Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (The Young- Truthquest)

The Young Scientists Club is a website with materials for science experiments and materials. “Here the children can not only explore science topics and science experiments in depth, but can also e-mail Celsius the Science Bug™ with questions, results, and comments.” Timberdoodle Co. has provided resources to the homeschool community for over 20 years. They specialize in learning tools and games. Time4Learning is an online curriculum (that rivals K12) that teaches children through fun animations, and records test scores as well. It can be used as a full curriculum or supplement to another homeschool program. Times Tables the Fun Way … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (The Phonetic-The Write)

The Phonetic Zoo is a “self-teaching spelling program”. The phonetic Zoo uses a combination of visual and auditory teaching methods and is available in elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. A web placement test will help you determine which level you need. The set comes with audio CDs, flashcards, and a booklet to explain the program. The Readers Quest is an online reading program that teaches children to read independently. A statement on the site says, “The Reader’s Quest is a homeschool-friendly site, but it is not just for homeschoolers. It is for any parent or grandparent interested in encouraging their … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Tapestry- The Math)

Tapestry of Grace is a curriculum that teaches world history. Tapestry of Grace has two approaches, the first being “historical flow and themes”, and the second being the “facts of history”. Geography is also a major focus. This curriculum is geared to a classical approach to education. Teach America to Read and Spell (TATRAS) says, “Children should not be taught phonics until they can name most of the letters of the alphabet.” The advantage of TATRAS phonics lessons is a vertical approach, which teaches all of the sounds of each letter and combination instead of one sound at a time. … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Spencerian-Systematic)

Spencerian Penmanship (also called Spencerian Sript Penmanship) teaches a fluid graceful form of script handwriting. Using Spencerian Penmanship the students write rhythmically as the teacher counts. Streams of Civilization teaches history in the order that it occurred. This is a Christian approach to history meant to be used in the high school level. There is also a teachers manual available. Stories of the Great Composers is a music appreciation course that teaches about the lives of the people behind the music. This is a 12-unit book with an accompanying CD. Story of the World is a classical approach to teaching … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (So You -Spell Well)

So You Really Want to learn Latin is a series of books that allow the user to teach them Latin. Book 1 of the series is for middle school students. Other titles include Book 2, Book 3, and Translations. Softbasics is short for “software for mastering the basics”. The softbasiccs website offers Math Tri-Pak and T/F Math Challenger as well as several other educational programs to homeschooler and private schools. Some of these programs are free, and others are free with some conditions. The software allows parents to print educational activities. Sonlight Curriculum is “Christian Homeschooling Company that specializes in … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Shiller – Smith hand)

Shiller Math is a curriculum for ages 4 – 8 that relies heavily on manipulatives. Shiller Math was written by Larry Shiller, an MIT math major who wanted to “impart his zeal for math to American children of today as an after-school supplement or homeschooling course.” This program is based on the Montessori Method of learning. Shurley English Grammar teaches the Shurley Method of learning grammar. The Shurley Method “gives students the concrete steps necessary to relate a definition to a concept, a concept to a skill practice, and a skill practice to writing and editing. Competent writing begins with … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Saxon – Seton)

Saxon Publishers creates learning materials that teach math and reading skills. The programs include daily practice, and dialogue. Saxon Math is a leading math program in private schools and homeschools. It is known to help students retain learned skill because is constantly reviews older skills. Saxon math is For Kindergarten through 12 grade levels. Saxon reading focuses on phonics and spelling skills for grades K-3 and reading and phonics intervention for older struggling students. School House Rock was originally created as cartoon breaks for Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970’s. It quickly became a recognized way to teach children important … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Right Start-Runkle)

Right start Mathematics by Activities for Learning, Inc. teaches math basics using tool called the Al Abacus. This abacus gives a visual representation of math functions without the mess of hundreds of tiny pieces of math manipulatives. Right Track Reading gives free information to help parents teach children to read. With the help of their publications, Right Track Reading gives parents systematic phonics instructions. Robinson Self-Teaching Curriculum is a full k-12 program that will allow your child to teach themselves.” The curriculum includes a program of self-study that requires almost no teacher interaction. This unique curriculum will save you hours … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Reading- Remembering)

Reading for All Learners (also known as I See Sam at iseesam.com) is used in tough classroom environments all over the world. This program promises to “make a difference in the reading abilities and confidence of your learners. Independent research has demonstrated our reading materials can help you improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, and fluency.” Reading Made Fun is a literacy program said to promote developing confidence in reading books that offer rich language and strong vocabulary. Reading made fun puts the reading in the starring role of the story by printing the child’s name and other information in the story. … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Prima Latina-Reader Rabbit)

Prima Latina is an introductory Latin program for young children who need to learn slowly because they are still learning English grammar. “The program provides 25 lessons, each including a grammar skill, 5 vocabulary words with corresponding English derivatives, a practical Latin phrase, and one line of a prayer that is learned in totality over five lessons.” Professor B Math provides and instant math teacher to students with their CD Rom program. It promises, “You invest far less time for children to master each arithmetical or algebraic concept and associated skills. Virtually all children will learn so comfortably that they … Continue reading