Math, Phonics, Course of Study

Mathematics is a key element in early education. Not only is mathematics the language of science, mathematics also teaches mental discipline and rigorous rational reasoning.

The Robinson Curriculum uses Saxon math books and a unique study method that markedly enhances their effectiveness and the student’s progress.

Everything required for 12 years of home-education is on these 22 CD-ROMs with the exception of nine Saxon math books – starting with Saxon 54 and extending through Saxon Calculus. An order form allowing purchase of these books at our cost comes with each set of 22 CDs. Each student usually finishes these books by age 14 to 16, so about one book per year is needed, depending on the student’s individual rate of progress. (Ed. To know where to start older children, you can click here to find the free Saxon Math placement exams.)

The curriculum is not divided by “grade” levels. Each student simply moves up a seamless road of knowledge at whatever rate of progress his abilities and study habits permit. We omit grade levels because they have become a means by which student achievement is normed to public school academic levels. These schools have, however, fallen very far behind the academic levels that were common even in the public schools of earlier generations. Children should not be deprived of the chance for a superb education by subjecting them to the failed standards of public schools.

 

During the first year of school, each student learns to read by phonics and practices reading with a great many books until reading becomes both easy and enjoyable. The CDs contain phonics flash cards, a large number of books that are both fun to read and appropriate to this first year of education, sets of vocabulary flash card exams for each book, and reading comprehension exams for some of the books. The student also learns all of the arithmetic tables by means of flash cards, so that he knows these tables perfectly. When this year has been completed, with some teacher help in learning phonics and understanding arithmetic, the student is ready for self-teaching.

Thereafter, each school day consists of math (or science when the appropriate math has been completed), followed by writing, followed by reading. The only teacher interaction required is in marking errors in the daily writing assignment. Students spend five to six hours in class each day. We advocate that this be done six days per week, ten to eleven months per year. This schedule is, of course, dependent upon family habits. The more study, the greater progress.

The “Course of Study,” a book-length document on the CDs, explains every aspect of using this curriculum in extensive detail. It gives many hints and helpful procedures covering all aspects of the learning process. The keys to academic success are good study habits and excellent study materials. The Course of Study emphasizes the means by which students can acquire good study habits. The 22 CD-ROMs provide excellent study material for students of all ages – including materials extending all the way from those for beginning students to materials so academically difficult that even the most advanced and brilliant students will still be challenged.

History, English, literature, economics, geography, and all other subjects except for math, science, and writing are taught during the reading period each day. These are taught from actual books rather than text books. For example, the War Between the States is studied by reading autobiographies of the most famous individuals who fought on both sides of the war – supplemented by illustrations produced by artists who were actually present during the pictures events.

The books for these subjects are mixed together and presented to the student in a specific, carefully determined reading order, so that the vocabulary, sentence structure, and content of the books gradually becomes more difficult as the student’s abilities increase. Each book is followed by a vocabulary exercise in a flash card format to ensure that the vocabulary from each book becomes an active part of the student’s vocabulary. The CDs also provide extensive reading comprehension examinations for many of the books. These tests are in the format of the Scholastic Aptitude Tests that the student will be required to take for college entrance.