Swimmers, Drifters or Crawlers
Madeleine's been playing this all morning from K12. She can't get enough. Too cute. I realize unschoolers and CMers will probably scoff at this question, but have any of you used Bill Bennett's program? Thoughts? I'm thinking about trying it out. (Please don't beat me!) 
10 comments:
I have been interested in K12 for awhile, but in my area it's only offered (free of charge) for Grades 3 and up. So I guess we'll see how things are going at that point.
The online friends I have who use it say that it is a bit computer-intensive (certain times requiring online access), but the materials are hard to beat, especially for no charge! I'm interested in reading the other responses!
No beating --just a warning.:-) We tried K-12 about 8 years ago and while yes the materials were very nice the program itself was very time intensive and there was A LOT of work --way too much in my opinion, especially for the younger grades .
It was exhausting for the children and for me (and I've been homeschooling multiple children a long time!) and we actually quit before the year was through because my 4th grader was in tears daily and asked me if we could please go back to our CM way of homeschooling. We did and it's been much better. :-)
Wow, I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know about this program (which has been around for 8 years?! :)), especially since we are fans of Bill Bennett's books here! Kristen, since you brought up curriculum, I've always wondered (if it's not too prying a question...),why some TAC grads choose not to use a classic liberal arts curriculum for their own homeschooling purposes. Is it more of a desire to use a different educational techniques (such as CM or Montessori) they consider more child-friendly? Do they consider the classical liberal arts more appropriate for college-level studies? Or are there perhaps, deficiencies or gaps others have discovered in the course of teaching younger students? I would just love the perspective of someone who's had the full, first-hand (in my mind, ideal) experience of the classical liberal arts education--especially since you are probably able to draw on the experience of fellow TAC grads, who've already accomplished what the rest of us are struggling to do now. Eek! I don't mean to get your comments off course...
I don't know, Kristen. You strike me as a CHC kind of gal. If you did go with the K-12 program, though, you'd have to supplement with a good religion program.
I know several Christian families who stopped using it because it was very intensive, leaving no time for religion. They described it as a challenging public shool at home program.
I think that the beauty of Catholic home education is that we can easily and readily teach the Faith. Programs like CHC, Kolbe, Seton, Mothe if Divine Grace, etc. help us do so. Stores like Emmanuel Books, Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, Our Father's House, etc. are there for thoes who design their own curriculum or who want to supplement.
I used K-12 with my oldest (now 5th grade)when she was in K. The materials were really terrific. I loved having all the crafty projects right at the click of a mouse, ready for her to enjoy. However, it was too intense for our family. The curriculum required a good 3-4 hours of one on one for K, and this was very difficult with a toddler and newborn in the home. After K, I did not continue with the program as I knew that I could not successfullly complete the program with smaller children to care for. And actually, teaching the Faith took a bit of a back seat that year as there was so little time to fit it in. But, this is just one mom's experience :) I think they do have an option of paying for one or more courses individually if there is a subject that really interests you or your daughter (a friend of mine did this). Sorry, brevity is not one of my strong points! God bless, Kelli
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, ladies.
Michele, the time-intensiveness of the program has been K-12's biggest drawback for me. I wish they offered a version with shorter lessons but still funded by the academy.
J.C., I actually think CM schooling is very "TAC"-ish. Just like a classical liberal arts program it insists on the use of "living books" - original texts and classic literature. CM's approach to the study of nature - going outside and experiencing life-cycles and accidental & substantial changes first hand - harmonizes perfectly with the classical approach to learning first through the senses. The greatest appeal for me of a CM education is its beautifully whole, well-rounded approach to live a life of learning. For young ones it inspires an insatiable wonder and love of learning for learning's sake. (For old too :)
Wow, I think I've just convinced myself of what I want to do this year. :)
I've decided to do kindergarten through k12 with my oldest this fall. I know people have made comments about the time the lessons take, but I submitted my concerns to the ladies on the Catholic k12 yahoo group. They said that you don't need to do *everything*! If your child gets it, move on! I'm planning on getting my religion materials through Ignatius Press. Now, if k12 doesn't end up working for us, we'll do Kolbe, but I figured I'd at least give k12 a shot (esp. since it's free!).
Kristen,
You're description of a CM education is lovely! I think sometimes people dismiss it because they assume it's something else.
I'd love your input on Mater Amabilis (http://materamabilis.org/ma ) sometime. There are a few things that need updating and a fresh perspective is always nice. :-)
Thank you, Kristen, for sharing! I am certainly no expert on any of these approaches, to say the least (which is why I asked you!), but I always did think that those aspects of CM were very complimentary to a classical liberal arts education. There is a lot of wisdom to be gained from Charlotte Mason. Thanks again! I would love to pick your brain further on this matter (specifically regarding content...), but it sounds like you are going to be busy plotting a lovely course of study for your girls! :)
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