ABBA Homeschool Academy

Parent Training Manual for Parents Using SOS


We hope you and your child enjoy learning with ABBA. You may want to print this information and save it for future reference as it contains more specific instructions on how to homeschool with ABBA.


1.What are the minimum system requirements for SOS?

*Note if you are able to download the SOS Diagnostic Test then your computer meets the system requirements for SOS.

2. Where can I find answers to technical problems with SOS ?
You may check out the SOS Technical Support pages by clicking on this link. http://www.aop.com/sos/Support_index.php

The Help file which comes with Switched-On Schoolhouse contains all the same information you would get in a printed user manual. You can browse the Contents of the manual, use the Index which is just like the index at the back of a book or Search for whatever information you wish to find.

(Note: If you would like the window to be larger, click the middle of the three buttons in the upper right corner)

Alpha Omega has an extensive database of solutions to problems you may encounter with Switched-On Schoolhouse and other AOP products. Using this database makes it easy for parents to troubleshoot problems and get help when they need it. They take a 'three-step' approach to technical support. They believe that access to clear documentation results in fewer problems and a better user experience for all parents and students.

STEP 1: Search the Technical Support Database
The fastest way to get answers to most of your questions is to search through their extensive online documentation. Their database is regularly updated as new issues and solutions are discovered.

STEP 2: E-Mail Support
Can't find an answer in their database, click here to send tech support an e-mail with your question. They strive to answer all e-mails within 1 business day, and most are answered in less time.

STEP 3: Call AOP Technical Support
When all else fails, you can contact their technical support team by phone at: 800-622-3070 and ask for ‘Tech Support’.



3. Is the SOS program the same as the LIFEPAC program?
The SOS program has its own curriculum based on the LIFEPAC Gold Curriculum. It is not necessary to use both the LIFEPAC books and SOS. SOS is only available for grades 3-12, LIFEPAC works with all grades, K-12.

4. Can I make a copy of my SOS CDs?

No, this is a direct violation of copyright laws.

5. Can you print out lessons on SOS?
Yes, you may print lessons, quizzes, tests, and problems in Teacher Mode.

6. How To Decide How Many lessons To Complete Every Day

The very first thing you need to do is decide if you are going to do the 'bookwork' part of your school 4 days per week or 5 days per week. This will determine how many lessons in each of the subjects you will have your children complete every day. There are 9 weeks to a quarter. There are approx.45 days in a quarter for a 5 day ‘bookwork’ week or 36 days in a quarter for a 4 day ‘bookwork’ week Your SOS comes with a default lesson planning already in the program that is based on a 5 day ‘bookwork’ week. You will need to make sure to change that if you are only planning on doing the ‘bookwork’ part of your homeschool 4 days per week and not 5 days.


7. How To Decide Which Subjects To Teach First

You may decide which subjects to teach first during the day based on your knowledge of how your child performs throughout his day. If your child is perky during the morning that would be a great time to do your schooling. Have your child do the subjects that is most difficult for them first while they still have patience and energy! This allows them to do the subjects they enjoy most at the end as a reward. Make sure to give them plenty of recesses and snacks during their work time. Most homeschooling parents have their children complete the necessary number of pages for each subject every day instead of doing only one subject per day.

We do NOT recommend working in only one subject per day as this overwhelms the child and gives too much time between working on that particular subject. We recommend doing the necessary number of pages in each of the subjects every day (see above). It should not take more than 2-3 hours of ‘sit down time’ each day for an elementary student to complete their work and 4-5 hours of ‘sit down time’ for a high school student unless there are circumstances affecting your child that may impact their ability to focus. If your child is able to complete their daily work in less time, that is fine. You may have them work ahead if you choose. You are always welcome to turn in your quarter's work ahead of schedule. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


8. How To Begin Teaching The Lessons

All directions for your child to complete each lesson are already given in the SOS. Remember to give lots of complements and positive reinforcement to your child for wholehearted effort and a good attitude! If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


9. How To Give The Tests
There will be several self tests and 1 unit test per unit in the SOS. If your child fails to pass a test by the required 80% please review the academic concepts missed until you're confidant they have understood it adequately then have your child retake the test or take an alternate test. Once he passes the unit test, please print and save his test in a separate folder and have your child proceed on to the next unit. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


10. What To Send Back To ABBA And When To Send It
At the end of each 9 week quarter please send all unit tests and Test Keys back to us. You are welcome to email us the tests or send them standard postal mail. Please send them to ABBA Homeschool Academy 1051 230th St. Fort Scott KS, 66701. We will record your child's grade for that quarter in their permanent file and will issue you a Progress Report for that quarter. You will receive a grade card at the end of the year. Remember all Test Keys are the property of ABBA Homeschool Academy and need to be returned at the end of each quarter along with the unit test. We will send you a reminder email the week before your quarter is up. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


