Well, we did it... all in one trip! I thought that we would come back to the hotel room talk things over, but we were just certain and pleased with our decisions. My prayer had been that when we saw something that Reson and I would just know that "we found it!" God answered my prayers, and I am grateful.
Math: Right Start K-5
Phonics: Explode the Code (Levels 1-8)
Bible: Positive Action K
Science: Real Science-4-Kids Pre-level K-3 (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Geography: Geography Matters K-4 (Galloping the Globe Bundle) and Maps Charts Graphs (Levels A & B)
Handwriting: Handwriting without Tears Pre-K/K
Critical Thinking: The Critical Thinking Company Pre-K/K K-2 (Mind Benders)
Spanish: Hooked On Phonics
So, here is the why behind all the choices that we made today. I think that it is imperative to those that are just starting out to see why decisions are made. Especially for us, who are new to this and after doing extensive research.
Why Right Start? It is self-explanatory if you do the research on it. The approach is pretty amazing. If you have two children that learn in two different ways they give multiple approaches within the lessons so you can gear it to the way you need it be done. It focuses on your child's brain power, it is natural in the learning process to make errors (it is not a sign of failure), but natural. Someone in the RS Yahoo forum pointed this out to me,
"In the lessons, things are well laid out, and Dr. Cotter takes the time to explain to the parent why things are being taught a certain way (or why not), with little notes throughout the lessons. For instance, in the lessons on equations we just did, we were teaching 10=9 + 1. Dr Cotter explains in a note:
*A child who sees equal signs only near the end of an equation develops a misconception that the equal sign means do something, rather than that the two sides are equal, or the same. Therefore, the emphasis here is on equations that start, for example, with "10=." Also note the use of the word equation. Do not use the term number sentence; it makes no sense mathematically or grammatically.*"
This is just one of many different approaches they use. Reson and I like this!
Why Explode the Code? A main reason for this decision was that we like the format. I cannot emphasize this enough. YOU HAVE TO LIKE THE FORMAT!!! This curriculum is so focused, and it has a great sequence of order to the way that it teaches reading.
Why Positive Action? Besides looking through the book and liking its' format, the beliefs behind the author is right where Reson and I. Check out the site that I linked above and look at their Mission Statement and what they believe. Nothing but the truth! Love it! We don't teach that worldliness is acceptable, no the Gospel is truth and is what we should practice.
Why Real Science-4-Kids? We wanted Apologia, but we felt that it would be over Luk's head at this point, however the pre-level bundles in this curriculum is fitting for Luk's age and as he gets older will work for what we already bought.
Why Geography Matters? The guy presenting this curriculum really gave us some amazing information on a booth that was not even on our list. First, it has a multiple subject approach. So, it has a bit of literature, cooking, history, Bible, and culture awareness. They have an American geography approach and we decided to save that for later. We picked to look at other countries because in the curriculum standard for a Pre-K/K, they should learn about Holidays, traditions, customs, and cultures. This curriculum does that. Each week gives you a chance to learn about a country, it's food (with a cookbook), pictures of children from that area, and missionaries in the area. As someone whose grandmother was a missionary (and my heart tugging towards this in the future), this curriculum will prepare Luk for some amazing ministry. (Goose-bumps just thinking about it). Also, the guy selling made a great point, we as adults think "teach from beginning to end, but kids think about self. So, the approach, show the kids their our kids their age everywhere that look, eat, and celebrate different. I love it!
Why Handwriting Without Tears? Hmmm... look at the title. LOL. Well, there is more to it. I like the format (you see there that phrase is again). I like seeing the two line approach and not the three line approach. I also like the way they put the letters learned in order (it is not A, B, C, but by straight lines then curved).
Why The Critical Thinking Company? It challenges the mind. We want Luk to enjoy mind challenges, puzzles, and thinking in general.
Why Hooked on Phonics? Well, everyone knows it works, and I got this on sale for $12.
**I want to make this known. He will not be doing all of these subjects everyday. He is too young for that, it would be too much.** I plan to separate it: that core things be done every other day, and more fun things to happen on "off" days. We bought multiple puzzles/games from Family Game Coach to go with days that are lax. If you know Luk, he hates not doing something for one day. Everyday he wants school, so I try to do something everyday.
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I wish I had known about the expo earlier... your list looks great.
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