I keep going back and forth on what I want to use for next year (K/1st, 7th grades). I am trying to decide between Saxon with DIVE and Math-U-See, but I keep going back and forth between using Simply Charlotte Mason materials (history, copywork), a separate LA program, Apologia science, etc., and using a unit study curriculum. I would like a curriculum that includes all the major subjects (other than math and possibly sciece) in an integral fashion, but am having a hard time finding one... I can find them that schedule everything, but not one that actually takes a topic and makes it flow through the different subjects. I know I could make them, but I honestly just do not have the time. SO if I can't find something prepared, then I will go with the SCM and other things. So, do any of you know of a unit study curriculum that actually encompasses most subjects in the topic of study?
First, I've heard the TEACHER cds, rather than the DIVE cds, do a much better job, so you might want to check that out. I think My Father's World has stuff all the way through high school. The Weaver does unit studies, I think level 1-6, then you do it again with an add-on set for 7-12, so maybe that would cover both your guys on the same topics with different levels for each? Alpha Omega bought The Weaver. Sorry, those are not my style, so I don't know a lot about them other than what I've read on various boards.
As for Saxon, the new version is common core. Just to let you know and the teacher cd's are put out by Houghton Mifflin and much longer. The 3rd edition is prior to the author's death and not common core. It is integrated math so Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Advanced Math covers credits for Algebra 1, Geometry, Trig, and Pre-Calc. So in 3 years, you accomplish 4 credits. The DIVE cd's are pretty good in my opinion if you want a good 10-15 minute lecture before doing the lesson. If you want it to go over every problem in minute detail, then the teacher cd's are for you...However, since they came out with a 4th edition Saxon Math non-integrated with a level of Geometry and written to common core standards by Houghton Mifflin...I have no idea how long they will make the teacher cd's available for 3rd edition. I do know at this time 3rd edition is still recommended for homeschoolers and 4th edition is not for reasons mentioned above. We use HOD and it integrates the subjects. I would suggest MFW or HOD for what you are looking for in your subjects. We do HOD and sub in MFW's Apologia Science and Saxon Algebra schedules at the high school level. There are sample weeks of each level so you could see how it would work for your family. http://www.heartofdakota.com/ I have never used MFW but some differences are weekly grid instead of 2 page spread for schedule. They also suggest a book basket utilizing the library instead of all the books that are suggested to read being included in the package. I think they both have similarities but a lot of differences. http://www.mfwbooks.com/ There is also a secular one that my friends have enjoyed called Moving Beyond the Page based on themes and living books as well. http://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/ A few more: http://www.livingbookscurriculum.com/ http://www.amblesideonline.org/ http://www.tanglewoodeducation.com/ https://www.queenshomeschooling.com/ http://www.epikardia.com/ http://materamabilis.org/ma/ I have to go coach soccer for my youngest, but I may add more links later. Hope these help.
Thanks so much!!! Heart of Dakota looks to be the best for us... looks like a very good program. Saxon - I will make sure we get the 3rd editions, then. Thanks for that tip! And subbing the Apologia science may be the way we go, too. Either this year or next. Have you used the CDs for that, yet? I just saw them but do not know anyone who has used them yet. Oh, I also think we will be using Our Mother Tongue instead of R&S for English. Thanks again for all the help!!
I've used some Apologia, textbook with audio cd. Have not used companion cd nor complete course on cd. I think it was Art Reed who recommended the Teacher cd's for Saxon.
