Ruth Nicholas
- Reviewed on Sunday, May 23, 2010
- Grades Used: preschool - 5th
- Dates used: 2006 - current
We were introduced to Rod & Staff, after I prayed the Lord would show me where to turn for our daughters reading program. She was really struggling. I wanted something based on God's Word, yet not boring. After reading the 'readers' (3rd grade) I was 'elated!' I ordered the 'workbooks' and was thrilled!! The following year I moved her into R&S English, Social Studies, Science & Health. Social Studies, Science & Health were more of a struggle for her . . . But English was again a God send!! This year we've worked with 5th grade Reading, Bible & English. I love the simplicity of the lessons. The staff's willingness to answer questions when I call. We will be continuing these subjects this coming year!
Our 2nd daughter started 1st grade with the entire program. She was 'overwhelmed' with the work load. But did adjust very well. People are amazed with her reading ability! After 1/2 a year I wasn't thrilled with the math program so I shelfed it & went with the same program I use with our first daughter. This year we used 2nd grade Reading, Phonics, and English. Our daughter loves the curriculum. We love the prices & the focus being kept on Christ! Plans for the year coming are to continue with 3rd grade Reading, English & Printing.
Daughter 3 has been using the preschool program with great success. We will be starting her with 1st grade this year.
I have seen a one of their 'older' books. Before judging based on those please order their curriculum samples or check out their new books. Rod & Staff has 'greatly' improved!! They are worth checking out!! My girlfriend also used this program & when she transferred her daughter after 6th grade to a 'video' school her daughter tested a full grade higher!
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Naomi C.
- Reviewed on Saturday, July 04, 2009
- Grades Used: 1st
- Dates used: 2008-2009
The 08-09 school year was my first "official" homeschooling year. I choose to use Rod and Staff simply because my mother homeschooled me using the same curriculum. I felt comfortable and familiar with their approach and techniques. My 6yo daughter easily followed along with the phonics and reading program. She went from not being able read much when we started in August 08, to reading fluently by February 09. It was amazing (and very encouraging!!). She struggled a little with the math, but still grew by leaps and bounds.
I didn't see the need to do the Worksheets everyday, so we quit those after Christmas break. Also, my dd hated the Penmanship. So, away went the "formal" Penmanship book. I replaced that with my own version of Penmanship...learning addresses, phone numbers, months of the year, days of the week, seasons, directions, etc. That went over much better and she actually learned useful, everyday things while practicing her handwriting. When my ds starts 1st grade, we will use the Printing Practice books rather than the Penmanship. I think that handwriting is much more interesting when it corresponds to the day's lesson.
I really enjoy Rod and Staff. Their English and Math are rock solid foundations. (As mentioned above, I was schooled through the sixth grade with Rod and Staff. I went to a private school from 7th through 12th grades, and never received anything but an A in English or Math during my high school years. I graduated HS with a 4.0 and I credit that mostly to the foundation I had in elementary years.) I have questioned myself on the difficult days as to whether this is for us, etc, but, I know that Rod and Staff offers an incredible value and a wonderful, solid education for my children. Their Teacher's Manuals are very thorough and easy to follow. All in all, I have found Rod and Staff to be a simple, easy to follow, thorough curriculum where the student truely masters the basics in such a way that they are never forgotten.
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nancystanley
- Reviewed on Thursday, May 08, 2008
- Grades Used: 4th
- Dates used: 2007-2008
This is our second year homeschooling. Last year I chose an expensive curriculum because I thought that was what my daughter needed. I thought Rod and Staff looking boring. When I told my friend about my frustrations she brought me back to R & S and I'm so glad she did. The more I looked at it, I loved the simplicity of the pictures and everything was written so clearly. My daughter needs to be challenged, so I thought I would give it a try.
We used the English, reading, and History. We loved it! It was so easy to teach. We started with Saxon Math, so continue to do that, but wish we would of started with R & S math. All I can say is that it is a great curriculum that puts God in the center.
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Homeschooley
- Reviewed on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
- Grades Used: 7th
- Dates used: 2007 and 08
We Used these books this school year! We actually ended up dropping the Spelling, English, History and for a while math! We did NOT Like these books they were set up where u write the problems on a seperate paper and it just was not for us! The spelling was to advanced for my daughter who is a 9th grade spelling level! and WAY to advanced for the average 7th grader! We had to leave the math books and go more indepth in numerous places then come back! English just was to much! Science though is just WONDERFUL! We will use it again! We LOVE it! It is well rounded and Keeps the kids engaged! Overall it has to be for you!
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