Resource Description
Rod & Staff curriculum is designed to make the child God-conscious. This curriculum not only teaches the Bible but uses many illustrations of how Bible principles can be applied in everyday life. The various courses are comprised of texts, workbooks, and teacher guides. The science text is written from the perspective that evolution is “logically and mathematically impossible.”
Website: Rod and Staff (may contain affiliate links)
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(30 Reviews)
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Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 4th, 5th
I started out with ABeka Spelling but it just was not working for my grandson so we switched to R&S Spelling grade 4. He is doing great. Will be using it this next school year also. We also changed over to R&S English. Even though I found it to drag on and on, I have learned to grab parts of the study that we need at this time. We don't cover the whole chapter. I will use it next year so we can start from the beginning. I love that it is to the point without all the frills. My grandsons all have ADHD and since these books are black and white it keeps them focused on their lessons. I plan to use all of R&S core subjects this coming year but I will use History, Science and Reading from other sources since I teach them as a group. I plan to order their Pre-School program for the youngest this year. I do wish they would continue through 12th grade since in some states we have to complete 12 years of school to graduate. No complaints.
Cons: NONE, Zero, Zilch
Grades Used: 8
Wish I would have found this sooner! My son is advanced in English and this is perfect for him! We both LOVE it, We are doing 8th grade and I already bought the books for English 9/10. I would recommend the English for sure. I don't find it boring, I like that its black and white, with no mumbo jumbo.
Cons: Not really a con, but I wish they had more large-print books for the younger grades to help protect their vision.
Grades Used: 1st
Excellent material! Love the progress of materials and quality . So far this is the ONLY curriculum available in Spanish that I have found that is Bible-based. Plus, not only is it economical but Rod and Staff allows you to be selective with what you buy, instead of forcing you into an entire curriculum. I've actually taught in the public school system and find this material very in-depth and valuable.
Cons: Geared towards a classroom setting and can be difficult for moms of many different grade levels at once, to keep up with.
Grades Used: Pre-10
Rod & Staff is a very complete curriculum that builds from the foundation up. It only goes until grade 10 but if your child has mastered the grade 10 material they should have no problem entering college and passing the entry exams.
Many people mention that the curriculum contains a lot of busy work, however the busy work is included for those that need extra practice and can be skipped over for those who don't.
It's all bibically based and truly teaches the Bible throughout all the curriculum. It's inexpensive and takes in consideration those who have never taught school. It will explain the step by step process and they provide teacher helps for different learning disabilities. The content of the lessons are not overshadowed by busy pictures and loud colors which is a plus for easily distracted learners.
The have placement tests for each grade level. (The placement tests are not listed in the catalog) The placement tests are an excellent way of finding out where your student needs to start and how well they learned. I really have no complaints about the layout, content or the curriculum program in general.
However it is geared towards a classroom setting and can be a little difficult to teach several children of different grade levels without falling behind.
(I have 7 children)
It can be an EXCELLENT companion resource for those who need to create a specialized curriculum to fit your family lifestyle and situation. They offer a detailed scope and sequence that includes all subjects and grade level in one booklet. This scope and sequence can be an excellent tool for those who need a starting point for creating or having to adjust your homeschool needs for your family lifestyle or situation. The teachers Manuel's are in separate books and most all include the children's assignments. They can be purchased separately, Also a great asset for those who only wish to touch base on a subject rather than having to purchase that entire subjects curriculum. The math can be a bit behind in the early years but moves quicker in the upper grades. If you plan on going all in with Rod & Staff, I highly recommend the placement tests.
Cons: books are heavy for a person with a bad arm
Grades Used: 6 and 8
I love how all the answers are in one teacher's book. I don't need a separate book for tests and quizzes or a separate book for the answers to the workbook pages. I had bought and used more expensive materials and found that the biggest difference was the price. I really do love how the word of God is incorporated in every subject. the math book which was the biggest concern has the same type of figuring as the more expensive math book. We are not Mennonites so the pictures seem outdated to my child but it's not at all offensive.
Grades Used: 3rd
I was first introduced to R&S when I myself was homeschooled in 6th grade. It is a very straight forward curriculum, lots of practice and not a lot of distractions. My daughter loves the fact that she doesn't waste time trying to figure out what is in front of her, its somewhat challenging but simple enough for her to understand. She and I both love it, we are planning to keep using it.
Cons: potentially boring
Grades Used: 4
This is a great curriculum! I purchased the 4th grade math and grammer for my two kids, in 3rd and 4th grade. They are doing it together and it is working. The text is plain and simple, but it is very straightforward, and you do not need to add anything to it. Just pick up the book and go, no planning or preparing, (which is great for us because we use a unit study for History and Science). This could become drab and boring for kids, but, it is what it is and the fun factor is realy up to you. The text is also 100% faith based and God is weaved throughout al the text. Even in the math examples, that is wonderful! Overall, I love this curriculum and I am even considering buying a few of their readers, due to the safe and Godly nature of them!
Cons: Boring, repetitive
Grades Used: K
I attempted to use R&S for Kindergarten for our daughter because it was recommended by a friend. In the end we abandoned all but the Bible part, and even that wasn't the best fit for us. The materials were not interesting enough for her and were repetitive, involving too much coloring (which is presented as a skill within itself). Not for us, but a good solid company that I know many have used and enjoyed.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7&8
These books are great if you have a child that needs you to go over and over the material. Love them!!
Cons: Lots of Practice
Grades Used: 2, 3, 5
We love Rod & Staff Grammar as long as I don't become legalistic about doing every exerise, worksheet, and activity. This curriculum taught me the grammar that I never learned in my public school education. There are plenty of exercises for my children to do if they need them to master the concept. The explanations in the student book allows my independent learner to accomplish the exercises with no parental help. The lessons are well broken down and some days we can cover more than one lesson.