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May. 29, 2008 - To change or not to change?

We survived our jaunt to central Florida, including the convention, and have come home to relax :)  The convention, as always, was helpful.  Each year though, I have different goal in going.  This year I really needed to look and read alot more than buy.  I'm not as settled as I have been in years past on our curriculum choices.

It's that difficult balance between using 'tried and true' programs that you feel comfortable with - but which may not be working as well as you hoped and trying something new or different and having to change your 'rhythym' so to speak.  In our cell group (part of our homeschool support group) we heard from different mom's this year who have been homeschooling for 5+ years and seeing how they do it.  One of the families' approaches has been to use the same curriculum for every child each year.  They have been homeschooling for over 18 years and simply continue to use what they started with and pass it down.  "If it was good enough for so-and-so it'll work for you".  I see pros and cons to that.  You as a teacher get so accustomed to teaching the material that it probably becomes second nature, which in turn, I think, allows some flexibility to veer from what's there occassionally. 

The biggest problem I see is that of making a shoe fit that just isn't the right size.  My two oldest couldn't be more different!  We have used alot of the same curriculum, but definately at a different pace.  But I'm seeing that some of it doesn't seem to be working  as well. 

Take English - We have used Rod and Staff English since our oldest was in 2nd grade.  He had no problems getting the concepts and has basically glided through 8th grade level.  My 2nd son however, has not glided. He has stumbled.  I have tried going over things again.  We have done the worksheets.  I have stopped altogether and camped on certain chapters.  It just isn't sinking in.  He's not learning challenged in any way, he  just seems to come at things differently.  So I tried using R&S text but teaching it more like Shurley, where we simply label the sentence using the question /answer flow.  It seemed to work. But I am not going to try and 're-form' the R&S  text each year!  So why don't I just switch to Shurley?  It's Totally Different!!  From all accounts I hear, it takes more teaching time, at least initially, and I'm always nervous about making changes in curriculum and teaching efforts during the years we have a new baby.  Sooo...  We have a new little guy coming in Sept.  - My son is in essence needing to repeat sixth grade concepts in English grammar - I don't really want to use the same material - I'm wary of a change this fall -  I suppose I'll just keep praying!

As a side note, I'm looking at Science as well.  Apologia is arguably the most used High School Science program for homeschoolers, for good reason I think.  But there are others out there.  Two I've run into recently that have a very different perspective are Real Science 4 Kids and The Rainbow Curriculum (Beginnings Publishing House).  Both have in common the idea that Physics is the basis of all science and that Chemistry builds on that and Biology builds on them both.  Thus, they order their courses differently.  My concern isn't with the material itself, so much as buidling a good learning foundation.  Dr. Durrell Robbins, author of The Rianbow Curriculum/Spectrum/ and Colors  gave a great demonstration of how he approaches teaching.  It really made sense and my son and I both liked what we saw.  But it's different!!  (I'm sounding a little nuerotic now - I don't fear change normally.  Most people who know me would say change is my middle name, but I get skittish with the kids education and how we spend our time)

Alright, I've been thinking 'outloud' long enough.  I'm headed up to the Homeschool Consignment Shop to look around some more.  If anyone has any wisdom to impart - please do so!

 

your two cents

May. 29, 2008 - These are big things....

Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

....I struggle with the same thing each year. Stick with what works, or try something new. It's always fun when you finally decide!
Heidi
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May. 29, 2008 - We used it..

Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

The Rainbow science was an answer to prayer 2 years ago for us. I know Apologia is great, but my girls are not that kind of learner. We tried it and it didn't work.

Then came Rainbow. It was GREAT. If science doesn't come naturally to you or your child, and you just want a good foundation.. I HIGHLY recommend it!!

I may even be able to sell you our stuff cheap... ;-)
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May. 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ams

Thanks for stopping by and commenting at my blog. This is only my second year homeschooling and I feel like I am super wishy washy or I just have no clue what I am doing or I just worry too much! The first year I used a unit study which just didn't work for me. So this year I used rod and staff for english (which my oldest loves but my 9 y.o. doesn't), abeka for math (which I am going to stick with), Beautiful Feet books for American History (which we loved but I don't know what to do next year), and answers in genesis for bible and science. It is a good science curriculum but you have to buy all the supplies and i am not that organized. I checked out the Rainbow Curriculum and it looks good so I am going to pray about that. I am going to look into Shurley English as well for my 9 year old. My biggest concern is my oldest will be 7th grade and I want to make sure she is taught enough. Thanks for all your suggestions, I'll be praying for your changes and please keep me in prayer too! Antoinette
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