Vacation Stations

Description

If you're planning on taking a summer break, consider using one of these daily skill review books from Bob Jones University Press. By keeping up on skills in the summer, your children will be able to bypass the review built in to the beginning of every grade-level text. Even if you aren't using a textbook-based curriculum, the daily practice will keep them sharp. Meant to be used over a ten-week "vacation", each week consists of five 2-page review pages concentrating primarily on language (including writing), math, and reading skills. All work is designed to be done independently by your child in just 15 minutes/day. Every 2-page spread is divided into (usually) four "stations" your child will visit that day. Generally two of them are in the math area and two in language arts. Math stations are "Fact Harbor" (review of math facts), "Math Junction" (computational and place-value skills), and "Math Beacon" (review of various other math concepts). Language stations consistent to all levels are: "Reading Outpost" (practice reading concepts), "Language Lodge" (phonics in K-1 level, then grammar and sentence construction). The K-1 grade level also includes "Phonics Wayside" (reviews phonics and word analysis skills) and "General Store" which is not really a language station, but emphasizes other basic knowledge such as sequencing, opposites, time of day, classification, discrimination, etc. In Level 1-2 on, "Phonics Wayside" becomes "Word Wayside" (reviewing phonics and word analysis skills) and a "Writer's Nook" (writing opportunity) is added to the mix. From Level 2-3 on, an "Editor's Lookout" (proofreading skills) station is included. Every level also includes a "Station Break" page at the end of each week that is more of a fun activity. These vary and include artistic endeavors, puzzles, mazes, thinking skills, etc. Books are all printed in full color and revolve around a different "expedition" theme. Complete answer keys included.

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.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
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.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.