The Teaching Home E-Mail Newsletter #82
Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement

June 25, 2004  /  Cindy Short and Sue Welch, editors
You are welcome to forward this newsletter in its entirety.

TABLE  OF  CONTENTS
3-Part Series:  Choosing Curriculum
Part 3:  7 Steps to Choosing Curriculum for Your Home School
     1.  Start with Prayer, Your Family Mission Statement, and Goals.
     2.  Assess Each Child.
     3.  Learn about Different Methods and Materials.
     4.  Consider Combining Methods and Materials.
     5.  Decide Which of Your Children You Will Teach Together
          for Which Subjects.
     6.  Look for Specific Materials with Features That Will Meet Your Needs.
     7.  Choose and Buy Your Curriculum.
Recommended Resources
     Christian Liberty Academy School System
     Power-Glide Flash Cards
     Electing America's Leaders: KONOS Unit Study
Sunnyside Up: Humorous Anecdote

Greetings!

     In this newsletter we finish our 3-part series on choosing
curriculum so that you will have time to obtain it and have it on
hand when you start your school in September.
     There truly is not just one right way to home school or one
best curriculum for everyone.
     One of the great advantages of home education is its great
flexibility.  There are many excellent educational methods and
materials from which each family can choose to needs and
preferences.
     May the Lord guide you and give you His peace in your
curriculum choices.

Cordially,
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian Welch
The Teaching Home is a 23-year-old, home-school family business.

Christian Liberty Academy School System (CLASS)
     Since 1967 we have provided families like yours a flexible,
affordable partnership offering godly education and academic
excellence for K-12.  Our CLASS Plan includes books, teacher
manuals, tests, answer keys, grading services, report cards,
diploma, and transcript.  http://www.homeschools.org

Home-School Conventions
     Unique benefits await you at your local, regional, or state
home-school convention, conference, or book fair.  We urge
you to attend!
     For information about your state convention, go to The Teaching
Home's website (link below) and link directly to the state organization's
website.  http://www.teachinghome.com/states/index.cfm.  Upcoming
state conventions:
June:  MT, OH, OK
July:  AL, AZ, CA, KY, SD / August:  NV, OR, TX
September: England / Various Dates: TN, TX, NZ

Never Out of Date
Teaching Home Magazine Back Issues
     Many home schoolers have found information, inspiration,
and support from the writers who have contributed to The
Teaching Home magazine over the last 23 years.  Fifty-one
back issues are offered for sale online.
     These back issues never go out of date.  They are relevant
and applicable to your needs today.
http://theteachinghomen.goemerchant7.com/

     Special Offer: FREE Notebook Holders
     if  you order 6 or more Back Issues by July 1.

7 Steps to Choosing Curriculum
for Your Home School
by Cindy Short and Sue Welch

     Whatever your individual situation, there are multiple
solutions that can make home schooling a blessing to your family.
     An understanding of issues basic to home-education methods
and curriculum will help you make choices that will bring your
family success.
     How you use your curriculum can be at least as important as
which curriculum you choose.  A wonderful curriculum that stays
on your shelf will do your family no good.  On the other hand, a
simple, basic curriculum used conscientiously along with reading,
enriching experiences, and normal daily living can produce an
excellent education.

Should You Change Curriculum?
     Your criteria for choosing curriculum might change slightly
or drastically from year to year.  However, some of the
advantages of staying with the same curriculum for several years
at a time include:
 *  Following the publisher's scope and sequence.
 *  Savings of money by using materials again for younger
     children.
 *  Teacher and children getting used to a certain style or type
     of material.
     The grass might look greener on the other side, but
constantly changing curriculum because you are always looking
for something just a little better can take a lot of time, energy, and
expense for very little or no real gain.
     However, it might be appropriate to make some changes in
your methods and materials a few times over the course of your
children's education.

