters is using BJU and loves it. Another uses ABEKA.

Darcie, I appreciate what you said about being weak in Math. That was not my forte either. I leaned on this handbook for terms and methods. Sometimes I needed something else to understand a little more what Saxon was trying to explain. You would love having this in your library.

http://www.amazon.com/Math-Call-Mathematics-Andrew-Kaplan/dp/0669508195




I agree!! This is an EXCELLENT resource!


Sinatra

[Pressing-On]

I agree!! This is an EXCELLENT resource!


Sinatra

I also leaned on this English Handbook by Rod and Staff - excellent resource.

http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/item/1-12931-3/

Another excellent place to be is VegSource. If you want to see what most of the families are using in this country, this is a great website. Especially great for selling and trading. I lived on VegSource during our homeschooling years.

http://www.vegsource.com/homeschool/

[Sinatra]

I also leaned on this English Handbook by Rod and Staff - excellent resource.

http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/item/1-12931-3/

Another excellent place to be is VegSource. If you want to see what most of the families are using in this country, this is a great website. Especially great for selling and trading. I lived on VegSource during our homeschooling years.

http://www.vegsource.com/homeschool/




Thanks for the tip on the English Handbook. I've been looking for one of these, but had yet to find one that I really liked.


Sinatra

[Pressing-On]

Thanks for the tip on the English Handbook. I've been looking for one of these, but had yet to find one that I really liked.


Sinatra
It is excellent.

Here's another resource that I really love - "The ABC's and All Their Tricks". Being that the English language has so many variations on word pronunciation and rules, I like to know WHY a word is being pronounced the way it is aside from the set rules. 85% of our English language is phonetic, it's the other 15% that gives us a headache when teaching.


http://www.amazon.com/ABCs-All-Their-Tricks/dp/0880621494

[Darcie]

We used Saxon for our Math program. One of my sisters is using BJU and loves it. Another uses ABEKA.

Darcie, I appreciate what you said about being weak in Math. That was not my forte either. I leaned on this handbook for terms and methods. Sometimes I needed something else to understand a little more what Saxon was trying to explain. You would love having this in your library.

http://www.amazon.com/Math-Call-Mathematics-Andrew-Kaplan/dp/0669508195

Thanks so much! I checked it out and placed it on my wishlist. Thats one to order for sure.

[Sister Alvear]

you know it is against the law to homeschool in Brazil!

[Ron]

you know it is against the law to homeschool in Brazil!

Are you serious???

[Baron1710]

Liberty University has an online program now, and you can get college credits for a few of your high school classes as well as a program that credits you dollar for dollar towards college, so everything you spend with them for home school classes they credit back to you for college tuition.

[Sinatra]

I wanted to share with all you homeschooling parents another really great web site!

www.lessonplanet.com

You can sign up for a free 10 day trial membership. After the 10 day membership trial is over, you can get a full membership for only $29.95 per year. This is a good deal if you supplement your homeschool w/ a lot of worksheets, as I do.

They have over 150,000 lesson plans and worksheets, all of which are teacher reviewed!!

They have worksheets that cover all grades (K-12), in all subjects! Including, music, art, economics, writing, etc......they literally cover practically every subject!

They even cover your state's standard.


Sinatra