74Heaven Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 My favorite high school homeschool curriculums are: Videotext Algebra IEW Student Writing Intensive DVDs (SWI "C") & I know this isn't a curriculum but AWANA High School Bible study :) These are the curricululms that have made my homeschooling more effective, more fun and *easier*. (a key benefit is ease of use in our busy household). What are yours? And why:? Lisaj, mom to 5: K-4,3,5,8,10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Tapestry of Grace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langhaven Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Mine is Tapestry of Grace also. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Writing Strands and Progeny Press Study Guides. I have other favorite resources as well, but these are the ones that come to mind that are specifically made for homeschooling. I must say I am intrigued my TOG and would consider using it if we had to do it all over again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 But based on our 1 year of highschool so far, here are our favorites: - Jacobs Algebra / Geometry (gentle; incremental; and makes math interesting/connected to the real world) - Literary Lessons from the Lord of the Rings (fun, gentle intro into literary analysis, with really interesting side units) - doing "The Great Books" along the lines of WTM (aloud, together we're all having fun and getting a lot out of it) - Garlic Press publishers literary guides (literary elements explained; great discussion questions; lots of good writing assignment ideas) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaNY Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 My all-time favorite high school resources are WTM/WEM. They gave me the lifeline I needed to salvage the 2nd half of 9th gr. w/my older dd. I have completely switched over to WTM/WEM w/my younger dd and plan to use it until I am done hs'ing her. WTM/WEM gives me the framework that I need to tailor a course to suit our needs. SWB has a unique talent for making plans of study accessible and doable for hs parents. I also like Lingua Latina and Henle Latin for our Latin studies and Rod and Staff grammar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michele R. Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Also, only one year finished, but for us it'd be Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), we tailor assignments to our three reading good books Apologia Science (all) Michele R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace is Sufficient Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Videotext Rod & Staff English Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigid in NC Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 IEW (SWI and SICC DVDs) Apologia: General Science through Physics Horizons Math (younger - we were so sad to outgrow it) Saxon Math (older) Sonlight (younger years - wonderful structure for a new hs-ing mom) Tapestry (Dialectic and Rhetoric level - 3rd & 4th years) While not a curriculum, the WTM book was the most valuable resource of all. ~Brigid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Horizons Math (younger - we were so sad to outgrow it) Us too! I've often thought that Horizons Math was the one curriculum material, across the board that, worked the best for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Apologia science. It is the ONE program I have used with ALL of my kids and never questioned. I have changed math programs, english programs, etc., but we have used Apologia from the beginning and we LOVE it! I have been pleased with Math Relief for Algebra and, after coming full circle through lots of other programs, am back to this one. We like Analytical Grammar & Rod and Staff. I really like Progeny Press guides also. I'm hoping to add the IEW SWI "C" to this list after we use it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veronica in VA Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 I would have to say Math Relief Algebra and Notgrass American History. My dd would say Math Relief and Literary Lessons of Lord of the Rings (which was great). Veronica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
periwinkle Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Apologia Science Teaching Company lectures (across the curriculum!) I would say Lial Algebra, oldest ds would pick Jacobs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhondabee Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Shamelessly curious - what did you switch from (to WEM/WTM)? =) And, how/why was WEM/WTM better for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelaC Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 My favorites-- Apologia Science Video Text Algebra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 We really enjoyed Classical Writing-Aesop for the kids when they were younger. Also: SOTW--All 4 books Abeka Grammar (although now I wish I'd used R&S) Abeka Math (ONLY through 6th grade) Lial's Introductory Algebra Chalkdust Geometry--because of Dana Mosely's teaching; the Larson book is just OK. Omnibus---this one has grown on me and I really do like it now Writing Assessment Services with Cindy Marsch--her tutorials have really helped! