I would rather make sure they got the technique down and let them practice it and not worry that there was a miscalculation. What other secular curriculums are out there besides bookshark, torchlight, build your library, timberdoodle, blossom and root, oak meadow, time for learning, miacademy, & power homeschool? There are other businesses that have done done this I think.I have it in my head that Saxon started as a religious company? I have always thought the advertising and marketing people over at SL were genius. issuesbut I'm not sure I want to support that in any way. While I did have a lot of fun with this feature, and I know this will help a majority of homeschooling parents out there AND I even think the online scheduler alone is worth looking at purchasing a kit I didnt actually end up using it. LA not so much, but the history is top notch. Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." The important thing is inspiring the love of the work itself the kids will want to master it in their own time. Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." Its not the same as what I'm using but its similar enough to work. What's Missing? Torchlight and Build Your Library Curriculum - Embracing Eclectic I am tempted to get it. If anything I appreciate that they are being so up front about things. Although I could be wrong. I love the choice ofHandwriting Without TearsandMath U See, and it even offersLife of Fred! It emphasizes thinking skills with things like Little Piggies Smart GameandPajaggle. He is barely starting to read, about the equivalent of a public school kindergarten child in their 3rd month of school. The subject of history highlights some of the major differences. So -- yeah, it's not new, but it puts an option back on the table that was completely wiped off before. Your previous content has been restored. I appreciate you taking the time to anewer me! I once took all the kids to the beach on a whim 2 in diapers with nothing but a pack of wipes and a few extra diapers. Box day would be fun. I also need a curriculum that either has 144 days, or can be adapted to 144 150 days. The Top 5 Reasons Sonlight Didn't Work for Us. The source of the data behind the claim suffers from significant selection bias and should not have been . BookShark is a literature-based curriculum. Sonlight includes a ton of books, while we at Timberdoodle opt to rely more heavily on your local library and not your budget. Due to everything that happened, he has chosen to market to the secular homeschool community. It uses several living books in the curriculum packages that we have used and loved this past year with Truthquest history. We actually like Sonlight, and have friends using it. We use Moving Beyond The Page. I could never make such a huge financial commitment to someone else's plan. This is a literary rich curriculum! but can you give me any thoughts about trying to choose between Timberdoodle and Sonlight? BookShark Level 3 History. Yes, exactly. All of your responses have been very enlightening. Timberdoodle Curriculum Kits - cathyduffyreviews.com Types of Children- my dd in particular does not do well with SL's style of books. BookShark - Cathy Duffy Homeschool Curriculum Reviews So in my quest, I eliminated any highly religious curricula (sorry My Fathers World, Sonlight, and Lifepac!). After all this work I deserve it! The great debate is truly between Moving Beyond the Page, Five in a Row, and Bookshark. Clown of God) that I would have to skip. One thing that remains universal is there are varied ways to teach math, which is good because kids learn differently. Cost was one. I do not care what anyone says (and I am not one to be afraid of mess), but this stuff got everywhere. The quest for the perfect boxed curriculum, or at least an entire curriculum from one place that comes in one box. Two versions of activities one for children that can write, and one for those who cant. Also enjoyed were builder options like Robotis Pets. Copyright 2023 - Grove Publishing, Inc. Bible & Religion Parent & Family Resources, Catholic Programs, Publishers, and Web Links, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Comprehensive, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Grammar, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Composition, Publishers Offering Courses for Many Languages, Reading and Phonics Parent Resources and Other Helps, Reading, Phonics, and Literature Web Links and Supplements, Standardized and Special Needs Testing Products, Weblinks for Standardized Testing Services, Online Schools with Complete Programs and Courses: Religious, Online Schools with Complete Programs and Courses: Secular. Hope that helps. Moving Beyond the Page or Bookshark It wouldn't leave much time for the other stuff I want to do. N/A. Because my oldest has mild intellectual disability, I picked the 1st grade curriculum to give us a good starting point. Sonlight vs BookShark Level C Homeschool Curriculum Comparison But it's NOT new! It sounds like it's right up your alley: good books, hands on projects/crafts, and you can determine pacing or how many books to use. From old favorites like Blueberries for Sal, to modern ones like A is for Musk Ox, the book selection is fantastic (except one book, see cons for that). So what did I choose? It's very light and superficial. Top SEO sites provided "Timberdoodle" keyword . Timberdoodle Kit Review: a Montessorian Perspective Additionally, Timberdoodle offers both secular and Christian curriculum kits. Convenient, comprehensive and open and go unit-based curricula Uses high-quality and high-interest books that will excite and engage kids Scripted and easy to use, but still flexible enough for parents to teach naturally Challenging, in-depth and thought-provoking common core aligned curricula High quality learning for gifted and advanced students Shes at the right age for that program, too. If you do Core F or its Bookshark equivalent, there are lots of hands-on options: a China kit that includes calligraphy, an origami book, and regular choose-your-own adventure activities like cooking ethnic foods. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), explained amazingly well in this inspiring read about Montessori handwriting, Montessori Homeschooling Week in Review: Vol 3, Homeschool Week: Vol 20 The One with Josie's Birthday, Timberdoodle Kit Review: a Montessorian Perspective, Finding the best Globes for our Homeschool. They are essentially admitting that the same happy experience can be had with or without their unique (Christian) commentary. Sonlights curriculum is available for preschool through highschool. Timberdoodle has a line of "classic" kits for all grade levels that have some religious content as well as a parallel option of non-religious kits. I need to know what we are doing next, open and go. John used to post in the secular SL yahoo group as well as the SL forums. Other people love it. Math is a subject that inspires so many feelings in both students and teachers. Level A All-Subject Package Homeschool Curriculum Ages 5-7 - BookShark Your link has been automatically embedded. Ken Ham slammed SL for years and John Holzmann specifically for not being "Christian" enough for including books that he (Ken) didn't feel that Christian children should use. BookShark * Build Your Own Library Timberdoodle Classical Conversations * Lifepac * Sonlight * Abeka * Moving Beyond the Page History Story of the World * History Odyssey Science HMH Sciencefusion Apologia * Foreign Language Rosetta Stone *Website contains non-secular teaching resources Online Learning Sites Time4Learning Clickschooling Outschool At the K-2nd Grade level, the focus of our program is on developing and strengthening reading ability. Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum a.k.a Boxed My first and biggest reason for not using it is that it's way too expensive. With any curriculum, isn't it what you put into it? And I would recommend them to most homeschooling parents; but for us not so much. Its also available for Grade 1 too! Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Personally, I don't mind if a company has a religious part and a secular part. We provide 36-week, 4-day schedules designed to save one day a week for sports, field trips or other extracurricular activities. I'd love to hear thoughts/experiences you've had with these programs, or others that pop into your mind with the preferences I've mentioned above. Because Sonlight is EXPENSIVE. And next year im going to add TGATB with it, too! His was very clear that at one point he was suicidal. We also don't use their science, LA, or mathI am content to buy their readers and read alouds and make our own thing out of them. Its a bit workbook heavy, but the curriculum has lots of hands on stuff, too. When I looked into it, it looked like a literature based program with a kinesthetic approach. What about the Trail Guide to Learning curriculums? For example, while DD is a great little reader now, she is also a picky reader and a bit behind in math. The logo structures are made by organization for speaking to their vision, innovation or nature of your item. The chances that I would like ANY of the choices are slim. I really enjoy this book so far! Very picky. It comes with any kit purchased; the curriculum comes preloaded, but you can also input your own. Find Out More "BookShark made it easy for me to buy everything from one website. For years, Sonlight touted their Christianity as a major selling point. Yes, he has some moments in the day where he loves to just cuddle up, listen to me read, but to be honest, I dont see this program working for us till hes older. All in one curriculum that covers all the required subjects, lots of hands on games, science experiments, art, and STEM. By creating a secular version they are able to be used by charter schools, hence growing their business. It has prompted some really amazing conversations about animals and habitat conservation. I looked closely at the list of included items in Bookshark and found out 1) I already own many of the read-alouds and readers or can find them at local library, 2) I don't need math manipulatives and HWOT supplements, and 3) it seems a big investment in something I wouldn't call a "complete" curriculum as I'd still want to add other materials. Sonlight offers their programs in 5 day and 4 day a week options. All reviews and articles on this site belong to Grove Publishing, Inc. unless otherwise identified. You read your child 2 to 3 short stories from beautiful picture books. You put together your BookShark curriculum by selecting either a complete, preselected package covering all subjects for one level or your own selection of one or more subject