The first half of the school year is over, and you may be doing a mental checkup of your homeschool program. How is it working for you so far? What strengths and improvements do you see in your children? Here’s what a few of your fellow homeschoolers had to say about their experience with BJU Press materials this year.
The Homeschool Scientist: Physical Science
Marci Goodwin, blogger at the Homeschool Scientist, has been using BJU Press Physical Science this year. She’s a mom who loves to get her kids actively engaged in learning. Instead of dry black-and-white text, her emphasis is visual learning and hands-on activities. Marci appreciates the fact that each chapter of Physical Science starts with a real-life issue that can be resolved using the new material in that chapter. Photos and diagrams engage the visual learner and explain the processes, both in the student text and the lab manual. All necessary materials for labs are in the lab kit, so Marci doesn’t have to hunt down supplies every week.
The Unlikely Homeschool: Language Arts
Over at The Unlikely Homeschool blog, Jamie shares her reasons for switching to the BJU Press English program from another language arts curriculum right in the middle of the school year. She felt that the other English curriculum wasn’t providing her kids with a big-picture view of language—the “why” for all the grammar facts and rules. In contrast, BJU Press language arts teaches writing and grammar side by side, showing that proper grammar is crucial to smooth, effective written communication. A writing unit supports and reinforces every new grammar skill; and homeschool students learn many different forms of writing in the process.
Not Consumed: Early Reading Skills
It’s so exciting to teach your child to read and watch as the skill develops. For Kim at NotConsumed.com, some of the best early readers come from BJU Press. The creative, interesting storylines keep her son coming back for more, eager to read each day. As the books build fluency and skills, they also help young readers develop a love for reading through exciting fiction, tales of foreign missionaries, and Bible stories as well.
Janelle Knutson: Distance Learning Video Lessons
Janelle Knutson decided to give BJU Press Distance Learning a try last year, and this year she went all out with video lessons for many of her fifth grader’s homeschool subjects. The blend of video classes, colorful textbooks, and teacher support works well for Janelle’s family. She’s able to stay involved in her daughter’s education while allowing her to work independently sometimes. Independent work is a vital skill for homeschool kids, especially those in large families where a mom or dad must teach multiple grade levels throughout the day.
Are you thinking of making a midstream switch to BJU Press textbooks or Distance Learning? Contact us so we can answer your questions and help you with the details.
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Rebecca is a work-at-home freelance writer, novelist, wife, and the mom of two bright-eyed little ones. She credits her success in writing and her love of books to her own mom, who homeschooled three kids from pre-K through high school.
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