How to PA

Part 2

     When I first started using the PA, I dove in head first.  Whatever you do, do with all your might.  Right?  Well...ok, but perhaps I can help others from burning out, like I did.  I started right away with writing my own curriculum for everything.  I did Grammar, Math, History, Writing Road to Reading, and Bible.  After 2 1/2 years, I was dead in the water.  I just couldn't keep up with it all.  My vision was still the same, but I needed to seriously reassess my methods.

     Jim Rose helped me with the idea that I really ought to just PA one subject, until I felt like it was solid in my understanding.  You know, when you've been teaching something for awhile, it begins to run like clockwork.  Adding new stuff as you learn then becomes part of the process, not the whole of preparation. This was some of the best advice I've received.  I went directly to History, and left the rest to 'canned' curriculum.  (More on that later)  When you feel like you're ready, add another subject (could be years - seriously!)

     Katherine Dang helped me to understand that I didn't need to CRAM a bazillion facts into my kids' heads.  The Leading Idea became solid as I listened to her liberating teaching. 

     I attended ACH seminars (my page on this is in process) every year, with one exception, for 6 years in a row.  In these seminars, I was refueled, renewed, and my vision was restored.  I encourage everyone who wants to teach the PA in their home to take some time to listen - to Katherine on line, to cd's and tapes (you can borrow mine - I may soon be able to copy and sell them - minimal cost, I promise).  Go away with a PA friend, if you have the luxury, and set a weekend to discuss and plan for the coming year.  ACH was my anchor in continuing with the vision that God had given me.  If you don't have such input as ACH seminars, I have the cd's from the last one I attended.  AND, you can schedule one, if you have the wherewithal to do so.

     Curriculum that can 'sit in' until you're ready for it (well, I still use a lot of it...there's no law that says you have to PA every subject):

     1.  MWOG - History

     2.  Rudiments (are these put out by FACE?) - the 7 Principles of America's Heritage

     3.  Peter Marshall's books (reading, not curriculum): The Light and the Glory, From Sea to Shining Sea and Sounding Forth the Trumpet - there are adult books, and about 4th grade level books.

     4.  America's Providential History (Jr. High and up) Rudiments of America's Providential History, including the 7 Principles

     5.  Follow the plan I gave in part 1 for studying the Red Books (T&L and CHOC).  Just do it with your students.

     6.  Rod and Staff has some wonderful books for Grammar and what they call Social Studies.

     7.  I've heard some good comments about Judah Bible Curriculum on bibleprinciples@yahoogroups.com

     8.  Streams of Civilization, Parts 1 & 2 are good supplemental for History.

     9.  Abeka has some very good Literature books.

     10.  Abeka also has some very good Grammar workbooks for the upper levels (but I prefer the Rod and Staff for my family).

     11.  America's Christian History series, by Intrepid books (they have a number of levels to choose from) - History

     12.  A Guide for Learning and Teaching the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, by Joseph Andrews - Government, about high school level.

     13.  Ray's Arithmetic, and Math U See seem to be popular (we use Ray's and like it very much - even with the archaic language).

     14.  Apologia is good for Science.

     - I know there are a lot more and the bibleprinciples site will have more listed, I'll wager.

     I know a lot of people use the Noah Plan, which can be very helpful.  I found it to be overwhelming, so I just use it as a reference - I only have the old Red Binder and a few Guides.