Curriculum Catalogs??? (Full Version)

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neetchym -> Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/20/2008 10:22:26 AM)

Is there one universal catalog that offers a glimpse at all or most of the cirriculums offered. I've read that a lot of you piece together a cirriculum, but where do you go to do this (website, store, etc.)? I would love to do a christian based cirriculum that has a lot of hands on things as opposed to just worksheets. I feel so overwhelmed, but I really feel that God is leading me to homeschool my son, even though Dad isn't to supportive. DS is only 4, but is extremely curious about everything. He already knows the planets, about dinasours, how to add, some states... He seems so eager to learn and I need to accomadate this now, and not wait for him to be "school age." Any suggestions on what direction to take? And any suggestions on teaching him how to read. He can spell a couple of words, but I have no idea how to go about teaching him to read!! I read to him often already, I'm just looking for some extra pointers.



Sunnymom -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/20/2008 10:50:24 AM)

I think a universal homeschool catalog would be bigger than the average phone book.[:D]
I'd start out with some sites that do reviews, and then find a catalog that reflects your homeschool philosophy with its offerings.

http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/
http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/
http://weblinkeducation.com/

are a few sites that I use.



amybreit -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/20/2008 11:55:14 AM)

quote:

I think a universal homeschool catalog would be bigger than the average phone book.
Well, my Rainbow Resource Catalog just came in the mail & I'd say it's phone book size!! Here's their website: Rainbow Resource. There is a place to request a catalog if you'd like! They have a bit of everything, broken down into categories & even a (Not) just for fun section in the back. They have a section on curriculum/unit studies that has some of the major ones listed with descriptions. One note of caution - it can be overwhelming!!



cynthia -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/20/2008 12:03:12 PM)

At his age, I would strongly suggest you avoid any curriculum. You might want to do some reading about teaching math and reading, but not do any formal lessons until later. Have you read anything by Ruth Beechick? If not, I would highly recommend that you read The Three R's. She covers everything you need to know for teaching children until around fourth grade. If you follow her recommendations, you will provide a rich learning environmnet that is not stressful or demanding, but produces excellent results and a solid foundation.

One of the things that Dr. Beechick recommends is doing lots of science type activities with young children. It significantly impacts their ability to think and learn. I'm not talking about a science book with quizzes and tests, but about going out and exploring the environment, doing science experiments, reading together on topics of interest, doing projects, etc. Kids love that sort of thing. One thing I did not do, but wish I had, is to buy a low power microscope. We have used magnifying glasses, bug jars, etc., but I am hoping to get a low power microscope as well. They can see things much more clearly with something like that.

Two other things are to read to him often and to have him start memorizing poetry and scripture. Memorization is very good for children's brains and they usually enjoy it. This can be done long before they are able to read. My son loves to memorize scripture. He memorized Proverbs 3 before he could read. Andrew Pudewa, from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, has a really good lecture on reading aloud and memorization. It's called Nurturing Competent Communicators (click here). It can be downloaded for $3. There are a couple others there too that you might be interested in listening to.



PrincessDonna -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/20/2008 12:06:16 PM)

quote:

Is there one universal catalog that offers a glimpse at all or most of the cirriculums offered. I've read that a lot of you piece together a cirriculum, but where do you go to do this (website, store, etc.)?


The best thing for me to do was to go to a homeschool convention and actually look through different curricula. It may be too late for that this year, but with a 4 year old, you've got plenty of time to just have fun this year, read together lots, play games, and then go to the convention next year. It is well worth the money and the time to be able to put your hands on things and see what you like and what you don't.



OneOfHisJewels -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/21/2008 12:32:41 PM)

There may not be a lot of people who agree with me, but I really believe that from about preschool through about 3rd/4th grade, a reasonably intelligent person can put together their own curriculum from books, workbooks, and hands on activities found at Wal-Mart, the dollar store, etc. Although I'm not sure I've seen grammar in the stores, so that may be the one thing to buy from a curriculum, but at 4, your child won't be doing grammar for a little while yet. But I have seen plenty of adequate curriculum type materials in the stores (workbooks for math, shapes, letters, etc. as well as non workbook type stuff like puzzles, educational games, etc)



singingmom -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (6/21/2008 5:01:55 PM)

I use http://www.christianbook.com

You can look through the books too. They do not carry Abeka, but most other things.


Hope that helps!



skypainter07 -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (7/2/2008 9:18:12 PM)

As I posted in another thread, I highly recommend a book called The Well Trained Mind, by Susan Wise Bauer and her mother, Jessie Wise. It is an awesome book and talks about the various stages of child development, where to start, how to do it, etc. This book is a classic and one that every home school family can use as a resource. I use it frequently and felt it was an excellent investment, although I did check one out from the library first before purchasing a used copy online.

You are in a perfect place to read and research to prepare yourself for providing your son with an excellent education. The beauty of homeschooling is that we can weave our Christian faith into the lessons and give our children the full picture.

Blessings to you and your little guy as you set out on this awesome adventure! And btw, when dh sees that the two of you are doing well with hs and how it is such a great lifestyle, he will be onboard before you know it! My friend's dh was also apprehensive at first, but now says he would have it no other way.

skypainter07



PatricksPeaches -> RE: Curriculum Catalogs??? (7/8/2008 8:15:37 PM)

http://www.homeschoolingbooks.com

They have curriculum packages preconfigured from different resources. I have gotten their catalog for two years now and love the things they offer.



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