Archive for the ‘Homeschooling Tips’ Category

Top Ten Things to Do When Choosing Your Homeschool Curriculum

1. PRAY and ask for God’s leading. He knows the perfect curriculum for each member of your family and will guide you in your search.

2. EXAMINE the different homeschooling teaching styles. As a teacher, consider which of the following methods you would enjoy best:

• Print based – Many first-time homeschoolers enjoy the confidence of teaching with a proven, print-based curriculum. LIFEPAC® for grades K-12 is a grade-level, worktext curriculum designed by seasoned educators. It covers the general subject areas of math, science, history & geography, language, and Bible, plus a variety of electives. LIFEPAC is based on the principal of mastery learning, and teachers use consumable worktexts, drill and memorization, practice problems, review, testing, and grading to instill academic concepts in their student. For more information about LIFEPAC, visit http://www.nestlearning.com/lifepac_s46.aspx.

Another print-based option for homeschoolers is Horizons. The Horizons curriculum is language arts and math courses for students in grades K-6. Using a method called spiral learning, students using Horizons will move through each concept in a process of introduction, review and reinforcement. Students enjoy each colorfully illustrated lesson and parents benefit from detailed Teacher’s Guides and a precise structure that diminishes prep time. It’s a smooth, fast, and very effective curriculum. For more information about Horizons, visit http://www.nestlearning.com/horizons_s48.aspx.

• Computer based – Teachers use technology and time-saving features found in the CD-ROM based Switched-On Schoolhouse® (SOS) curriculum to instruct students in grades 3-12. Homeschoolers can add their own touch and easily customize lesson plans with this interactive, multimedia curriculum that covers five core subjects and a variety of electives. Grading, record keeping, and daily lesson planning are also automated with the administrative tools for teachers found in the curriculum. For more information about SOS, visit http://www.nestlearning.com/switched-on-schoolhouse_s47.aspx.

• Unit studies – Teachers focus on a particular topic or time period with age-appropriate activities for students in the main subject areas. This method requires intensive teacher preparation, but teachers and students alike enjoy the active hands-on learning. The Weaver Curriculum® from AOP is an excellent curriculum that is based on the unit study approach. For more information about Weaver, visit http://www.nestlearning.com/weaver_s196.aspx.

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