Over the years, members of our Education in Japan online forum have told us what educational materials and resources they’ve used either as their core curriculum or the main materials or packages they have relied upon. Below is a listing:
Here are a few of my favorite materials:
1) The book by Susan Wise-Bauer titled The Well Trained Mind (WTM). I love her approach to h-sing, and the book gives a wonderful roadmap for teaching a complete K-12 education. Most of the grammar and writing books SWB sells are great… and there are many WTM yahoo groups for advice. Website: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/
2) The Story of the World history books from SWB. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/
3) Spell to Write and Read (SWR) phonogram materials are wonderful for understanding English (especially ESL). The entire program is time consuming though… and you don’t really need it. The SWR book Wise Guide has amazing vocabulary based on the “rules”. Again, there is a yahoo group.
4) The book Deconstructing Penguins is a GREAT guide to running book clubs for children. Our children’s book club has been the best outside of the classroom activity we have found.
5) We use the flashcards on www.aaamath.com, which has been a life saver for cementing math facts.
Rainbow Resources has a huge selection of curricula, and is where my cousin based in China buys most of her h-sing materials (she has h-sed for 18 years!) http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php — Dana
We use http://www.cosmeo. com/ quite frequently to introduce, supplement, or drive home lessons in all subjects areas for all grade levels. It’s a Discovery Channel subscription site costing $99.00 per year. Highly recommended. — S.M.
Brainpop and Brainpop Jr (for K-e) We use Brainpop. Provides educational movies for K-3 students. Homework Help, leveled quizzes, games and activities for kids. Exceptional resource for teachers and homeschools. BrainPOP Jr. movies explain topics in a grade-appropriate manner.– Juli
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