STEP 1
Start with Prayer, Your Family Mission Statement,
and Goals
     Before you start the process of choosing your curriculum for
next year, take time to commit your way to the Lord.  If you do,
He will certainly guide you.  You need not be anxious, but can
relax and enjoy the rewarding experience of finding curriculum
materials that suit you and your children.
     In our last two newsletters we discussed how to write a
family mission statement and set long- and short-term goals that
will help you accomplish your mission.  This process is an
important step in preparation for choosing and using curriculum
to its best advantage for your family.
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_80.cfm
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_81.cfm
     After reviewing the goals and objectives you have for your
children, you are ready for the next step.

STEP 2
Assess Each Child.
     Take an inventory of each child's knowledge, skills,
aptitudes, interests, learning style, and character in light of
your goals for him.  You can do this in several ways.

Informally
     Simply write a few notes from your everyday observations of
each child on a notebook page.

Testing
     Use results from standardized tests given by those
recommended by the following home-school organizations.
     http://www.teachinghome.com/states/index.cfm
     BJU Press.  https://www.bjup.com/services/testing/
     Or use results from one of the following:
 *  Publishers' free online diagnostic and placement tests.
     http://www.aop.com/contact_us.asp?chan_id=354
     http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/diag.asp

Scope and Sequence
     Use a scope and sequence chart and check off the skills or
knowledge that your child has already attained.  (A scope and
sequence lists which knowledge and skills are taught at which
grade level.)
A Beka Book online scope and sequence.
     http://www.abeka.com/Resources/ScopeAndSequence.html
Bob Jones University Press online scope and sequence.
     http://www.bjup.com/resources/overview
The Typical Courses of Study by World Book
     http://www2.worldbook.com/wc/browse?id=pa/tcs

Learning Styles
     As children mature, individual learning styles and rates
should be noticeable to observant parents. For example, your
child may learn best by either seeing, hearing, doing, or
touching and may need more or less review than another child.
     Natural strengths in learning styles may be fully utilized
and weaknesses corrected by the choice of methods inherent in
specific approaches or curricula.
     You may want to use your child's favorite learning style to
encourage him in his least favorite subjects. You can also expand
his skills in his less-preferred learning style by incorporating
its methods into the study of his favorite subject.

Venture to foreign lands
with powerful, picturesque
Power-Glide Flash Cards.
        Populated with more than 200
nouns, this effective vocabulary
resource visits 22 different categories
in six different languages and includes
two audio CDs to simplify learning!
You can use the flash cards just as they are or play games with
others learning the same language or different languages.  Travel
abroad with Power-Glide -- your ticket to foreign language fluency!
http://www.aop.com.

STEP 3
Learn About Different Educational Methods and Materials.
     The major educational methods and materials used by
Christian home-school families are described below with links to
websites for more detailed information.  Unless otherwise
noted, the publishers we list offer:
 *  A distinctively Christian worldview throughout all subject
     areas.
 *  No pronounced denominational viewpoints (except for slight
     references in the excellent Mennonite publishers, Rod and
     Staff and Christian Light).
 *  All subjects for all grades.
 *  Free catalog.
     Most of these publishers also offer:
 *  Accredited or nonaccredited correspondence programs.
 *  Supplemental teaching materials.

Traditional Christian Textbooks
     The traditional approach to education involves teacher-directed
study and the use of textbooks.  Written assignments, workbooks,
or other projects are also used.
     Textbooks cover subjects thoroughly and usually include
study questions, enrichment activities, and projects. These
excellent books are rich in colorful illustrations, photographs,
diagrams, charts, and/or maps.  Teaching materials such as
workbooks, tests, answer keys, and daily lesson plans are
available.

A Beka Book.  http://www.abeka.org
 *  Colorful and enriched textbooks.
 *  Classes on DVD.
 *  Correspondence programs.
Bob Jones University Press.  http://www.bjup.com
 *  Colorful and enriched textbooks.
 *  HomeSat TV broadcast classes.
 *  Correspondence programs.
Christian Liberty Academy.  http://www.homeschools.org
 *  Secular and Christian Textbooks published by CLASS and others.
 *  Correspondence programs.
Digital Learning Network.  http://www.digitallearningnetwork.com
 *  BJU HomeSat broadcasts (see above) on DVD.
EducationPLUS.  http://www.edplus.com
 *  Unit study targeted for high school using BJU Press textbooks.
Rod and Staff Publishers.  http://www.rodstaff.com
 *  Mennonite publishers.  Grades 1-9.