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms. Riding Hood Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Writing Strands Really?? Would you explain what it is you like about them? I don't want you to feel like you must defend your choice to me, but I have all these books and just HATE them. Maybe hearing why you like them will help me see them in a new light. I always feel bad that they are gathering dust on my self. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 We mostly have used TWTM suggestions. There are too many amongst the grammar and logic that I love to list, so I'll just list the high school ones. I am greatful to Singapore math for taking my older one's ps tangled mind-mess and straightening it out. And I am greatful to NEM for presenting the material in such a way that he understands it. Conceptual Physics has been a great hit, but I wish I'd read the part about atoms and molecules when the children were about 3 and started asking questions about such things. I could have given much better answers. Draw Squad and Artistic Pursuits TWTM/TWEM way of doing literature. Writing Strands was helpful preparing for this, as well as TWTM grammar and logic stage lists. We are enjoying Ecce Romani, despite its being our hardest subject. I am extremely grateful to TWTM for giving me a way of taking full advantage of the flexibility of homeschooling, and for giving my children such a rich education. Very cool! -Nan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in MA Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Sonlight readers & history (cores 100 & 300) with WTM/WEM discussion/question methods. My teen has enjoyed integrated history & lit very much. Chalkdust Math -- after years of Saxon, he enjoys the instructor on the DVDs, and the more visual approach to math Catechism books from CR Publications -- the series includes titles like Catholicism & Reason, Catholicism & Life, Catholicism & Society. These books present authentic catholic teaching in a way meaningful to today's students. They include references to the Catechism, Papal Encyclicals, and the Bible. Brenda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetbaby Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 Progeny Press Guides MUS Maths Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missplacedalaskan Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 LOTS of favorites! The one's that come to mind right away: Teaching Textbooks...we have used Algebra I and Geometry...getting ready to order Algebra II Notgrass American History....just placed an order for World History Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geo Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 American Literature Critical Thinking Course by James Stobaugh (circa 2001) (or so it used to be called...don't hear of it these days) How Should We Then Live by Francis Shaeffer (book) and DVD set by the same name *In conjunction with: Adventures In Art by David Quine, Cornerstone Curriculum Project (Suitable for all ages but profound when studied along with the Shaeffer book and DVD's) Not "curriculum" per se' but worthy of note: All works by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Geo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 Teaching Company lectures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat in black Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 Lial's Introductory and Intermediate Algebra Jacobs Geometry The Well Educated Mind as a lit guide Life Prep for Teens--wonderful course!! The Teaching Company's Anatomy and Physiology course on DVDs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 Bible = various versions + concordances + Bible dictionaries + hermeneutics + Modern Reader's Bible (ed. by Moulton - looks at Bible from lit aspect) + timelines + maps + globe + McGee + MacArthur + Puritan writings + bio's ... and so on History = overlaps with Bible, but WTM, WEM, HTRB, KF, Oxford Companion to Classical Lit (I look up stuff in here *before* reading the GB), 1940's Encyclopedia Britannica (written like they thought their readers actually had functional brains!) Greek = Basics of Biblical Greek by Mounce - simple and clear with answers to his workbook ex's on website Latin = Henle (plenty of drill, answer book, takes you past elementary stages) + Wheelock's (hard, but more voc and better ancient writings than Henle) ...... the two complement each other well Math = various histories of math (Smith, Cajori, etc.) in conjunction with the blurbs from encyclopedias + timeline + R&S (I use it as a drill program, very clear and organized) + Klaf's "Arithmetic Refresher" (keeps their brains nimble:) + NEM (also keeps brains nimble - in arith ... not mathematics) + Adrian's list (for the real math - hard, but fun) + any and every old math books of all kinds (15yod found a 1960's Alg. book by Welchon and Krickenberger that's