3. Torchlight is quite an eclectic curriculum. But it does feel like this first wave of users will end up reviewing and picking through that and in a year or two it will be easier to know, assuming someone wants to seek it out, what might be questionable in the program for secular users. I like to homeschool on the cheap because I can and because I choose to spend our money on other, more fun things (well, and sometimes we have to spend it on boring but necessary things like electricity and food :laugh: ). I much prefer self-correcting work that can be repeated over and over for mastery (a la Montessori materials). In all levels, much of the instruction in language arts is presented from the instructor's guide. I feel the math section would be engaging and keep her progressing, but any thoughts on that would be great too! For me, I'm just not a schedule person. We watched the DVDs from Math U See and did some work pages though it was review for all my kids. Your mileage may vary. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guidelines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. In order to have it work well, it requires the basic curriculum, the suppliementary read aloud books, and the supplementary science books.This brings the curriculum to a very expensive price that I cant justify! They've done a great job picking books with a broad appeal, packaging it up just right and selling the idea that their particular schedule and commentary of said books is indispensible. Note: Publishers, authors, and service providers never pay to be reviewed. Not very many hands on activities. It makes the history more real and aids in retention for this type of student. Sonlight offers their programs in 5 day and 4 day a week options. They do provide free review copies or online access to programs for review purposes. For the package I am choosing, there is 2 for Language Arts, one for math, one for geography, plus theDeveloping the Early Learnerset. The Good and the Beautiful has been recommended to me by my sister in law, and I like how it's laid out for me and not super expensive. If your child cannot print a letter, they suggest things like trace the letter in a cookie sheet filled with shaving cream, rice, or salt. Anyhoo, it's like I used to love Burts Bee products.then they sold to Colgate or some other major pharm company..Burt's Bee isn't who they used to be anymore. a 30 week schedule, which means I can easily adapt it for 36 weeks (144-150 days). It's great and flexible. Good to know that they have hands on activities. Additional resources that are used change from level to level. You put together your BookShark curriculum by selecting either a complete, preselected package covering all subjects for one level or your own selection of one or more subject packages from one or more levels. This minimizes the switching time for me, and it works!". Science, definitely. For your daughter's age, the biggest keys are a good math program and reading, and making sure that learning is fun. I realize that this is part of the John/Sarita? I think the IG's should be where the heart of a curriculum is myself. I need a curriculum that is fun, but I also dont want to be scrambling for supplies that I may not find on the island. For each level, the program up through level H has four subject-area packages for history, language arts, science, and math. Considered a top-rated homeschool curriculum, college prep, with accredited options. I would have to tweak it a bit to turn it into our 4 day week, but it would be very easy to do! I really enjoy this book so far! Crafts! They serve different populations. Our organization does not engage in any solicitation activities in California specifically targeting potential customers residing in California (including distributing flyers, newsletters and other promotional materials, sending emails, initiating telephone calls or making referrals in person) that refer potential customers to the retailers with whom we have links. I lean towards Project Based Learningso a curriculum of tons of reading is not for me. I haven't used it. With wide open spaces, it can sometimes feel even lonelier when homeschooling. For Science you read from The Berenstain Bears Big Book of Science and Nature. BookShark or SL would be triple that. The fact that they say claim to be secular but include RS4K for science. I have a friend who uses it and loves it. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), explained amazingly well in this inspiring read about Montessori handwriting, Montessori Homeschooling Week in Review: Vol 3, Homeschool Week: Vol 20 The One with Josie's Birthday, Timberdoodle Kit Review: a Montessorian Perspective, Finding the best Globes for our Homeschool. Ooothis discussion hits the nail on the head for me. I guess those folks are happy now, and that is good. I think even one of their 24 smarmy points was "if you don't want to use Christian material, then Sonlight is not for you" kinda statement. For levels A through H, BookShark offers Reading with History packages. Maybe try TGATB for LA since thats what theyre kind of known for, and its comprehensive. I played around with it for a long time. Timberdoodle-popular program with everything included. They have so many great ideas on how to encourage handwriting without even using a pencil! I would be willing to make it work though, but I dont like the amount of out-of-print books. It even has Thinking Putty! You could also look at TGATB or maybe something like Guesthollow for science. I have