packages from one or more levels. She's just very innocent and sensitive. There isn't a good balance between historical fiction and other genres. With many of the books becoming available on kindle or audible, it is easier than ever to make up your own list and start reading. I looooove Bookshark's history. So I am also a big confused by the 'new curriculum' excitement that is going on. I admit, I have a weakness for shiny, new curriculum. I did a review here but I really encourage you to check out the Montessori-inspired Pinay Homeschooler who said it all so much better than I did. Your mileage may vary. Readers I do have to say that I think the brand name "Book Shark" is horrible. I think even one of their 24 smarmy points was "if you don't want to use Christian material, then Sonlight is not for you" kinda statement. I've run into a *lot* of people with the same complaints as mine. Some of the science isn't truly secular (RS4K is written by intelligent design proponents). BUT, I find the world-view of the Sonlight curriculum has changed a bunch over the past few years, and not in a good way. Timberdoodle Co (@timberdoodleco) Instagram photos and videos This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Go with the 4-Day version. It's a realigned curriculum. Clear editor. . But, it also incorporates other methods. It's just :confused1: I have pondered that name quite a bit, actually. "Bookshark literature-based homeschool curriculum provides parents with engaging full-grade learning programs that offer unrivaled educational outcomes" Source: Bookshark is Literature-Based Homeschool Curriculum | BookShark I was a bit bummed this past weekend. And, back when Bookshark was Sonlight, nothing they made looked appealing to me. Here the basics are still reading, arithmetic, and thinking. Packing is a pain, hey lets just have fun. While ninth-grade and twelfth-grade kits include Friendly Biology and Friendly Chemistry,respectively (which both have easy-to-do labs), other high-school levels have minimal lab activity or only videos of lab activity, and this might not be sufficient. I like his guides and his ability to discuss a different POV. Purchasing items as kits gives you significant savings over purchasing items individually. For almost 30 years, we have been offering challenging academic programs that . Peanut cannot write yet, so they would either be omitted from the kit, or would sit on the shelf until he can do them. -Writing my own schedule takes less time than trying to make theirs fit my life. To the uninitiated, Timberdoodle is a small family business that offers curated curriculum choices both secular and religious. Since the NGSS stress evolution as a foundational concept, BookShark science is now likely to promote evolutionary viewpoints. To give you a better idea of what a kit looks like, the elite kit for first grade (religious version) includes Timberdoodle's Curriculum Handbook (one that is specifically for first-grade level and this school year), All About Reading: Level 2, Math-U-See: Alpha, Spelling You See: Level B, Story of the World: Volume 1 (along with its activity book and audio book), and Science in the Beginning(plus lab set), all of which are or have been among my Top Picks. Good to know that they have hands on activities. If you want to avoid something based on principle, avoid Answers in Genesis as a highly judgemental, holier-than-thou, if-you-don't-fully-believe-our-brand-of-Christianity-then-you-aren't-Christian con that uses this method to run competitors out of business. First I look at what our needs are. The books look amazing, but why are you not enticed by it? Timberdoodle lost because of the heavy writing component, making this curriculum almost useless for a few more years. Its much less overwhelming in terms of reading. So, I'm seeing that many of you think BS/SL are just reading lists basically and the IG's are worthless? They make a fantastic addition to the shelf. This is evident in the resources selected for the programs. Perhaps something like Moving Beyond the Page would be what you are looking for? Bookshark is I guess best described as faith-neutral. It's great and flexible. With wide open spaces, it can sometimes feel even lonelier when homeschooling. I love Sonlight/BS's booklists, but, from what I've heard of it, the actual teaching model doesn't sound appealing. For me, I'm just not a schedule person. You also might want to add lab activity to some of the high school kits for college-bound students. While the beginning grades are always teacher intense until the child can manage their own reading, Timberdoodle emphasizes independent learning as soon as it is possible. I wouldn't be happy with anything I didn't design myself. Timberdoodle-popular program with everything included. BookShark Owned by the parent company, Sonlight, BookShark is a complete curriculum. The only one I would have considered are the bundles from Peace Hill press with the SM option. You might want to look at Timberdoodle. . In all levels, much of the instruction in language arts is presented from the instructor's guide. I have a friend who uses it and loves it. Very workbook intense. For levels A through H, BookShark offers Reading with History packages. The r/homeschool community is a place to share homeschool resources, advice, news, curriculum, and learning support for redditors