What are we going to learn together today? Elementary homeschooling is all about fun - having fun learning to write, having fun doing math and counting anything (and everything) around the house, having fun doing simple science experiments. Enjoying learning with your child is one of the amazing things you can do as a homeschool parent. Giving you the tools to explore together is what we do in the Bookroom.
Where Do I Start?
Parents often begin homeschooling in these formative early years of our students education. But deciding where to start and what is most important to teach is sometimes a challenge. Reading, writing, and math are always the first things that come to mind. The Bookroom can help by offering five elementary math curricula that begin with Kindergarten and move through 5th grade. Colorful curriculum like Beast Academy to more traditional Saxon Math books, with our Bookroom you can pick the style of learning that best meets your students' needs. When it comes to reading, writing, phonics, or spelling, we have you covered there as well. Curriculum such as Excellence in Writing, Writing with Ease, or All About Reading are available to look through and discover what will work for you. Early elementary is the time to test things out, learn what works and what doesn't, and pick how you want to move forward.
By the upper elementary grades, things start to get a bit more challenging, but still rewarding. Science and history start playing a bigger role in your school day. Incorporating these subjects into your child's writing and reading is easy with Bookroom resources. We offer elementary general and specific science books, as well as a variety of history and geography options for your family to incorporate into your classroom.
Have fun! Be creative! Enjoy being and learning together! Homeschooling is what you make it and the Bookroom can help you find your path through the elementary years.
Math curricula can be categorized two ways, by their approach or by their content and structure. While some curricula focus on understanding the conceptual "why", others take a procedural step-by-step learning methodology. Neither is better than the other, but deciding which will work best for your student is an important step for the homeschooling parent. Often this becomes trial and error. Starting with one type and discovering that it does or does not work is what homeschooling is all about. Finding that right way when your child learns effectively is one of the wonderful things about teaching your child yourself.
Concepts to understand about Math curricula:
Different approaches
Conceptual or Procedural:
Conceptual: Emphasizes understanding the underlying principles and reasoning behind mathematical operations. It may use manipulatives and visuals to show "why" something works, such as regrouping in addition.
Procedural: Focuses on teaching and practicing repeated problems, or a series of steps, to solve problems.
Spiral vs. Mastery:
Spiral: Revisits topics multiple times throughout the year, with increasing complexity each time. This can be effective for students who are strong in math.
Mastery: Focuses on teaching one skill or topic thoroughly before moving on to the next. This approach is often considered beneficial for students who struggle with math.
Content and structure
Traditional vs. Integrated:
Traditional: A common sequence includes separate courses like Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-calculus, and Calculus.
Integrated: Combines different math subjects within the same course or program. Many modern programs offer integrated approaches.
Please check the "Full List" curriculum page to see our entire listing of options for you to check out of our Bookroom.