Thanks, Pammy. I am glad to hear that your daughter likes the life science. My daughter has been wanting to do more with science-esp. more experiments. (I try, but they never seem to work right or we don't have the right equipment! I would much rather read a history book, LOL.) Is she able to pretty much watch the lesson and then do everything on her own (experiments, assignments, etc?- some of them look kind of complicated, but then maybe the teacher on the video explains it all step by step? Thanks

Bump! (I hope it is ok to bump--I still am hoping for some good feedback! So much money is involved--but even more precious--my child's education!)Thanks Phyllis

Thanks so much, amyrjoy! Phyllis

BUMP! Still hoping for some feedback, please!

Thanks, Down-the Rabbit Hole! I am glad to know that it has worked well for your kids. Did your kids find it frustrating if the teacher repeated the textbook verbatum, or did she not do that too much for 8th grade American history. How often do they have the skits, etc. ? Do they actually visit historical sites, too (like a virtual field trip?) Thanks so much!

Hi. I would love some feedback from anyone who has used A Beka DVD's for 8th grade (or similar grades). I am thinking about using it for English and History next year. We have been using A Beka's grammar and spelling, but I have always taught it--or should I say "given a quick explanation and assigned pages!" I think having a teacher on the DVD give lots of explanation and review might be helpful as the work gets more challenging. If you have used it, what did you think? How was the literature component, also? I am also considering using A Beka on DVD for 8th grade American History. I googled for reviews, and apparently the teacher, Mr. McBride, has quite a few fans out there, who say he is their favorite teacher! If your kids did have him for history, what did they think? Is there any discussion in his class, or is it all lecture (as it appeared in the short sample I saw online.) Is there any critical thinking type questioning, or activites? I also posted (on the general curriculum board) a question about Bob Jones's history on DVD. If you happen to have experience with their 8th grade history on distance learning, I'd love opinions and feedback. The teacher on BJU's sample appeared to just be repeating what was in the book. I want a teacher that will add to the book, and make history come alive! I also am considering using their Life Science on DVD. How was that? Yes, I am also considering mix and matching curriculums--I know it is more expensive that way, but I just want to get the best fit for us in the various subjects. Thanks so much!

Hi. This is my first post on this board in years! If you have used the BJU Heritage Studies 8 (The American Republic) via distance learning I would love to know your opinion of the teacher, the video presentation (skits, etc.), and the class in general. In the short sample I saw on-line at BJU's web site, the teacher seemed to just be reciting what was in the book, (though with very nice added visual touches and video clips, I'll admit!) I like the text book, but was hoping for a teacher that could really add to it and make it come alive, or at least add good commentary beyond the book. Are the skits, reinactments , extra visuals, etc. very good and worthwhile, or a lot of "fluff"? I know BJU doesn't use a classical approach, but I want to use a DVD program next year, for various reasons. One being that my dd, who is a very good student, wants more structure and more of a challenge than I have been giving her, and she would appreciate a different teacher (than me!) for a change of pace--especially one who really knows the material better than I do. (I just don't have the time to prepare and put together my own history curriculum anymore!) She is the only one being homeschooled now. I am also considering the ABeka dvds for history, too. I will post a separate question about that, too. Thanks for any feedback you can give me!

My 13 y.o. son recently asked me to help him with the essay he wrote for a writing class he's taking at a homeschool co-op. (They are using an excellent curriculum, "The Elegant Essay" from IEW, btw.) Even though he said he had already proof-read it, he apparently still can't recognize a sentence fragment or run-on sentence when he sees one. And, believe me, there are plenty of incomplete sentences in his paper--you'd think he would have caught at least a few of them! He has some run-on sentences tha trun on and on and on. They should be broken into 4 or 5 different sentences. I've homeschooled him for 6 years, trying to implement good classical education writing programs as well as traditional ones. I"ve used Classical Writing, Excellence in Writing, dictation, copywork, etc. I have no idea if this is a huge "red flag" that he is not ready for highschool (he wants to go to the local public school next year), or is this common among 8th graders (especially boys.) One of the disadvantages to homeschooling is that we don't get a good perspective on what is normal for this age. So, I hoping that you all can help give us some perspective on what is typical and normal " complete sentence" writing ability for children (especially boys) at this age. Thanks so much in advance.