Rigor, Flexibility, and Fun: SPORK Education for Young STEM Learners

Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time in exchange for my honest review. Opinions and viewpoints are my own.

As a parent who has explored various homeschool programs, I really enjoyed looking at SPORK Math and Science Homeschool Curriculum. So, what is SPORK Education? SPORK is a school and homeschool curriculum designed with a balance of structure and flexibility that benefits a wide range of families, especially those who value personalized learning and interactive teaching methods. The series we explored, Butterfly Level C, is for early elementary learners in approximately 2nd grade. What makes the curriculum unique is the marriage of STEM categories, which provides a learner that may have been focused on Language Arts, a chance to explore Math and Science at a foundational level in their education.

Who Benefits from SPORK?

The SPORK Math and Science Curriculum is an excellent choice for families with early elementary learners that desire more math and science in the early years. Whether you’re a first-time homeschooler or an experienced one, SPORK’s flexible, colorful and engaging lessons ensure that teaching remains stress-free while meeting and exceeding academic benchmarks. It’s particularly ideal for families who appreciate a more hands-on, interactive approach to education.

If you have a child who thrives with visual and kinesthetic learning, this curriculum is a perfect fit. It incorporates a variety of activities that keep kids engaged, from digital games to using manipulatives, making lessons both fun and impactful.

What’s Included in the Curriculum?

SPORK’s curriculum covers both Math and Science in one joint course. You’ll receive a Teacher’s Resource guide with answer keys and unit tests, Workbooks (we had 2, colorful, consummable, perfect bound books) , an app/online access for on the go learning, and hands-on manipulatives, to ensure a well-rounded and interesting learning experience. The lessons are very flexible, allowing you to plan your days easily while adjusting to your family’s unique schedule.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of hands-on manipulatives for teaching math concepts. Using tactile objects like counting cubes, fraction circles, and base-ten blocks, students develop a deeper understanding of math through play. This method makes abstract concepts easier to grasp and solidifies a child’s confidence in problem-solving.

The Benefits of Hands-On Math Learning

Incorporating manipulatives into math lessons is one of the biggest strengths of the SPORK curriculum. For second graders, who are just starting to explore more complex math topics like multiplication and fractions, being able to physically interact with numbers makes learning more intuitive and enjoyable. This hands-on approach fosters critical thinking and helps children build conceptual math skills they’ll use for years to come.

Additionally, it promotes a deeper retention of the material. Rather than just memorizing numbers and formulas, children using manipulatives can see, touch, and move objects, which creates a lasting understanding of math concepts. This kind of experiential learning is invaluable and helps make math feel less intimidating. Learning to read a clock? You’ll find a clock with movable hands in your kit to use along with your lessons.

How We Used SPORK

For us, SPORK is a bit below grade level. BUT it’s perfect for the little ones that Cash has been tutoring. He enjoys having his two favorite subjects combined and the colorful illustrations. I enjoy that it’s on and above grade level for Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for 2nd grade and on and above Standards as well. We both love the manipulatives for hands-on learning. For our needs, I’d personally love to see more teacher guidelines but if you prefer flexibility in your homeschool, this would work well. Already have a science and math curriculum you love? For the amount of materials you receive and the 18 month digital license the pricing for SPORK Education is excellent and could be used as review or a supplement. Add it on to what you are currently doing, especially since early elementary could always beef up their Science and Math.

Why Choose SPORK?

If you’re looking for a program that balances educational rigor with creative freedom, SPORK Math and Science Curriculum is a fantastic choice. The combination of multiple core subjects, interactive activities, and the use of manipulatives makes learning fun for children while providing parents with the resources needed for success. It’s a curriculum that grows with your child, helping them develop confidence and a love for learning.

Take a look at SPORK to see if it will be a fit for your family by visiting https://www.spork.tech/for-homeschooling

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