Someone mentioned these two curriculum providers... has anyone actually used one of them? What did you like/dislike about it? I am interested in both, but I usually feel better about curriculum if someone else has used and liked it (so I know what to expect). Thanks!
I should clarify (just in case)... one is called The Backpack and the other is called Homeschool Supercenter. I couldn't post the web addresses since I haven't ever posted on here (although I have been a member for a while). Basically just type in thebackpack or homeschoolsupercenter... that should pull it up. They actually look like two good curriculum providers! I am trying to decide between one of those, A Beka, Christian Liberty Press, and Rod & Staff for my daughter. My son does Calvert School and will be sticking with it (I just need a variety!)
I have used them, and they were great. We got a lot of bad snow one year, and they were snowed in, so it took about a MONTH to get my stuff to me. So they gave me a coupon to order some free stuff from them in return, plus threw in a few "freebies" when they mailed out out order!
So, when you ordered from Homeschool Supercenter, what did you order? I am considering one of the complete packages. If you go to the site, click "shop now" and then click "complete packages", there is one called "Deluxe Secular - Grades 1-12"... which is what I am looking into. Do these packages come with a teachers manual? Has anyone tried one of these? If I do this curriculum, then I would need to find a "Bible" subject... any suggestions? Thanks again!
I ordered the deluxe curriculum package for the 3rd grade. I was very pleased, because of that I still use a lot of what came in the package. No teacher manuals, but you get answer keys. Now these are textbook based ones. It is a lot like school, but I am very please with them. I like that is comes with a schedule you can go by or guide you. Also report card, schedule papers, and all kinds of stuff. They have a great customer service also.
Was it difficult to teach without a teacher's manual? :shock: I'm not sure I could teach math as well as I could WITH the manual. I do have the science book for the second grade for my son (who is enrolled in Calvert School - which I really like)... they provide the teacher's manual and I feel I could do THIS subject fine without one, but what about other subjects? Is it difficult? Or just common sense? I need something for my daughter that is as good as Calvert School... the only reason I am switching her is because I need a variety!
I had no problem and it was my first year homeschooling. I don't use the te on too many subjects. I can usually figure out what needs to be done by reading and doing some of the lessons myself before teaching them.
Also if you end up needing the te that bad they can be found at various places, but I am finding out for many of the textbooks the te are really expensive!
What grade is your child in? Are you going to be using it every year? Have you found any faults with it? Thanks!!
I used it the first year. I took from it what I liked, which was the grammar by zaner bloser, spelling, handwriting. I haven't bought one since that first one, just for the simple fact I went curriculum junky and bought everything I could find. Now I really need to use what i have. My son is in the 5th grade this year. He was in the third when we bought this. I loved the grammar which was G.U.M. by zaner bloser and I still buy this every year. I loved the spelling also zaner bloser and it is an awesome program. The reading book is fun. The stories are really cute also some are non fiction which I did like the variety there. The phonics they offer my son hated, I thought it was dry. The science is great, it is very textbook type but a good program. They offer a different social studies and math than what was with ours. The map book is simple and to the point. The handwriting is perfect not to much not to little. Over all I really liked it. If I did not end up buying so many things after buying this I would have continued with it. I am thinking about going back to it for my younger one in a couple of years. I hope this helps you.
Thanks, Jo Anna, that was really helpful. I have one last question... was any of the stuff they sent you "used"? I am asking because I just realized that The Backpack (a similar site) gives a mix of new and used books. That's not BAD, but when I spend hundreds of dollars on something, I want it brand new!! So, now I am down to deciding between: A Beka, Christian Liberty Press, Rod & Staff, and The Homeschool Supercenter (in no particular order). Still a lot of choices...
No all of it is new! That is why it is worth the price. Also go look at homeschoolstockroom They have full packages also and if you plan on continuing to use a box curriculum they offer a lease program.
Now I have never used them, and I am not sure if all is new or what. Now there lease option sounds like a pretty good deal once you get started. Like first year will be $490 or so then they take off $110 once you return it so the next year is only $380. I mean it is not much, but saving is saving. Right?
Oh, also with homeschool super center they will work with you and put together a curriculum that you think will fit your family better. You just have to call them. I think that is so cool. Good luck! If you have any more questions just ask.
I believe that The Back Pack will also customize packages for families as well. They both sound very interesting. Let us know what you decide.
Thanks for the suggestions! I think I read that third grade and up has the teacher's manuals now (homschool supercenter)... I will have to call and see. Choosing one is so difficult! I'm glad there are so many choices, but it's hard to choose! I always second guess myself. Sparkalea, what provider do you use?
