Entry ID6
Yes
many places - just Google the title
716710471
50
No
- High School
- High School
Maybe - but it was not designed for that
Yes
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
Yes
I do not know that they claim to meet standards - but I am sure that it does
No
It depends on the kid and the parent - there is an attempt by Jacobs to do this
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID7
Yes
https://www.sequentialspelling.com
15.00
Unknown
- Digital Media
- All Grade Levels
- All Grade Levels
No
Yes
- Auditory
- Reading/Writing
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
Yes
I Don't know
No
No
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID22
Yes
https://www.ctcmath.com/
80.00
Yes
- Online
- Elementary
- Middle School
- All Grade Levels
No
Yes
- Auditory
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
Yes
No
No
No
When we pulled Josh out of school he hated math because he thought that he was bad at it. We struggled for the first year trying to find a curriculum that worked for him. We've used CTC Math for a year now and he loves it. the lessons are short and concise. There are then 10 practice questions. We have access to all the grades so that allowed us to go back and redo parts of prior grades that didn't click for him. We did choose to pair CTC Math with Prodigy for extra practice in a more relaxed format. Math has now gone from our biggest struggle to our easiest subject.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID27
Yes
Art of Problem Solving
100.00
Unknown
- Elementary
- All Grade Levels
No
Yes
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
Yes
No
No
Yes
This is a review of Beast Academy's 4th grade program. My son is in 5th grade and math is a stronger subject for him. Another SEA mom warned me that Beast is very challenging and "for future engineers," but I liked the format and Luke is pretty good at math, so we went with it, buying the 4th grade curriculum due to the challenging nature of it.
After almost-finishing the first book, I have to agree that it's very different and *far* more challenging than the average math curriculum. It's not just that it teaches more advanced math, it's that the mathematical thinking it teaches is way beyond what I was doing until about Algebra II in 11th grade. I'm sure some of you are snickering and thinking "it's not THAT hard." But this is my perspective, as a former "gifted student" who was never especially gifted in math. For example, it teaches base-2 numbers in the first quarter of 4th grade, and before the end of that quarter it's asking kids to figure out the exponents on multiple numbers to result in a particular product, which requires a lot of multi-step thinking and a long time to finish any one problem, assuming you aren't a child who is pretty highly gifted in math.
To sum it up, when I was in 5th grade, this math curriculum would have killed me.
I actually really like it because of the approach they take of using puzzles to develop mathematical thinking and offering these challenging questions, but I'm switching things up now and beginning to use it as a supplement for my son rather than his regular curriculum. Which is exactly what this other SEA mom told me she ended up doing.
By contrast, I ordered the Horizons (I know, I know) 5th grade math workbook, and it is DRASTICALLY different and not just because of the Bible verses scattered within. It's arithmetic. Learn to multiply, learn to divide, here's a little geometry. My kid honestly needs this, because division scares the heck out of him even though he can do it. I'm mostly going to be using Khan Academy now, with the Horizons workbook as extra practice, but I just thought it was a big deal how different the two approaches are.
I think Beast is great, but if your kid is not especially gifted in math or if YOU are not (or you are math-phobic to any degree), be forewarned. Despite the comic books and excellent explanations, most kids are going to need a parent to explain points of confusion or help them correct their errors, and truthfully I looked at some of the upcoming pages and thought, "I have no freakin' idea!"
What did you think of it?3
What did your children think of it?3
Entry ID32
No
Entry ID36
Yes
http://www.cimt.org.uk/projects/mep/index.htm
0
No
- Other
- Early Elementary
- All Grade Levels
No
Mostly yes, though for logic female sounding names are assumed to be female and male sounding names are assumed to be male
- Unknown
- Complete Year Long
Yes
Aligned to British standards
No
Yes
We adore MEP. Each day includes only one page of problems (at least in the lower levels) which is managable even on busy days. The instructor guides are written to a classroom teacher, but the activities are easily adapted to the home environment. There are included tests, with scoring rubrics. The curriculum is spiral, and focuses on teaching the child to understand the math deeply. There are included puzzles and abstract problems from a very young age. Where appropriate, activities with manipulatives and games are suggested. Though all the material is freely available online, you can also order printed books if desired.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID40
Yes
www.shillermath.com
Unknown
- Early Elementary
- Early Elementary
Yes
Yes
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
Yes
No
Yes
Sensory based learning
It's great for toddlers/preK or those who don't know their letter sounds. Too low for readers. Easy lessons very quick, parent guide is totally inclusive.
