A Beka Homeschooling?

Question

For people who use the accredited A Beka DVD course:

We used the A Beka accredited dvds last year, and I was in tenth grade. How in the world can you keep everything organized?? Last year was our first year to homeschool and it was so overwhelming I could barely get everything done and even then, how do I study for tests and quizzes? Where do you put progress reports, tests, quizzes and homework? Binders? Drawers? Last year was very crazy and I want my next 2 years to go better. Does anyone have any tips at all? How do I study for tests and quizzes if I won't know what is on them? Are the parents allowed to make study guides or how do you all do it? How does the student take notes? How do you know what to what to write down and what not to? Last year I worked pretty much straight through (not hardly any break at all during the day) and I didn't get done til at least sometimes 4,5, or 6 o'clock.We really need help, because we really want to do this but need some good tips!

Answer 1

I agree with a previous answer that you may need to switch to a different program that will fit your style better.

I found a great website that is full of information that is vital to being successful with homeschool.  I believe it can help with a lot of your questions.

See the website address below in the resource list.

Answer 2

I'm not a big fan of the textbook approach.  It will teach you those academics, but leave a kid hating to learn.  Why not instead go for a love of learning, and learning how to learn?

We're fans of Ambleside Online (http://www.amblesideonline.org) for a rich, living curriculum.  You'll read the classics, not textbooks, learn Latin, foreign languages, as well as the academics.  But it's more of a natural learning process, leaving you wanting more, not less.

There are many sites out there like Ambleside.  Do a search on Charlotte Mason.  Sonlight is a good curriculum company, if you prefer to purchase it all in one lot.  

http://freelyeducate.com,

high quality - always free - educational finds

Answer 3

A Beka is a good, solid program, but good night - it's heavy on the homework.  It's actually a classroom product that has been formatted a little bit differently to be sold as a homeschool product.  Therefore, it's really, really heavy on the seatwork - like heavy enough to drive you into the ground.

I haven't used their DVDs, only some of their textbooks; honestly, we moved away from them because of what you described.  If you like the basic approach, you might want to look into Bob Jones DVDs or HomeSat - it's the same sort of thing, but set up a lot more clearly.

As far as where to set up everything, here's what we do.  (Feel free to tweak it as needed for your needs, though.)  

-For every subject that my son uses a textbook for, he has a 3-ring binder.  In there, his daily work comes first, then a divider.  Next come his study notes.  Because he's a bit younger than you (jr. high), I work with him on these, showing him how to pick out the details that need to be notated.  Then a binder, and then any quizzes.  Tests, because they're closed book and closed notes, stay in a folder that I keep but he's allowed to study from.

As far as what to write down - that's something you have to learn, the same as if you were in a classroom right now.  Basically, anytime the teacher emphasizes something, it gets written down.  If the teacher uses a chart or explanation that isn't in your book, write it down.  If it is in your book, just make a quick notation (such and such equation, p. 93, solving whatever).  It takes practice, but you'll get it.  You may want to ask your mom for help on that one, it's not a skill that everyone automatically "gets" right away.

I really would look into the BJU, though...it's less busy work and the classes may make more sense to you.  I believe the price is about the same, perhaps even a bit less.  I know my son prefers BJU to A Beka, simply because of how it's formatted.

Good luck - hope that helps!

Answer 4

You need a file box devoted to homeschool records if you are going to use a program like abeka.

I prefer to piece  together a curriculum from many publishers, keep my own records, and print my own transcripts.

It sounds like ABeka may not really be your style, you might want to look into other materials.