mom2bee Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be? (Or K-3. We don't really do 'K' we do first grade for ready 4yo's.) I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? Of course, if you're doing English and Reading from the same program, thats equally valid. What would you pick for Reading? What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? What would you pick for Math? PS. What does it mean to be a HomeSchooling veteran? :001_huh: I'm just wondering if there is some (un)official/widely accepted standard that I should know about, given the way I titled this thread... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TX Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be?(Or K-3. We don't really do 'K' we do first grade for ready 4yo's.) I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? Of course, if you're doing English and Reading from the same program, thats equally valid. Now I would use CLE for all three. Previously, my choices would be Rod & Staff for reading and English, and Developmental Mathematics for math. With reading it would be hard to pick just one program though, because I have found that not every program works for every kid. I have had a lot of success in the past starting with the first 3 books of Explode the Code before beginning Rod and Staff. Rod and Staff just moves too fast for some kids. I have not used CLE from the beginning for teaching reading, so I don't know how well it would work by itself. Susan in TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txhomemom Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I have not taught K-3 grades in a while since my oldest is 12 and the youngest is 12 months, but I would choose: Reading and Language Arts: McRuffy Math: Rightstart Math Science: Real Science Odyssey by Pandia Press or Elemental Science History: SOTW, Sonlight, and/or FIAR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritaserum Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 The Phonics Road for language arts. Math Mammoth for math. We are finishing our 6th year of homeschooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnMomof7 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Not sure if I'm a veteran - we're only a couple of years in....! BUT, we have looked at/tried quite a few things...it feels like! I'd go with: Reading - A Beka - A Handbook for Reading and their leveled readers Math - Math Mammoth (we use MUS with Math Mammoth, but if you could ONLY have one with no supplements, I'd go MM) English - Rod and Staff - it's a great gap filler, throw in the free skills of narration/copywork/dictation and you are set to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I would pick CLEfor reading math and LA. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Reading: AlphaPhonics- and for a second I'd add ETC English/Language Arts: WWE and for a second I'd add FLL Math: Right Start History: SOTW Science: MSB books and videos Poetry: IEW's Language Aquisition Through Poetry Memorization Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I don't consider myself a veteran yet, we're only on our third year. However, we do several subjects in the grade 2-3 range, so here's our list, narrowing it down to one (or trying). Reading - We already finished our reading program, so I'd say ETC for review. I could also say All About Spelling, as that's great review too. Language Arts - Growing With Grammar (for now, may change grade 4+) Math - Singapore Math Science - R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey History - SOTW Those are our main core programs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5wolfcubs Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 This is my 11th year of homeschooling. And I knew I wanted to homeschool while I was in high school. But I don't feel like a veteran! Every year there is a new level to teach. Every few years there is a new student. Who, amazingly, is completely different! I've been having fun putting my kids' info into Home Ed Expert. My 14yo dd & 11yo ds, who have been my two "academically minded" children so far, scored radically different in learning style. All that to say it is hard to pick ONE thing. However, ALL of my school-aged children are currently using Math-U-See! And the older four all use/d First Language Lessons, and I plan to use it for the next two. Those are the only two programs I've gotten much repeat usage from (so far). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Not a veteran yet... But I vote Rod and Staff But I am finishing up 3rd grade now, and we have used Rod and Staff all the way for the 3Rs (excluding reading. I only use it for 1st grade. After that we move into WTM reading narrations.) I am also almost done with 1st grade with my 2nd child, and I plan to do the same with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyNellen Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 What would you pick for Reading? Phonics Pathways What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? First Language Lessons What would you pick for Math? Singapore .............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Reading? Dancing Bears Writing/Language Arts? Handwriting Without Tears, Writing With Ease, All About Spelling Math? Right Start Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I have been homeschooling for 11 years. I have 5 children and I am getting ready to start my last one in Kindergarten next year. What would you pick for Reading? This is a hard one. Nothing really impressed me over the years. I ended up getting the new All About Reading program for my son and I am really excited about it. What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? Another one that I have used a lot for. Most of my kids have been naturally strong in this area. We have basically done the Charlotte Mason method with this one. What would you pick for Math? Christian Light Math hands down. PS. What does it mean to be a HomeSchooling veteran? I don't know, I guess it means you have successfully homeschooled for quite some time. ` Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Hisglory Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Reading - Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading Very user friendly with short,fun,engaging lessons Spelling - Spelling by Sound and Structure 2 I am using this a second time and seeing the same success.I would