Why have you been loyal to ABEKA Curriculum?

Question

I have used K through 2nd and now going into 3rd grade with ABEKA. All of my friends have moved away from ABEKA. I have enjoyed it and plan to stay on this curriculum.

I would like to hear your opinion IF you have stayed with ABEKA.

1. How many years?

2. Confidance level?

3. Have you seen any fruit from staying with one Curriculum?

Answer 1

My oldest is about to start fifth grade, and we have used A Beka from the beginning.  We are very happy with that choice, and confidant that it is the right choice for us.  I believe that the continuity of using one curriculum is a good benefit, as is the fact that it is a well known and highly respected curriculum.  

We also substitute the material, though-sometimes we might do lessons out of order, or skip that part and supplement with another material, etc.  and OF COURSE we do other things in addition to this curriculum.

We love it though!  

Answer 2

I have been with a christian school for several years that uses the Abeka & BJUP curriculum.  This is the reasoning behind the mix.  I am going to be homeschooling my children this year & plan to follow the same course of action.

The ABEKA is superior at teaching things that need to be learned by rote memorization.  Phonics, math facts, etc.  In the 4th grades for reading & history we begin transitioning to BJUP because this curriculum helps to stimulate higher thinking skills (more than just spouting back facts).  At 7th grade we transitioned completly to the BJUP for the same reason.  The BJUP curriculum helped develop critical thinking skills for the students.  Making them more "thinkers" and not so much "machines spouting back info".

Hope this helps!