Abeka Homeschool

Abeka homeschool curriculum is one of the most popular homeschooling programs available, especially for Christian homeschoolers.

The Abeka curriculum is a K-12, accredited, faith-based homeschooling program that is also used by many Christian schools.

Before you decide if the Abeka curriculum is right for your family, it is important to consider the pros and cons of using the Abeka homeschool learning program.

Pros of Abeka Curriculum:

• The Abeka curriculum includes detailed lesson plans and schedules. This is beneficial to homeschooling parents that prefer a curriculum similar to that taught in public schools. It is also helpful to new homeschooling families who may require detailed and focused direction.
• Abeka materials are available individually or as part of grade-level kits. This enables homeschooling families to purchase only the materials they want without spending money on items they will not use.
• The Abeka homeschool curriculum has a high resale value, with many homeschooling parents preferring to buy the materials used.
• The Abeka material is advanced, providing a challenging curriculum for gifted students.
• Christian homeschoolers can benefit from the addition of biblical references throughout the material.

Cons of Abeka Curriculum:

• The Abeka homeschool curriculum is one of the most expensive homeschooling packages available, and it is considerably more expensive than public schooling.
• There is a heavy reliance on textbook and workbook learning, which may not be ideal for parents who prefer a more relaxed homeschool approach. The curriculum is also more time-consuming than other homeschooling curriculums, which may not be appealing to some homeschooling families.
• Abeka changes their curriculum and textbooks frequently, which may make it difficult to find corresponding workbooks for younger children if you plan to reuse the textbooks.
• Much of the work pages are included inside the textbooks. This means your child will need to write out his work on separate pieces of paper if you hope to reuse or sell your Abeka materials later.
• The accelerated curriculum may be too challenging for average students or children with learning disabilities. The advanced materials also result in a higher than average burn out rate.

Abeka homeschool curriculum is faith-based and accelerated, which may or may not be suitable for your child.

Abeka History materials cover history, government, and economics from a biblical viewpoint. A textbook is provided for first and second grade students, with third graders also having access to a test book and map skills book. Older students receive states and capitals flash cards, geography lessons, and other materials.

Abeka Math is a standard workbook-based math program that utilizes a spiral approach to teaching. While the materials cover the same general math topics for several years, the work examines the underlying math concepts in more depth each year. The problem with spiral teaching is that it may move too quickly for some children, while holding more advanced children back.

The phonics program included in the Abeka Phonics curriculum focuses on phonics rules and drill work for preschool through second grade. Flash cards are the basis for most of the drill work. Games and additional activities are also available for purchase.

The Abeka English program emphasizes the structure and rules of the English language, with work materials included on spelling, literature, writing, and vocabulary development. The English curriculum uses a spiral approach to learning, similar to the approach used in the Abeka Math curriculum.

Abeka Science is faith-based and promotes the view that God created the planet. While this is preferable for some Christian homeschoolers, the strong anti-evolution focus of the curriculum may be a bit much for others. Abeka Science combines textbook learning with vocabulary and some scientific experiment activities.

If you do not intend to sell the books and other learning materials when your child completes the program, you should consider buying used. Because Abeka homeschool curriculum is so popular, locating materials online and in your community is simple.

• You can purchase Abeka books and kits directly through the A Beka Book website.
• If you are interested in purchasing used materials, you can check with other homeschoolers in your area who use the Abeka homeschool program.
• Some Christian schools give away or sell older versions of Abeka textbooks when new editions become available.
• Second Harvest Curriculum offers a large number of used Abeka materials at fair prices.
• Amazon.com offers both new and used Abeka materials through third-party vendors.
• Check your local Craigslist for good deals on used materials, or try bidding on Abeka kits on eBay.

Abeka homeschool is an expensive alternative to other homeschooling curriculums, but its accelerated and faith-based coursework set it apart from other learning programs. Of course, every homeschooling family has different needs and expectations when it comes to developing or following a curriculum. The only way to determine if Abeka homeschool is right for you and your child is to try it.

• Thanksgiving Facts
• What Kinds of Animals Live in a Jungle
• Homeschooling Notebooking Ideas
• Which Curriculum Is Right For Me?

• Free Worksheets on Prefixes and Suffixes
• Free Grammar Worksheets
• Longitude Worksheet
• Free Spanish Worksheets for Kindergarten
• Printable Synonym Worksheets