Alphabet Island was designed to be taught by non-professional teachers, The lessons are meant to be read aloud and there is virtually no advance preparation required. It may take a little while when you are first getting started to get used to the directions, but it soon becomes easy and enjoyable for both you and your child. […]
Q: How far does the Alphabet Island go?
Alphabet Island Level 1 is basically for Kindergarten. There are two workbooks, 2-A and 2-B in Level 2 that cover 1st through 3rd grade material and the “big” patterns of phonics. When you finish with the Alphabet Island, you may continue teaching spelling with the Eagle’s Wings Comprehensive Handbook of Phonics for 4th through 9th grade. You […]
Q: Why do you have the little characters in Alphabet Island?
Children generally do not develop in their abstract thinking skills until they are about 9 years old. Spelling is actually a very abstract concept. The letter characters and the stories about them make it easier for the children to understand. For example, they may not be able to remember that ‘c’ says /s/ with ‘e’, ‘I’ and […]
Q: How do I know if my child does not need to start with the Level 1 portion?
If your child knows how to hear, see, say and write each letter of the alphabet, and can read and spell any three-letter word, he may enter directly to Level 2. The first unit of Level 2 is review, so if there are any deficiencies, you may work on them at that time and go on […]
Q: How is spelling taught in Alphabet Island Phonics?
Rules, often in the form of songs, give a concise and logical understanding of when and where to use a particular spelling for any given sound.
Q: What are some of the unusual ways Considering God’s Creation has been used?
Considering God’s Creation has really met a need in the homeschool community and the majority of the families who are using, use it in their home studies. There are a few Sunday school classes that have used it. There are many homeschool co-op science classes that use it. One of those classes wrote a complete […]
Q: What is the music like?
I am not a professional musician, but I enjoy music, and really had a good time writing the words and music for these songs. We included songs we wrote especially for our children, but most of the songs are to help the children learn scientific definitions and relate them to their spiritual lives. For example, […]
Q: If I already have another science program, can I use Considering God’s Creation with it?
Certainly! Considering God’s Creation can be used to supplement any other science program. Simply pick out the sections that apply use whatever fits in. When my oldest son was in a homeschool Biology co-op, they used a highschool textbook, but also did the notebook pages on plants, animals and humans from Considering God’s Creation.
Q: What is the purpose for the “Scientist Detective” page?
The Scientist Detective pages were designed to develop a very important learning skill. In the process of finding out information about various scientists, your child is learning to develop the ability to discern the scientist ‘s worldview. Essentially, there are two worldviews—a view of the world with God as Creator, or a view of the […]
Q: How do I use the “Digging Deeper” section?
These are ideas for further study, research and discovery. They often require outside resources and books. For example, when studying various scientists, we recommend “For Those Who Dare” a book by John Hudson Tiner. Although you would primarily use this section with the older children, some of the suggestions could be done by the younger […]