Curriculum Help

extaticmom · #1 12-02-2009, 08:52 PM

I have been teaching for 4 1/2 years now. I have used 3 different curriculum; SOS, Lifepac and the Trivium. My son gets good grades and seems to understand our lessons, but when we go to achievement tests he bombs. Can anyone give me advice on what the best curriculum is to use? I would like to hear from people who have made the grade and enjoyed the curriculum with their children. I need something simple to use, something fun for the kids, and has gotten results; not only on tests but also in day to day life. Thanks.

Brooke · #2 12-02-2009, 10:05 PM

Welcome! I sure hope you get some good advice. I think all of us at one time or another were trying to figure this one out. If you are using curriculum based on state standards to coincide with the tests, then it probably isn't the curriculum that is the issue. He may be having trouble with test taking.

I'm looking forward to seeing others' responses, as my son is having similar problems.

hmsclmommyto2 · #3 12-02-2009, 10:10 PM

It might not be a curriculum issue. If your son enjoys the curriculum you're currently using & he's learning, changing the curriculum may do more harm than good.
I would look at a few other possibilities before changing your curriculum.
Does he take any other tests? It's possible that he might not be good at tests. Some people test well, others don't. If he doesn't take any other tests, you may want to try giving him a timed test at home, just to see how he does.
There's also the question of studying. Have you worked with him on proper study skills? Does he spend time studying /preparing for these tests? He should spend time studying & reviewing every day for at least a few weeks before the test to prepare. That way, the information is fresh in hhis mind when he takes the test.

MenifeeMom · #4 12-02-2009, 10:47 PM

I agree that the problem could be test taking skills. I teach both my daughters using the same materials and their scores couldn't be more different. I have worked very hard over the past 2 years trying to help one get her scores up and nothing has worked. She may never be a good test taker, so I do what I can and focus on preparing her for life.

Ava Rose · #5 12-02-2009, 11:10 PM

My kids do the same stuff...well, the same curriculum...the exact same thing in history and science. One kid does amazingly well on achievement tests and the other does so-so. My amazing child is an auditory learner. he can look at spelling words on Monday and without looking at the list again get 100% on the test on Friday. My amazing daughter but so-so test taker, needs daily work in spelling. She is very visual. She could build the Eiffel Tower out of legos or tell you which state is which even if she only sees the square ones on a flash card not within the US map...but she has issues taking multiple choice tests.

You need to know what type of learner your son is before making an assessment. The curriculum may be just fine. He just may need to learn some test taking skills or if he is not an auditory learner (those tests are geared toward that type of learning) he will have to learn how to take those tests from his own point of view.

crazymama · #6 12-03-2009, 07:07 AM

I agree, I think it's most likely a test taking thing. Some people get tests naturally, some people have to be taught skills and then some just aren't test kind of people.

Relax, you see the learning taking place, you are doing a great job!

Autumnleavz · #7 12-03-2009, 07:10 AM

I agree, it's probably just a problem taking the test. One thing too, there are study guide workbooks out there that you can get if it's a yearly achievement test to help prepare. I think if your child is enjoying the curriculum and is learning, then don't change it.

Lindina · #8 12-03-2009, 07:41 AM

I suggest the Spectrum Test Prep books. I'd suggest that you have him do a page or two from every book (they're not very expensive) up through the grade level of test he'll be taking. For example, if he's in 4th grade and will be taking the fourth grade test, have him do the first, second, and third AND fourth grade Spectrum Test Prep books. That way, he builds up gradually to the harder questions, and is developing his own strategies to answer them. If he misses a lot at first, you can discuss each question with him and find where his thinking was faulty, and correct it.

chicamarun · #9 12-03-2009, 08:18 AM

I was going to suggest the prep books as well. They are very helpful and run practice tests with your son so he gets used to being timed.

peanutsweet · #10 12-03-2009, 12:34 PM

I have noticed that my dd tests well orally, but on paper she does terrible even with the same test. I think orally she is more focused, and on paper she is more easily distracted and her mind wanders.
We do oral tests then. Some kids do better with multiple choice vs essay style ect.
One thing I do with my youngest is I test her but don't tell her it is a test. I sit down and start asking questions, and she chats away.

If she heard the word 'test' she would freak out, saying 'mommy, I can't do tests'!
So really it is all in her head lol
She is so proud to see that she did good when I tell her our little 'talk' was a test for a grade. We do lots of things orally so she doesn't always know what I am up to.