Since he’s my fifth child and all are homeschooled, I tried using the books that I'd used before with the other kids. It didn't work, and I realized that it had been a bit of a struggle here and there with the older ones who had similar inclinations. The problem was, I realized, that most give short shrift to mathematics and science, while focusing on language arts and social studies. While these are important, the imbalance explains a bit about why some kids are antsy, and why we have to import many of our scientists from Asia.
I set about looking for a curriculum that focuses a bit more on the hard sciences. This is very hard to do, since most available elementary school science textbooks are filled with scientific errors (for examples, look up "k-6 science textbook errors" on the web). On a seemingly endless search through the wilderness of Amazon, I came across Nebel's Elementary Education, by Bernard J. Nebel. Aha!
Nebel's Elementary Education, subtitled Creating a Tapestry of Learning, is an overview of what a good education in kindergarten through about fifth or sixth grade should include. It's also a lot more.
It is divided into seven themes, each of which can be partly covered each year, according to the child's ability and interests. For instance, Theme Four is Living, Nonliving and Human-made Things. Obviously that's a bit much to cover in one year, but a plan is laid out and suggestions are given for when and how to teach about the world around us. Experiments and websites are suggested, but textbooks and such are not. This can be a bit frustrating, but in the end it may be better, since it means that the book will not become dated as quickly. The themes start out with what the child knows and has encountered in his or her world already, and builds on that knowledge with activities and ideas in a way that allows the maturing mind to grasp it all firmly.
Discussion and writing are the used to encourage the children to think and to remember the ideas they have learned, and to consider the matter further, and maybe discover something new.
Unit study homeschoolers may be particularly attracted to this book. It gives a framework, makes quite a few practical suggestions, then leaves a lot of room for library books and Internet exploration. It can serve as a guide that reassures you that you're covering all the bases, and can be used with multiple grade levels, and with children who like to work more slowly or more quickly than most. Unschoolers may also like the framework and activity guides….and your older child may even decide to read the book!
Nebel's is non-sectarian, but not anti-religious, which makes it useful for anyone. There is a heavy emphasis on connecting what is learned to what the child already understands, creating a structure in the mind that can support more information and be used to consider a variety of ideas. There is also emphasis on developing children's critical thinking abilities and values.
There is also a forum for discussion listed in the book, where Dr. Nebel answers user's questions and assists them in using the curriculum. Now that's service!
Neal is very satisfied with the new approach to school. I've noticed a definite rise in the sophistication of the questions he asks. His little sister Alanna, age six, seems to enjoy it, though she still likes her workbooks also.
