. . .exclusively. Just because the word Christian appears in the title of a textbook, you have no guarantee that the content is educationally sound or developmentally appropriate. It’s not a guarantee that the textbook follows a proven teaching method, or that the lessons are sequenced correctly. I’ve evaluated text books from “Christian” publishers in…
This happens to all of us. You find what seems like a great curriculum. But halfway through the textbook, you come across something with which you disagree. Maybe you think it’s wrong, or maybe you just don’t like the point of view represented. Whatever the reason, don’t throw that textbook out just yet. I’ll give…
Math texts are largely made up of computation and problem solving tasks that increase in difficulty as the student proceeds through the book. Change in the difficulty level of problems is usually gradual. Continuity between one lesson to the next, from one chapter to the next, from one book to the next, can be seen…
Are you conflicted over choosing the correct level in a reading series for your younger child? Uncomfortable with simply choosing a grade based on his or her age and hoping it will work out? Don’t want to simply “guess and go,” (the popular trial and error approach)? You’re not alone. While all reading series are…
In last week’s Tip of the Week, I suggested that improvement in writing is often “caught” by continuous exposure to good writers. However, at a basic level you may be asking, can a student’s grammar be improved through direct teaching? I would answer yes, but not as a result of the common methods you find in…
When I was completing undergraduate studies in California, I took an advanced writing class. I was consistently pulling B+’s to A-‘s. Because I wanted to earn an A for the class, I gathered up the courage to ask the professor what I was doing wrong and how I could improve. She was quiet for a moment. While she couldn’t put…
Spring testing is here! Perhaps you’re in a state that requires achievement testing. Or, you test regardless of state requirements in order to gain the valuable information it yields. Either way, your student’s attitude toward and during this important activity is a vital key to doing well and showing what he or she knows and…
Here’s something to try at home with your elementary age children. Ask them this question: “If you could receive one million dollars right now or a penny doubled every day for 30 days, which one would you choose?” Some will take the “million dollars right now.” Others may sense this is a trick question. Regardless…
I don’t know about you, but by Sunday night I’d had my fill of media coverage of the last three days of “events.” And you, like me, probably have some strong feelings one way or another over what’s taken place. The thoughts below are not an invite to debate; they’re simply my reflection and serve…
Spring achievement testing officially begins March 1. Normally I would wait until then to tell this story, but since I just heard it, I want to share it with you before I forget it and let it slip away. Here it is: A tutor was working with a student helping her prepare for the SAT….