Moving to Ace paces for the majority of our studies has created a routine for us. That routine generally leaves us time to work on other things.
Last year, when our finances were severely limited, I became enamored with the idea of using the Bible as our main textbook. Articles by Robin Sampson, as well as her book, The Heart of Wisdom approach, touched my heart. I loved the concept of the program. I just couldn't seem to get it to work in practical application.
Using Ace has actually helped me to get things organized. My 9th grader has to use a more traditional approach due to all those that we have to report to. My 7th grader is struggling in some areas. I have realized that I have my teaching strengths and weaknesses. Using something like Ace in those areas where I am not as strong is wonderful. I don't stress that I am doing a horrible job in those areas any longer. Now I can focus on the areas where I feel God is leading.
For example, in making the Bible our main textbook, the premise is to have all our studies stem from the Bible. There are a couple companies that have written curriculum using the Bible as the main text, and a few brave homeschoolers that are venturing on their own in this area. For me, I like to know that I have our studies covered with a Christian worldview, and then add in extras that stem from our Bible studies.
Using Weaver curriculum, which I picked up used on Ebay over the summer, I have been able to put together lessons. Instead of stressing and worrying that I won't be meeting the needs academically that I have for three children, I can instead focus on what I want to emphasize. We began with lessons on Joseph just this week. I am adding to that stories and lessons about slavery. I added in the novel Freedom's Pen; A Story Based on the Life of Freed Slave and Author Phillis Wheatley, from the Daughters of the Faith series. Finding parallels in the life of two slaves is fascinating. I am using Heart of Dakota's Drawn Into the Heart of Reading, which is a reading program I bought last year, with both girls to (using the 6-8 level) to really delve into Freedom's Pen from a Biblical point of view. At this point I can skip the lessons about plants that are in the Weaver guide. The girls are studying science, and I don't feel the necessity to emphasize plants at this time. If Weaver was all we were using, I would add the plant study. But, since I have chosen to use something else for science, I can add what I like to add depth to our study of the Bible, not just follow the guide to the letter. And while the girls are also studying Social studies (History and geography) with Ace, I felt that touching on the topic of slavery would add to the study of Joseph. (I haven't added my Kindergartener to this study at this time. She has her own personal Bible time with Mom.)
For me, the stress of planning everything was too much. With Ace, my planning time is simple. The program is set up to teach students on an individual basis, in small increments. I have watched my 9th grader go from a struggling public school student with labels to an excelling homeschool student. I am watching my 7th grader gain skills that either weren't covered by other curricula we have used, or were one of my weak areas where I didn't teach well. She is doing wonderfully, and I couldn't be more proud.
I realize that Ace, which is workbook based, conflicts in most homeschoolers' minds with Unit studies or Bible as the main textbook or.... well... every other method out there. It should be boring, dry, and cause my kids to hate learning. However, just the opposite has happened. My kids enjoy their studies, and it gives me a foundation. It gives them the security of knowing what they need to do every day. The Paces are very Biblical, very Godly. And, it is a tool! I think one of the problems of many homeschoolers is looking at curriculum choices as an end all and be all in homeschool education. Some people swear by Literature based only, or Unit Studies only, or Charlotte Mason only. Others are eclectic, choosing some of this and some of that. I don't have a problem with any curriculum choice that works for a family. I have used and love parts of all of those methods.
I am a strong believer of the Hebrew method of education. Again, this would seem to conflict with using Ace. Ace, since it is used in Christian schools, is looked upon as a textbook type of program. However, I don't see Ace Paces as set up in the same way as most textbooks. This program is individualistic. Used in a homeschool setting, it is very different from using it in a school setting. And while it is meant to be self-teaching, I have found that I can interact with my daughters quite well with this curriculum. I read through their paces, so I know what they will be learning. I am confident in the steady progression of skills in the core subjects, such as math and grammar. And, since I look at Ace as a tool, I can add to the studies if I desire. Since the Hebrew method of education is relationship based, I find that Ace helps. I am not stressing about if they are retaining the information in the science novel they are reading. Instead, with Ace, I know they are learning, and we can delve into our areas of interest together, thus enhancing our relationships.
When everything falls apart, my older two girls can do their school. While I do most of the grading for my girls' work, I know that, even sick in bed, school will continue. And now there is a sense of freedom to our schooling. While we use Ace's suggestions for literature, we also add LOTS of books to our school. Right now both of my girls are reading at least three books each that are not in their Ace studies. With the addition of a Unit Study based journey through the Bible, I am anticipating lots of projects and books and videos. And, if we miss a day with the unit study, school work will still get done.
This may sound complicated, but it isn't really. It is what works for us. And, after joining the Ace Homeschoolers Facebook Group, I have discovered that I am not alone. Lots of homeschooling families use and trust Ace, and don't feel bad when they add other studies into the work. While many believe that Ace is too easy, or are negative about the Christian content, or just didn't like the curriculum when they tried it; so many others have found that it gives them freedom in their homeschool. No longer is there pressure to find that perfect curriculum. If they want to add something else, they can. If they want to add something with more critical thinking, or more writing, or more literature, there is nothing holding them back. One mother supplements Ace with Progeny Press literature guides, while another adds on parts of My Father's World unit studies.
I have discovered that I am not unique in using one main curriculum and supplementing or adding in other things. I have discovered that I am not the only homeschooling mom that doesn't feel married to one method or one curriculum to the point that I won't use anything else... or feel the need to bash other methods that seem counter to what I am using.
My girls need stability. My poor seventh grader has used many different types of curricula and methods since we began homeschooling four years ago. This has given her a broad measure of how she learns, and different ways of learning, but some of those jumps haven't been positive. Switching math curricula and methods of teaching over and over have been horrible for a child that already struggles in this area.
So far, by budgeting a certain amount every week or two, I have been able to keep up with purchases. I use the library for added literature. Finding a Facebook and a yahoo group where there is a lot of support has meant the world to me. There are too many people out there that like to criticize the choices of others, believing that their method or curriculum is superior. However, that method or curriculum may have failed a different family.
I am sure that there are searchers out there. Like I have done, they are curriculum hopping, searching for something that works for their children and brings them peace. For our family, after trying, leaving, and coming back, I think we have found a happy medium.
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