I'm considering using this for Jacob (will be starting 6th grade in the fall) but am slightly concerned about the computer time. Does anyone use this curriculum here? Or know someone who does? TIA! :)

we used to about 2-3 years ago. whatcha want to know?

Is it too much computer time? Is it a good program?

I kind of want it just so we can cover all the basics and I don't have to worry about things (I'm a HSing newbie, for the most part). When he's done with his lessons, then we can go about our day and do what we want to be doing (museums, playdates, whatnot).

its all computer
i thought it was a good program, but again its ALL on the computer. everything is done on the computer. everything. so i didnt like having M sitting for 4-5 hours staring at a computer screen. hth!

oh i forgot some of the science is hands on, you have to order the kit separately but of course the answers go on the computer.

that's a long time to sit on the computer. I don't think I want that. :(

Thank you for your input, Branwyn. I really appreciate it. :)

that's a long time to sit on the computer. I don't think I want that. :(

Thank you for your input, Branwyn. I really appreciate it. :)

of course mama! :smooch:

we have a family in our homeschool group using it and she loves it. She said in the younger grades it takes about 2 - 2 1/2 hours.

I have an online friend who has used it for years with her 3 olders and they all love it too. She says it's no longer than 2 hours per day, but she doesn't do quizzes and tests. Perhaps that makes a difference in the time?

I have an online friend who has used it for years with her 3 olders and they all love it too. She says it's no longer than 2 hours per day, but she doesn't do quizzes and tests. Perhaps that makes a difference in the time?


could be, when M used it was the 4th grade SOS all 5 subjects (again this was 3 years ago -not sure if the program has changed any). it was a great program, very informative, wonderful for the price, etc. it just cut too much into real life for our family (in fact we went to straight unschooling after finishing it). it would be great for any family wanting the "school in a box" approach.

we've looked at it very closely for morgan and charlie.

we opted to not use it bc of the strong religious tone it takes. not sure if that matters for you or not...but i'm not really big on my kids getting biblical instruction thrown in with their math, history and most especially science.

to each their own...i *really* wish there was a secular version of SOS. i'd buy it and never look back.

I'm teetering between "school in a box" and wanting to unschool. lol ;)

Tracey--actually, my boys are in a private Catholic school right now, so I'm drawn to the religion part of it.

I just like the idea that it's just all right there and I don't have to muck through putting lessons together and whatnot. But then I want lots of time to do our own things too.

My Aunt uses it with her kids and she seems to like it. She said that you can print out the papers and have them do them like that too. It seems like it would be boring, but that was just my impression from what she told me.

I'm going to use the Science program this upcoming year for 5th and 9th. Just because I need things to be simple this year.

Traci

so much to think about! lol

I like the idea that it's all ready for me...I don't have to worry about putting my curriculum together and worry about meeting all the requirements. I'm so glad I have a few months to get my poop in a group here. lol

I use this with my older two boys (7th and 10th grade). We used it all last year, as well.

They're not at the computer long at all, but I do print out their lessons for them to read "on the go" or while sitting on the couch, lying in their beds, etc.

I make them take tons of notes, too. They study for their quizzes and tests using only their notes, which allows me to analyze and improve upon their note-taking skills).

I'd say that they're each actually on the computer about an hour on non-quiz/test days, and about two hours on quiz/test days. The rest of the time, their either writing their vocabulary words and definitions, working on their projects/research papers/essays, or reading to research the subject matter further.

I LOVE SOS because it keeps track of everything for me, I don't have to plan lessons, and I can control the assignment load. We set up the school calendar at the beginning of every school year to include the standard holidays, along with "extra" days off for doctor's appointments, field trips, etc.

SOS alerts the teacher when an assignment is past due, when something (written) needs to be graded, and the students can send message to the teacher if they're stuck on a problem, etc. Teachers can also send messages to the students.

It's a very comprehensive program, and it's completely flexible, too.

We also use the HS tracker to further enhance their HS portfolio with assignment reports, and attendance records.

HTH,

Angela

Thanks Angela. :)

We've decided against SOS this year and are doing The Weaver (unit studies). If we aren't happy with it, we may revisit SOS again, though I am trying hard to allow myself to embrace unschooling. ;)

I am considering SOS if I can find it for a reasonable price. I do have the weaver program, but I have been overwhelmed with the size of the books LOL I absolutely love the idea of it though.

I think I am going to sell off the weaver and buy switched on schoolhouse instead!

We are using sos for the second year (it's flexible and keeps track of grades).

The girls really enjoy using it too! (Andi is too young- next year)

I am considering SOS if I can find it for a reasonable price. I do have the weaver program, but I have been overwhelmed with the size of the books LOL I absolutely love the idea of it though.

I think I am going to sell off the weaver and buy switched on schoolhouse instead!

That's too funny because I'm using Weaver and was considering SOS. I think I'm just going to hold off and try Weaver this year. If we don't love it, I'll maybe try SOS next year. :)

I know several families that use SOS and all seem to be pleased with it. Personally, I wouldn't use a strictly computer based program unless my family was in a bind (illness, etc); I just don't like the idea of having a child do all their learning via a screen.