Christian Worktexts
     A worktext is a combination of a workbook and a textbook.
It contains lessons, questions, projects, and exercises in each
consumable workbook.
     Worktexts are available from Christian publishers that
incorporate a Christian world view. These curriculum materials
have similar content to traditional textbooks.  However, they are
usually less extensive and could require less time to complete.
     Typically there are five subject areas (Bible, Language
Arts, Mathematics, History & Geography, and Science) divided into
10 booklets for each subject per grade. Answer keys are
available, as well as other supplemental materials.
     Diagnostic tests show where a child should start in each
subject; this can be useful for children coming out of a school
setting.

Accelerated Christian Education.  http://www.schooloftomorrow.com
 *  PACEs worktexts in five core subjects and numerous electives.
 *  Correspondence program.
Alpha Omega Publications.  http://new.aop.com
 *  Lifepacs worktexts in five core subjects and numerous electives.
 *  Correspondence program.
Christian Light Education.  http://www.anabaptists.org/clp/
 *  Mennonite publishers.
Switched-On Schoolhouse.  http://new.aop.com
 *  Multimedia computer format of Alpha Omega's Lifepacs.  Grades 3-12.

Christian Unit Studies
     Unit studies present knowledge from several subject areas
centered around a common theme for each unit. For example, a theme
such as "attentiveness" or "light" may be chosen and related material
for study selected from history, science, literature, and Bible.
     Reading, language, and arithmetic assignments can be related
to the unit, but basic skills such as phonics and math are taught
separately and systematically.
     Unit study curriculum varies in the amount of teacher
preparation required. Usually many library books are used, but
Christian textbooks, home resources and/or the Internet can also
be used for reference and information.
     You can also plan your own short- or long-term units.
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_55.cfm
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_56.cfm

EducationPLUS.  http://www.edplus.com
 *  Unit study targeted for high school using BJU Press textbooks.
KONOS.  http://www.konos.com
 * Unit study curriculum based on character traits.
 *  KONOS-In-A-Box contains books and resources.
The Weaver Curriculum.  http://new.aop.com
 *  Unit study curriculum based on the Bible.

The Principle Approach
     Curriculum using the Principle Approach is available or may
be developed by parents. Use a Bible concordance or a topical
Bible to research a subject's biblical origin and purpose. Record
your findings in a notebook and add facts, outlines, definitions,
essays, etc., as you study the subject from other sources.
     As details of the subject are gathered and added to
notebooks, observe how God has used the principles, events,
developments, or study of the subject to enlighten and liberate
men and help them learn more about His Word and creation.

Foundation for American Christian Education.  http://www.face.net
 *  The Noah Plan.

Additional Teaching Methods
  The following are methods that can be used either alone or along
with various materials such as those above.

Classical Approach
     In a modern modification (proposed by Dorothy Sayers) of the
classic medieval scholastic curriculum, all subjects are taught
concurrently, but are divided into phases.
     During the "Grammar" phase, a child is taught to carefully
observe and memorize details. These facts provide the data for
logical thought in the next phase.
     In the "Dialectic" phase, the child is taught the rules of
logic and how to reason, explores the hows and whys of nature and
history, learns the proofs of geometry, becomes a discriminating
reader, and learns to think carefully when he speaks or writes.
     In the "Rhetoric" phase, expression and presentation of the
knowledge obtained and evaluated in the first two phases is
developed.
     See the September/October 1997 Teaching Home back issue.
http://SeptOct97.notlong.com

Extensive Reading
     In this method, basic reading, writing, and math skills are
taught separately. Other subjects are studied by reading
well-chosen books that cover all areas of knowledge in a clear
and interesting way.
     For young children, the parent reads aloud and the child
narrates back what he has heard. A discussion follows of facts,
ideas, and principles revealed in the reading.

