STRENGTHS
An expanded and revised version of the original Wordly Wise, the new Wordly Wise 3000 is a comprehensive kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum. There is a new reading comprehension section that concludes each lesson. A new word list teaches a total of 3000 vocabulary words across all 13 years of the curriculum. These words are sure to be a huge help to students in the rest of their schooling, as the words are taken directly from grade level textbooks as well as standardized tests.

In the 7th grade vocabulary books, students are taught many skills that will enable them expand their vocabulary far beyond the 300 new words the book itself teaches. Dictionary skills enable students to … Read the rest of this post…

Strengths:
A Reason For Handwriting is a scripture based curriculum for grades K through 6 with books for mastering both manuscript and cursive writing while memorizing scripture verses and biblical values.  All of the books are presented in a fun and colorful manner, making handwriting enjoyable for students.  Students do one lesson a day, five days a week, with each lesson only taking ten to fifteen minutes to complete.

The A Reason For Handwriting Transition book is meant for students that are ready to transition from manuscript writing to cursive writing.  It is recommended that this book be used for second or third grade in place of A Reason For Handwriting B or C.  Mastery of manuscript writing and development … Read the rest of this post…

There are many hours of fun and education to be found in a science kit. However, if a child is considering using a chemistry set, certain basic safety guidelines should be discussed. While most kits do not contain problematic chemicals, some common substances can cause skin discomfort and other minor injuries. Children have thinner skin and can be more subject to these effects. In addition, establishing clear safety guidelines is a sensible precaution and teaches children how to handle chemicals properly. These are valuable life skills.

For a start, children should use appropriate protective equipment. While a lab coat is not necessary, read the chemistry set instructions thoroughly before starting. Experiments may require both gloves and safety goggles. Gloves … Read the rest of this post…

Apologia Science is closely identified with Dr. Jay Wile, founder and principal author of the curriculum. The Ball State University professor was so impressed with the ability and enthusiasm of homeschool graduates in his college classes in the early 1990s, that he connected with state and local support groups and began writing science curriculum specifically for home educators. The business grew to the point he left university life to focus on “making parents comfortable teaching science.”

Starting this year, several new names will be associated with Apologia, and a new line of practical and inspirational titles will join the popular science textbooks. After fourteen years, Dr. Wile is handing the management of the company to a pair of veteran homeschoolers … Read the rest of this post…

To study English grammar well is somewhat like studying spelling – it is something that requires a certain sort of memory and “sentence sense”.  Diagramming is an integral part of this process.  It allows kids to recognize how parts of speech fit together to make a sentence that is, in a sense, “spelled properly”.

There is a certain highly successful spelling program known as Spelling Power.  It is known as the very best of the best out there.  In just fifteen minutes per day, it transforms a child from a non-speller to a very proficient speller – sometimes raising test scores by several grade levels in a single year.  This is by utilizing a spelling list tailored to the … Read the rest of this post…

TITLE: Singapore New Elementary Math 1
PUBLISHER: Singapore Math
GRADE LEVEL: Grade 7
PREREQUISITES: Primary Math 6B or placement test
REQUIRED MATERIALS: None
GENERAL APPROACH:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The “elementary” in New Elementary Math refers to “the basics”, meaning that these books cover the basics of higher mathematics. 7th grade math students are here beginning their study of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc. This series now emphasizes an improved understanding of applications of math concepts, and also proficiency in mathematical reasoning and higher order thinking involved in problem solving. Of the several 7th-10th grade series’s available from Singapore Math, New Elementary Math is the most popular in the US and Canada.

TOPICS AND METHODOLOGY
New Elementary Math 1 is for 7th grade … Read the rest of this post…

The Alpha Omega Lifepac series provides excellent consumable courses. In our advanced technological age, many people prefer to employ computer-based learning for their home educated students, however, Alpha Omega Publications Lifepac series provides an excellent alternative when a computer is unavailable or impractical. Additionally, your student will gain practice in penmanship with handwritten work! The Alpha Omega Lifepac  Course in American Literature is designed as a one semester course for advanced middle school or high school students. It is easily incorporated as an upper level course in the junior or senior year of high school. Since the Lifepac American Literature course is designed to be completed in one semester, it is divided into five Lifepac booklets. Each booklet can be … Read the rest of this post…

Students can study 6th grade math the fun Alpha Omega Lifepac way.  Learning is fun and enjoyable with the colorful workbooks with appealing cartoons and motivating methodology.  A mastery approach keeps kids from getting bored with too much repetition, and a Christian perspective ensures a wholesome worldview throughout.  The efficient mastery of material and the satisfying sense of accomplishment that keeps students motivated are hallmarks of the Alpha Omega Lifepac approach.

Topics and Methodology:
Students of 6th grade math are laying an important foundation for 7th grade pre-high school concepts.  In this crucial year, topics include numbers to billions; geometric symbols; percents, fractions and decimals; Roman numerals; converting metric units; statistics; and mental math.

The highly motivating Alpha Omega Lifepac … Read the rest of this post…

Bob Jones K4 Preschool Kit is a curriculum for preschool children to learn the basics needed before entering Kindergarten.  It includes student worksheets, a teacher manual, cut out materials, and a cassette tape.  The curriculum also includes biblical teaching geared toward your new preschool students.

Strengths:
I used this preschool curriculum with my child.  She is a student that will do well in most settings, so this curriculum was great for her.  She loves worksheets, coloring, learning the months of the year, and learning how to write.  It was such a great curriculum for her.  It has valuable biblical lessons throughout the curriculum as well.  As the homeschool parent, it was easy for me to prepare and teach.  If you … Read the rest of this post…

TITLE: Wordly Wise 3000 Book 8
PUBLISHER: School Specialty
GRADE LEVEL: 8th Grade
PREREQUISITES: 7th Grade vocabulary
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Student Book, Teacher Book (optional Audio Recordings)

GENERAL APPROACH:
From the very earliest days of its publication, the original Wordly Wise program earned respect for high quality instruction. Word lists provided students exposure to useful and somewhat advanced words, as well as words commonly misused or misunderstood. Exercises in each lesson helped students to become familiar with the different definitions for each word, gave them practice distinguishing correct and incorrect usage, and practice identifying situations where they could use the new vocabulary in a sentence. The books became well-known for most students’ favorite parts – the fun crossword puzzles and interesting … Read the rest of this post…