What homeschool program do you use? (I NEED A GREAT MATH PROGRAM FOR LD CHILD)

[Pixiedust34]

We are Sonlighters with an eclectic streak. We use Sonlight as our spine, but mix in some materials from different places now and then.

The Sonlight forums are a great place to learn about homeschooling. Part of the forums are private, but the public forums are open to everyone. If you have specific questions about Sonlight that's the place to go.

 

[happypooh]

I don't homeschool yet but hope to and am subscribing to this thread. A few of my friends use Singapore Math and as it has asian kids in it and we're all asian they say it's a nice cultural diversion from other resources for them (minus the fact that all the currency is in Singapore dollars and not US ones!) They say it helps them understand concepts in math and not just rote learning.
Another friend uses ABEKA and loves it. I'm still trying to figure it all out but my DS is only 2 now so I hope I have time!!

 

[ohiominnie]

K12 is, by far, hands down, the best curriculum I've come across.

K12 and you're in Ohio....where abouts? PM me if you don't want the thread going OT.

 

[bcvprincesses]

We are using K12 and love it. My girls are 7 and 9 and they really like that can go online and know exactly what they need to do for the day. It works well in our family.

 

[Denine]

We currently use Calvert for Pre-K and will use it again for K. It is very easey, all laid out for you. I may switch for 1st grade. I like the Winterpromise program which is kind of a cross between Calvert and Sonlight.

We will be using a math program separate from Calvert K's math program though. I am still deciding between Horizon and Singapore.

Godd luck!

 

[laceemouse]

We use Sonlight for our history/geography. I do not do their language arts. We do some Sonlight science, although this year my older three are doing Apologia at our co-op. We were doing Saxon math, the oldest still is, but the other three are not anymore. My youngest is doing Horizons and the middle two are doing Teaching Textbooks (LOVE it!!!!) My oldest is doing a lot of outside stuff now (she is high school) so I really just have to keep her on track!
My kids could never do the more traditional "school-at-home" approach. We did not want textbooks and worksheets, we didn't like that stuff at public school. That is why I chose Sonlight, though I add/tweak a little now. The books are great though!!!

 

[nuzmom]

We do some Sonlight science, although this year my older three are doing Apologia at our co-op. We were doing Saxon math, the oldest still is, but the other three are not anymore.

We just love Apologia sciences. My elementary DSs have completed Astronomy and Botany and are doing Zoology (flying creatures of the 5th day). At co-op, I have facilitated Apologia Physics and Chemistry (twice). As an engineer, I feel that their sciences really prepare kids for college. The elementary sciences go in depth in a narrow subject. Very hands on, very fun. I just LOVE Apologia sciences.

We use math-u-see through 3rd grade and then switch to Saxon. Saxon is pretty intense and I would not recommend it to a learning disabled student, until they have a very solid math foundation. Math-U-See is very hands on learning with a reasonable amount of workbook work. Saxon is a textbook type learning.

We have used Konos also. You might really want to consider that if your son learns well by become emersed in a subject. It roles science, history, reading, character training, crafts, and more into one subject. You would need to suplement it with library books. For instance, on the subject of obedience, the military is studied for a few weeks (horses are also part of the obedience unit). A bunch of activities are suggested in Konos. You pick what you want and go with it. You would want to check out books about the military, maybe some videos, pretend to be in the military, build a model rocket, etc. I'm really not doing this justice. Here's their webpage http://www.konos.com/

You might want to start out deciding what hsing path is the best for your son. Would he do best with unschooling, on-line, packaged curriculum, or taylor made curriculum. I don't care for packaged curricululm (such as Abeka) because I want to move entirely at my childrens pace. They might be a grade above in one subject, while being a grade behind in another. This is just my opinion based on a hsing friend that is having difficultly with this very issue right now.

I'd also suggest finding fellow hsers in your area. Maybe a co-op. Also, really try to attend a curriculum fair.

 

[Brier Rose]

I don't care for packaged curricululm (such as Abeka) because I want to move entirely at my childrens pace. They might be a grade above in one subject, while being a grade behind in another. This is just my opinion based on a hsing friend that is having difficultly with this very issue right now.

We've used Abeka several times, and I would agree with that.
In fact we are having issues with that this year. DS is not doing well with their reading, but is way ahead of their math. This has basically left us to do double the work because we have been supplementing outside of the program.

Something to consider with any "box" curriculum to be sure!

