pitterpatter Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 If you could request a curriculum be designed around your wants and needs, what would it be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 An online/ computer based Christian Science curriculum (like VP self paced history) with weekly ready made kits for experiments. All that can be done independently. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahrazad Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 An all-in-one box WTM/Classical style curriculum for Muslims. Of course, a Muslim homeschool curriculum doesn't even exist at all (outside of specific religious studies materials) so we're a long way off of it. Dh told me I should make one but I wouldn't know where to start LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warneral Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 BFSU that is easy to implement! Preferably scripted and some well-planned output sheets. Perhaps notebooking pages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitterpatter Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 I want more choices for history and science designed with young students in mind...fun, hands-on curriculum with high graphic appeal and quality design and writing. I want a complete Spanish program designed the same way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I have long wanted a secular TOG with a SL open & go schedule, with discussion/narration prompts even at the grammar levels, with everything you need for one week in one small section altogether. In my wildest dreams, it would also come with true handicraft project kits with high quality materials, artist study with poster size art, music study with cd/download available, and VP style memory cards. It would also include correlating IEW themes, scheduled of course. Throw in historic links to math and science too, just to add the cherry on top. I would pay an enormous sum of money for this. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I designed it to fit our family, and it's in my sig line. Works for us! ;) [Now I just have to figure out the upcoming year, LOL.] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyrobynne Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 BFSU that is easy to implement! Preferably scripted and some well-planned output sheets. Perhaps notebooking pages. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I would make a Miquon that went all the way up through the end of pre-algebra. I would make it the following colors: burnt sienna, mauve, lime green, navy, chocolate, and pink. Also, I really wish there was a science that was a central, engaging, well-written text (don't even try mentioning ones, none of them are well-written enough to qualify in my mind) that came with a resource book that would have the following things for every section to be used as a buffet by the parent: video resources, supplemental books, demo experiments, hands-on ways to really engage with the topic, and appropriate printables such as label sheets and lab sheets. It could have things like review questions and tests too, I just don't especially care about those. But that's the beauty of having a resource book instead of a set in stone curriculum. Hm... What else... Oh, I wish there was an easy map practice book that was focused on awareness of names of places instead of general map skills (which I think are way overpracticed anyway - most kids can read maps - it's not that hard). That might exist though. I looked, but not exhaustively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaConquest Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Rigorous, secular science that is easy to implement and contains all necessary materials. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLittleBears Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Math like MIF or Singapore with a small amount of built-in spiral review and lessons that are a bit more scripted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Secular TOG. And then a special needs curriculum that barely edges into logic, but gives me a good chunk for oh, 6 years. Because I have a feeling trying to cover 5-6 grade in science and history for the next 6 years will be rough to avoid burnout! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 An engaging US History program for elementary More secular science options (we use Mr. Q, Critical Thinking through Science, and our own cobbled together items) I was just discussing this with DH, who is a chemist, and told him that he needs to write something :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 YES, a secular, conceptual, mastery math program that includes a bit of daily review so things don't get so easily forgotten. BJU might be close except for the religious part. I am hopeful about Houghton-Mifflin's Math Expressions but it isn't marketed to homeschoolers and is quite expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanikit Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Umm... something that would change according to my emotions on the day and my children's emotions too... something that is totally individualised for each of my children - hey you said it was a dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathie in VA Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Because I have kids in different stages, I like TOG since it puts everyone on a similar topic weekly... however I miss the spine approach so maybe a TOG that focuses on a spine but allows time for additional reading. TOG is all about deciding where to cut back.. a dream curriculum wouldn't require cutting since the basics would be clear and advanced work would be right there too on a weekly basis. For math I'm liking Singapore but would love it more if working the basic fact review were more built