lots of fun. She's doing this before she does the Frank Allen book that her sisters are doing.) Logic = histories of various kinds along with encyclopedias, etc. + old books by people like Isaac Watts, Jacques Maritain, etc. + Patrick Suppes's books (Adrian again. Haven't done them yet, but I really didn't care for the IL and TL series much. They did them, but there has got to be something better, IMHO.) Grammar = ABeka (lots of practice, good writing sections, etc., but not enough diagramming practice) + Moutoux's sentence diagramming books Spelling = WRTR (hard to use, but was able to take the teacher's training for free back in the '80's) + Phonics Pathways (used it as a reader, along with R&S's Pathway Readers) + Spelling Power (too random for me, but great lists - we still use this a couple times a week) Writing = WS (used it, but too scattered for me) + IEW (too expensive and time consuming, what with the videos and all, but dc liked it - never finished it) + some things from Memoria Press by Matt ? where dc rewrote fairy tales and such (dc really liked those) + got rid of all distractions such that things could come OUT of their brains vs always being cluttered INTO their brains :) Rhetoric = Elements of Style (*I* didn't get it, but dc did.) + Rulebook (not too intimidating for the youngers) + Edgar Roberts book for the high school group ... name escapes me + Oxford (too scattered for me and some of examples were disgusting, but had dc skim it - still not clear whether it was worth it) ..... They haven't finished using all our rhetoric materials, so can't comment on rest. Science = WTM's basic idea + GB's + encyclo's + hist + odds and ends Can't remember the art and music right now. HTH, KathyP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jubileex5 Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 We have used and love Abeka grammar and literature. BJU Algebra 1 & 2 have worked well for us. MJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheWhoWaits Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Sonlight 200! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicki Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 My favorites are: Teaching Textbooks, Apologia, Rod & Staff and Hewitt Literature. God bless, Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Jensen's Grammar - my daughter would disagree, but her grammar is considerably better. Speed Reading 4 Kids. Though the materials are cheesy, it worked well for dd. Sequential Spelling for Adults - seems cheesy and easy, but again worked well Story of the World (great for middle grades also). BJU Spanish I and II Life of Fred math books (Algebra through Calculus) K12 curriculum has been a GREAT fit for ds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 My favorite high school homeschool curriculums are: Videotext Algebra IEW Student Writing Intensive DVDs (SWI "C") & I know this isn't a curriculum but AWANA High School Bible study :) These are the curricululms that have made my homeschooling more effective, more fun and *easier*. (a key benefit is ease of use in our busy household). What are yours? And why:? Lisaj, mom to 5: K-4,3,5,8,10 Another :thumbup: for IEW as posted above it has "made my homeschooling more effective, more fun and *easier*." Walch's Power Basics World History has been a great spine for my history hating middle ds. We used PB WH1- Prehistory to the Middle Ages along with STOW 1 and 2 CD's and some Kingfisher in JrHigh. This year in 9th we used PB WH2- Renaissance to the Late 1800's and various other materials. Next year we will be using PB WH3- 1900 to Present with WP SS (Modern History with an indepth study of aviation- LOL). Power Basics are written at a 4th-5th grade level and aligned to 6-12 grade standards. They have short written sections interspersed with questions. This way I know that he has read and understood the material. This is a worktext. There are no pictures. This is strictly a get-it-done overview that works well as a spine for a young adult that does not have any enthusiam for the topic. These books have also "made my homeschooling more effective, more fun and *easier*." HTH- Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Omnibus, with tweaking Teaching Textbooks (but even tho I liked it, ds didn't) Spielvogel Barron's World History the Easy Way Cliff and Spark Notes Teaching the 50 Great Short Stories Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 To name a few... First Whole Book of Diagrams by Daly A History of US by Hakim Teaching Textbooks Runkle Geography Western Civilization by Spielvogel Classical Writing Logos Imitations in Writing Analogies I, II, III by EPS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixlilmonkeys Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Definitely IEW and Teaching Textbooks! :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnG in Arizona Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Potter's School (we've loved all classes but one) Teaching Textbooks Teaching Company's U.S. History course (college level, but a good overview that we used for junior year) Rod & Staff Grammar 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnG in Arizona Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 I forgot: BJU Spanish I and Spanish II, done through their DVDs . