The Abeka homeschool curriculum is becoming increasingly popular with parents looking for alternatives to traditional in-class schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Abeka is a Christian-based homeschool program that provides a pre-packaged kit with textbooks and a series of DVDs to teach the curriculum. Parents often wonder how much DVD time is required for their children to successfully complete Abeka homeschool.
What is Abeka Curriculum?
Abeka is an accredited homeschool system that applies biblical values and incorporates academics within the curriculum. It has been in existence for over 40 years and is an option for parents who want to provide their children with an alternative to traditional schooling.
The Abeka curriculum caters to preschool to high school, including courses for college credit. The Abeka curriculum is a complete course, including books, tests, videotapes, and other resources. Abeka follows a full-time, year-round curriculum, which includes a system of regular assessments and grading for students.
What Does the Abeka Homeschool Kit Include?
The Abeka homeschool kit includes the essential components required to teach each course. It comes complete with a comprehensive instructional DVD series, a teacher’s edition of the textbook, and all the materials needed for each lesson.
Abeka offers a free parent guidebook and a homeschool advisor who can help parents through the process of homeschooling. The kit also includes books, assignments, tests, and answer keys that can be printed directly from the website as needed.
How Much DVD Time is Required with Abeka Homeschool?
The amount of DVD time required for each Abeka homeschool depends on the subject and grade level. Generally, the DVD component of Abeka homeschool lasts for about three to four hours each day. Abeka does allow parents to choose how much DVD time is used for each course.
DVD time for each course can range from two to six hours daily, depending on the grade and subject. During DVD time, the parent guides the student through the video lessons, then reviews what was learned, and administers tests.
For preschool and kindergarten, parents can opt to watch the videos or to have the child watch them solo. For elementary and middle school level courses, the parents are expected to watch the videos with their children, then work together to complete their assignments. During high school courses, teachers’ help the student review the material and administer tests, so the DVD time is less important.
What Are Some Alternatives to DVD Time?
If a family chooses to use the Abeka curriculum but does not want to use the instructional DVDs, there are alternative ways to utilize the course. Parents may opt to purchase additional materials such as workbooks or additional textbooks.
Other materials a parent can use include educational games, online learningsoftware, and supplemental DVD’s. Further, many of the courses offer a Bible component that does not require DVD time.
Can DVDs be Used to Supplement Other Homeschool Programs?
Yes, DVDs can be used to supplement other homeschool programs. Using DVDs can provide additional learning flexibility as well as an engaging way to learn. Abeka also offers several courses and videos for purchase, which can be used with different homeschool curriculums.
Additionally, Abeka provides additional resources such as eBooks, worksheets, and activities that can be used to supplement instruction.
Are Abeka Videos Engaging for Students?
The Abeka videos use a mix of animation, puppets, songs, videos, and live action to keep students engaged throughout their learning. Abeka also provides additional resources such as interactive activities and games that allow students to learn more in-depth.
Additionally, Abeka offers a parent guidebook which provides step-by-step instructions and guidance for parents to help make learning fun and efficient.
Do Abeka DVDs Provide Clarity on Course Subjects?
Yes, Abeka DVDs are designed to provide in-depth explanations and clarity on the different course subjects. The videos provide instruction and guidance on the topics covered in the curriculum. Additionally, the parent’s guidebook includes extra information for those needing more assistance in understanding the concepts.
How Do Abeka DVDs Compare To Other Curriculum’s?
Generally, Abeka’s DVDs are successful in helping to teach course subjects. Abeka uses an engaging, interesting approach to instruction, which is reflected in their videos.
The DVDs are relatively brief, compared to other curriculums, which can reduce student attention throughout the DVD’s duration. Additionally, Abeka’s videos cover more material in a shorter period of time, which can result in students feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.
Are Abeka Videos Only in English?
No, Abeka offers their DVDs in Spanish and French for families wanting to supplement their language course. Each DVD includes Spanish and French subtitles and audio, making it easier for students to learn the language of their choice. Abeka also offers a variety of Spanish books, worksheets, and games to supplement their language courses.
Is There a Fee for Abeka DVDs?
No, Abeka does not charge an additional fee for the use of their DVDs. The DVDs are already included in the price of the homeschooling kit. However, some of the supplementary DVDs can be purchased separately.
Is There an Online Version of the Abeka Homeschool Program?
Yes, Abeka offers an online version of the homeschool program. The online version is similar to the Abeka kit in that it provides textbooks, workbooks, and audio recordings of the student reading their texts.
Additionally, there are online activities, videos, and tests available for assessment.
What Are Some Tips For Being Successful With Abeka Homeschool?
Some tips for being successful when homeschooling with Abeka include:- Have a designated area with enough space for the student to work in. – Make sure to create and save a record of assignments and tests.
– Use the videos as the main source of instruction and the workbooks for practice and reinforcement. – Utilize the parent guidebook for help understanding the concepts. – Work in small increments, so lessons are not overwhelming for the student.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Abeka’s homeschool kit is a great option for families looking for an alternative to traditional schooling. The instructional DVDs are an important component of the homeschool program, but they do not need to be used exclusively. Parents can supplement their instruction with workbooks, games, and other materials.
Learning with Abeka should be fun and engaging, and there are plenty of resources available to make the process successful.