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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Build
your own fully functioning microscope with this child-friendly science kit and
learn about the concepts of lenses and refractions as you go! No glue or tools
required; just follow the instructions to fit the pieces together. The
microscope features up to 100x zoom, making it valuable for continued learning
and observation even after the project is completed. Includes pre-cut wooden
pieces, 1 battery-operated light source, 2 lenses, 75 loose parts, rubber
bands, cushioning foam sheet, and instruction manual.
Publisher's Description of Smartivity Microscope
Build your very own wooden microscope with 100x zoom by following the
easy step-by-step instructions. A fun way to learn about the world that
can barely be seen with the naked eye. Learn about the concepts of
Lenses and Refraction along the way. Trusted by parents and loved by
kids in 30+ countries. Every Smartivity toy goes through months of
extensive research and testing before launch; carefully crafted by a
team of toy designers, and tested by children, parents, & STEM
experts.
Combining learning and fun, these high-quality DIY building kits from Smartivity are sure to secure a place in your child's educational playtime! Each laser-cut wood playset revolves around a scientific or mechanical principle and can be built from scratch in an hour or less. Full-color, step-by-step instructions are provided to assemble each major piece before combining it all together to create a working machine! Along the way, a "Learner's Log" illustrates important scientific and mechanical principles. When completed, simple activities or projects to try are included. No glue or adhesives are required. Sturdy wooden fasteners and rubber bands are included as necessary, allowing kids an easy and clean building process.