say its greatest perk is that it is very user friendly English/language arts - First Language Lessons We love this program and I love that I can reuse it with all of my children. We have used levels 1-3 and are getting ready to begin 4. Math - Math-U-See This has been a very good fit for my children and it is so easy to allow them to move at their own pace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HerdingCats Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Math Mammoth Writing With Ease MCT grammar Nora Gaydos Reading Homeschooling 3 dc for 8yrs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) Math: MEP (Singapore is a close second) Reading: Phonics Pathways LA: with an attentive parent and incidental teaching, I don't think it's necessary until 3rd, then MCT Writing: GDI Spelling: copywork, then SS or Megawords Veteren or not, I've only got two kids, and so won't be going through this stage again. Edited March 13, 2011 by nmoira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom@shiloh Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Ruth Beechick's three skinny little books, A Strong Start in Math, Reading, Language. Her ideas are simple, effective, fun and gentle. No bells and whistles, just one-on-one learning/discipleship. They accomplish exactly what a child needs in a short amount of time so that they have lots of time for their real job -- being a child! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Homeschooling Veteran: began homeschooling in 1982. Homeschooled until each dd began community college classes at 14yo. :D Literacy: Spalding. No grammar until dc are 9ish. Math: No formal math until dc are 8 or 9; follow scope and sequence as described in this article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvtheOzarks Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) Y'all are going to think this is strange, but in my 15 years of teaching K-12, my favorite curriculum was a packaged curriculum--ABeka. I liked it for it's Christian content, colorful presentation, ease of teaching-providing I had all the teacher support materials--and it's *one-stop-shopping* concept (a few clicks of the mouse and it was *all* at more doorstep within 2 weeks). I liked that it was all tied to together, it's proven track record, it's ability to allow me to teach my children by myself or use the dvds to "hold" my hand when I needed it back when I had teens and toddlers AT the same time.:lol: I supplemented the not-so-boring textbooks with fiction & non-fiction books from the library (later called "living books" according to the CM method). I used the language arts off and on all the way from K-12 for my older kids and their ACT scores were high in this area. I wished that I had stuck with their math using the dvds for my son, but we ventured into Teaching Textbooks (both are a traditional method of teaching math). I also wished that I used the math dvds for my daughter all the way through jr/sr high, but we used Saxon (she hated this math) and other math programs to find a good "fit". The only thing I would change in Abeka is the composition part. I would keep the writing projects (except the creative writing in the early years), and supplement with the WWE method in the early years then switch over to IEW for jr./sr. high years. Abeka introduced creative writing too soon in the early years, and I think creative writing should be a topic to touch on later maybe jr./sr high, but not be the main focus of composition. JMHO and experience. I've used a lot of methods over the years (finishing up the 15th year), but it's funny to me when I'm using a different method/text, how I long for Abeka. My biggest problem is the awful amount of 'second-guessing" that I do throughout a school year. :glare: It's only by the Grace of God, that my older kids did as well as they did and get into college. :w00t: Edited March 13, 2011 by luvtheOzarks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenKitty Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? What would you pick for Reading? CLE What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? CLE What would you pick for Math? CLE :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galtgrl Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Reading: Explode the Code ( while learning to read) Language Arts: Five in a Row Math: Saxon This is all I used for my oldest 2 until they were in about 3rd grade, along with lots of games & nature walks. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Not exactly a veteran, but this is our 5th year of HS and my 2nd time doing K. Phonics: All About Reading/All About Spelling plus BOB Books, Hooked on Phonics readers, library easy readers Grammar: if I had to pick just one program to use through the end of 3rd, it would be FLL/WWE. But really I'd prefer to stop FLL after then end of level 2 and then start MCT "island". Math: again this is hard because what I like for K-1 (Right Start) is different from what I like for 2-3 (Singapore). I guess if I had to pick just one, I'd go with Singapore and just use my knowledge of RS methods to make it more "hands-on". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootAnn Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Not yet an expert. Only on my 5th year & two & a 1/2 kids into this adventure, but I'd say: Lang. Arts/Reading/etc.: Phonics Road (We use 100EL/SWR w/no formal grammar until 3rd when we start gently with GWG) Math: CLE if your kid needs spiral. MM if not. (We use ABeka & it gets the job done. But it isn't for everyone.