Curriculum Choices
So you may all have read my post on types of schooling last week. Well, since I am just doing kindergarten this year I am winging it;). I think on the whole we are going to go with classical unschooling but right now I don't think it matters. Since the NerdBug doesn't read yet I think I am just going to get a good math and reading program. I have had Explode the Code highly recommended so I am planning on using that. I figure that all the other subjects really are secondary to reading. In other words, he probably needs to learn how to read before we jump into science, geography and history. Now the math program is giving me pause. I was a huge math geek in school (I know everyone is shocked;) and I used Saxon a large portion of the time. But, I have heard in the last few years that the Saxon program is faltering. A program that I have heard great things about is Singapore Math. It appears to be highly logical so it naturally appealing to the NerdParents. But, the Well Trained Mind seems to have concerns but Sonlight seems to like it. The Well Trained Mind seems to question wether kids are ready for such a logic based approach so young. So I still have questions that I am researching and asking advice for.
1) What math programs do you recommend?
2) Am I doing harm by waiting to introduce other subjects?
1) What math programs do you recommend?
2) Am I doing harm by waiting to introduce other subjects?
posted by NerdMom at
1:35 PM
5 Comments:
I recommend a good solid program that begins concrete and does not push abstract thinking until children are ready. And one that applies the basic principles of the subjects. I also recommend whatever you and your children seem to learn the most from. We use Singapore and I LOVE it, but you cannot get the complete program in the US. My daughter is in the first grade and this is our second year with it. Every lesson begins concrete, then moves to pictorial and then to abstract. I only use the workbooks but they are sequential and it is easy to make up good lesson plans by what is given in the workbook. My daughter is doing quite well with it.
By
Hanley Family, at 8:11 PM
Singapore Primary Math is a great program, logical but not at all "abstract" in the early grades, and my young ones have had no problem with it. I prefer, however, to start with Miquon Math because of the wonderful adventure of discovery it provides. We alternate the Miquon workbooks with the Singapore textbooks, the latter done orally as mental math practice, and then add in the Singapore workbooks when Miquon runs out. I do not like the heavy emphasis on drill and memorization that many Classical homeschoolers push for young students. There is a place for drill and memorization, but I feel that it should always come after a strong foundation of understanding has been laid down and strengthened by plenty of "figuring it out" practice.
By
Anonymous, at 9:14 AM
In the early grades, I believe that a child should not even be aware that he/she is being taught. I used www.time4learning.com,reader rabbit, and headsprout.com. They thought they were just playing video games... if learning starts out natural, it will stay natural...
By
Ahermitt, at 2:28 PM
Hi,
I've not read your blog before - came by Dana's Carnival. I thought I'd add some food for thought, just to keep you thinking :-) And then I'll give a comment on math.
Although many eductators do see reading and math as foundational to beginning students, it is not necessarily so. Many others believe just as strongly that it is better to give children a strong start in history, science, and geography (and I would add Bible and foundational principles) - teaching them orally. This greatly broadens the child's vocabulary and understanding, providing a broader base for reading when it is started. Obviously, there are arguments both ways.
As for math, I agree with the ideas of the other commenters, that we should begin by teaching concepts and principles concretely and not move on to abstract problems too soon. I've not used Singapore though, and recommend 1) Ruth Beechick's Easy Start in Arithmetic (natural, gentle approach) 2) Making Math Meaningful or Math U See - both more of a scripted curriculum than I perfer at this stage, but good reasoning skills and understanding taught.
Lisa
By
Lisa @Me and My House, at 2:37 PM
I came to your blog via Dana. I, like Dana, use the Principle Approach. The Foundation for American Christian Education recommends RightStart Math. It is similar to Singapore or Miquon, I think (based on Oriental methods). It includes lots of fun games!
By
Anonymous, at 9:50 PM
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