Excellent customer service and this was the first version, I suspect they will have more complete version later, but as is it's incomplete, and didn't come with Montessori grammar symbols or lessons to support the use of them.
What did you think of it?4
What did your children think of it?4
Entry ID57
Yes
Http://synchronylearningcenter.weebly.com
105
Unknown
- Digital Media
- Online
- Middle School
- High School
- Middle School
- High School
Yes
Yes
- Auditory
- Reading/Writing
- Visual
- Enrichment
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID113
Yes
http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling/
0
52.80
Unknown
- Elementary
- All Grade Levels
No
Yes
- All Types of Learners
- Unit Study
Yes
This program provides the phonological foundations for success in reading and spelling, but isn't advertised as being aligned with specific national standards.
No
Not really, this is designed to be extremely targeted to fill gaps in phonemic awareness. It may lead to curiosity about spelling patterns and word etymology, but that is not the focus.
This program is extremely streamlined with lightly scripted lessons for instructor ease. One aspect I adore about All About Spelling is the variable pace. The program is designed to take only 20 minutes a day, and has built in daily assessment. When the student masters a particular skill, you move on to the next lesson. In this way, no time is wasted, and all practice is targeted on skills the student needs to practice.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?3
Entry ID114
Yes
https://historyatourhouse.com/
220
Yes
- Live
- Online
- Middle School
- High School
- Elementary
- Middle School
- High School
One could add literature related to the time period studied, or teach geography along with the history being studied.
- Auditory
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
Yes
The material would exceed anything covered on Common Core.
Yes
Yes
Mr. Powell is an enthusiastic and engaging historian and teacher who offers a wide range of options for homeschoolers. Most importantly, he knows how to deliver to the student so the learner walks away with a strong understanding of how ideas shaped the world. The students also learn to take a body of facts and learn to name periods in a way that help them to mentally hold history in a conceptual manner. This type of thinking is empowering.
My junior high and high school boys participated in the live online classes or used the recordings for the following courses: European History, American History, Ancient History, US Government, and Asian History. M, Tu, and W the boys listened to lectures, looked at visuals, answered questions during class, took notes, did facts practice quizzes, wrote summaries for every major period covered, took tests, and completed a research paper (US Gov). On Thursdays Mr. Powell taught History Through Art, which was a nice break from the usual fare while also providing a different experience for understanding history. History at Our House was one of our favorite experiences homeschooling, and I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to have my sons work with such a talented individual.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID121
Yes
https://sheg.stanford.edu/
0
- Online
- Middle School
- High School
Yes
Yes
- Auditory
- Visual
- Enrichment
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
No
No
Yes
Yes
This is an excellent resource for delving deeper than the surface level of history. One of our first lessons discussed sourcing: analyzing where the information comes from, who recorded the information and what other factors may play into the reliability of that source. Lessons include interesting source materials and scanned reproductions of original documents to bring history to life. In my opinion this is best used as a parent-lead group activity with middle-school to high-school aged kids.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?4
Entry ID122
Yes
criticalthinking.com
42.99
Yes
- Digital Media
- Elementary
- All Grade Levels
No
Yes
- Independent
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
- Supplemental
Yes
not known
No
Yes
This curriculum is light on practice, sort of the opposite of Saxon math. It is a spiral program, with frequent switches of topic and frequent revisiting of former topics. It provides instructions or examples but not extensive teaching. It is colorful and tries to increase enjoyment with codes and puzzles. It worked very well for my non-linear thinking child who tended to scream and cry about math. I generally did not teach it but let my child read the instructions on her own. For some students, the level of explanation and practice will be insufficient, although it would work for them as a supplement. For others like my daughter it will be just the right amount. The switches of topic may help prevent boredom in children who need variety. The pages are colorful and non-intimidating, but some children might think it looks overly childish.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?4
Entry ID127
Yes
spellingyousee.com
39
Unknown
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
No
Yes
- Instructor Driven
- All Types of Learners
- Auditory
- Kinesthetic
- Reading/Writing
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
Yes
Phonetic spelling program- not aligned with grade level
No
Unsure - may motivate other language arts skills than spelling
I have used Spelling you See level A with 2 different children on different grade levels. I love the boxes to write the letters in- reluctant writers know to only write the correct number of letters, and that makes it more adaptable for children with learning issues. This is a great program for children who want to learn reading and writing at the same time, like my 7 year old who is working slowly through phonics reading. My student who learned to read first- but needed a lot of encouragement to write- has gained a lot of conficence with the slow pace of this program even though he is 9 and reads above grade level.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID128
Yes
www.mathmammoth.com
4
Yes
- Digital Media
- Other
- Elementary
- Middle School
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
- Middle School
No
Yes
- Child-Led
- Independent
- All Types of Learners
- Auditory
- Reading/Writing
- Visual
- Complete Year Long
- Enrichment
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Used Math Mammoth for 4, 5, 6, and finishing up 7th grade now (7th grade is pre-alebra). The program spirals- so you learn something new and then it goes back to review previous units so that material is always refreshed.
