School Of Tomorrow curriculum?

Question

I am currently using the grade I paces and I find it very easy especially science. Don't you think that it obviously give out the answers using multiple choice type? Topic discussed were explained redundantly that my son even noticed it in his early stage of reading. HOWEVER, in Math.. the addition and subtraction drills given are so "abundant" that my son is overwhelmed. What do you think? I am thinking of quitting home schooling altogether.. I will appreciate any comments on this matter. Thanks!

Answer 1

Don't feel you have to do everything dictated by the curriculum. Use the curriculum as a tool, or guide. Make it work for you.

If there is too much redundancy in the problems, it is okay to have your child skip some pages or do every other problem on a single page, etc. If he has throroughly mastered a topic only a little bit of practice is needed to maintain the skill.

You can also make your program more interesting by adding on good books or projects that relate to the science and history topics you are studying. Field trips can also enhance workbook study.

If you decide that you do not like your program all together, look for a new one. Or use your chosen program for math and language arts and find something more to your liking for other subjects.

Winterpromise has some fun science and history units:

http://www.winterpromise.com

Answer 2

We're using the 3rd grade stuff and can't stand it. As soon as our tax refund comes back we're getting a different one. My husband and I have decided to go back to Sonlight.

We didn't like the math so we changed it to Math U SEE and we all love it.

I quit the science because my daughter realized how cool birds are so we picked up a science book about the flying creatures (bugs, bats, birds, and reptiles)

I find that it gives the answers and doesn't challenge her reading at all. She reads on  a 5th grade level and she is bored with the simplistic wording. She can easily find the answer (because it's often word for word) and flies through the work books because of that.

Try another curriculum before you quit all together. Try something with a completely different format. Don't be afraid to say this doesn't seem to be working and start looking for something new. I have been doing this for about a year and I had to learn that very lesson this year.

Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 3

Don't quit HS'ing just because you don't like your curriculum choice.

I looked at the ACE paces when I did curriculum research and, for lack of a better word, found it "cheesy".  It looked so easy (for my son), and, like you said, very redundant.  It also appears so boring for *me*, that I couldn't imagine my son liking it.  He would have gone nuts at that age just doing workbook after workbook.

I would try and find your son's learning style, then look at curricula that match that style.  It will soon be "homeschool expo" season where you could look over other products.  If you're in a local homeschool group, you could get ideas from other local parents, and see the materials.

Anyway, my suggestion again is not to give up due to curriculum choice.  Sometimes it takes awhile to find something that fits your child(ren) and the family's goals.

Answer 4

Don't quit homeschooling over that...just change your curriculum :-)  I originally looked at these, and also found them pretty cheesy.  For grade 1, there is so much rich information available at the library and through community resources, the only things you would really need would be a math curriculum (Math U See is my top recommendation).

Honestly, I'd be ready to quit, too, if these were my only choice...but there are so many great resources out there. Rainbow Resource and Timberdoodle have enough great things to keep you going for years!

Answer 5

Hi I am a mother of four. In high school I used the School Of Tomorrow curriculum at the school I attended. I loved it. It allowed me to finish high school a year earlier. Also, since my children came along I used it in their earlier years. You are right about the curriculum being repetitive. It continues that way until high school. You can get a good foundation. If you do not learn everything in one pace it will cover it again later and review so you are sure to get it. The basics of a good education is the foundation you give the student to stand on and to add on to. I have found with my own use and that with my children that School Of Tomorrow does give a good foundation. Also, some of the paces are just review and the child might whiz thru it and find the next pace a little harder.  With my older son starting high school next year I am trying to locate something more up to date. I have noticed that since I graduated that they have not really updated some of the high school paces. Anyways, don't give up some days are better than others. I too wonder sometimes am I doing the right thing in homeschooling and using the correct curriculum.  Like you I want to do what is best the instructions got lost and I have to do what I think is right for all of us. Hope I answered your question.  Sharon