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After mentioning some of the homeschool resources I'm looking for, several of you responded with suggestions in the comments. I realized just how helpful it might be to put these questions out to you a bit more formally. You ladies are always such an incredible resource for me, and I hope you know how much I value the input that you give on this blog! :)
Here's what I'm wondering about:
1) I am trying to choose a math curriculum. Though I know that I could still switch at a later point if I really don't like what I choose, I known that it would be better to choose something and just stick with it. I'm working hard to really do my research and make a good decision, and this is where you come in!
Would you share with me which curriculum you have used, and what you thought of it? How did your kids do with it? Did you find the built-in review sufficient? Did it move too fast? Was it too repetitious? And how about your work load, Mom? I would be really interested to know how much prep time and instruction time the different curriculums (curricula?) required of you (and I know that the child using them makes a big difference)?
**A few specific ones that I am looking at are Horizons, Math-U-See and Saxon, so I would especially love to hear your opinions on those, but also on any others that I might not have considered yet.
2) I am looking for books for our read-aloud times. Specifically, I would like to find books about missionaries and about other cultures, that are appropriate for very young children (mine are about 4 1/2 and almost 2). Any suggestions of great books that you've read with your children? And, are there any good resources that have lists of read-aloud books (for different age/skill levels) that you would recommend?
Thanks so much for your suggestions!
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Just a quick note. Saxon and Abeka are repetitive, but that is because the approach is spiral. In other words, once a skill has been taught further lessons build on that foundational knowledge and the practice review never lets you forget a skill. I found this approach to be academically sound in the long run. To cut down on the repetition, only do the odds or the evens of each lesson! But perhaps do ALL the exercises in one section if there is some trouble to iron out. I use Abeka in the grammar school grades and Saxon in the high school years and it has never let us down.
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PS! Our favorite read-alouds over the years have been the Little House series, the Chronicles of Narnia, LOTR.
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I know I'm a little behind in responding. I'm just not catching up with reading my blogs! Hopefully this will help you either way.
*You can use curricula or curriculums as a plural for curriculum....either one is correct.*
My husband and I are currently reevaluating our homeschooling approach and have decided to attend our state's homeschool convention this June (just 3 weeks after baby #5 is due!). I am teaching 2nd grade, 1st grade and preschool/kindergarten. The only curriculum that I am confident we will be continuing next year is Horizons Math.
We LOVE Horizons. We started out with Abeka, but didn't care for it so much. Then we switched to Saxon and found that it was behind many of the other math curriculums. Then we decided to try Horizons. I'm so glad we made the switch. My kids have responded to it so well.
As far as read alouds go, I would third the idea of checking out Sonlight's list. They are very missionary oriented and have a wide variety of books. We love their suggestions.
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Try this website http://www.ambleside.com they have helped me and makes everything really simple and loving. The use Charlotte mason techniques starting with year 0 which is most reading to your child and doing simple math. alot of the books they recommend are found online for free that you can download, or get a the library, free. I hope this helps. My kids are 20, 17, 16, and 12. I wish I know about the simplicity of home school when we started.
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sorry the website is http://www.amblesideonline.com
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My perspective is that I am a former Kindergarten and first grade teacher... I am now home with my son and planning to homeschool beginning this fall. Actually we are already homeschooling, but you know what I mean! :)
I have taught with the Saxon math curriculum in both K and 1st grade and have found it WONDERFUL. It is laid out very well and very well scripted for the teacher. It makes use of a lot of manipulatives (which is a MUST for the younger ages as they are not ready for abstract concepts, they need very concrete things they can touch and move)
I would highly recommend it!
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I have used Mathusee for pre-algebra to pre-calc. I love the videos (my husband is a math major and thinks the teacher is excellent) my kids like it, it is easy to grade and the web page lets you print all the extra worksheets you want. It will take you all the way to college. Enjoy!
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Stephanie,
I have enjoyed your blog and stop by every so often to read mostly about nutrition, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this thread on your blog. I am right now trying to make a decision concerning math.
I wanted to ask those who have posted before on this subject if they could elaborate a little on how they approached the "no formal math". I have read about it and really feel that this is the way to go for us, but I am still apprehensive. If there is anymore advice from those who have done this at home, I would love to hear alittle more about what you did.
Thanks so much, Kaye
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I forgot to mention, here is a book list resource.
http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html
Kaye
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