been going around in circles, the debate in my head between two great curricula. Both are great programs but neither is perfect for everyone. Here is a smattering of contrasts and comparisons that may prove helpful. I can't even follow a single science programthat I chose MYSELF. At its core, it is a book list. is a proud supporter of, Privacy Policy | Cookies | Terms & Conditions | Security. All areas of language arts are covered in BookShark's language arts packages that are available up through level H. For example, level A (in which some items are labeled for kindergarten) teaches beginning phonics, spelling, pre-writing, and copywork. Our organization does not engage in any solicitation activities in California specifically targeting potential customers residing in California (including distributing flyers, newsletters and other promotional materials, sending emails, initiating telephone calls or making referrals in person) that refer potential customers to the retailers with whom we have links. I'm pretty sure most people on this board who are excited about a secular version of Sonlight do in fact realize that it's a secular version of Sonlight, and not something brand new :) Lots of people like the idea of Sonlight and the literature included, but don't want the religion. . At the K-2nd Grade level, the focus of our program is on developing and strengthening reading ability. If someone was a schedule person, I think it would be a good option. I liked there being something pre-printed and ready to go while I made dinner. Timberdoodle also includes robust literature courses in 3rd-12th grade that contain the required reading in the text itself. What's Different? There are other businesses that have done done this I think.I have it in my head that Saxon started as a religious company? All of your responses have been very enlightening. There are three options for each grade level for both classic and non-religious kits: basic, complete, and elite. First I look at what our needs are. It is about a greedy couple who want a cat, so they adopt millions of cats. This year (not including onlne class fees for my 7/8th grader), we spent only 400 on curriculum for two kids. The catalog virtually shouts that ordering from them will transform said book list into a magically wonderful experience unique to their company. timberdoodle co provides only the best homeschool products and homeschool curriculum. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. So Sonlight, which for years has advertised as Christians, and for years, said they would not back down from that POV.opens a spin-off company, acts like it's "this whole new thing that isnt' really related to us", and sells secular curriculumthat is just foul. Christian K to 12 Print-based Christian Liberty Press. Maria Montessori. Im actually still considering the pre-k level if Peanut is able to write by June or July. Bookshark is free of religious and faith-based references. They do provide free review copies or online access to programs for review purposes. Begin your order by choosing one of these curriculum options. Now, they totally dump that and sell out for profit. Timberdoodle is one of the oldest distributors for the homeschool market, and they have always filled a unique niche with their emphasis on experiential learning using hands-on activities and games. He also may view the doodle and drawing books as workbooks since he is not a fan of coloring! Curriculum in a box, from one provider, has never appealed to me. But, I am long past needing K or first grade so it is not to be. Any additional questions please reach out (especially on Instagram because I dont tend to get messages here or on Youtube always). I've never even considered it. For instance, the level E history package for both programs usesThe Landmark History of the American People: Volume II. The subject of history highlights some of the major differences. I taught it with every single discussion question exactly as they wrote it. Sonlights preference of having it included makes it easy to include this most important subject, while our choice to leave it out means that families can move this topic from school to family devotions, and pick the approach that is best for their family. I would rather make sure they got the technique down and let them practice it and not worry that there was a miscalculation. Likewise, the MiniLuk materials are very engaging, self-correcting and fun. -My kids are everyone on the ability level. When we choose our products, we look for ones that are the best and most unique overall, so sometimes it is Christian-based curriculum, and sometimes it is not. It's easy to want to try everything but that makes consistency really difficult. But it's NOT new! The assortment of resources in the Timberdoodle kits is almost certainly going to prove more engaging for most children than would a single publishers complete line of traditional curricula. By What's Missing? I did not like Timberdoodle because it was largely a stack of workbooks with some science and art kits and such thrown in. I do have to say that I think the brand name "Book Shark" is horrible. While ninth-grade and twelfth-grade kits include Friendly Biology and Friendly Chemistry,respectively (which both have easy-to-do labs), other high-school levels have minimal lab activity or only videos of lab activity, and this might not be sufficient. I have a wide age range and we work together on most subjects. Copyright 2010-2021 Or there's the fact that SWB suggests combing for history and sceinceso if you are buying 2 boxes do you just have to buy two history sets even though you will only use one? So no judgment. The huge packages with all the parts and pieces make me a bit antsy. It has no literature. For more information, view our Privacy Policy. I need to think about shipping costs. But even then I'm not sure. BookShark is a complete, literature-based homeschool curriculum developed for students from pre-k through high school. I have 5 little ones and am a teacher by trade, so sure I can come up with those deep analytical questions to squeeze all I can from the books. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. It would perhaps make for a fun first year homeschooling. My issues aren't specific to this curriculum. Just NO!!! It has art projects. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. It just doesn't give me the warm fuzziness. Curriculum We're Using this Year - BookShark *This is a sponsored posted. As nice as it sounds to have everything laid out, it would make me cry. If you are Christian, and you advertise your curriculum as Christian, and even put in print that others should avoid you if they do not want to deal with a Christian.don't go around the corner, put on a wig, and tell everyone else you are secular because you know the kids over on that corner are secular.then turn around and come back to my corner and tell me you are a Christianand back and forth, back and forth. Asked By : Loretta Mcmorran. When I think of Sonlight and bookshark, kinesthetic approach is not what pops out to me. Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." I'm reading that it's literature based and CM inspired, but it looks to me like it's not really literature-the website calls it "book based". BookShark (literature-driven) Easy Peasy (Charlotte Mason)* Good and the Beautiful* Monarch (online)* My Father's World* Oak Meadow Sonlight* (literature-driven and EXCELLENT book lists) Time4Learning (online) MATH With high school math, a student's future goals should be kept in mind. I assume Bookshark will be the same. The important thing is inspiring the love of the work itself the kids will want to master it in their own time. They are selling a secular alternative. She's just very innocent and sensitive. They dont vibe with our philosophies quite as nicely as some of the other offerings. But whatever. BookShark or SL would be triple that. Timberdoodle anticipates that most students will complete their work in 2-4 hours a day (depending on their focus and reading speed, as well as whether youre opting for a 4- or 5-day school week). Most of the new programs we add are because of adding new elements or subjects. Global Rank. Oh how I loveBookSharkfor so many reasons. Sonlight didn't work with our large family time restraints (there's only so much of me to go around!). I don't think I've ever seen a post where people don't call it a secular version of Sonlight. Math is weak. I use a lot of hands on and moving around when I can for subjects. Ok. From what I have seen of it online, I thought it could be, even as a unit study curriculum. Sonlight is a literature-based approach, with an emphasis on learning by reading. You schedule days off, speed up or slow down or double-up your lesson plans, set holidays or start and ending dates, generate a daily schedule or set it over a range of dates its extremely customizable. The extra day in our week gives us flexibility for catch-up . Your previous content has been restored. Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." There are so many options out there for homeschool curriculum. They are heavily laden with hands-on and experiential learning resources. I looked closely at the list of included items in Bookshark and found out 1) I already own many of the read-alouds and readers or can find them at local library, 2) I don't need math manipulatives and HWOT supplements, and 3) it seems a big investment in something I wouldn't call a "complete" curriculum as I'd still want to add other materials. Box day would be fun. I like to look around and find what is best for my particular student and I can't imagine I would find that from one publisher. While younger children need more interaction and instruction, once children are able to read independently, they can complete many lessons on their own. ", Get a FREE subscription to Cathy's E-Newsletter. That sounds accurate. We used Sonlight off and on for years and most of the time the master schedule got put aside. (And yes, I was a member there for a while after having bought a few things from Sonlightnot their curriculum, but other items). It's a reformatted curriculum. Sonlight likes to switch things up often and their high school programs seem to be lacking. From Winnie the Pooh to Richard Scarry, the book selections are fantastic. Yes. The Top 5 Reasons Sonlight Didn't Work for Us. Complete and elite kits also include STEM resources for both book learning and activities such as the Turing Tumble kit in the sixth-grade kit that has activities for learning computer logic and introductory programming skills. When I first spotted the BookShark display at a homeschool conference, it looked very familiar to melots of real books for each level, parent guides to coordinate learning, and grid charts showing what pages are to be read in the books each day. If you have used Sonlight in the past, my first question would be simply to ask why you are thinking about changing. Rather than publishing their own resources, they select their favorites from hundreds of