100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
by Cathy Duffy
Reviewed by Martha Robinson and Mary Leggewie
Purchase details: 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy. Large paperback, $21.99. Published by Broadman Holman Publishing. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying this program from our Christian Book Distributors link or Amazon affiliate link.
Well-known author Cathy Duffy offers advice for Christian homeschoolers to choose curricula in 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. She begins by encouraging parents to be goal-oriented rather than curriculum-oriented. Homeschooling parents should determine how each child needs to learn and how those needs fit in with the family before choosing curricula.
Using a workbook format, parents write answers to questions and use rather complex charts to compare preferences to the approaches of traditional, Charlotte Mason, classical, unit study, unschooling, independent study, eclectic, and umbrella school. Additional factors such as budget, religious perspective, confidence level, and time constraints are discussed.
Next, Mrs. Duffy shares her familiar learning styles characters -- Wiggly Willy, Perfect Paula, Competent Carl, and Sociable Sue. Through these extreme examples, she challenges parents to consider whether each child is an auditory, a visual, or a kinesthetic learner, or some combination of these
After considering all the factors, the parent should set goals for learning. These goals can be based on standards, but the author encourages parents to rely less on government-defined levels and more on helping the child reach his/her potential by realizing that children bloom at different times. After goals are set, the parent should revisit progress periodically and fill out the end-of-year form that is provided.
Mrs. Duffy lays out a huge chart showing the one hundred products reviewed with ratings as to how they fit into learning styes, educational approaches, and religious preference. With the information determined from earlier chapters, the parent looks at the chart and decides which products might be a good fit. Then she reads the reviews which include an overview of the product, its price, and where to buy it.
Martha's Recommendation: Cathy Duffy makes navigating the rocky course of choosing curricula much easier for new homeschooling parents. With her introduction of learning styles and methods, parents can assess their children's needs and find new learning opportunities among the curricula reviewed. Veteran parents will also find this book helpful in adapting curricula as children grow and change.
Mary's Recommendation: With the proliferation of homeschool curriculum providers over the last decade, Cathy Duffy helps narrow down the choices, which is particularly helpful to new homeschoolers overwhelmed and paralyzed by this abundance. Those who follow her helpful tips will be more likely to avoid costly mistakes buying curriculum not suited to the needs of each child and the parents.
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