Hey -- we are starting SOS for the first time this year. I have been using Sonlight, which I love. But I am now ready to start #3 in kindergarten (using Sonlight) and I have a 19 month old to chase, so I decided to move my 5th and 6th graders to SOS. SO -- here's my big question for you... The one thing that I was having a little hesitation about SOS over was that I didn't see much focus on reading for the kids -- and I mean BOOK reading, not reading the curriculum. Did I miss something? I have considered looking at their history and assigning some extra book reading. I guess since we read so much with Sonlight, I don't want them to lose their joy of reading books!!
There actually is reading on the computer. However, I had the same concern. We just do a lot of Library time and get them the books they want to read. We try to hook the "fun" books into the lessons. Because I have no prep time with their work, it gives me time to do this.
I'm blessed because my kids love to read. Sometimes I have to push them out the door to play and get away from the books. Lots of Mary Pope Osborne. We love her Greek Myths.
The biggest problem I have with SOS is the idea of doing math on the computer. Many, if not all of the lessons I print out and then just eliminate them from the schedule after. And the idea that 3rd graders can type. Mine is six. We do most of the lessons together so I can type the answers.
But I love the ability to print. We take lessons with us. Also, there was MI manufacturing in the 3rd grade so we hooked it into a trip to Cereal City in Battle Creek. It was tons of fun. (I'm not sure if they send the manufacturing for the state you are in or not)
We went to a different curriculm for a year and we all hated it. It was Classical and although this is the way I would like to go, I think one has to start from the beginning to do it. We love SOS and wouldn't go back.
add the reading to it. There is some reading on the screen, but I have always required an hour per day reading from mine. Free choice of books at the library so they do mostly read Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Mary kate and ashley. Its all good every once and a while they surprise you. Check out your local library for programs ours has a summer program and also year round. Read the book come see the movie and have a discussion, two that I can remember are Charlottes Web and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Reading always build vocabulary and teaches more language skills than we realize