Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum

[MelissaMinNC]

Why didn't anyone tell me about this?! ;) What a great resource; I picked it up yesterday, and have been working through the exercises. I've gotten great reassurance about some things (hey, I really AM a combo of CM/Classical/Unit Studies...and hey, Tapestry of Grace fits us just as well as I thought it did! LOL), I've gotten good jumping off points for some other things (lots of good science ideas!), and I'm completely baffled by a couple others. Like, according to dd's learning-mode/learning style, Math-U-See should bea great choice for - too bad she absolutely HATES it, LOL. I just have been unable to make it work for us all year, and am contemplating a switch to Singapore - keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it works for her and that I can teach it.

This is long and rambly, when all I really wanted to say is - if you've been under a rock, as I apparently have been, and don't know about this book, it's really a helpful tool for matching up curricula that aligns with your educational philosophy and goals, your teaching style, and your children's learning styles. It's been a really good starting point for me to just get some goals down on paper - having had no idea how to even go about that before. (Should I admit that??? DD's just in 1st grade - I don't think I've damaged her too badly, yet.)

:)
Melissa

[Osaubi]

I love this book also! It really help me figure out my ds learning style, and what would be a good fit for our homeschooling style. She also has a website that I go to and look at when I hear about somehthing new.

[Malenki]

She has a website with additional reviews on it, btw!

http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com

I've found it quite helpful.

[GVA]

I actually sold my copy about a week ago because I feel pretty confident of what we're doing now, and my oldest has only one more year of mom-planned work. My younger one will pretty much follow what we're doing now until she reaches that point.

It helped me through a crises several years ago when homeschooling just was not working the way I wanted. I realized that I was using way too many mom-intensive programs when I looked at her grid. We ended up with a less mom-intense classical approach and more independent work. It's been great the last two years, and I've even increased my work hours with little impact on our homeschooling.

I don't agree with everything she says, but she's more insightful than most about that pluses and minuses of particular programs.

[Stacy in NJ]

I've found her book helpful, as well, but I would point out that her recommendations are aimed at Christian homeschooler. Someone schooling primarily secularly or from another religious point of view might not find it as helpful.

[MelissaMinNC]

Forgot to mention it - we are Christian, so it doesn't bother me, but it is something to be aware of.

Thanks,
Melissa

[Michelle T]

and still pull both out from time to time.

A very helpful book, although I sure wish there was a secular book like it.

Michelle T

[Karin]

I like it even though none of my kids fits in her learning categories very smoothly. I just wish she had more than 100 picks, so to speak, so there would be more things in her handy-dandy chart.

[Sue in St Pete]

I don't buy many books for myself. I checked this book out from the library so many time, I finally had to buy it. It really helped me as a new homeschooler narrow down the myriad of choices. I check the jr/sr high one out from the library now.

I find it interesting now, though, that many of my choices are not reviewed in her book. There is so much new out. And, I'd love a secular equivalent also.