I'm looking into it for DS1 next year. He'll be in 6th grade and I think he needs something more structured for language arts, particularly. He's currently using Teaching Textbooks for math, and loves it. I'm sure we'll continue with it next year, too. He really likes being on the computer. I went to homeschoolreviews.com and saw lots of comments that even if the answer is right on SOS, if there is even one typing error, the program marks it as wrong. (Meaning that if you were doing math and the answer was 2x3 but you put 2 x 3, it would be marked wrong.) That kind of stuff would drive my son crazy...and me, too. I saw that someone said that the newer version seemed to correct some of the errors of the older ones, but no one said specifically that the issue I'm worried about has been fixed. Since I trust you ladies so much, I just thought I'd ask about your experiences, particularly with their language arts. Thanks!
Call and talk to AOP. They are SOOOO wonderful on truly answering questions and don't hold it against you if you don't buy their stuff. I called with 50 million questions for language arts (nope - didn't ask what you are asking - LOL) and then voted that we would stick with what we are doing at this moment in time. And from what I know - they do have a demo you can download and try out (I think) so make some mistakes and see how you do
We used it the year we pulled the boys out. Likes: It will read the text aloud to the student. (Both of our older boys seemed to retain it better that way) It was very visual and not overwhelming. (Too much text on a page - most of the time) There are some short videos imbedded in the program. It did all of the scheduling and grading for me. I could back it up and keep it in a safe place. Cons: It is very picky about what answer to type in. I understand it has gotten better with the newer versions. It was too much like school for my boys. I will try it again on certain subjects when they are about High School age. I really did like it. I just wasn't a good fit for my two. Hope this helps
My daughter, currently in 8th grade, had used SOS for all subjects for the past two years. She normally does everything on her own without having to ask me for help. I think it does a great job of explaining everything. I have only used some of the older versions, but was not aware of the problems others have mentioned.
We bought it one year and did not like it, it was not user friendly and I am pretty good with computers and I couldnt grasp it, made me have to think hahaha About a few years later we checked it out at the Fair and didnt see much changes it still looked like it was not user friendly. Sam
We are using that this year for my DS 3rd grade math. We like it ok but it does count the answer incorrect if any of it is misspelled. Which is one of my complaints about it mainly because my son is very strong in math but not so much in spelling. KWIM?! hope that helps
I am using SOS Texas State History. Under the SOS Teacher Icon, you can turn off the spelling. The Teacher section also allows you to turn off the due date. This way your child can go at their own pace. I found out by accident. You should also have a SOS tutorials Icon. This will show you how to use the SOS.:angel:
I bought it for LA last year and my son loved it. I didn't keep him on it though because it was too old for him (my fault, I said something along the lines of "how different can 2 years be!" lol) He just wasn't able to do the reading they wanted. As far as what you're talking about. I did notice that occasionally and once we talked about what mistake he had made it was easy for him not to repeat it. If I didn't like what we're currently doing so well (or if that changes by next year or anytime after that) then I'd definitely get it again! Best of luck!!!
HomeMom Oh my goodness!! I am such a goofball sometimes. Thank you for pointing that out. I am so not computer literate...This will save me alot of time correcting his problems. Thanks.
I would pick just one subject and use it for that. I would recommend making that science or history. See how it goes and then if it goes well, add in the other subjects. This way, you have not poured in a bunch of money only to have it not work out. We tried it, DD hated it. But, she might have just been complaining. I might try it again. I found it easy to use and almost fun looking at her grades each time, LOL. I didn't have to grade anything and there was a teacher function. Plus, it was very easy to override any errors or to blank out entire days work if she did a poor job (as in, skipped over the questions, she missed too many, etc)
Does it come with a teacher's manual or anything like that? I know it does the grading for you, but I enjoy the teachers manuals that come with the Lifepacs. I sometimes use the answers to help the kids find the correct solutions. I'll admit I am not perfect (who is) and when I have trouble teaching I look to the manual for guidance. Also, is it just computer work? What about handwriting? In math do they still do work on paper? Do you feel like they are just working only on the computer the whole time? That would be a turn-off for me. Do you need more than one computer for different grades? I have been considering this for some time now and I just can't make up my mind. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Thanks for all the info, ladies. It's appreciated! It sounds like that teacher function might take care of that problem. I will call and talk to a rep before making a decision. However, I'm very likely to give it a try regardless. Zach has really enjoyed Teaching Textbooks, and I love how much easier it is for me! Not only due to the teaching and grading being taken care of (though sometimes I do have to sit down and talk through a problem with him)...but mostly because it's making him more independent with his work. I still like piecing together our science and history because that way both kids can do the same stuff. But as Z gets older, he's going to need something more structured like this. Thanks again!
