Homeschooling has crossed the precipice from chaos into a pretty predictable schedule. Well, order for me. As an incredibly abstract-random learner and processor, I need lists and order. I don't like them, I need them. My personality is too easily distracted by new curriculums. So-and-so introduces something at the homeschool share and I have to try it. If I don't, we are missing out. They will not develop appropriately! Yes, this phase passed quickly with a little thing called an overwhelmed and burnt out mind. So, the things that have stuck:
All About Spelling
For my special needs, dyslexic child. I was convinced this child just would have to rely on autocorrect for the entirety of his life, and honestly- may never write at all. Still, dyslexia does keep a constant obstacle (while finally reading with somewhat ease, he will come up with random backwards spellings. This program does wonders. For Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, it is so much more gentle than Rod and Staff spelling and includes your dictation for the day. (I am not faulting Rod and Staff- I love those Mennonites and will join them as soon as the husband is de-teched. I don't think that is a word)
This method breaks down everything into phonograms and diphthongs. The letter tiles are great. I cannot recommend this enough. Last year was the first year I had a decent homeschool budget. I think I spent about 75 for this program. Worth every penny. I use this for all my kids and see the benefit.
Having said that, our board is always a mess. They offer the app now. Nope, I will always stick with the letter tiles. Math-U-See
The blocks helped my dyslexic child finally understand place value. We use the blocks for Multiplication all the time. Still using them. I love Math U See because it explains the why of Math. I never fully understood borrowing (It was that bad.) Now I do! I was never confident converting fractions. I love you, Steve Demme! We will do Math u See until graduation and with every child. If you have a genius math family, you may look for a more challenging program. But, oh, Math u see, I love you. I guess by now it is obvious we thrive with kinesthetic learning.
I never knew higher concepts could still be illustrated using manipulatives. Sonlight
It's not you, it's me, and I need to use Sonlight. In a house where electronics were unfortunately welcomed-and with boys- I need to use a literature based program to help with my mental health. My boys have been doing it for so long they have just accepted that read alouds will always be part of the daily (and nightly) routine. However, I will always add caution- If your books have to compete with electronics with young brains- Electronics will always win. If you get a the final say in your marriage and family in regard to electronics, I am struggling with my envy.
ANY AND EVERY BOOK BY RICHARD MAYBURY
Recommended by Sonlight. If you get nothing else, make your kids read, "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?"
Lastly, I adore Story of the World's approach to history, Draw Write Now, and a bit of Rod n Staff for Bible readers and Grammar.
No comments:
Post a Comment