“Hi Lee, I heard you on last year’s homeschool conference online and enjoyed all you had to share. My 15 yo son is a freshman and we were wondering what science and english program you recommend for him. Once I hear from you, I can share a little more. He is really struggling this year with his schoolwork. No desire,I would love to see his love for homeschooling and continue to learn.
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~ Debbie in Alaska
Hi Debbie,
What I recommend for science and English is whatever works. If something works, keep using it, even when you get to high school.
Since you say that what you are using isn’t working, I can make a couple of suggestions. For science, I often suggest starting with Apologia, because I know for certain that it’s excellent college preparation. Sometimes it isn’t a perfect fit though. Sometimes that’s just because a child doesn’t like biology, but other times it’s a curriculum miss-match.
For English, there isn’t one particular thing that’s best, it’s all about what works for you. If you have a child that loves reading, then I often recommend Sonlight curriculum. Yes, expensive, but oh, so worth it! If you have a child that doesn’t love reading or writing at all, then Write Shop is usually the place I suggest next. Truly, though, there are a lot of good options.
Bottom line: you have identified a weak area. That is where you want to put your money. Invest in your weakenesses.
Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
Gail Cavanaugh says:
This is an interesting topic because I have recently formed a pen pal program with some students in Kenya. I did this because of the problems with orphans who cannot go to school because of the fees.
Participating in a pen pal program might help. It will encourage the child to write regularly and it would be an enjoyable experience in that he/she is learning about another culture.
Students can share poetry, short stories, or even art to make this an enriching program.
December 31st, 2009 at 7:54 am