................... Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I looked at a friend's copy and was so impressed, I decided to order my own. This 5th grade book is fantastic. It covers everything, all the teaching is on the pages, all the reminders are on the pages of what steps to do next. It is colorful. Ever chapter has a chapter review and a cumulative review, and it covers all grammar/usage/and writing. It doesn't drill and kill. I can see that, as compared to Abeka there are about half of the exercises on each page. And, unlike Abeka, the book itself walks the student through the entire writing process, making a teacher's manual fairly unnecessary. It would replace 3 of the book my dd began with this year- Grammar, Writing and Daily Language Review... It is basically the Horizons Math of English/Grammar, as far as I can tell... Why isn't this more widely used? Like, am I really missing something? I even looked through all the samples online of the upper grades and I didn't see any significant difference in layout that would make it difficult to use at that point, either.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixpence1978 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I, too, really like the curriculum. It has worked well for my son (we used it while he was homeschooling, and he uses it at his private school). I would use it for my DD, but there just isn't enough review for her. I thought the writing chapters were also pretty well done. Not a classical method, but certainly very nice for a more traditional method. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We used it for several grades in middle and high school. It worked well for us, for the most part. We needed to focus more on writing so we shifted to other things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
................... Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Yeah, I noticed the writing was a little weak but for 5th grade, it is enough, and I can supplement with W&R which I felt was also a little weak on its own.... But I like knowing i have an all in one book. This way, if I never get to the supplement, it's OK. My dd was thrilled about the idea of replacing 3 books with one book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) . Edited February 19, 2018 by ErinE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 BJU is Bob Jones University if I remember correctly. I don't buy anything from Bob Jones, regardless of merit, because the university has a recent history of racism. That ^^^ and we're Catholic so no BJU materials for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 BJU is Bob Jones University if I remember correctly. I don't buy anything from Bob Jones, regardless of merit, because the university has a recent history of racism. There are a lot more things that could go after "because." My personal reasoning to avoid BJU is related to some of their actions associated with their opposition to Billy Graham and his ministry (1960s). There are a lot of problems with BJU that could lead many to avoid their materials on principle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) . Edited February 19, 2018 by ErinE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaConquest Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Echoing the others, I wouldn't use BJU materials due to philosophical objections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I just have to put this out there, and I'm not saying anyone here is accusing anyone else of this... Just because one uses their product, does not mean they agree with them philosophically. If I boycotted every company I morally disagreed with, I would have to become a hermit that lived in a cave wearing animal skins and growing my own food. Just like my car, my clothes, and my computer, it is simply a tool I have used to accomplish a goal. I had never heard of any of the moral issues with BJU until I read them here, and after that I felt like I should hide the fact that we used their grammar lest I be labeled a racist. I'm all for letting people know when there are such issues with companies, but sometimes the tone feels accusatory and condemning to someone that was simply asking a question or happy they finally found something that worked for their family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) . Edited February 19, 2018 by ErinE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We use BJU English (although not this year, as we are taking a break from formal grammar) and BJU math. I love both programs. I didn't even know there were issues surrounding BJU... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 My opposition it to BJU, not to anyone else who uses their products. I wish other parents who are navigating this Homeschool journey the best, whatever they use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Count me among those who won't use any BJU products bc of their anti-Catholic POV. I have no issues with others wanting to use BJU. I have had many friends over the yrs who have. But, if the question is why do people not use or recommend BJU, there are plenty of reasons why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinivanMom Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I just have to put this out there, and I'm not saying anyone here is accusing anyone else of this... Just because one uses their product, does not mean they agree with them philosophically. If I boycotted every company I morally disagreed with, I would have to become a hermit that lived in a cave wearing animal skins and growing my own food. Just like my car, my clothes, and my computer, it is simply a tool I have used to accomplish a goal. I had never heard of any of the moral issues with BJU until I read them here, and after that I felt like I should hide the fact that we used their grammar lest I be labeled a racist. I'm all for letting people know when there are such issues with companies, but sometimes the tone feels accusatory and condemning to someone that was simply asking a question or happy they finally found something that worked for their family. There has been extensive coverage of BJU's "moral issues" in the mainstream media. I don't think anyone is accusing those who use BJU of being racist. However, whenever someone mentions BJU, there is always going to be someone who kindly points out that BJU has a (very recent) history of racism and an ongoing pattern of extreme prejudice toward non-evangelical faiths. I think that's a helpful FYI for people considering using BJU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 There has been extensive coverage of BJU's "moral issues" in the mainstream media. I don't think anyone is accusing those who use BJU of being racist. However, whenever someone mentions BJU, there is always going to be someone who kindly points out that BJU has a (very recent) history of racism and an ongoing pattern of extreme prejudice toward non-evangelical faiths. I think that's a helpful FYI for people considering using BJU. I wasn't meaning it didn't exist, or that people on here were exaggerating, or that it wasn't talked about elsewhere. I worded that badly, I'm sorry. I meant, personally, I knew nothing about BJU's moral stance on anything before reading about it here. I picked up the writing curriculum at a store and thought it would work well for my family. And like I said upthread, I was not accusing anyone here, in this thread, of doing that. I simply wanted to put it out there, that the tone often used when BJU is mentioned, makes those of us that HAVE used it feel like we've done something wrong by using it. I did not want OP to feel that way if it is working for her family. Also, I've been arguing with my daughter all morning over math, so I'm feeling extra touchy this morning I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
................... Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Ooooohhhh yeah...I had forgotten all of that. And I totally understand. :) .....but the books are great if you are able to overlook or don't have issues. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meadowlark Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I'm one of those people who just found BJU, and actually just ordered their math. I'm also Catholic. What/where is the anti-catholic sentiment? Which curricular area is this most prevalent? Can anyone give specific examples from an actual book of anti-Catholicism or racism? Very curious and shocked that a company would actually print material like this in this day and age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
................... Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 They are without a doubt anti catholic. But, you will most likely only find that in the history. I wouldn't worry about math. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I use it too and I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaraby Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 There has been extensive coverage of BJU's "moral issues" in the mainstream media. I don't think anyone is accusing those who use BJU of being racist. However, whenever someone mentions BJU, there is always going to be someone who kindly points out that BJU has a (very recent) history of racism and an ongoing pattern of extreme prejudice toward non-evangelical faiths. I think that's a helpful FYI for people considering using BJU. This which is salient to the thread. The implication being "why aren't more people using it?" My being a secular homeschooler aside, my problems with BJU are not small issues I can overlook. I could not in good conscience use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morningcoffee Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 We used BJU English grade 5 and thought it was great. But when I looked at the samples for the higher grades Teacher Manuals (year 7 and beyond) they looked very different - not nearly as instructive nor as user friendly as the grade 5 English manual I had just used. So we didn't continue with BJU. But that was about two or three years so they may have updated the editions since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SebastianCat Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 We have used BJU English from 1st through 6th grades and have loved it. I did not like the format change in 7th grade so we won't be using it for 7th and up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I'm one of those people who just found BJU, and actually just ordered their math. I'm also Catholic. What/where is the anti-catholic sentiment? Which curricular area is this most prevalent? Can anyone give specific examples from an actual book of anti-Catholicism or racism? Very curious and shocked that a company would actually print material like this in this day and age. We are on our 6th year of using BJU Math, Handwriting, and English. I have not seen any anti-Catholic, (or anti-anybody for that matter) statements in their manuals, worktexts, or online videos. I assume that their Heritage Studies, aka. History, and Science courses would be where the greatest issues could be found. As with any curriculum, you will need to preview to see if those courses fit within your own personal convictions. BJU has been a fantastic fit for our family. I have one auditory learner, one kinesthetic, and one visual, so the combination of beautiful images with daily hands-on activities, and fun stories and songs (even in math) has been a gold mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyK Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I started using BJU Math last year for 2nd & 4th after trying different programs and I love it. This year I started out with a Grammar program that had me stopping after 5 weeks and printing free grammar sheets from the internet to teach. I knew I needed to change my program and writing also wasn't getting done as I wanted. So I ordered BJU Writing and Grammar this year for 3rd and 5th and I can tell it is going to really work so much better for us. I agree that it's hard to find reviews on this. I just love their Math and Grammar! Why did I wait so long to go with them! I'm so glad I've found a good fit for us. Their teacher books are expensive but for Writing and Grammar I ended up forgoing their teacher manual and getting a teacher's manual from Christian Liberty Press which has just the answers. I'm hoping that will be all we need. So far it's working great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 We used BJU English grade 5 and thought it was great. But when I looked at the samples for the higher grades Teacher Manuals (year 7 and beyond) they looked very different - not nearly as instructive nor as user friendly as the grade 5 English manual I had just used. So we didn't continue with BJU. But that was about two or three years so they may have updated the editions since then. We have used BJU English from 1st through 6th grades and have loved it. I did not like the format change in 7th grade so we won't be using it for 7th and up. Yes. We still use 7th grade, but I really don't like it as much as the lower grades. I really have to be on top of my game in telling my dd which pages to complete. It isn't intutive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I really like BJU writing and grammar. I like how it is set up and how well it teaches writing and grammar. We used their program for a few years alongside BJU science. I have read about the controversies surrounding their beliefs, and I don't disagree totally but I just had to forget all that and just use it. I didn't run into any controversy in writing and grammar, in elementary school. I mean absolutely no disrespect to people who didn't want to use their curriculum because they don't want to support the company, but I just gave up on that battle and had to use something I could teach with. Just sharing my experience and opinion, not trying to open up a debate. That being said we did buy their history one year and I was not impressed for a myriad of reasons. History is definitely where the most controversy is going to come up, with any curriculum. There is so much room for opinion in history. Beyond everything else, the BJU history flat out stunk, IMHO. The programs start to change in middle school too, and I didn't like the way things were set up. So we moved on. They do put out a really great writing and grammar program in the elementary years. Straightforward and effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punks in Ontario Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Yes. We still use 7th grade, but I really don't like it as much as the lower grades. I really have to be on top of my game in telling my dd which pages to complete. It isn't intutive. We've only just begun using 7th grade Grammar and Writing. One thing I've done with the worktext is write in exactly what needs completing and where to stop. For example, Day 5 will be at start of the day's work and Day 6 will be where to start the next day. When pages are out of order, I clearly label what needs doing in both places. I also mark where the tests are. This makes it quite user friendly for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 We have used and loved their online science for grades 6,7 & 8. I didn't love the look of grammar for grades 7 and up, and CLE was so much cheaper I stuck with them. I'm happy that you found a great fit for your family. That's an awesome thing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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