Next year we are considering using DVDs for homeschool. Right now, we use ABEKA curriculum, but just the books. I know that ABEKA offers the DVD program but I've read mixed reviews about it. I also have concerns that it would be too much for the kids (too long, goes to fast) because I've had to modify the lesson plans somewhat with the books. We want to switch to DVD lessons to free up some more time for me. It's either: take some of my load off, or send them back to regular school. I LOVE the extra time I have with our kids and would prefer to keep them home with me. I'm concerned ABEKA would take just as long as PS day does? My kids will be 1st and 5th next year. What curriculum to you guys suggest and why?
We used to use DVDs from ABeka, still would with my 14 yo, if the Lord provided that way. We liked them. It was just like sitting in the class. If it went to fast or they didn't understand something, we could just replay it! The only thing I don't like about ABeak, besides the price, is all the busy seat work. My oldest could watch his DVDs, do his work and be finished by 1:30. This was starting at 7:30 and taking an hour lunch. My 14 yr., well that's a different story. Don't know if that helped any, but... There is also SOS. I think people either like it or hate it. We hated it!!!!
I would look at maybe doing just certain subjects on DVD/computer. There are some subjects that are easier to learn/retain than others, in my experience. What subjects take the most time for you?
Thanks Mom24boys--I am a little concerned about all the seat work. That seems to be the main complaint with ABEKA. I am not sure I want them "busy" for that long if they can complete the work in less time. pecangrove- I think just doing some subjects may work. What takes me the most time with is science and history for my 4th grader. Going over it multiple times and making sure he understands is time consuming. Also, I don't know if I'm doing a great job teaching my K student to read. When I watched the sample ABEKA videos, a 1st grader was reading as well as my 4th grader- so that was scary. Mostly I feel like I need more time to play with our baby (6months) and keep up on housework. When the house is a total disaster, I feel stressed out and like I'm not doing a good job. I work 8-16hrs week, plus we have the baby, and my daughter goes to speech therapy two mornings a week, so some days I feel like I'm rushing the kids through school and the house is embarrassingly messy. I was thinking that if videos could work for us, that would free up a couple hours for me each morning to get stuff done. Plus they would have a more enthusiastic instructor.
I'd suggest either using Abeka materials, but YOUR way - not sticking to their schedule, not doing all their testing, leaving out "extras" that you can do without like extra seatwork -- OR switching to something else. Like CLE. I've been getting wonderful results with it for 12 years, and it's way independent. Of course, first grade simply requires more teacher attention. But even parts of that can be very independent. "Major in" the reading/LA/math, then do science and social studies in some way that both kiddos can do together. That should save you tons of time!
