Choosing And Using Curriculum

[QuilterMom]

These are notes from a seminar I attended at my state homeschool convention.



Choosing and Using Curriculum
Joyce Herzog www.joyceherzog.com


*Textbook (Bob Jones, ABeka, Saxon Math, Rod & Staff)
Advantages:
- Easy to follow.
- "Everything" is provided.
- Colorful.
- Teachers manuals provide adequate learning suggestions.
- Durable.
- "Covers" all subjects at all grade levels.

Disadvantages:
- Cumbersome to manage.
- Expensive.
- Time consuming.
- Difficult or impossible to manage several grade levels at once.
- The more children, the less real teaching and teacher involvement.
- Designed for classroom use.
- May become the controller.



* Work Book (A.C.E., Alpha Omega)
Advantages:
- Straightforward.
- Easy to manage.
- Little preparation.
- Work independently.
- Structured.
- Gives teacher security.
- Budget effective for one child.
- Diagnostic and can place child at his/her ability level in different subjects. ***
- Can carry on without teacher present.
- Increases confidence of teacher and student.
- Covers all subjects at all grade levels.

Disadvantages:
- Makes possible filling in the blanks without thinking or learning on the student's part.
- No choices to make.
- Leads to minimal teaching and teacher involvement.
- Minimal accountability.
- May encourage cheating.
- Expensive for several children.
- Parent may become manager rather than teacher.
- Structure and lack of variety may lead to lack of creativity and enjoyment. ***
- Some do not provide enough repetition - others too much.



* Modified Unit Study (Konos, Prairie Primer, Tapestry of Grace)
Advantages:
- Permits multi-level learning.
- Gives structure without limiting creativity.
- Very life related.
- Usually very hands on.
- Encourages creativity.

Disadvantages:
- Does not include math, reading or basic grammar instruction.
- Choices are required.
- Usually need resources or much use of the library.
- Dependent on health and presence of teacher.



* Real Book or Unit Study (Unit studies that YOU write/make up)
Advantages:
- Multi-level learning.
- Very hands on.
- Develops research skills. ***
- Encourages creativity.
- High parent involvement.
- Encourages learning together.
- Freedom for creativity.
- Flexibility in planning.
- Easy adjustment for interest and ability of individual.
- Materials reusable for other family members.

Disadvantages:
- Requires much preparation.
- Requires decision making.
- Overwhelming to those who need structure.
- Intimidates the insecure.
- Need variety of research materials.
- Initially dependent on teacher.
- May be "hit or miss".
- Does not include math, reading and grammar instruction.
- Need much use of the library.



* 2 Major Ways to Approach the Teaching of Math
- Spiral Curriculum: Circular. Repeats a little on each page. Designed for classroom use. Bores fast kids. Every textbook curriculum is spiral.

- Vertical: Step by step approach.
Key Curriculum Press http://www.keypress.com/
Hands-On Equations http://www.borenson.com/
Mastering Mathematics http://www.masterypublications.com/Math.htm
David Quine's Math http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com...iculum_MMM.htm
Math-U-See http://www.mathusee.com/

[guest2]

Thanks Kim!~

[homesteadmamma]

Thanks Kim for this. Great info.