11. How To Use The ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Boxes
The ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Boxes will be shipped during each quarter. Each ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Box will correlate to some academic concept your child will be studying during that particular quarter. The ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Boxes will have enough activities to last from 3-12 weeks depending on the subject. Each Project Box will include most, if not all, of the required materials to complete the activities. The amount of time you spend, and the number of activities you choose to do with the ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Boxes are entirely up to you. We recommend that you do the activities in the order in which they are listed in the Parent Guide inside each Project Box. The ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Boxes are intended to supplement and enhance the concepts your child is learning during that particular quarter. There are no required activities to turn back in to us with the ABBA Homeschool Academy Project Boxes.

Some parents find that using the Project Boxes with their science class works well. Other parents have their children work on the Project Boxes at the end of their school day or during their Exploration Day. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


12. How To Fit An Exploration Day Into Your Weekly Schedule

An ‘Exploration Day’ is simply a day you take off from "book work". This is a time to take your child on a field trip or on a nature walk, or spend the day doing science activities or working on your Project Box. An exploration day can easily be scheduled into a student's school week by dividing the amount of 'book work' that needs to be completed by 4 days every week instead of 5 days. This gives you one day every week to do something different, which helps keep learning fun for both students and parents. If you choose to include an Exploration Day into your school week, please make sure to call that day ‘school’ also. This will help your child come to the realization that ‘school’ and learning can take place anywhere, not just at a desk. This will help promote a love of learning and help your children become lifelong learners! If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


13. How To Use The ABBA Homeschool Academy Living Books
The Living Books are books of a high literary quality that engage your child's interest while teaching your child about some particular subject. The Living Books may correlate to an academic concept or to a Biblical character trait your child is studying that quarter. Studies have shown that children learn best when they have fun hands-on activities combined with books that tell interesting stories that also teach them something.


You are encouraged to read aloud every day to your children, no matter their age. Many home school parents do this and have reported this has helped them become very close to their children. They have also stated this has helped their children develop a love of reading even if they didn’t like to read before.


Some parents may choose to have their children do book reports on the Living Books they have read. That will be left up to your discretion as their parent and teacher. You are welcome to send their review of a Living Book to us for consideration for inclusion in an ABBA newsletter. We have a section in each newsletter for book reviews. Your child would receive acknowledgment if their review was published. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.




14. How To Use The ABBA Homeschool Academy Imagination Station
The Imagination Station your elementary child will receive during the first quarter is our gift to you, and is intended to be used for any craft projects you may choose to do with your child. The Imagination Station is designed to help your child develop sorting and sequencing skills. Sorting and sequencing items into patterns helps students become more fluent readers. It also helps develop their fine motor skills and logical thinking skills. Any of the items in the Imagination Station may be used as math manipulatives as well.


The Imagination Station will contain a ‘sample’ of the types of materials you may use. There are no rules on what you may use, although we suggest a variety of materials, colors, and textures. The contents of the Imagination Stations will vary from box to box and are intended only as suggestions. We recommend that you allow your child to sort the items themselves into the compartments inside the box in any order they choose. They may choose to sort the items by color, size, texture, or shape. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


15. What Part Of The Curriculum You Get To Keep

The Project Boxes, Imagination Station, and Living Books are yours to keep and are meant to complement and enhance certain concepts from each quarter. You may also keep the SOS CD or any other student textbooks or workbooks.


*Remember all Test Keys, Teacher’s Manuals, and Videos are the property of ABBA Homeschool Academy and need to be returned at the end of each quarter or semester whichever applies. Please send them to ABBA Homeschool Academy 1051 230th St. Fort Scott KS, 66701. Year-end Grade Cards or Transcripts will not be issued until these items have been returned in good condition. An additional fee may be charged to cover the cost of these items if not returned promptly. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.


16. Your Child’s Immunization Record

We need your child's immunization record as soon as possible for placement into their file. Or, you may send us an email stating you have waivered this. If you do send a waiver please make sure to state your intention clearly with your child’s name and your name as the responsible party. We will need it to place into their file. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.

17. Your Child’s Records From Their Previous School


We need you to print the Record Release Form, sign it and send it to your child’s previous school. This needs to be done as soon as possible. This is extremely important especially for the high school students. We will not be able to project which high school courses your child will need in order to graduate until we receive their previous records. If you need additional help please call (620) 223-3434.

18. How To Obtain Help If You Have An Academic Question

Please let us know how we can assist you. No matter what questions you might have, you’ll find us willing to answer and help you any way we can. We have masters’ degreed credentialed teachers on staff to help answer your questions. If you need help please call (620) 223-3434.