My daughter has dyslexia/dysgraphia, so it can make math difficult. However the text provides a variety of algorithms to solve many problems. When I learned math in the 1980s, I was taught one way to solve most problems. Math Mammoth gives a variety of ways to solve that is great for children who struggle with math.
Maria Miller, the author sends out quarterly newsletters and she personally responds to emails. I have sent her emails a few times with questions and she writes me back promptly! Also, Maria has provided youtube videos that help with more difficult concepts. Also supplemental online games are provided for every chapter.
There are also grade level reviews, Real Life math (math problems from a real situation).
Prices range from $4.99 - $136 and you can download and print your own or buy printed copies.
I feel this math curriculum is solid and will put your child well ahead of their public school peers.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?4
Entry ID130
Yes
www.buildyourlibrary.com
30
No
- Digital Media
- All Grade Levels
- All Grade Levels
Yes
Yes
- Child-Led
- Collaborative
- Independent
- Project-Based
- Unknown
- Complete Year Long
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Wonderful open and go lesson plans packed with great literature!
What did you think of it?4
What did your children think of it?4
Entry ID131
Yes
http://www.coreknowledge.org/
9780385337328
18
Unknown
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
Yes
Yes
- Child-Led
- Classical
- Collaborative
- Independent
- Unschooling
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
- Extended
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
It had been adapted to meet common academic standards
No
Yes
My daughter and I both loved the 'What your 6th Grader Needs to Know' book from the series K-6th.
It is a detailed synopsis of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, math, science, and arts. The curriculum is completely secular, and was designed to meet the Common Core Standards. I got mine at my library. We read the whole book, cover to cover after having wasted a year in an online public school. My daughter rushed through it to complete assesments, but did not retain much. This can be used for unschoolers, and for those who wish to accomplish 'grade level' work. This is perfect for creating your own MODERN, SECULAR version of Charlotte Mason inspired education.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID132
Yes
http://books.coreknowledge.org/product.php?productid=16166&cat=363&page=1
9781890517250
0
Unknown
- Digital Media
- Online
- Elementary
- Middle School
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
- Middle School
Yes
Yes
- Child-Led
- Classical
- Collaborative
- Independent
- Project-Based
- Unschooling
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
- Enrichment
- Extended
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
We loved the 'What your 6th Grader Needs to Know' book from the series K-6th. They do have versions for 7 & 8 too! The Core Knowledge Foundation writes the 'What your Xth Grader Needs to Know' book series.
You can buy the book version, (I got mine used on Amazon before I found this free download), or, download it free. http://www.coreknowledge.org/download-the-sequence The Core Knowledge Sequence Guide for PK - 8th is a detailed outline of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts. It describes the specific core of knowledge that children learn in U.S. schools. If you have a desire to 'stay on grade level' this is the perfect way to do it while maintaining a flexible and unique homeschool style. The curriculum is completely secular, and was designed to meet Common Core Standards.
The Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum for PK - 5th grade is now available to download for free. The curriculum is completely secular, but was designed to meet the Common Core Standards. We have been reviewing History using the FREE, ONLINE Core Knowledge Language Arts textbooks. We covered the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and the Renaissance and more. The LA was great and now they offer also more History and Science too! We use the Core Knowledge Sequence Guide for K-8, as we are 'in' 7th grade. It is similar to Build You Library, but without the handouts. I find all kinds of things online to go with our books and topics. We googled for free, online quizzes on these topics. There were some on Khan Academy too. Not all the information on those quizzes lined up with the content we learned but it was still fun to take the quizzes together. This is perfect for creating your own MODERN, SECULAR version of charlotte mason inspired learning! There is also a Monthly Core Knowledge Topic Guide.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID133
Yes
http://buildyourlibrary.com/
45
Unknown
- Digital Media
- Online
- Elementary
- Middle School
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
- Middle School
Yes
Yes
- Child-Led
- Classical
- Collaborative
- Independent
- Project-Based
- Unschooling
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
- Enrichment
- Extended
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Build Your Library: Secular Literature Based Homeschool Curriculum and Educational Products
I currently use the Core Knowledge Sequence, but I found out about Build Your Library. If I weren't already doing CK, I would use BYL! I compared the 8th grade BYL to the CK 8th grade and I decided to stay with CK. But perhaps for 9th grade! I was impressed by the BYL, so I did purchase the WWII Unit as well as the Timeline, (Book of Centuries) and the Timeline Figures. I love timelines and I still have not found one that clicked with me, until now!
It is Charlotte Mason 'inspired' but modern and SECULAR!!!! I looked into CM style when I first started HSing and I found the Ambleside program, but it wasn't secular or modern enough for me. BYL utilizes modern and secular literature and is not as old fashioned.
They have K-9 and several Unit Studies, plus the Timeline and also Narration cards, which I also bought. If you’re wondering if Build Your Library is the right program for you, look through their book list and see. They also have samples on their website and they have a Facebook Group group for 'users', and they have ones for each grade and middle school: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1423657587900276/
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID136
Yes
www.discoveryk12.com
0
0
No
- Online
- Elementary
- Middle School
- All Grade Levels
Yes
Yes
- Child-Led
- Independent
- Instructor Driven
- Project-Based
- Unschooling
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
- Enrichment
- Extended
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
I recommend this 'All-In-One' Online Curriculum for so many reasons. It is perfect for people who wish to leave public online schools, like K12 but who do like the format and concept of online schholing. This is different because it is not an accredited state program. You would still send your 'notice of intent to homeschool' letter to your district and still do a yearly assessment, )if your state requires that). It is also not common core. It is an easy to use, online curriculum for preK-12 and it has electives and it is all at your own pace; and, it's FREE! I think it is perfect for parents looking to independently homeschool with complete flexibility and with a little structure.
DK12 is a flexible program that allows parents to use all or parts of the curriculum with full control over the instruction. Not affiliated with public school, you may use it any way you like: part time, full time, or supplement, all at your own pace!
The seven standard courses are Language Arts, Reading/Literature, Math, Science, History/Social Studies, Visual/Performing Arts, and Physical Education. Electives include Spanish, HTML Coding, Healthy Living, and Personal Finance.
*From their website:
- Over 16,000 Lessons
- Weekly Spelling Program with digital quiz
- Quizzes and Tests in Science and History/Social Studies
- Grading and Reporting tools
- Classic Literature eBooks library
- Non-Common Core, secular
- Fun and Easy-to-Use
- Optional Parent/Teacher Account
We like the clean easy online format. Perfect for those who dislike visually cluttered screens and overstimulation. The easy navigation is like a blog. and if you have ever tried and online public school, you know how the navigation is like a nightmare of links and tabs! There are no games or animation. My daughter can do it all by herself on the days that I am at work and I get an email of what she has done at the end of the day!
Check out this 'Sample Student Account' http://discoveryk12.com/dk12/seventh-grade-sample-account/
they also have a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID137
Yes
www.ixl.com/
0
79
Unknown
- Online
- Elementary
- Middle School
- All Grade Levels
Yes
Yes
- Child-Led
- Independent
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
- Enrichment
- Extended
- Supplemental
- Unit Study
Yes
Yes
No
No
IXL is a standards-aligned, online content for K-12 math, K-12 language arts, 2-5 science, and 2-5 social studies. Compete with friends, earn awards and learn on the go with mobile apps. If they'd much rather be playing on the computer, they'll enjoy interacting with IXL's diverse practice formats and competing with friends to earn medals and awards. IXL's mobile apps make learning easy on the go! Read their membership FAQ for details. https://www.ixl.com/help-center/Family-memberships/552370
Analytics allow you to follow your children's practice sessions. See what skills children are practicing, identify potential trouble spots, review missed questions together, and track their progress as they improve.
IXL has some printable materials. They are mostly for classrooms, but homeschoolers might find some useful. There are goals posters, and customizable certificates, but I like the grade progress charts. Track students progress throughout the year. Print these handy charts in a binder or bulletin board to fill in with stickers, or keep them for your own records and mark the boxes as they conquer skills.