Electing America's Leaders
Was $35 -- Now Only $15
by Jessica Hulcy, KONOS
This is a fabulous 9-10 week unit study
on the electoral process and how to positively
influence the process through grass roots
campaigning.  Using hands-on activities and
real-life    involvement, this is a manual the entire
family will enjoying using to learn together.  http://www.konos.com

STEP 4
Consider Combining Methods and Materials.

     The different teaching approaches used by home educators
(see Educational Methods and Materials, above) overlap in
philosophy, methods, and content. Parents can select elements of
several approaches, adapting and blending them to serve their
family's changing needs.
     You can use a complete curriculum package from a publisher
or put together your own components.  Neither option will make
you a "better" home schooler.
     Whichever curriculum or approach you choose, you can
incorporate other methods into it.  Some examples:
 *  You may use a unit study curriculum supplemented with
     traditional science and history texts as reference books,
     and add library books for reading.
 *  You might use worktexts for math and language and have your
     children keep "principle approach" notebooks for science,
     history, and literature.
 *  You may emphasize the appropriate phase of the classical
     approach for each child in his individual assignments.
 *  You can rearrange the order of the units in your curriculum
     to conform to the seasons or your children's current interests.
 *  Reading aloud and discussing subject texts and/or a variety
     of informative or enriching literature can complete or
     supplement any curriculum.
 *  Textbooks or workbooks can be supplemented with unit studies,
     or vice versa.
 *  Games, projects, computer programs, etc. can be added to any
     curriculum to help cover all your objectives.
     There are other possible combinations of methods and
materials. You are the best qualified to choose a mix that will
be right for you and your children.

STEP 5
Decide Which of Your Children
You Will Teach Together for Which Subjects

     You may be able to teach several of your children the same
material at the same time for the most efficient use of your time
and effort.  There are many possible variations and combinations
of multilevel teaching techniques that can work for any home-
school family.

Separate Classes
     Basic Skills.  Skills such as reading, handwriting, and math
depend on mastery of some skills before others can be understood
or learned.  Those skills must be taught separately.
     However, there is enough review and repetition in textbooks
from grade to grade that a 5th-grade math text, for instance, could
be studied by both a 9- and 12-year-old children, depending on
their abilities.
     Individual Instruction.  When one student needs individual
attention, you need to have a list of ways that the other children
can use their time constructively by working independently, reading,
doing chores, playing an educational game, watching an enriching
video, etc.
     Older Students.  Some students can do much of their work
independently while younger ones receive necessary tutoring in
basic skills.

Combined Classes
     Subjects like geography, history, science, literature, and
Bible, which do not depend on prerequisite skills for
understanding, can be taught to the whole family together.
     Lessons can be presented in an amplified manner with
explanations that enable all children to understand.
     For example, you might teach all of your children, ages
5-18, a course in botany.  High schoolers could use a detailed
textbook while younger children read or hear about parallel
topics from texts or library books on their own levels.
Discussions and projects can include the whole family.

Combined Classes and Subjects
     You might want to teach most of your subjects to all your
children at once through a series of unit studies that integrate
literature, history, science, Bible, and other subjects around a theme.
     As described above, you can tailor resources and assignments
to individual students.

STEP 6
Look for Specific Materials
with Features That Will Meet Your Needs
     Now that you have gathered and considered a wide range of
information about your goals, your children, and your options in
teaching methods and materials, you can evaluate curriculum
materials according to how they match your needs and preferences
in various areas, such as the following:

 *  Thoroughness or depth of coverage of the subject.
 *  Enough practice and review.
 *  Enrichment features such as mini-biographies, stories, story
     problems.
 *  Attractiveness of the material, such as type size, layout, color,
     visuals such as photos, art, diagrams, timelines, maps, etc.
 *  Activities such as projects and experiments.
 *  Answer Keys.
     These might be included or separate and might be needed or
not essential, depending on your own knowledge and/or involvement
in the study.
 *  Your knowledge, experience, and confidence in teaching a
     particular subject or method.
     Available teacher's manuals or curriculum guides can give
beginning or hesitant teachers the words to say, the activities
to introduce, and the pages to assign.  Teachers of higher-level
subjects will find a wealth of background information and
projects that can add substantially to the coverage of the
subject (e.g., the teacher's editions of world history texts from
A Beka and BJU Press.)
 *  Adaptability to combining classes (see Step 5).
 *  The amount of time and energy you would need to expend in
     preparation, teaching, and/or correcting.
 *  Your family's budget.

