gallred1
- Reviewed on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
- Grades Used: 2nd & 4th
- Dates used: 2010- present
After homeschooling for 13 years, I have found Rod & Staff and LOVE IT!!!! We have used their 2nd and 4th grade social studies. My children enjoy the format of the books especially "traveling" to other countries with other children. I appreciate the rich vocabulary for each lesson, the map studies (in 4th grade the students create a geography notebook using the black lines included in the back of each book), and the questions for further study which provoke thinking in my children... always a plus:)
My children have learned and retained the information presented which hasn't always been the case with other curriculum. The prices are very inexpensive. Most of all, I love that my children are getting a Biblically based, sound education.
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tamimayberry
- Reviewed on Monday, June 18, 2012
- Grades Used: 4th and 8th
- Dates used: 2011-2012
I have used Rod and Staff for several years for different subjects for my four homeschoolers. This year we chose to do R and S History and Science. My 4th and 8th graders loved it. I feel like since it is written in storybook form, it is more interesting to my children and they seem to remember important things so much more. I love Rod and Staff and will continue to use their products!
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sjloverink
- Reviewed on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
- Grades Used: 2nd grade
- Dates used: 2011
I have ordered the entire curriculum of Rod and Staff and as for Social Studies - when we started it I knew we wouldnt like it. The story length is too long, its dry, and its always talking about Canada. We stopped using during the 2nd lesson as I could see my sons lack of interest and frustration with trying to read so much of it with me.
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heavenlyhoney
- Reviewed on Friday, April 9, 2010
- Grades Used: 1st-2nd
- Dates used: 2009-10
This review is for R&S's 7th grade text, Understanding the Old World.
I am using this text as a read-aloud for my 2nd and K sons as their first go-through ancient history. Obviously, that isn't what it was meant for, but this book is the *only* history book I could find that I really wanted to use. My criteria was that I wanted a book that included Biblical history and presented everything in the light of Scripture. I also wanted something not-too-dry, more narrative. This book fit the bill.
The text is engaging, simple, to-the-point and has many Biblical quotes scattered throughout. It is not exhaustive, covering every single historical event, but is a great overview for my kids. The authors compare everything to Scripture. They are fair in that they always highlight the good things about people or events, but are clear when said people or events contradict what the Bible teaches. The maps and pictures are clear and fascinating. I supplement with some picture books and The Story of the Ancient World by Guerber/Christine Miller.
Another plus is that a few of the chapters focus on the Waldenses, Anabaptists and Mennonites. Since our family has a Mennonite background, this was a nice addition for us and something that is not often included in other programs.
We are going to continue with this book next year as we study the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, adding in some biographies, picture books and historical fiction. I am also considering using this text again for our second go through history because the mapwork looks good and there are interesting thought questions at the end of each chapter that would be good for older students.
I am really happy with this text. I found it so interesting that I sat down one weekend and read the whole thing like a book. If you are looking for a solid Biblical view on history, this is it.
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