The Quirkles are used in a variety of ways:
Traditional classroom setting with science also reinforcing literacy objectives
Gifted and Talented programs
AfterSchool programs
Science reinforcement to traditional textbook (Quirkles Fridays)
Summer programs
Home School curriculum
School/Public Libraries checkout and programming
Mentoring programs-upper elementary, middle, or high school students working with elementary children
Science lab programming
Reading/literacy remediation for older students
And the list goes on...we learn about new ways all the time when we talk to parents or teachers!
The Quirkles are not about traditional scope and sequence or mastery of each and every one of the earth, life, and physical science concepts explored. These books are about building a science vocabulary, developing a love of science and literacy, and beginning the building process of expanding science understanding.
The Quirkles are geared for children ranging from preK to upper elementary with each level taking away something different. Phonemic reinforcement is most important in the early years; older children find the phonemic alliteration fun. The science takes over for older elementary students who can take the concepts to a higher level and reinforce, in a fun and hands-on way, the concepts being taught in more traditional science settings. The books, because of the robust science vocabulary, are written on about a 3/4 reading level. Shared reading/activities are encouraged for all ages!