in... so it doesn't always seem like Mom is assigning all this extra work! For LA, I like what I have so far. hmm, but a dream would be to use CW and complete it with all the depth it offers, by say end of 10th grade. This leaves one less skill to focus on in the last two years... allowing those skills to be used and relied on in the other subjects and allowing more time to focus on other skills like literature analysis, advanced math and science, college exams, outside work, sports, music, etc. Just more time for them would be so nice. Oh wait, we are dreaming here, right? Then how about a science that includes access to a 3D virtual world for experiments! This way they can do all measuring and cutting, etc without all the prep, mess, and potential danger... plus there's no worry of the little ones getting into the chemicals, tools, etc. Some of the computer stuff today comes close but it's still not the same skills as actually filling the beakers, cutting the frog, etc. A 3D virtual world could do everything, except maybe the smells. hmm, if we are going 3D, then let's do that for math also... with little ones around I hate pulling out loose manipulatives! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitterpatter Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 Couldn't agree more. I would make a Miquon that went all the way up through the end of pre-algebra. I would make it the following colors: burnt sienna, mauve, lime green, navy, chocolate, and pink. Also, I really wish there was a science that was a central, engaging, well-written text (don't even try mentioning ones, none of them are well-written enough to qualify in my mind) that came with a resource book that would have the following things for every section to be used as a buffet by the parent: video resources, supplemental books, demo experiments, hands-on ways to really engage with the topic, and appropriate printables such as label sheets and lab sheets. It could have things like review questions and tests too, I just don't especially care about those. But that's the beauty of having a resource book instead of a set in stone curriculum. Hm... What else... Oh, I wish there was an easy map practice book that was focused on awareness of names of places instead of general map skills (which I think are way overpracticed anyway - most kids can read maps - it's not that hard). That might exist though. I looked, but not exhaustively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I'd love to have a DVD based physical fitness class available at a variety of different levels.....specifically designed to work on increasing flexibility, building muscle strength, improving coordination and balance, and preparing for lifelong fitness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Five More Minutes Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Also, I really wish there was a science that was a central, engaging, well-written text (don't even try mentioning ones, none of them are well-written enough to qualify in my mind) that came with a resource book that would have the following things for every section to be used as a buffet by the parent: video resources, supplemental books, demo experiments, hands-on ways to really engage with the topic, and appropriate printables such as label sheets and lab sheets. It could have things like review questions and tests too, I just don't especially care about those. But that's the beauty of having a resource book instead of a set in stone curriculum. Exactly this. Finding well-written, secular science books takes so. much. work. (And anything published using Comic Sans font is immediately disqualified.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Exactly this. Finding well-written, secular science books takes so. much. work. (And anything published using Comic Sans font is immediately disqualified.) I feel like there's a lot out there in "living books" for science, but it's so uneven and you have to go find it all. I'd love for those topics that don't have a book to have a central story that we're looking at. And to have a feeling of continuance for science. One voice where all the other "voices" are supplements. Seriously, after the last three years of teaching science, I feel like I could create the resource guide if someone could create the text (and, presumably, if I could find a good true science geek to edit my guide). I just would not trust my science skills, even at the level of elementary science, to be *the* explainer. Are there homeschool personals ads for this? :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitterpatter Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 LOL!! I wrote a similar comment not too long ago. There are so many profession fonts out there free for the choosing that I can't understand why anyone would think Comic Sans acceptable. Exactly this. Finding well-written, secular science books takes so. much. work. (And anything published using Comic Sans font is immediately disqualified.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Comic Sans is not acceptable. I've been railing about this for awhile. Maybe I should start a website that lobbies against the use of comic sans in homeschool curricula. We could do a letter writing campaign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 SOTW for U.S. History or an extended version of Vol. 3 focusing more on U.S. History. