As most of you have read, this year we went through the ps virtual academy with k12. Big mistake. We are getting through it and the boys are looking forward to leaving it behind. Both have the same complaint that there is too much to do in each book each day. The book switching is quite distracting! My older son said that he likes the history and the art but nothing else. He said that the vocabulary was ok (but he has finished it for the year!) I was looking at the learning styles of both boys and have realized that to do the most good for them, I need to give them each a curriculum that will work for them personally. Do any of you do that? Have a different curriculum or way of teaching for each child? My youngest is fond of larning games on the computer, while my older son likes to read books and use manipulatives. Younger ds loves manipulatives if they are messy or are puzzles..LOL I have been looking at the curriculum I had put together for schooling from last year. It was so much easier and the kids did fine. I have also been looking at using part of the Seton curriculum. Unfortunately, we can't afford the whole thing, but I do have a lot of books at my disposal, plus the internet, where I have found so much help and material. Sorry for rambling. I was just wondering how you handle different learning styles on a very limited budget. Maryelizabeth
Mary I was a homeschooled child, and am homeschooling my children. I say this because I have been able to learn from my parents mistakes (which they never ment to make!) One of the things I learned is that my sister and I didn't learn the same way. WE did the abeka program in the early years and went on to the Abeka video program for high school. My sister excelled in it. She learned very well in that type of environment. I, however, did not. My learning style just didn't jive with it. I am saying all of this because I think that you need to look around at all of the curriculum out there and find out what helps each child, even they are all different. I know that it can get expensive, but try looking on ebay, or if you have a Christian book store in your area, some sell used curriculum. Also, don't always think that the publishers of the books have it the cheapest. I use the Alpha and Omega Lifepac, and got it for $20 cheaper than their site. The internet is awesome if you have time to sit down and compare prices. Also, see if you have a homeschooling group in your area. They may have some used stuff. Anyway, I hope this helps.
Many homeschooling groups have swap days. Check www.hslda.org . You can buy from their site if you are member. I have purchased books for $10. at Wal-Mart and even cheaper at Salvation Army and other thrift stores. Remember you do not always need curriculum in the sense that we think of it. You can take a book about horses and turn it into a lesson. Good luck! Keep us posted as to how things are going. Patty
Right now I am going over the curriculum that I have in the house, what each did the best on, etc. Basically, am doing a rough outline for each of the boys before I buy anything. I already know that I will be using part of Seton for my older son, though.
My favorite site for used curriculum is www.homeschoolclassifieds.com Since you're in a k12, I will assume you're not HSLDA. Tina, I believe, is the expert for learning styles!
I have a huge list of books that I will be selling, if you're interested I could e-mail you. I think it's too big of a list for pming. I know that Amazon has lists of new AND used and you can get some pretty good deals that way!
