Has Anyone Used High Reach Learning?

[Heidi]

I used it years ago, and ended up thinking there was too much busy work and canned art. I am looking at their website, and it seems like they have changed their approach. Has anyone used it recently, and if so, what are your experiences?

If you haven't used it, please look at their website and give me opinions...

http://www.highreach.com/highreach_cms/Home/tabid/179/Default.aspx

[youretooloud]

I used them for a year, and kept the curriculum for following years. But, it ended up being a lot more expensive than if i'd just used a full blown curriculum and made my own art. But, I still get the units out once in a while.

It is a really good quality program though.

[melskids]

I ordered a few samples a while back. It seems like a good program, but I'm just not willing to spend the money.

If I do ever decide to purchase a "curriculum" this would probably be the one I'd buy.

[Heidi]

I ordered a few samples a while back. It seems like a good program, but I'm just not willing to spend the money.

If I do ever decide to purchase a "curriculum" this would probably be the one I'd buy.

Actually, Mel, I was hoping you'd answer this one!

I would REALLY like to go towards an emergent curriculum, but thought maybe a good "store bought" curriculum would be a start for a few months, and then I could segway towards the children's interests.

Right now, they are 18m-4 1/2, and none have ever been exposed to any sort of "teaching". I have been mostly dealing with behaviors so far, but things have been going ALOT better, and I would like to look forward. Since I am also homeschooling my son, I am trying to find ways to combine something that would be a start for the toddlers, and then we could expand it for my 11yo.

[melskids]

Actually, Mel, I was hoping you'd answer this one!

I would REALLY like to go towards an emergent curriculum, but thought maybe a good "store bought" curriculum would be a start for a few months, and then I could segway towards the children's interests.

Right now, they are 18m-4 1/2, and none have ever been exposed to any sort of "teaching". I have been mostly dealing with behaviors so far, but things have been going ALOT better, and I would like to look forward. Since I am also homeschooling my son, I am trying to find ways to combine something that would be a start for the toddlers, and then we could expand it for my 11yo.

High reach might be a good start then.

It seems a little pricey to get all the "themes". I still think its easier and cheaper to do it yourself.

Watch them for a bit. See how they play, and what they are in to, then just build off of that.

Once you get a "theme", come here for some inspiration. We'd all be glad to help you out. happyface

That, and pinterest. It has become my new best friend.

[snbauser]

I haven't used it but High Reach is one of the few curriculum's approved by our state for use in centers that want an extra point on their star rating.

[countrymom]

well what kind of theme do power rangers fall under.

[Heidi]

well what kind of theme do power rangers fall under.

fantasy?

being a teenager with attitude???

learning your colors!!!!!

[melskids]

well what kind of theme do power rangers fall under.

That made me chuckle. I have a house full of boys. Its either superheroes, dump trucks, or frogs.

HOW are they playing power rangers?

It may begin as fantasy play, but you could always steer it towards community helpers...or helping others...or making good choices...or personal safety.

Didn't mean to hijack the thread....Just throwing some ideas out there.

[Bookworm]

I used Highreach before for 3s and 4s. To me the 3s curriculum started out very good. It encouraged cutting practice, phonics, letter/number recognition etc. But about 4 yrs ago, they seemed to "dumb down" the curriculum to make it "touchy-feely.

The 4 yr curriculum was good in my opinion and I still use it to this day. It really stresses kindergarten readiness by including math, language, science and literacy. The only problem is that the monthly themes do not change from year to year and so I have so much left over curriculum that I asked my Director not to order it anymore. I dont't consider it "busywork". I use it more like a supplement to my curriculum.

If you do decide to use Highreach, I wouldn't recommend using it for children under 3.