 

[nuzmom]

Brier Rose - thank you for your comments. I was hesitant to say anything about Abeka or any other "packaged" curriculum because I know it works great for many people and most of them love it.

I hope some other DISers can comment specifically about hsing a (highly functional, autistic) learning challenged child. I've "heard" many positives about hsing in this situation. Let's hope there's some DISers that can give OP some specifics.

 

[Elaine R]

We use Mother of Divine Grace. It is very flexible and if you enroll they can help you design a curriculum that is appropriate for you child. I believe this school also is equipped to teach children with special needs. In addition you do not need to enroll if you don't want to. You can just order the sylabus and materials. That way you can use the syllabus as a frame and add or substitute as you need.

 

[5starmom]

May I ask what the controversy is/was?

We used The MorningStar Academy last year without any issues at all. Just curious.

I've known families who felt they were strung along for the 30-day beginning period without getting all the information and materials so that after that time was up they had no choice but be locked into paying for a service they thought was lacking.

The founder, Mimi Rothschild, is famous in the education/homeschool blog world for threatening lawsuits against anyone who says negative things about her online academies. There was a wikipedia page created about her so that those who felt the academies didn't meet their expectations--or worse--could have a place to share their information. Ms. Rothschild (or someone working for her) went in and edited the page so that it was basically an advertisement for her academies. LOL Then it was deleted because that's not allowed on wikipedia.

http://www2.homeschoolchristian.com/cgi-bin/config3.cgi?noframes;read=73543 (An example of how inquiries about these academies usually go on the boards I frequent...)

Mimi Rothschild has used pseudonyms when posting all over the internet about her companies. She, her husband, or an employee will post glowing reports about the online schools...under many names, but all are from the same IP address so they are all the SAME person.

Here is an article from a few years back about one of her online academies in PA called Einstein Academy: http://www.wired.com/news/school/0,1383,54737,00.html Also: http://www.wired.com/news/school/1,51489-0.html (Apparently they were accused of copyright infringement for using online texts from another company but saying it was *their* curriculum.)

In the past, she has set up online schools without having more than a P.O. Box and some unpaid teachers. Yet she will accept funding from the public school districts. I believe she has been sued for not paying employees, for illegally setting up some of these online academies, and for not delivering materials/services to families.

I know that some people are probably unaware of how this person/company operates and may be completely satisfied with what they are getting in return for their money. She runs a very large and complex organization. However, knowing what I do, I could not support much less recommend using one of these academies. It's interesting enough that she has several different academies at all, IMO. (Grace, Jubilee, Morningstar, Southern Baptist and others)

Good luck to you.

 

[Brier Rose]

I've known families who felt they were strung along for the 30-day beginning period without getting all the information and materials so that after that time was up they had no choice but be locked into paying for a service they thought was lacking.

The founder, Mimi Rothschild, is famous in the education/homeschool blog world for threatening lawsuits against anyone who says negative things about her online academies. There was a wikipedia page created about her so that those who felt the academies didn't meet their expectations--or worse--could have a place to share their information. Ms. Rothschild (or someone working for her) went in and edited the page so that it was basically an advertisement for her academies. LOL Then it was deleted because that's not allowed on wikipedia.

http://www2.homeschoolchristian.com/cgi-bin/config3.cgi?noframes;read=73543 (An example of how inquiries about these academies usually go on the boards I frequent...)

Mimi Rothschild has used pseudonyms when posting all over the internet about her companies. She, her husband, or an employee will post glowing reports about the online schools...under many names, but all are from the same IP address so they are all the SAME person.

Here is an article from a few years back about one of her online academies in PA called Einstein Academy: http://www.wired.com/news/school/0,1383,54737,00.html Also: http://www.wired.com/news/school/1,51489-0.html (Apparently they were accused of copyright infringement for using online texts from another company but saying it was *their* curriculum.)

In the past, she has set up online schools without having more than a P.O. Box and some unpaid teachers. Yet she will accept funding from the public school districts. I believe she has been sued for not paying employees, for illegally setting up some of these online academies, and for not delivering materials/services to families.

I know that some people are probably unaware of how this person/company operates and may be completely satisfied with what they are getting in return for their money. She runs a very large and complex organization. However, knowing what I do, I could not support much less recommend using one of these academies. It's interesting enough that she has several different academies at all, IMO. (Grace, Jubilee, Morningstar, Southern Baptist and others)

Good luck to you.

Hmmm..I never knew all that! I even did hours of searching on the internet before we went with Morningstar and never had any luck finding much information..good or bad.