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chels~ Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 If I were to do it again I would pick McRuffy's Curriculum. Really easy to follow all-in-one curriculum that covers it all. If they had upper grades I would still be using it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be? ONE program for LA... The Phonics Road. There you have 2 Rs. Math... I don't know. I haven't found the perfect program yet. We started LA much earlier than math (5 years ago), so that is probably partly why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I'm not a veteran, but not really a newbie either. I do feel that we've found our way with our curriculum choices. Math: Singapore Reading: ETC with McGuffey readers English/Writing: R&S English...also adding their spelling next year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjlcc Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Math: Singapore (Miquon is my 2nd choice) Reading: The Reading Lesson English: Copywork and adding in Rod & Staff in grade 2/3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Phonics/Reading (and spelling) : Phonics Pathways and lots of library trips Language Arts (grammar/writing) : FLL with WWE Math: MEP (which is fabulous!), but please let me keep on adding in Miquon. It is sooo good for an advanced student who wants to explore, or a "average" student who needs to "see it to believe it". :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Y'all are going to think this is strange, but in my 15 years of teaching K-12, my favorite curriculum was a packaged curriculum--ABeka. I did Abeka for all three subjects for 1-3 grade with DD10 starting at age 5 and she did fantastic. We have since moved on to other things but do still use BJU and Abeka too and I think the groundwork Abeka paved for her has served her very well. She's in 4th grade and on lesson 50 of Saxon 7/6. I would use Abeka again in a heartbeat. ps. In my opinion, Abeka phonics is outstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Wizards Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Math: Math Mammoth, although I'd probably just do quite a bit of informal math first Reading: I really do an eclectic mix and don't think it matters much what program as long as it follows a logical progression, so maybe something like HOP (and then do my own thing along with it) Writing: just my own thing for those ages I'm pretty relaxed in the early grades plus feel that I have a good handle on what I think needs to be covered, so if I HAD to pick just one program, those would be my choices. I prefer to mix and match things though, taking what I like and discarding the rest. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Math: Horizons (skipping every other problem unless extra review was needed) Reading: All About Spelling with the American Language Series readers English/Language Arts: Old textbooks: Primary Lessons in Language and Composition by Maxwell followed by Maxwell's Elementary Grammar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) I'm on my third time through 1st grade and I'm pleased with what we've used so far. Math--Rod and Staff starting in Kindergarten with level 1 Reading--Ordinary Parents' Guide and Explode the Code then lots and lots of good books. Writing--copywork, oral then written narrations, dictation, (WWE and Charlotte Mason methods for these). I use Memoria Press copybooks and choose my own selections. GD Italic for handwriting and then New American Cur I also use First Language Lessons 1-2 and then start Rod and Staff Grammar in 3rd grade along with CW Aesop A for imitative writing practice. And then I love AO for everything else in those years. :) I don't think there are many programs that do all-in-one well at this age. Skills in reading and writing can be so varied or if a grammar program is strong it may be weak in writing. I suppose if I were telling a mom *one* program that covered everything pretty well for LA I'd say use the Peace Hill Press FLL and WWE materials after OPG. Edited March 13, 2011 by Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mothergooseof4 Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I have hsed for ten years including the years that I hsed my older step-dd. If I ever have it to do over, I will use: OPGTR and the early parts of Phonics Road for K. Then Phonics Road alone after that for all LA. Math will be either MM or CLE, which ever works best for that child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honey Bee Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be?(Or K-3. We don't really do 'K' we do first grade for ready 4yo's.) I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? Of course, if you're doing English and Reading from the same program, thats equally valid. What would you pick for Reading? Phonics Road till reading well, then using Bible, History & Literature for Reading from VP or something like that. What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? Phonics Road What would you pick for Math? Rightstart Math PS. What does it mean to be a HomeSchooling veteran? :001_huh: I'm just wondering if there is some (un)official/widely accepted standard that I should know about, given the way I titled this thread... My 3 years don't qualify me to be a veteran, but I thought I'd vote. I love our programs and know they are rock solid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I'm assuming the kid can read....otherwise alpha phonics... Math - horizons LA - FLL Reading - Sonlight reading list & discussion guides + a library card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I need to stay off of here when we aren't doing well. That secular thread and now this one have me re-thinking nearly everything. At least I am sure about Phonics Road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Math: Singapore English: Rod and Staff (only because First Language Lessons does not go past 2nd/3rd grade and you said Only ONE choice for Elementary) Reading: Saxon Phonics (I didn't use any formal reading program after 2nd grade.) Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I am pretty sure I know a couple of veteran homeschoolers who would use Saxon Math, OPGTR, Spelling Workout, and FLL... :D I forgot to mention Zaner-Bloser handwriting. You need handwriting! I even add it to Phonics Road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 CLE Learning to Read for all of LA MUS Primer/ Alpha for a gentle introduction to math that teaches place value HTH- Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 8th year of homeschooling. Three chidren all through the years you've mentioned. Math: Saxon - The scripted lessons are helpful for a parent who isn't sure they will know what do do in a lesson. The manipulatives are tangible items to associate with early counting and operations and help to link math and fun in the mind. (At least that was our experience.) Reading: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (with the caveat that you need to not force it if the kid isn't ready and you may need to explicitly teach sight words and/or take a break around lesson 65-70 when the learning curve gets a little steeper). I've used this with three kids. I would also consider the book by Jesse Wise if I were starting over. Language Arts: First Language Lessons and Writing with Ease. Italic handwriting. (I don't think that there is one product that adequately covers the various skills associated with language arts.) What is a veteran is a squishy concept. I've taught three kids now. And they were all unique and having taught one only gave me limited insight into how to teach the others. None had learning difficulties, so I can't speak with experience on that world. Also, I've found that as the number of homeschool curricula increases, my experience with what I picked ten years ago may not be helpful in assisting someone pick from what is currently available. On the other hand, there is something of a law of diminishing returns on the new programs. In many cases, I'm not seeing much of a real breakthrough so much as a new packaging of something that was already available (and sometimes at a much lower cost). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 This is my 11th year of homeschooling. And I knew I wanted to homeschool while I was in high school. But I don't feel like a veteran! Every year there is a new level to teach. Every few years there is a new student. Who, amazingly, is completely different! I've been having fun putting my kids' info into Home Ed Expert. My 14yo dd & 11yo ds, who have been my two "academically minded" children so far, scored radically different in learning style. All that to say it is hard to pick ONE thing. However, ALL of my school-aged children are currently using Math-U-See! And the older four all use/d First Language Lessons, and I plan to use it for the next two. Those are the only two programs I've gotten much repeat usage from (so far). What frustrated me about Home Ed Expert was that there were several major curriculum options that didn't show up in the results. I'm not sure if they focus on what they can sell or packaged curriculum or curriculum with a certain slant or what. (I don't remember Story of the World or ABeka or IEW, for example.) It's been a while since I tried using the site, but I wasn't as impressed as I expected to be. But maybe they've added a lot more in since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Elliot Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be?(Or K-3. We don't really do 'K' we do first grade for ready 4yo's.) I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? Of course, if you're doing English and Reading from the same program, thats equally valid. What would you pick for Reading? What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? What would you pick for Math? PS. What does it mean to be a HomeSchooling veteran? :001_huh: I'm just wondering if there is some (un)official/widely accepted standard that I should know about, given the way I titled this thread... This is what I've done for my last few children, and this is what I plan for my youngest two. I've homeschooled going on 18 years/12 children. Reading: OPGTTR, then SOTW* (I'll explain this below.) English/Language Arts: FLL, WWE, Spelling Workout Math: Singapore, standards edition *I consider SOTW a reading program because the narration exercises are so effective for working on comprehension and summarizing. Combined with FLL and WWE, which teach other age appropriate reading skills, it makes a perfect reading program. Add in a few of the books used in WWE as read alouds and you're good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edelweiss Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be?(Or K-3. We don't really do 'K' we do first grade for ready 4yo's.) I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? Of course, if you're doing English and Reading from the same program, thats equally valid. What would you pick for Reading? CLE What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? CLE What would you pick for Math? CLE PS. What does it mean to be a HomeSchooling veteran? :001_huh: I'm just wondering if there is some (un)official/widely accepted standard that I should know about, given the way I titled this thread... :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I need to stay off of here when we aren't doing well. That secular thread and now this one have me re-thinking nearly everything. At least I am sure about Phonics Road. :iagree::iagree: I am going to make myself crazy if I keep reading this board! I guess having too many good choices is a good thing, but I can't afford to buy everything that looks good so I'm just going to have to pick something and roll with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spock Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 program for the 3R's in for the 1st-3rd* range, what would it be?(Or K-3. We don't really do 'K' we do first grade for ready 4yo's.) I mean ONE Math program, ONE Reading program and ONE Writing/English program, what would it be? Of course, if you're doing English and Reading from the same program, thats equally valid. What would you pick for Reading? What would you pick for English/Lang Arts? What would you pick for Math? PS. What does it mean to be a HomeSchooling veteran? :001_huh: I'm just wondering if there is some (un)official/widely accepted standard that I should know about, given the way I titled this thread... Math: Miquon Reading: Alphaphonics or Reading Reflex, with real books to read English/Language Arts: probably copywork, dictation, and Mad Libs. I like Rod and Staff for 4th grade and up (with a little MCT mixed in for the joy of language, but you said only one program), but I don't really like RS English 2 and 3 that much. I have read that a veteran is someone who has homeschooled for 5 years. My older two graduated/will graduate in 2010 and 2011, and were homeschooled all the way through, so I guess I'm a veteran--though there are still a few subjects (especially writing) that I'm still not sure I've found a good approach to teaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koerarmoca Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I am far from a veteran so I can only share my plans for my first grader next year. Reading, 100 easy lessons, FIAR Vol 1 & 2 LA- FLL Math- MEP and random things I toss together. Not sure about the 100 easy lessons, it seems a little to slow for her just having done a few lessons together. She is a pretty decent reader (I think) for being 1/2 way through kindy. hard to gage where she will be next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.