My son (15 yo and 10th grade) is a struggling learner. We recently discovered that he is dyslexic. He struggles with Math and Science. He is most definitely a Right Brain Learner. He is very creative and is amazing at drawing and other arts. We changed curriculum at the start of this school year to Switched on Schoolhouse. We had read reviews that there were features that would be helpful (we thought). Plus, we were hoping to work on more independent working. The curriculum is fine, but it was a BIG mistake. He is not doing as well and the curriculum is not well suited for his needs. Now I have invested a lot of money into this and need to re-think and re-order curriculum. Even my 12th grader is struggling with the change in curriculum, although there are different issues. So, I am asking for any and all advice on the best curriculum options for High School in the following subjects…anything that is good for Right Brain Learners or whatever you can suggest. Thank you all (in advance) so much for the advice. I am stressed out and I just hate my awesome son so down on himself. He struggles so much with academics and the consistent struggles with school gets him down. I am hoping to find some other options to check into. Thanks again and sorry for the long post.
High School creation-based sciences: any Earth Science or Astronomy (We’ve already done Biology), Chemistry (for my older son–Not Apologia)
Math: general math concepts before Algebra (He knows the addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc.) but I don’t know if there is anything good between that and Algebra? Some good options for Algebra too.
American History: (We are looking at the SCM books, but any other ideas to help out)
You could use Math U See, for pre-algebra. We like how the books are set up with short daily lessons. If the student does well with the concept you can move faster, but go at your own pace.
Simply Charlotte Mason for history, it’s a relaxed way to do history using all living books. My daughter enjoys history this way, she is 14.
I think Math U See Pre Algebra sounds like a good choice as well. You could alternatively use Khan academy or the Key To series to work on specific areas as needed. I wouldn’t worry so much about trying to get through a certain level of math with your struggling learners, but on mastery of as much as possible.
If your sons will struggle with a heavy reading load, you could always use the SCM books used for 9th grade instead of using the ones for upper high school grades.
If you’re interested in Astronomy, you might check out Signs and Seasons Classical Astronomy by Jay Ryan. We are using it right now and it is easy to understand but very informative. Another option may be some of Master Book’s science programs. Take a look at Friendly Chemistry for your older son. It’s on my list of Chemistry programs to potentially use with my daughter.
Hewitt Homeschooling offers a syllabus to use Whatever Happened to Penny Candy and Whatever Happened to Justice to fulfill a half credit in Economics and a half credit in Government.