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SallyMac Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Favorite Math: Saxon Math drills (early elementary) Singapore Math (late elementary) Teaching Textbooks (geometry) Lial Intermediate Algebra Favorite English: Abeka Grammar (middle school) - ds thought SAT sentence correction section "easy" Writing Step-By-Step (early middle school for 5 paragraph essay) Writeshop (late middle school) Sequential Spelling (late middle school) - helped dysgraphic nonspeller to spell Progeny Press, Masterprose, & PinkMonkey online (lit guides) Wordly Wise 3000 (middle school, high school) whole novels instead of anthologies Favorite History: Cornerstone history books & biographies (elementary) Hakim's History of US (middle school) PA Homeschoolers AP classes (high school) Least Favorites: Apologia Chemistry (but it may have been because of the subject) Saxon Math (high school) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janice H Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaNY Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Shamelessly curious - what did you switch from (to WEM/WTM)? =) And, how/why was WEM/WTM better for you? Oh my! Rhondabee, I'm so sorry! I didn't see your question! I began my dd's 9th gr. year with Ombnibus I. After a few months of attempting to get through the rather daunting list of reading assignments, I switched over to WTM. (Thank you, Nan!) It was JUST what the Dr. ordered. :001_smile: It sets out a straightforward, DOABLE plan for high school Great Books/History study. It gave me more control of how we were going to proceed, and it leaves it up to us to wrestle with what we encounter without doing the thinking FOR us. Love, love, love that. My older dd is not a voracious reader. The plan in WTM is flexible, so you don't have to read all of the literature on the list. You can pick and choose. SWB gives you a number range of books to read from 8-20, depending upon the individual student. We watched the TC video on The Odyssey, and I would have watched more if I had known about them sooner. We followed the WTM/WEM plan pretty much to the letter. I did choose a different resource for our history spine. (Spielvogel's HO) I used TOG yr. 2 w/my younger dd, but have switched over to WTM for the rest of our school years. It suits my style, and my dd is doing very well with it. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhondabee Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 My older dd is not a voracious reader. The plan in WTM is flexible, so you don't have to read all of the literature on the list. You can pick and choose. SWB gives you a number range of books to read from 8-20, depending upon the individual student. That is my ds. It's not that he can't or won't read, but other than his fantasy books - and he takes *long* breaks from those! - he *doesn't* read anything more than what is required! I had also thought about getting HO just to see if that might help alleviate some of my worry (guilt!) about over-loading him with history & lit. I knew Lori D. had used it, so it's nice to see someone else has, too. It would be nice if SWB had a "Hey, if you only want to do 8 books, consider these first" list - LOL! Thanks for the reply! I had forgotten I had even asked~ Rhonda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sandy3boys Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 This is the most effective approach I've ever seen. The ANI approach - Affirmative, Negative and Interesting topics really help them come up with ideas and organize their thoughts. (From CIRCE Institute) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Apologia Science Understanding the Times (dd says this helped her survive college) Teaching Textbooks Alg. 1 and 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classicallyrelaxedmomof3 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Math: Teaching Textbooks History: History Odyssey by Pandia Press Critical Thinking company Those off the top of my head:glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I love IEW:001_smile: I love Lightening Literature guides I love TeenPact I love Apologia Memoria Press- we have Loved everything we've ever used from them - PL, CL, Christian Studies, Famous Men. Our Mother Tongue! Veritas Press history cards Not a curriculum but we love Bethleham books! SOTW - we have the books and CD's- my kids never tire of listening. Kingfisher Encyclopedia of History- used daily our HUGE Atlas- used daily Greenleaf Guides. Beautiful Feet Guide- History of the Horse, Geography I like Videotext Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kortney in AL Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 All the Apologia sciences IEW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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