Would you like to share your opinion about a specific curriculum? If so, click here. Be sure to include the name of the program you are reviewing and the pros and cons of the curriculum.
Review 1:
Pros - I think Abeka's Phonics
program is outstanding. It deals with blends and special sounds in a way that is
understandable and effectively makes reading decodable. Fro example, I may be
reading with my son, and we get to a word like "emission". If he gets stuck, I
say, "sion" like in "missionary", and he gets it. I also like the Abeka
math. It is easy to follow, and provides a range of activities. For both
programs, the student books are colorful and fun. Both also provide a lot of
review to reinforce the concepts learned.
Cons - The Phonics can get a little
bit tedious. My daughter is a "worksheet" girl and enjoys the work; however, my
boys are definitely not, so it's not a program for them. I did pull in the
special sound cards, though, for them in teaching them to read. I also don't
really like the readers. They are good for supplemental practice, but I prefer
for "literary" literature. The only con for the math is that there is not a
manipulatives set that I know of; however, I bought the manipulatives set from
Saxon, and I use that along with the Abeka.
Review 1:
Pros - Saxon Math focuses on review
which really engrains the concepts in your students' heads. It also is great
about drilling math facts. In addition, there is a great manipulatives set to
use along with the curriculum.
Cons - For a non-math mom, the
Saxon student pages were a bit boring for me--all black-line sheets. Also, the
second side of each sheet is almost identical to the first side. The idea in a
classroom setting is to do the first side in class and assign the back for
homework. The review is great if your child needs it, but it can get a little
tedious if they have the concept down. Of course, the beauty of homeschooling is
that you can skip it if you want! Finally, if you purchase the teacher's manual,
note that it is set up for classroom use. There is a class "meeting" for which
there is a script in the TM. With your own children, it gets a little cheesy.
Review 1:
Pros - I love this spelling
program! It introduces the words by explaining the spelling rule the words have
in common. It has a few days' worth of activities. One of the activities is a
proofreading one, which I love! I think proofreading skills help kids not only
with their spelling, but also with their focus and attention to detail. The
words are challenging, but if you stick with the appropriate level, the words
are appropriate and do not cause frustration.
Cons - I can't really see any cons
except that there are no hands-on activities, but I add those. I have my kids,
on one day of the week, either paint their words or write their words in a
shallow dish filled with cornmeal or rice.