Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Shiller - Smith hand)

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

Shiller Math is a curriculum for ages 4 - 8 that relies heavily on manipulatives. Shiller Math was written by Larry Shiller, an MIT math major who wanted to "impart his zeal for math to American children of today as an after-school supplement or homeschooling course." This program is based on the Montessori Method of learning.

Shurley English Grammar teaches the Shurley Method of learning grammar. The Shurley Method "gives students the concrete steps necessary to relate a definition to a concept, a concept to a skill practice, and a skill practice to writing and editing. Competent writing begins with sentence structure, expands to paragraphs, and results in well-written essays, reports, letters, and the enjoyment and satisfaction that result from good writing." It is sold in kits for each grade level that contains a teacher's manual, student workbook, practice booklets, and literature selections.

Simply Grammar was originally written by Charlotte Mason and revised by Karen Andreola. The book teaches one grammar rule per lesson that will take no more than 10-15 minutes each. It is to be used during the fourth through 8th grades.

Sing 'n Learn (singnlearn.org) provides auditory learning materials in the form of music to help memorize facts.

Sing, Spell Read & Write is a 'The multisensory instruction is designed to reach every avenue to the brain and to address every child's learning style." It is designed for children ages 6-8 and promises, "Your child will master a 1,500-word reading and spelling vocabulary, three times more words than are usually taught in school-based programs".

Singapore math is a popular curriculum in progressive US schools and in many homeschools. The program is teacher led and many parents have success teaching this method because it mirrors the "old math" parents were taught in school.

SmithHand is a form of cursive handwriting that emphasizes forming letters in a way "suited the mechanical structure of the human hand". This program consists of only 10 lessons.

*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.

*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!

*Homeschool Curriculum Glossary index here

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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