Robinson Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions


Question

Will this Curriculum work for my children if they have already started with another one?AnswerYes it will work just fine. It may take more time to transition into the self-teaching methodology, depending on their background, than if they started with the Robinson Curriculum to begin with.


Question

What is the Scholarship Program?AnswerThe scholarship program is paid for by those who pay full price. You may direct further questions about the scholarship program to OISM at 2251 Dick George Rd., Cave Junction OR 97523.


Question

Is there a demo available?AnswerNo. This is one way we keep the price low. However we do make the RC Sample Pack available on request by email to: [email protected]


Question

What are the computer requirements?

Answer

System Requirements:  Microsoft Windows


Question

Will I need a computer for each child?AnswerNo you do not. It only takes one to print out the materials. In fact, with RC Online now available, you can use RC with your phone or a tablet.


Question

Do I have to buy the whole set of Saxon Math books at one time?AnswerYou may buy just one or as many or as few as you like.


Question

Can I buy the CDs for just one grade?AnswerNo, it is a complete set of CDs and we cannot separate it.


Question

Can I buy the Saxon Math answer books alone since I already have the book?AnswerNo, we can’t do that. We purchased them in sets ourselves.


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Do I need the latest version of the Saxon Math books?AnswerNo, the versions are virtually the same. However we do recommend the hard cover Student Textbooks with matching Answer keys as these can be used across multiple children.

Question

Is there a money back guarantee?AnswerWe have a no return policy to help keep the cost down. We would rather people read the information we offer than purchase the Curriculum without knowing what they are getting.We do stand behind our product and will replace any defective CDs. We also offer free technical support for the software.


Question

Can I view the books on the computer?AnswerYes, there is very good on screen reading software (the best of any software of which we are aware) but we recommend you print out the materials since we recommend the children do not look at the computer for extended periods of time. The nature of screens compared to paper is that a child’s comprehension and retention of the material is significantly impaired and retards both reading speed and the ability to recreate the story line or thesis of the book.


Question

Can the Curriculum be used as a supplement?AnswerIt can be used to great profit as a supplement since it is such a rich resource of materials. However, to get the greatest benefit from the Curriculum it should be used full time if possible.


Question

How long will it take to get my Curriculum?AnswerThe Curriculum will arrive 2-3 weeks from when you place your order. It will arrive by Priority Mail from the USPS. Of course, your access to RC Online is provided within 24 hours of your order.


Question

Where do I start my older child?Answer

Dr. Robinson has created a curriculum or educational program that truly is not based on “grades.”

The student/child is advancing through a series of math books, writing daily, studying, and reading a course of chosen literature at an individual pace. The literature to be read is put in an order from simple to advanced levels and you can choose where to begin by using your own judgement as you view the books on the screen, based on your knowledge of your child’s age and reading ability. I would not worry about starting an older child too early in the reading selections as most of the books are enjoyable and worth reading at any age.

A more objective way of placing the student is by using the vocabulary flash cards to determine their reading comprehension level.

Each book in the core read order has a corresponding vocabulary. Choose a place in the read order and if they do 80% or better on the first pass through the vocabulary flash cards (Words and Definitions) they can skip ahead in their reading. If they get less than 80% correct you should skip back. Keep on testing till you find their level. (They should master all the vocabulary words regardless of where they start.)

For Math, Saxon Publishers have available math placement tests. Or, if you have them available, use the tests that come with each textbook.

See Placement and Testing for more.


Question

How well does the Robinson Curriculum prepare students for college and do I need a diploma?AnswerThe Robinson Curriculum is specially designed to prepare students for the SAT – a standardized nationwide test administered by the College Board (not to be mistaken with the SAT Achievement test which does not give you any credit). The Saxon Math and the RC Vocabulary section do an excellent job for SAT prep. For further credit they can take the Adanced Placement Exams for the college they are attending in order to test out of credit courses. This reduces the time and money required to get their degree. 3 of the Robinson children have done all this with great results. They only need a GED if they are going into something that does not require college but does need a “High School” diploma. A transcript generally does you no good. It is the SAT scores that matter. Any other paper is not important except in unusual cases.


Question

My child scores very high and is gifted. Would this Curriculum be appropriate (he loves computers too)?AnswerThe Curriculum has a lot of “headroom” for the gifted student. The science aspect of the Curriculum has optional elements that will stretch the limits of the most exceptional student. The Vocabulary and Exams are especially geared toward preparing the student for the SAT. Note that the Curriculum is mostly paper based for the student. They do not sit in front of the computer to use this Curriculum. The most valuable aspect of the Curriculum is the Course of Study documents (of which the Robinson Story is a part). The section on Oral Learning is invaluable and unique.


I am new to homeschooling. How do I get started?

Here is what I would suggest:

1. Read as much of our website as you can. Listen to the Robinson Audio – Video as well.

2. Join the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. (see www.hslda.org)

3. Try out the Robinson Forum and see how others are doing it.

4. See our page on where to start an older child at: Where to Start an Older Child.

5. Look up homeschool groups in your area: Regional Associations – Local Homeschool Groups


More FAQ’s

For more frequently asked questions see: Frequently Asked Questions from the Support section.

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