publishers. The only one I would have considered are the bundles from Peace Hill press with the SM option. The quest for the perfect boxed curriculum, or at least an entire curriculum from one place that comes in one box. Christian PK to 12 Accredited Print-based MasterBooks. I can only imagine that these were hard individual decisions, difficult decisions for their company, and had to involve thoughtful discussions in their relationship with each other. For example, the tenth-grade complete and elite kits use The Mystery of History Volume 4, which is Protestant, while the secular kit substitutes the non-religious US1 and US2 courses from the Nomadic Professor. we specialize in hands-on homeschooling and help you customize your homeschool curriculum. I love Sonlight/BS's booklists, but, from what I've heard of it, the actual teaching model doesn't sound appealing. If you do Core F or its Bookshark equivalent, there are lots of hands-on options: a China kit that includes calligraphy, an origami book, and regular choose-your-own adventure activities like cooking ethnic foods. Website: www.timberdoodle.com Christian Curriculum Options Sonlight includes the book Lights in a Dark Place that tells fourteen missionary stories and the book Bruchko, the biography of a murdered missionary. They are essentially admitting that the same happy experience can be had with or without their unique (Christian) commentary. Oh for the goodies! History for level Pre-K is a study of world cultures and geography (with a number of read-aloud books). My first and biggest reason for not using it is that it's way too expensive. Copyright 2023 - Grove Publishing, Inc. Bible & Religion Parent & Family Resources, Catholic Programs, Publishers, and Web Links, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Comprehensive, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Grammar, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Composition, Publishers Offering Courses for Many Languages, Reading and Phonics Parent Resources and Other Helps, Reading, Phonics, and Literature Web Links and Supplements, Standardized and Special Needs Testing Products, Weblinks for Standardized Testing Services, Online Schools with Complete Programs and Courses: Religious, Online Schools with Complete Programs and Courses: Secular, US1 and US2 courses from the Nomadic Professor. It's very light and superficial. This means Ill have to turn to Pinterest and other sources to add some art and craft activities to reinforce what Peanut is learning. As always, Id be delighted to help if you have any further questions. Its here, it's actually here!! All About Reading While I can pair certain children together, I simply can't do all of them in one Core program. Mixed by Me Thinking Putty Just curious! We use Moving Beyond The Page. Whats holding me back? Upload or insert images from URL. I do love a good OT-type break for the kids, but I would try therapy putty to be honest or the Faber-Castell Coloring with Clay which was particularly enjoyed by my artsy middle daughter. Bookshark does bother me because it is a secularised version of a Christian curriculum, however I would probably not let that influence my decision to buy it or not since I have pulled curriculum from all over the place based entirely on what will work with my children and what will help me to educate them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I don't know. I wouldn't be happy with anything I didn't design myself. First of all, Timberdoodle has an online scheduler that Ive never seen the likes of before. The bulk of each handbook consists of an explanation for how to use each item in your kit. The actual teaching should take up to half an hour, depending on whether you would like your student to independently read science and history or you prefer to read that aloud. Different things for different people. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. We use Sonlight for science and are pretty happy with it, but it depends on what youre looking for. BookShark Virtual is an online platform that enables students to access their reading schedules, view Story Maps, take assessments, and receive instant auto-grading results. Earth. I've looked into tgtb 8th grade lit, and I don't think it's a hands on approach. It has 30 units, so this means I can spread them out over 150 days without any effort! As in, my children are next to me at the table at this moment calling out all the stuff they want. And an option I probably would have gone with for simplicity sake. 1. A Beka is also one of the nation's largest distributors of homeschool and Christian educational materials. The last item should say "faith based - no." Another way is look under the item photograph and sometimes it will say " Included in Timberdoodle's 2021 Second-Grade Curriculum Kit and Nonreligious 2021 Second-Grade Curriculum Kit!". I personally love Sonlight. Nope. Timberdoodle kits incorporate well-known and loved curriculums like Math U See (which is very familiar to us and uses concrete blocks to help teach concepts) and Story of the World. I prefer a more open-ended approach. Clear editor. I actually had to sit and listen to him speak, as I was a volunteer at a convention, and my duty was to be in the theater he was speaking in, for general crowd control (apparently they were afraid people would rush the stage, lol). Yes, he has some moments in the day where he loves to just cuddle up, listen to me read, but to be honest, I dont see this program working for us till hes older. Of