chelsea'smom
- Reviewed on Monday, May 17, 2010
- Grades Used: 3rd-4th
- Dates used: 2008-2010
Our daughter went to public school K-2nd. We decided to start homeschooling after that. We chose A Beka because we had other homeschool friends who used the program.
We chose the DVD program both years. I was not going to use it this year but decided to try it for another year because I was afraid I would not be able to explain concepts as well as the teacher.
After two years of use I have decided I like parts of the curriculum and despise other parts. My daughter is fairly advanced and I wanted a program that would challenge her. I think A Beka has done that. We love the Bible classes and she has also enjoyed math, reading, science and history.
She did not enjoy watching the DVD's in 3rd grade and complained the teacher was "boring". In forth grade she had two teachers and didn't complain about watching the DVDs but only seemed to like Bible class on DVD.
There is a lot of work and it takes all day to finish (for us). She is an excellent reader and has no problems with keeping up except for the spelling. Last year and this year have been beyond miserable when it was time for spelling. The end of the week always results in tears because she can not learn all of the words.
If your child enjoys a lot of memorization this is a great program. (Bible, poems, spelling....all have memorization drills.) If not, you probably won't like it.
I want to challenge my daughter but I also want her to enjoy learning. I finally came to the decision to stop doing the spelling. I will not order the DVD program again. It is an expensive option but one we have not enjoyed. I am looking at different curriculums and next year plan to try something else. I'm considering mixing programs and would love to hear from others who have done that. Thanks!
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el1zabeth
- Reviewed on Monday, February 08, 2010
- Grades Used: pre-k,1st,3d,6th,7th
- Dates used: 2004-2009
I think Abeka is one of the best curriculums out there. What drew me to it was the literature. I love that they include exerpts from classic writers even for the little one's. That being said trying to use it for four kids in different grades nearly drove me nuts. Trying to keep up with everything everyday was stressful for all of us. I love that it is all laid out, but everything has to be taught to the children, like in a regular classroom. At least that's the way it seemed to me. So if you have multiple grades to teach( I think I could have handled two), you might want to really consider that. Especially if you are not super organized, and feel like you have to do everything they recomend.(I hate skipping over things, I feel like the kids didn't learn all they needed to).
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homeschoolgypsy
- Reviewed on Wednesday, October 07, 2009
- Grades Used: K4-K5
- Dates used: 2007-2009
I love A Beka!!! My oldest hates it LOL!! It does have a LOT of seatwork and drills. I switched to an over easy curriculum. I hate this new one he is done in 45 minutes w/5 subjects. After using A Beka my child is reading (he has dyslex.) At 5 reading chapterbooks!! He knows how to read a compass and everything about his 5 senses. He can measure and add, this is all in K4-K5. I can not wait till we can go back to A Beka!!!!
If you hate having to teach for 3 hours a day I highly recomend a different curriculum (Lifepac).
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MonicaV
- Reviewed on Thursday, May 07, 2009
- Grades Used: K5 & 1st
- Dates used: 2007-current
I have used ABeka for my dd schooling (Phonics & Math) for two years now. I have a love/hate relationship w/this curriculum.
What I love about it:
1. My dd is now an EXCELLENT reader
2. She is also very strong in math
3. It is VERY thorough...
4. My lessons are planned for me.
5. Arithmetic is taught in the traditional way.
What I hate about it:
1. It is so thorough you feel as if you can't really deviate from it or you might mess up flow of learning.
2. So much workbook work and seatwork. Way too much for a child.
3. Seems to fit better w/a classroom setting.
All that being said I have been pleased w/the results ABeka has given us. I struggle w/letting go of this curriculum. I feel dd needs something new and less workbook oriented BUT not sure I would get the same results as w/A Beka. I have learned in my second year of hsing that it is OKAY not to do EVERYTHING that the IG has listed. The ABeka police haven't knocked on my door yet!
I tried A Beka w/DS. NOT HAPPENING!! Just does not like it. Has Speech and Language issues and I believe that is the reason why he just has not taken to this curriculum. Moves too fast for him (I've slowed it down) hates the workbooks. He is a more of a hands on learner that is SO not Abeka.
If you want your child to have a SOLID foundation in phonics, and math this is the curriculum to get.
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