We're not using them anymore anyway, but like I said when we were we had no issues at all.

All the behind the scenes info is definitely something I'll keep in mind for the future.

 

[disney-super-mom]

This is GREAT information everyone!

I LOVE the looks of K12! I think it would work well for my son. Not all of it, but the math, history, science, and possibly the language arts (although the language arts would be somewhat difficult for DS, but on the other hand could possibly help him as well).

For reading, the Headsprout Reading Program looks AWESOME!

The inclusion of the K12 arts and music programs would be too much information for DS, Ryan, to process (in addition to his math, history, science, reading, writing, and language). I think I'll keep those on a more basic level or possibly include/incorporate them in his other subjects.

For example, if in history he's learning about Native Americans, then maybe we could listen to some Native American music or learn a Native American song, and Ryan could paint a picture of a teepee (sp?) or possibly do some sand art. Does that make sense? Is this a good idea?

Well, I guess I'll learn as we go along.

Okay, I've now got to look into more of the programs some of you have suggested.

Thank you!!!

 

[luvdiz2]

Anyone tried time4learning online? Wondering your experiences... We are looking for child learning more independently. I think computer based would work.

 

[Brier Rose]

For example, if in history he's learning about Native Americans, then maybe we could listen to some Native American music or learn a Native American song, and Ryan could paint a picture of a teepee (sp?) or possibly do some sand art. Does that make sense? Is this a good idea?

I think that's an AWESOME idea!

 

[sha_lyn]

Anyone tried time4learning online? Wondering your experiences... We are looking for child learning more independently. I think computer based would work.

I'm interested in hearing about it too. I have it bookmarked right now as a possibility for DD next yr
I'm also looking at http://etap.org/

 

[graygables]

This is GREAT information everyone!

I LOVE the looks of K12! I think it would work well for my son. Not all of it, but the math, history, science, and possibly the language arts (although the language arts would be somewhat difficult for DS, but on the other hand could possibly help him as well).

For reading, the Headsprout Reading Program looks AWESOME!

The inclusion of the K12 arts and music programs would be too much information for DS, Ryan, to process (in addition to his math, history, science, reading, writing, and language). I think I'll keep those on a more basic level or possibly include/incorporate them in his other subjects.

For example, if in history he's learning about Native Americans, then maybe we could listen to some Native American music or learn a Native American song, and Ryan could paint a picture of a teepee (sp?) or possibly do some sand art. Does that make sense? Is this a good idea?

Well, I guess I'll learn as we go along.

Okay, I've now got to look into more of the programs some of you have suggested.

Thank you!!!

My DD is HFA and in K12 a lot of the music and art are designed to reinforce the lessons in history/LA, etc. Since my DD is on an IEP, though, we don't even deal with a lot of the music, just let her piano teacher take care of that. Another thing I like about it is if DDs understand the concept, we just move on and don't mess with all the exercises over and over again. They also have placement tests, so my 5th gr HFA DD is actually in the 4th grade math and LA (last curriculum STUNK and she fell behind). She is working at her own pace and slowly catching up. We can work year round, so we're hoping to have her back on K12's track by the end of 6th grade. I highly recommend the virtual academy since they will provide an IEP and all the accomodations that your child needs and continuity in case you ever do go back to traditional schooling (there's a transcript).

 

[cinda-wella]

Hello- I am also homeschooling a high functioning autistic child (he's 8 ) and this is our third year using Calvert. As someone else had mentioned, there are many worksheets, which is ideal for my son, as he is a very visual learner.

Good Luck. If you would like to email me, feel free.

waiting to go back to Disney

 

[dijid]

Deciding what to use when you start can be so overwhelming! I stressed for quite a while before deciding to follow the Core Knowledge Sequence. Most people have never heard of it, but might be familiar with the "What your Nth Grader should know" books. I use the free lesson plans available at:http://www.cstone.net/~bcp/BCPIntro2.htm (although there are lots of other free lesson plans available that also follow Core Knowledge)

I really like the way the topics are laid out (ie learning about the Mt. Rushmore presidents in February. Studying Pilgrims and Native Americans in November) and how they often link at least two subjects together - like geography and literature or art and history. You do have to pick a separate math program (we love Singapore math!) and it sounds like you'd need a phonics/reading program.

Overall, this has been an excellent choice for my family. It's also very affordable as I just print out the lesson plans I want to follow and order lots of books from the library.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[disney-super-mom]

I just wanted to again thank everyone for responding so kindly to my question. You have all been VERY helpful!