STEP 7
Choose and Buy Your Curriculum.

Choose
     After you have spent a reasonable amount of time on the
step-by-step process of considering curriculum, place your trust
in God, agree with your spouse on the main points, then go with
your best judgment.
     Don't worry about making a "huge mistake."  You can give
your children a good education with practically any curriculum,
and you will learn what works by experience.
     As you make your selections for next year, list them in a notebook.
 *  Make three columns on a page for each student.
     1.  Under each subject area list the objectives to be met.
     2.  List material chosen for each objective.
     3.  Record the cost of all materials.
 *  Note who will share materials and whether you need more than one copy.
 *  Include any supplemental teaching materials.
 *  Add up all the prices and make adjustments if necessary.
 *  Gather ordering information.

Buy
     Buy Direct or Used. You can buy new or used materials
directly from publishers, mail-order companies, Christian
bookstores, thrift stores, or online (even E-bay).  See a list of
recommended resources on The Teaching Home website at
http://www.teachinghome.com/resources/index.cfm
     With a Program.  Correspondence courses or home-extension
programs offered through a local Christian school or church can provide
teaching materials and various levels of accountability, testing, record
keeping, and counseling.
     Borrow.  You might be able to trade nonconsumable materials
with a friend whose children are different ages than your.  Also, check
to see if your support group has a lending library or what you can find
in your local public or church library.

Collect Supplemental Materials
     Build your family's reference library with educational
resources that can be used repeatedly.  (You might want to order
some of these early in the summer.)
 *  Excellent literature worth reading and re-reading.
 *  Reference books such as encyclopedia, dictionaries,
     thesauruses, Bible concordances, atlases, nature guides, etc.
 *  Illustrated books on historical, geographical, or scientific
     topics such as those from Usborne, Reader's Digest, Dorling
     Kindersley, and creation science organizations.
     www.masterbooks.net
 *  Time lines, maps, and globe.
 *  Manipulatives for math or other subjects.
 *  Educational games and software.
     http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_59.cfm
 *  Tools and instruments (for math, art, science, etc.).

     The rich variety of teaching options and resources available
to home educators ensures that you can find or design a plan that
will satisfy and delight your entire family as you participate
together in the joy of learning.

     Please Thank and Support Our Sponsoring Advertisers!
          These free newsletters are made possible financially by
     the fine suppliers who advertise in them and the accompanying
     e-mail.  Please consider those that advertised in our last issue
     (below) as well as the ones in this issue.

     I Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom
          http://www.i-want-to-be-a-work-at-home-mom.com/thm
     Power-Glide Flash Cards
          http://www.aop.com
     Structured Writing Company
          http://www.StructuredWriting.com
     Beyond Phonics Spelling
          http://BeyondPhonics.com
     Christ-Centered Curriculum for Early Childhood
          http://www.ChristCenteredCurriculum.com
     College at Home Handbook
          http://www.collegeathome.org

Sunnyside Up
     A fellow missionary introduced her toddler to a new vegetable
at dinner one evening. "What is it?" her son wondered aloud.
     "That's broccoli, Honey."
     Finding it to his liking, moments later he requested, "More
broccoli-honey, please!"
     Submitted by Patricia F., Japan

God Loves You.
     Because we were separated from God by sin, Jesus Christ
died in our place, then rose to life again.  If we trust Jesus Christ
as our Savior and Lord, He will give us eternal life.
     "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of
works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
     http://www.TeachingHome.com/about/salvation.cfm

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