who are homeschooling, unschooling, or educating their children at home (or considering it). PDF Homeschool Curriculum Guide Religious, Neutral and Secular by style We ususally double up on the Science and History each day. BUT, I tried Sonlight K many many moons ago, and reading two pages from one book, and four pages from another, just doesn't work for our family. There is a huge emphasis on books and they are great books. * When you open a box of BookShark the first thing(s) you see are books. My kids read a zillion books on their own time, but "doing" SL or bookShark is VERY time consuming! Time. Timberdoodle Co - Homeschool Curriculum, Resources, Materials & Books 5-Star Learning for Grades 0-12 Award-Winning All-In-One Curriculum Kits Shop the Kits Have I Got a Story For You! Well, my little peanut appears to be a kinesthetic learner. The outcome of this was that SL was basically banned from the homeschool conventions in their own state (Colorado). I don't think I've ever seen a post where people don't call it a secular version of Sonlight. I have mixed feelings on the printed resources. Yes, I can (and will) tweak, but I appreciate the foundation to build upon. Eric's Curriculum Ideas - TWINDLY BRIDGE CHARTER SCHOOL How's My Timberdoodle Eighth Grade Curriculum Going? I haven't used it. I mean who wouldnt? None at all to me and maybe much. They are selling a secular alternative. Sonlight's history is presented within packages titled "History with Bible and Literature" while BookShark's history packages include only history and literature. They have both christian and secular options, and you can customize the packages to suit your needs. What an amazing curriculum! For that, I could buy a curriculum and add in science and art where I want. Its sort of a marvel. Phonics is weak, so Id continue with The Reading Lesson and Hooked on Phonics. But for my hands on learner, TBTG has been great. I received curriculum in exchange for BookShark reviews. I do know that I LOVE literature so I'm finding myself considering bookshark again. I have a wide age range and we work together on most subjects. But, I am long past needing K or first grade so it is not to be. TBCS Brainhoney- core and elective courses . Moving Beyond the Page 4-6: Wow! I can't think of a single Christian company, homeschool related or not, that has done that. BookShark didn't just remove the religious books from Sonlight's programs. Yes, we could go monday to friday, 180 days, but I know wed probably burn out very fast. ButI know what you meanI currently have Bookshark open in a second windowmaking a reading list for this term LOL. You don't have to use a whole year package - you can pick just the language arts or just the social studies or just science.. One of the nice things about the programs you mentioned is that they're all pulled together, but one of the drawbacks is that they're not well known for having cohesive, continuous language arts. Timberdoodle also includes robust literature courses in 3rd-12th grade that contain the required reading in the text itself. Archi Doodle City This is a fun drawing book that also teaches techniques like how to draw vanishing points. Secular Homeschool Families | What other secular curriculums - Facebook First of all, Timberdoodle has an online scheduler that Ive never seen the likes of before. Thanks! But this is a bizarre complaint to levy against a literature rich curriculum which used Landmark in grade 3. She is a hands on kind of kid, so while reading good literature appeals to both of us, I know she is going to want time to craft and do projects as well. They listened to their potential market and responded. I do think it would be a comfort to most though. I did Timberdoodle with my oldest for two . They are heavily laden with hands-on and experiential learning resources. Thanks for linking Courtney! Same for the logic books though my oldest really struggled with them and we had to do quite a lot one on one. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Moving Beyond the Page? : r/homeschool - Reddit All opinions are 100% my own, the good and the bad. Read the whole thing, not just the title. The advantages of Timberdoodles approach are the lower cost and the ability to pick books best suited to your familys standards/childs interests. Different things for different people. The last item should say "faith based - no." Another way is look under the item photograph and sometimes it will say " Included in Timberdoodle's 2021 Second-Grade Curriculum Kit and Nonreligious 2021 Second-Grade Curriculum Kit!". I had serious considerations when I looked at TGTB a few years back due to a lack of adherence to fact, in everything from geography to book reviews (it was evident that the reviewer had never even read some before declaring them bad books). N/A. And unwaveringly Christian. The program is designed with lessons for four days per week, leaving time for field trips and other activities. A company called Timberdoodle has pulled together some amazing curricula from all over, and combined it into grade packages. If someone was a schedule person, I think it would be a good option. It's just the principle of it all. Complete and elite kits for grades one through eleven include a Test Prep book. Oh, I don't know. Plus its secularso no Christian infighting occurs. I think the IG's should be where the heart