Updates to 100 Top Picks (and errata)

Algebra Classmate

The name of the product and company have changed to YourTeacher.com. See new review under YourTeacher.com.

Encouraging Thoughtful Christians to Be World Changers
James Stobaugh's Literature courses

Stobaugh's books have been re-edited and enhanced with DVDs since I wrote the review for Top Picks. Titles have actually been simplified to World Literature, American Literature, British Literature, Skills for Literary Analysis, and Skills for Rhetoric. All of this makes these courses even better than they were!

The new teacher editions for each book (teacher editions for the first three titles available thus far) each include a DVD that is loaded with valuable help for both parent and student. Stobaugh provides introductions to each course, then a helpful overview of the scope and sequence. The most valuable parts of each DVD as far as I am concerned are the introductions to each lesson and a sample lesson each for parent/teacher and for the student. I expect that parents and students will want to watch the introduction for each lesson just before they tackle each one. These DVDs are very professionally produced with graphics and illustrations. Teacher editions for the last two titles are due soon.

The Learnables on Computer

The Learnables foreign language programs are now available for level 1 of Spanish and French on CD-ROM (separate programs for either Windows 98, 2000, or XP OR Mac). Computer programs include the original pictures accompanied by sound, but they've also added lots of nice extras. There are drill games that use picture/sound identification, plus movie clips and slide shows with sound that review and reinforce material covered in the lessons. The program is not installed on the computer. So, while it will track and print student progress for each session and report their scores on exercises, it does not store this information. An ESL course on CD is also available.

Cost is $49 per course.

Learning Language Arts Through Literature

p. 182 error--the program is referred to as a new program when it has actually been around for some years.

Math U See

change of address to:
PO Box 201
Peach Bottom, PA 17563

Modern Curriculum Press Mathematics series

Pearson Learning has published a newer edition of the MCP Math series. My review is of the 1994 edition, the edition being sold to homeschoolers. There are few differences between editions. The cover shown in Top Picks (artwork provided by the publisher) is of the newest edition.

Apparently, MCP has come up with a form they ask homeschoolers to sign indicating that you will use the text (especially teacher editions with answers) for the appropriate purpose.

Tapestry of Grace

See updated review under Unit Studies--click on this link.

Total Health

now published by ACSI, 800-367-0798, www.acsi.org
new prices:
Talking About Life's Changes:
student text: softcover - $22.95, hardcover - $26.95
student workbook - $9.95
teacher edition - $36.95
test and quiz master book - $15.50
workbook answer key - $5.50
Choices for a Winning Lifestyle:
student text: softcover - $23.95, hardcover - $28.95
teacher edition - $35.95
test and quiz master book - $15.50
The Parent Connection: $12.50

TruthQuest History

zip code correction to 49685-2128

Usborne World History: Ancient World and Medieval World -- now titled The Usborne Internet-Linked Ancient World and Usborne Internet-Linked Medieval World

Both of these books have been replaced with new editions titled The Usborne Internet-Linked Ancient World and Usborne Internet-Linked Medieval World. However, the content of old and new books are almost identical. Web links are the big change, although these take up very little space within the books themselves. Usborne now has a website with links to their own site and to various other sites with illustrations, maps, movies, activities, and more that connect with content in their books. The new books direct students to the Usborne site on the top right hand corner of each right hand page. Type in the key words of the title of the book, then enter the pertinent page number. All the relevant links appear.

new prices - $14.95 each

Writing With a Point

from Educators Publishing Service

Out of Print. Try Fairview's Guide to Essay and Composition Writing instead. It's another of my Top Picks.