course, plenty say those are things that parents should pull out from the reading anyways, but I like the reminders. Plus the people writing the instructor guides could be the same people who wrote the more way out of the articles. Shes at the right age for that program, too. I dislike their politics and loathe their brand of religion. (insert fanfare and flying confetti here!). Timberdoodle Homeschool Curriculum Horizons Homeschool Curriculum Bookshark Homeschool Curriculum The Good And The Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum ShillerMath Homeschool Montessori Curriculum Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum Brave Writer Homeschool Curriculum Moving Beyond The Page Homeschool Curriculum Oak Meador Homeschool Curriculum Plus, each kit is easy-to-teach and designed to build independent learning skills! Grading worksheets is a deal breaker. Sonlight and Timberdoodle both use the renowned Math-U-See program. You also read a couple of pages of a childs atlas. So I do think I should support a secular alternative of theirs. He is barely starting to read, about the equivalent of a public school kindergarten child in their 3rd month of school. Bookshark falls down on the lack of hands-on activities too, but I will probably use the level 5-7 after this next year is done, since the 5-7 level has lots of arts, crafts etc. But for under $720, this is a great deal and I know Peanut would do well with it. Timberdoodle will help you put together a custom kit for any level if you prefer different resources. I choose classics almost exclusively. The program is designed with lessons for four days per week, leaving time for field trips and other activities. Well, there is a great option for Kinesthetic learners. logo design service, Thanks for this blog, I really enjoyed reading your post.Avast Customer Service Phone NumberMcAfee customer service phone numberdell printer technical support phone numberDell Pro Support Phone Numbers, Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.norton installation with product key mcafee com activate total protectionavg tech support phone numberwebroot customer service numberkaspersky support numbercontact outlook technical supportwebroot activation code free, Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.renew norton. I'd have no idea "where" to put them. 3. Thanks! It's also secular like Bookshark. Yes, I can (and will) tweak, but I appreciate the foundation to build upon. How well Sonlight is doing it, their science is NOT what I would call secular, is a discussion that could be had. Lots of art, STEM, games, etc. I need to know what we are doing next, open and go. Its a great mix of learning and exploring our world and everything in it! (I dont think their LA program is spectacular.) John loves writing homeschool materials, and he is good at it. You might want to look at Timberdoodle. It emphasizes thinking skills with things like Little Piggies Smart GameandPajaggle. We have so many other things to spend money on. How Bookshark Stacks Up Secular. Timberdoodle's Curriculum Handbooksinclude reproducible record-keeping charts listing resources and reading lists for that level. It's my own fault I didn't use it to its fullest, but life happens. hahaha!!!! They tend to offer very unique and hands-on materials. Build your Library would win out for literature alone, but it falls down on hands-on activities. I would use Mathematical Reasoning Kindergarten or try Math U See Primer again. All of the planning and preparation is done so you can enjoy learning together. Faith-free i.e. Today's podcast is for all your questions about books in the levels, how it differs from other levels, why you should consider BookSharks High School curriculum and more. Estimate Value. The Abeka homeschool curriculum is one of the pioneers in homeschool resources supporting homeschoolers since the early 1970s. My kids read a zillion books on their own time, but "doing" SL or bookShark is VERY time consuming! And it went very smoothly thankyouverymuch. High-quality, age-appropriate literature that was beautiful and pleasant to read Academically thorough Easy to implement as a parent Culturally sensitive and inclusive Bonus points for use of nature, great art and music, and hands-on activities Secular, or easily modified to fit our secular home Double bonus points if I'm able to include my toddler Wonderful literature is great, but I need a little help in what to do with it. BookShark Virtual is an online platform that enables students to access their schedules, view Story Maps, Take Assessments, and receive instant auto-grading results. BUT- I don't have time! Thank you BookShark! I don't see anything CM like at all. Principle. Examples of some of the other resources included in various levels of the Timberdoodle kits are the Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind series, theCritical and Creative Series (thinking skills), America the Beautiful, Uncle Sam and You, The Mystery of History: Volume 1, and Medical Investigation 101. To give you a better idea of what a kit looks like, the elite kit for first grade (religious version) includes Timberdoodle's Curriculum Handbook (one that is specifically for first-grade level and this school year), All About Reading: Level 2, Math-U-See: Alpha, Spelling You See: Level B, Story of the World: Volume 1 (along with its activity book and audio book), and Science in the Beginning(plus lab set), all of which are or have been among my Top Picks. Its much less overwhelming in terms of reading.