Rod and Staff Homeschool Curriculum
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Rod And Staff Homeschool Curriculum
Home schooling is not for every child or parent. For parents unhappy with the exposure their children receive in public or private schools to other lifestyles and political viewpoints or the substance of the learning process, however, teaching children at home is a viable and preferable option.
This is a way to guarantee quality education reinforced with core family values. Problems encountered include the time required to design an education program to meet governmental requirements, record keeping and the cost. Rod and staff homeschool curriculum eliminates or reduces all these. Their programs provide a complete course of study for students from kindergarten through 10th grade including language arts, math, science, social studies, health, penmanship, art, music and typing with a non-denominational Biblical slant.
The Start of Rod and Staff Homeschool Curriculum
In 1958 the Mennonites finally decided to do something about the lack of a Bible-based education program for students learning at home and their overworked parents. Realizing children need a strong base, especially in language and math, these concerned parents designed a comprehensive education program with strong focus on basic concepts in the earlier years. This makes higher learning easier and fun. Wrapping the rod and staff program in Biblical content allowed children to learn in a safe and familiar framework. By using information from the Old Bible without interpretations, these stories work for every religion.
Pros of Rod and Staff Homeschool Curriculum
The strong education provided by this system starts with the basics and expands. For example, language art begins with phonics and sight works; grades 5 to 10 advance to readers and study guide forms to continually challenge the child and eliminate boredom. Math teaches the basic concepts with repeated drills until the child has mastered the concept using speed drills to reward and challenge. Even Educational Therapists are enthralled with the math concepts as the word problems focus on life issues like farm, family and business calculations.
The books of the rod and staff education system can be handed down to younger students, saving money. New educational supplies are not required. Some parents were educated with this system with exceptional results, and they are now using this same system for their children.
Each program provides an abundance of information. Once the lesson has been learned, the remaining information in the plan can be skipped. Parents customize this to their child.
The best reason to purchase this program is the time-saving teacher’s guide for each class. This book is so complete with lesson outlines, teaching tips and extra activities that very little preparation is needed. The parent simply reviews the chapter before starting the lesson.
Throughout the program, the Bible is incorporated into every subject. Christian values are reinforced in all phases of learning and life. Social Studies include the social responsibility of each person and the benefit of community work.
Home schooling accelerates the learning process. With the concentrated efforts of the child and parent, the student can learn as much in 2 to 3 ½ hours as a student in public education will learn in 6 hours. The difference is the focus of the education; the student is taught as his or her level and speed. Once that curriculum has been mastered, the child moves on to the next chapter.
Most graduates of these classes do very well when placed into a public or private school; the students have learned the material and can read, spell and write. Many even advance a grade level.
These rod and staff courses are offered at very attractive and affordable prices. Purchasers with questions receive fast answers and assistance with problems by email or telephone. Buyers are extremely pleased with the prompt, knowledgeable and personal help.
Cons of Rod and Staff Homeschool Curriculum
The largest complaint is the lack of illustrations, especially colored illustrations. Some parents feel younger children in particular can benefit and learn faster with brightly colored pictures.
While teaching the basics, repetition is used. Many children and parents get tired of doing all the math problems or other redundant lessons. Some skip part of the lessons to avoid boredom once that skill has been mastered.
Many lessons for older children require transferring data to a sheet of paper before continuing. Parents and children unhappy about the time involved feel it could be put to better use.
Because of the Biblical base, evolution is not taught in science. The 6 Day concept is the only explanation for life. Parents wanting to incorporate evolution must find education information on this subject elsewhere.
People looking for a strong educational system at a great price should investigate rod and staff homeschool curriculum. Not only does this course provide complete step-by-step student instructions, the teacher’s guide saves busy parents hundreds of hours. This program merges core Christian values, religious home beliefs and quality education seamlessly in one easy-to-teach package.