shinyhappypeople Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I want a box of textbooks/workbooks for each kid, preferably from the same publisher (although I'm not married to that idea) that efficiently cover the basics so they can finish relatively quickly and get on with life and the things they love. We already have math for each kid, so I'm not worried about that. I'm mainly concerned about English, history, and science. This is for a 5th grader and 6th grader (ages 10 and almost-12) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insertcreativenamehere Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 If I were to choose a box, I'd probably go with Memoria Press. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Rainbow Resource also puts together grade level packages, not all from the same publisher though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 CLE light units are nice. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawthorne44 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Our lovely and gracious host has boxes. I haven't bought one yet because I'd already taken care of the current needs before I discovered WTM. But, I've drooled. There are also some online classes for older kids that made me tingly reading the description. eta: typo 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 If I had to go with a box for those ages, then I would probably go with Oak Meadow. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeriJ Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I prefer Heart of Dakota. It is independent at that stage, only takes 4 1/2 hours per day, 4 days per week. Literature based. Covers all subjects except math. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHASRADA Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I agree that Oak Meadow is wonderful, but it's definitely not "get er done". I guess you could skip all the creative projects and assignments if you had to. If you're looking for efficient but quality, I would go with Timberdoodle. Their packages have some Christian content, but they have a secular option as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 If I were forced into a BOX, I'd choose Living Books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) . Edited May 23, 2023 by SilverMoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Timberdoodle does boxed grade sets now too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Oak Meadows or Memoria Press, probably. I have had friends use both and loved them. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Calvert. It's textbooky (which I like) and thoroughly works on skills. I can easily supplement content as needed, but I am most concerned about skill work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I liked the looks of Peace Hill Press's school in a box, which they just debuted this year! Memoria Press makes everything look pretty too, though I haven't used their stuff. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnMomof7 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Other. I use ALL CLE for skills and Bible. I use ACE for social studies and science. Two publishers, both worktexts, both get done :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenDaisies Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Memoria Press because their core packages are customizable. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 If I were to choose a box, I'd probably go with Memoria Press. Another vote for Memoria Press from me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorisuewho Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 If I picked a box (focused on just get-it-done but with good quality), it would definitely be Memoria Press. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessReplanted Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Other. I love using CLE for math and Language. I can't imagine adding any other CLE subjects in though. I feel like that would be workbook overkill. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Calvert. We've only done pieces and not a whole box, but I do like the emphasis on gentle skill acquisition. Plus they have the Verticy side if you have some learning difficulties going on. Fwiw, we tried the Memoria Press sets multiple times and I sold them each time. My kids found the workbooks dry as dust. I liked the classical focus as a parent but it was just so dry. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherOfBoys Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Memoria Press 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventuresinHomeschooling Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 If I had to pick a box, I'd go for MFW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 CLE for math, reading, language arts. Sonlight for the rest.And I'd combine kids and have older ones do allot of their own reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hermione310 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 We just switched to the Memoria Press complete package this month and thus far, I'm thrilled. I know some have said that they've found the workbooks dry, but I can already see the results of the increased reading and writing demands. DD's been a reluctant independent reader (she reads fluently but would groan whenever I suggested reading on her own for pleasure) -- earlier today, she ran into the room and said "I know I always said I don't like reading, but I love it now!" Thank you, Memoria Press! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 I checked out Memoria Press and, while it looks good and solid, its just not for me. I gave up on the classical ed fantasy (for us) awhile ago. We've tried Sonlight (poor fit) and Oak Meadow (poor fit, but I still have a soft spot for OM). I find artistic, creative, living books, hands-on approaches SO appealing ... but they don't always get done. And (say it with me, everyone) "The best curriculum is that one that gets done." Trying to implement what appeals to me (artsy, etc. approach) has left me burned out. :( So, as I get comfortable living on Planet Reality (it's so boring here) I realize that I just need something that will get done everyday. Traditional. Textbooks. Boring-boring-boring but a LOT more effective than winging it with plans that never quite get implemented. Let's get the schoolwork done in a few hours and then they can get on with the things that they're really passionate about. FWIW, what we have that's working now for older DD: IEW- Student Writing Intensive A, Megawords, Math Mammoth. For younger DD (10 yo): Teaching Textbooks - but only sort of. I want to supplement with something, but that's another question for a different day. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivingHope Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I really like A Beka's 5th grade history with it's world geography emphasis. My vote would be to add A Beka language arts, science, and history. I would then add a level 2 volume of Write from History by Brookdale House for added copywork, dictations, and narrations. http://brookdalehouse.com/homeschool-writing-curriculum/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Indeed Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Christian light education. Or Timberdoodle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Oak Meadow for those ages. I think those are the grades OM does best. If I had to go off your list, my pick would be Calvert. I've heard K12 takes hours a day to do, with all the busy work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Heart of Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakelly Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Timberdoodle!! It's not all from the same publisher, but it comes with a schedule, which I think is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy to monkeys Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Christian Light is what I would (and do) choose. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marn.perez01 Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 I want a box of textbooks/workbooks for each kid, preferably from the same publisher (although I'm not married to that idea) that efficiently cover the basics so they can finish relatively quickly and get on with life and the things they love. We already have math for each kid, so I'm not worried about that. I'm mainly concerned about English, history, and science. This is for a 5th grader and 6th grader (ages 10 and almost-12) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymotherof4 Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Timberdoodle seems like a nice box choice. We use some of their choices. You can even do a custom box. Pick the science and history you want to do with both and simplify. They aim for independence and seem to aim at get done and on with life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Maybe not a box but a change in approach - something like the Swanns? "Yet, although we were in school every day, our hours were not long. Most days we studied only three hours -- from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning. The rest of our day was our own. We played outside, performed household chores, read books and generally did the things which interested us." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
provenance61 Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 PollyOR, it WAS a box. She's describing her day, but earlier in the article says they used Calvert. Only thing is, we use Calvert with a 12 month schedule ourselves (year round), and haven't quite gotten it to 3 hours a day. Although with my 2nd grader daughter, it's close. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waa510 Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 If I had to box it, I'm another who would probably go with Memoria Press. It can be dry though, so I'd add to it if I had the time or kid-interest. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ffljingha Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 I'd probably go with Memoria Press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Galore Park. It's textbooks but most work is done on paper, not in a workbook. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strange_girl Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Memoria Press or CLE. I use half CLE already, and I'm drooling over the MP catalog for next year, lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootAnn Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 If I had to go with a box, it would be bare-bones, no-extras Memoria Press because it comes with a nice schedule and you don't do every subject every day. Timberdoodle comes with a schedule now? Interesting. I hadn't heard that. Is that only with their regular boxes or do they send one with their secular (Mystery of History in their secular boxes? :lol: ) ones, too? I can't imagine they put together one with their customizable boxes, do they? If it came with a schedule, Timberdoodle would be my second choice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athomeontheprairie Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Timberdoodle comes with a schedule now? Interesting. I hadn't heard that. Is that only with their regular boxes or do they send one with their secular (Mystery of History in their secular boxes? :lol: ) ones, too? I can't imagine they put together one with their customizable boxes, do they? If it came with a schedule, Timberdoodle would be my second choice. They were add our conference this year. I really liked their schedule. It went by weeks instead of by day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALB Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 This was our first year of "boxed" with Memoria Press and I'll never look back! Rigorous and simple to use. Love having lesson plans to just check off as we go! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHASRADA Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Timberdoodle comes with a schedule now? Interesting. I hadn't heard that. Is that only with their regular boxes or do they send one with their secular (Mystery of History in their secular boxes? [emoji38] ) ones, too? I can't imagine they put together one with their customizable boxes, do they? If it came with a schedule, Timberdoodle would be my second choice. I was just on their website yesterday, and it says that their standard curriculum packages have a printed schedule, while the secular ones only have the schedule in e-book format. So, both versions do have a schedule. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksr5377 Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Memoria Press 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Memoria Press 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAutumnOak Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 Another vote for Memoria Press, but I wouldn't feel compelled to start with the grade level my child is in...It is perfectly fine to choose a lower level if that is what is best for the child...My 10 year old will be doing much of the third grade core in the fall even though he will be in the 5th grade... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ambrosia Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 Memoria Press 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivingHope Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 Wow, you can customize your student's core curriculum at Memoria Press. I think that looks great too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2ECR Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 If I had to pick a box, I'd go with Memoria Press. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homeschoolmom3 Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 Yes, I agree with the majority if I had to go with a box it would be Memoria Press :) Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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