Mar. 27, 2008

The History of Our United States

I am not a fan of history textbooks per se, but this text by ABeka Books is an outstanding example of what a history book should be.

The copy I have is an hardbound edition from 1981. I purchased it at a used book sale for $1.00. Prior to this I had a well loved soft bound edition.

This book spans a large time range, which usually is why I don't like history texts, too many tidbits about too many people and not enough in depth writing and knowledge. However, this book has excellent writing and covers its topics quite well in spite of the limited number of pages. One of the very best points about this book is that it gives you a desire to learn more about the events and people written about within its pages. For example, after reading about hornbooks on page 106, we "just had to" research hornbooks more and make one of our own out of cardboard and wax paper.

Although this book is intended for grade 4, we have read this through it in its entirety several times and referred to it again and again. I intend to have our 17 yr. old read through it one last time before he is finished with schooling to give a good review of American history. This is another plus of this book - the writing is interesting for ALL ages. An older student or adult does NOT feel like they are reading a children's book.

I believe every household needs a copy.

Nearly every used curriculum sale has at least one copy for sale and the older editions are nearly always very CHEAP - people just don't realize what a treasure they are!

~Penni

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May. 18, 2007

Biology 101, My Review

Posted in Homeschool Reviews

We are using Biology 101 (sold by www.Timberdoodle.com). I say we because if my husband or myself are in the room while this is playing, we can't help but sit and watch. It is so interesting! The DVD's are professionally done with sharp graphics and clear audio. Although this was produced by a homeschool dad and son, this course does not have a "homemade" flavor to it. It is top notch all the way.
Included on one of the DVD's is the accreditation booklet and the guidebook, which includes the quizes as well as "textbook". Following the guidelines in the accreditation booklet (which has included self guided lessons for your high schooler) this could very easily be a full year long Biology course. We are using it as a review and sort of finalization of my son's Biology course. If we had not done so much Biology previously, I would definitely use this for a stand alone Biology class.
The price is great and the program is great. My only regret is that we didn't find it sooner!!
Now if we could only find a writing program and a chemistry program like this!!
I am in no way affiliated with the folks who make this or sell it. It is just a great program (the BEST homeschool course I've seen in 14 years of homeschooling) and I thought others would like to know about it.

God bless,
Penni

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Mar. 6, 2007

Finally, help with spelling for my 16 yr old son!!

Posted in Homeschool Reviews

AVKO Spelling
If It's To Be It's Up To Me To Do It

This program is such a blessing! My son has always struggled with spelling. We studied phonics REPEATEDLY over the years and although my son is an excellent reader, he has been unable to spell well. We had tried every spelling program that I could get my hands on. I did so much research on spelling and bought so many programs over the years, I felt like I could be a "spelling expert" or "spelling curriculum consultant"! So, it was with trepidation last year that I ordered the AVKO spelling. Honestly, I had serious doubts that it would work. I had come to believe that my son would always be a very poor speller. I loved to joke that if he became a world famous author one day, he would surely keep the editors busy and after all they need jobs too, so that is a good thing!!

Well, I no longer am so sure that my son is going to pay the college tuition of a future editor's future children's college education. AVKO is really helping my son become a better speller. It is amazing to me how much it has improved his spelling and the challenging words he can now spell. Granted, he still has quite a ways to go to be labeled a great speller or probably even a good speller at this point. Only today when looking for something online he repeatedly spelled harvest h-a-r-v-i-s-t.

But in his defense, we do pronounce it that way here in Maine.
I look forward to seeing his spelling continue to improve and one day hearing him say that he is a good speller. What a joyous day that will be!!

~Penni - in the cold and frozen North (-40 with wind chill!!)

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About Me

The years have slipped bye so quickly. It seems as though it was just yesterday we were starting out homeschooling with a six year old and a 3 year old. Now my sons are 21 and 18 and this is my last year of homeschooling. A new season in life is ahead ~ the best is yet to come.