All IXL memberships provide unlimited access to every grade level available on the site for the subject(s) in your subscription. Pricing for a single-subject family membership starts at $9.95/month or $79/year for one child. Each additional child costs $4/month or $40/year. *Search on Facebook for discount 'group buys'.
There is not a timed trial, but to get a feel for an IXL subject, you can try 10 free questions per day. https://www.ixl.com/ela/
There is an ‘UNOFFICIAL’ Facebook Group for users of IXL Learning, "IXL Learning Lounge"
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID138
Yes
www.prodigygame.com
0
0
No
- Online
- Elementary
- Middle School
- All Grade Levels
No
Yes
- Child-Led
- Independent
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
- Enrichment
- Extended
- Supplemental
Yes
Yes
No
No
Prodigy Math Game is a fully-customizable math supplement and practice program designed for students in grades 1-8. Prodigy Math Game is like Pokemon, Zelda, and math cmbined. It stays FREE or you can Upgrade.
Prodigy has content from all major topics and will seamlessly cover Grades 1 – 8 and can prepare for standardized testing, if you do testing. It addresses individual needs with a diagnostic test to place students in the correct grade, and provides customized assessments to go at their own pace. Everything your students work on in Prodigy is reported back to you in real time. Quickly see which skills your students have mastered, and where they may need some additional support. The included curriculum standards are common core. *I believe that using the Planner feature allows you to align the math in the game if you have another specific curriculum.
Prodigy Game has Multiplayer Worlds! When you FIRST login to the game, you’ll be asked to “Choose Your World”. You can choose the same world as your friends so that you can play Prodigy together. If you’re ALREADY playing the game and want to tell your friends what world you’re a part of but can’t remember, open the Settings menu (Gear Icon). Your world will be displayed in the upper portion of your settings menu. Every time you log on you choose a world, so you can play together whenever you want.
Search Facebook for group buy-ins and there is an unofficial users group, Prodigy Math Game Homeschool Users Group. Prodigy is free but the membership gives more 'perks' in the game. To see the differences in the Free versus Paid Memberships, go to the website but don't log in; click on 'Memberships" and it shows all the extras they get.
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID142
Yes
Next Level Homeschool
Unknown
- Online
- Middle School
- High School
- Middle School
- High School
Yes
Yes
- Independent
- Instructor Driven
- Auditory
- Kinesthetic
- Visual
- Unit Study
Yes
Other
Yes
Yes
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID143
Yes
nextlevelhomeschool.com
- Online
- High School
- Middle School
- High School
Yes
Yes
- Independent
- Instructor Driven
- Project-Based
- All Types of Learners
- Unit Study
Yes
Yes
Yes
What did you think of it?5 - Loved it
What did your children think of it?5 - Loved it
Entry ID175
No
Entry ID152
Yes
http://www.pandiapress.com/publications/real-science-odyssey/life-level-one/
68
Unknown
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
- Early Elementary
- Elementary
No
Yes
- Collaborative
- Independent
- Instructor Driven
- All Types of Learners
- Complete Year Long
Yes
Other
Yes
Yes
I used RSO Life with my second grade child and she thoroughly enjoyed to it. She was super engaged and would actually ask to do more lessons! That is quite a compliment coming from a girl who normally would not sit still for any curriculum. As a parent, I enjoyed it's ease of use. All the required materials for the entire course are clearly laid out at the beginning of the book. There were only a few things I didn't already have at home, which I simply ordered from Amazon. That was really all the initial prep work that I did. I loved that there was no dense writing to weed through in this course. I usually get my own ideas of how I want to explore subjects and feel bogged down by chapters upon chapters of information presented in other curriculum (not to mention my child's eyes glazing over at being "presented" too much information. Not a very engaging way to go about learning). Fortunately, the lessons in RSO Life were concise and to the point, really giving us room to go further into a subject our own way if we wanted to (via searching for related videos, looking for additional info in our encyclopedias, etc). The lessons consist of a simple, yet fun to read, one page summary, really giving you all the information you need. It is then followed by at least one lab. The labs are well thought out and not overwhelming. Most of all, they are fun and interesting. The fact that we actually finished this course is a testament to that. We have recommended this course to many of our homeschool friends. Our eclectic and child-led homeschool friends in particular have expressed interest after seeing pictures of what we do with this curriculum. We will be moving on the RSO chemistry this summer and my child is looking forward to it!