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I feel like there's a lot out there in "living books" for science, but it's so uneven and you have to go find it all. I'd love for those topics that don't have a book to have a central story that we're looking at. And to have a feeling of continuance for science. One voice where all the other "voices" are supplements. Seriously, after the last three years of teaching science, I feel like I could create the resource guide if someone could create the text (and, presumably, if I could find a good true science geek to edit my guide). I just would not trust my science skills, even at the level of elementary science, to be *the* explainer. Are there homeschool personals ads for this? :tongue_smilie: I have said this before, but I would kill for a book that flows chapter by chapter through the disciplines as naturally as they occur in reality. I envision a spiraling science program which could easily and logically lead from the Big Bang and the formation of the universe (physical science, earth and space science) to evolution (life science) to a study of fossils (earth with some archaeology and anthropology on the side?), to a study of rocks (earth science), to the periodic table (chemistry), to states of matter (physical science), to the weather cycle (earth science), to seasons and the life cycle of plants (earth then life science) to the life cycle of people and animals to blah blah blah blah blah... One topic would lead to another, each laying a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge that would maximize understanding of subsequent lessons. In other words, it should feel like a logical progression through the topics, not fragmented bits of info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2bee Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I would love a thorough Islamic Curriculum for the K-6 crowd. I would love it!!! Especially something that worked for English and Math. I would love a serious Spanish language program for the K-6 crowd, something that worked on teaching kids how to speak, listen and read in the Spanish language and gradually worked on writing too! That would be amazing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecclecticmum Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Something like Global Village school thats actually REAL, interactive and fun.. UU-feel with Social Justice and other subjects GVS contains. I really want to like GVS, but to me, it seems like you are paying $120 for 3 pages of book reccs and a whole lot of page fillers. When people said it was just a booklist, I was like "oh okay, but maybe it would still be worth it to me" well not when the list itself is 3 pages of "optional" stuff, and the rest is page-fillers where they tell you choices are upto you, and it seems to divide the books you have chosen into the 36 weeks. Isn't that what anyone does when making their own boring, lit based curriculum? Find spine book, split spine book into weeks, add extra boring books based on spines chapter. done. Its very upsetting, as I was really hoping for something different. *I haven't purchased it, just viewed the samples, so maybe I am missing something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I have said this before, but I would kill for a book that flows chapter by chapter through the disciplines as naturally as they occur in reality. I envision a spiraling science program which could easily and logically lead from the Big Bang and the formation of the universe (physical science, earth and space science) to evolution (life science) to a study of fossils (earth with some archaeology and anthropology on the side?), to a study of rocks (earth science), to the periodic table (chemistry), to states of matter (physical science), to the weather cycle (earth science), to seasons and the life cycle of plants (earth then life science) to the life cycle of people and animals to blah blah blah blah blah... One topic would lead to another, each laying a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge that would maximize understanding of subsequent lessons. In other words, it should feel like a logical progression through the topics, not fragmented bits of info. Exactly. I know that the constantly evolving nature of science makes this hard, but it's so bizarre to me that there's nothing like this at all out there. Nothing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I have said this before, but I would kill for a book that flows chapter by chapter through the disciplines as naturally as they occur in reality. I envision a spiraling science program which could easily and logically lead from the Big Bang and the formation of the universe (physical science, earth and space science) to evolution (life science) to a study of fossils (earth with some archaeology and anthropology on the side?), to a study of rocks (earth science), to the periodic table (chemistry), to states of matter (physical science), to the weather cycle (earth science), to seasons and the life cycle of plants (earth then life science) to the life cycle of people and animals to blah blah blah blah blah... One topic would lead to another, each laying a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge that would maximize understanding of subsequent lessons. In other words, it should feel like a logical progression through the topics, not fragmented bits of info. Funny how so many mention science. This approach sounds so great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jer2911mom Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 A lit-based program with SL's book notes, schedule, and international focus, HOD's hands-on activities (scheduled), notebooking, focus on personal relationship with the Lord, and less graphic books, and MFW's heart, missions focus, and bible study/discipling component. A conceptual math program like Singapore with the gentle progression and review (toned down) of CLE and the visual component of MUS. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 I would love a full SL like program that is 100% secular. A secular science program that is as easy to use at home like Apologia is (but secular!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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