of a curriculum is myself. BookShark is available for pre-kindergarten through tenth grade. I prefer a more open-ended approach. Hands-on and STEM resources for first grade include items such as the Plus-Plus Excursion building set, Robotis Pets: PLAY 600, Do Art: Coloring with Clay, a MiniLUK board and workbooks (primarily for critical thinking skills), ScrunchMap World, Aquarellum: Cosmos Set (painting set), Create Your Own Planet! Keep the ideascoming! I adore any curriculum that includes a big box of books. Today's podcast is for all your questions about books in the levels, how it differs from other levels, why you should consider BookSharks High School curriculum and more. Unit based, and excellent book choices from Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel to How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, it would make a fun year of great books, It covers Social Studies, Math, Literature, Art, Science, Human Relationships. This means Peanuts fine motor skills will get a great workout. We have so many other things to spend money on. is a proud supporter of, Privacy Policy | Cookies | Terms & Conditions | Security. I've looked into tgtb 8th grade lit, and I don't think it's a hands on approach. Its open and go! I don't know that John will ever be secular enough for some secular homeschoolers or that Sarita will ever be Christian enough for Ken Ham. Our curriculum is easy for parents to teach. Id have to supplement with Mathematical Reasoning, Math Mammoth, or even Math U See Primer. I love so much of it. 1. We have a brood of children in multiple grades. I would prefer a home library. Timberdoodle's award-winning curriculum kits are suitable for grades 0-12 and packed with hands-on/STEM components. Its a subject that some seem to automatically excel in and others struggle. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I have not looked at Moving Beyond the Page so I will go look at that next. Sonlight is a literature-based approach, with an emphasis on learning by reading. BookShark - Overview, News & Competitors | ZoomInfo.com Lots of art, STEM, games, etc. It's just too *much*. Crafts! I can't even follow a recipe. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. It also uses Math U See, and Spelling You See too. I have 5 little ones and am a teacher by trade, so sure I can come up with those deep analytical questions to squeeze all I can from the books. No review or article may be copied or reprinted without permission except for a single copy of a review made for temporary use AND not shared with others. :) too much reading, not enough engagement with the material. We're Using BookShark Curriculum - Forgetful Momma The Ultimate List of Homeschool Curriculums: A Guide - Learn in Color From Winnie the Pooh to Richard Scarry, the book selections are fantastic. It isnt for all families though, so how do you know which is best for you? Dylan Martin - Bookshark vs timberdoodle for kindergarten - Facebook I don't know that I would call it a Living Literature curriculum. Timberdoodle's Curriculum Handbooksinclude reproducible record-keeping charts listing resources and reading lists for that level. SL/BookShark isn't for her. timberdoodle co provides only the best homeschool products and homeschool curriculum. So what to do? Meadowlark, July 29, 2014 in K-8 Curriculum Board. Taking a closer look at their book lists shows us that there are other differences. Instead we read all the readers, most/many of the read alouds, replace the spine with something that can be used with both kids and do interactive/hands on notebooking and some projects, it's the perfect compromise for us. Copyright 2023 - Grove Publishing, Inc. Bible & Religion Parent & Family Resources, Catholic Programs, Publishers, and Web Links, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Comprehensive, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Grammar, Ungraded, Multi-level Resources - Composition, Publishers Offering Courses for Many Languages, Reading and Phonics Parent Resources and Other Helps, Reading, Phonics, and Literature Web Links and Supplements, Standardized and Special Needs Testing Products, Weblinks for Standardized Testing Services, Online Schools with Complete Programs and Courses: Religious, Online Schools with Complete Programs and Courses: Secular, US1 and US2 courses from the Nomadic Professor. Build your Library would win out for literature alone, but it falls down on hands-on activities. -My kids are everyone on the ability level. Bookshark is free of religious and faith-based references. 3. Sonlight appealed to me before but the religious bent always took them off the list from the start. Jump Start Curriculum Choices Family Partnership Charter School has put together a list of curriculum choices that can help new to homeschooling families Jump Start their homeschooling journey. BookShark only comes with a 4 day schedule. And it leaves plenty of time for us to do other things. The BookShark curriculum goes beyond textbooks by utilizing hands-on . Join Janna as she chats with RightStart Math VP, Kathleen Cotter Clayton about a different way to understand, look at and teach fractions. Levels A through C rely heavily on different books from the Explode the Code series. Note: Publishers, authors, and service providers never pay to be reviewed. Not a Secular Curriculum: Bookshark