I've read some reviews where some say Berean Builders Science in the Beginning is appropriate for early elementary and others recommend it for late elementary to jr. high. Their website says K-6, so I'm wondering if anyone has successfully (or unsuccessfully) used in in 2nd grade. I definitely do not want it to be over their heads. Thank you!

Looking for a book or books on the original fairy tales. Thank you!

I am using RightStart B and C, and want to supplement a little (change it up a bit). I have heard about Singapore Intensive Practice, Singapore's Challenging Word Problems, and Evan-Moor Daily Word Problems. Does anyone have any experience with these? I am looking for something at the RS B/C levels but also a bit challenging for them. Thank you!!!

Thank you so much!

I am not super confident at teaching Science to my 1st grader. We tried the recommendations outlined in The Well-Trained Mind book, and we've been reading books on animals and creating questions and trying to answer them. But I am looking for something a little more structured, where I can open a book and just go. I do like the order of science subjects suggestions in WTM; for instance, biology (study of animals, human body, and plants) in first grade ... Any suggestions on a curriculum that might fit my needs, for a non-science-y mom? I'd prefer a faith-based curriculum. And I'd much rather prefer something enjoyable even if it means it's a bit less rigorous. Thank you!

Thank you!

I am looking for a historical fiction type novel about ancient Egypt for a first grader. He currently listens to books like Dr. Doolittle and the Wizard of Oz. I am looking for something at this same reading level. Thank you!

Looking for fun and engaging online resources about Ancient Egypt.

My first grader loves fiction and will sit for long periods of time to read with me. We are starting to read more non-fiction as he starts first grade (think Usborne-like books about the ancients). I'm just curious as to how long I should read these type of non-fiction books in a sitting. He doesn't really care for them much. I want to introduce history this year but need to find a way to incorporate these books without too much struggle.

Thank you! I didn't even know what forum I was in 🙂 I'll repost in the right one

My first grader loves fiction and will sit for long periods of time to read with me. We are starting to read more non-fiction as he starts first grade (think Usborne-like books about the ancients). I'm just curious as to how long I should read these type of non-fiction books in a sitting. He doesn't really care for them much. I want to introduce history this year but need to find a way to incorporate these books without too much struggle.

I picked up a Jim Weiss audiobook of Treasure Island at a library sale and was curious as to what people thought of his audiobooks. I specifically am wondering about abridged versions of classics like Treasure Island or The Jungle Book. Better to read the unabridged version or start with Jim Weiss? Also, anyone heard a good recording of The Jungle Book (unabridged)? I have started listening to a few and the voices seem really monotone. Thank you!

I like Handwriting Without Tears but we usually finish that quickly so I'm lookong for other workbooks that practice letter and number formation for an entire year. Thanks!

These are fantastic! Thank you!

I'm looking for a laid-back Spanish curriculum to start next year with a 7 and 5 year old. I am wanting the sessions to be short and fun. Any suggestions on what to try? Thanks!

Thank you! Very helpful!

My son just finished AAR Level 1. We loved the readers that came with the curriculum. I am looking for suggestions for summer readers. I have the Bob Books but am looking for something a little longer and more engaging and appropriate for K/1st grade. Thanks!

Thank you so much!

I'm starting to plan for 1st grade next year using The Well Trained Mind and SOTW Activity Guide as a guide. I noticed that the WTM book recommends starting out with The Odyssey by Geraldine McCaughrean and Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff. But in the SOTW Activity Guide, these books aren't suggested as literature recommendations until somewhere around week 19. So my question is, do you plan your year so that your literature and history books go together? Should I wait until we study Greek Myths to start The Odyssey? Or not worry too much about matching up literature with history.

I'm planning for first grade next year and was looking for suggestions for literature, mainly for which versions of The Odyssey and The Iliad were appropriate for that age. Also, any favorite books or audio books on the ancients you can suggest? THANK YOU!

I am using Sonlight Core A, All About Reading, and RightStart for my 6 year old. We have loved AAR and RS. I feel like the Sonlight books have been a mixed bag. We've loved the Winnie the Pooh stories and The Boxcar Children and many others, but as the year moves on we are finding more and more books that we don't like (including me). To name a few ... Adventures in Waffles, The Good News Must Go Out, Out of Darkness, and a couple more. After a couple of chapters, both my son and I are just not captivated and so lately we've been moving on to something else. So my question is this: does this seem like Sonlight might not be a good fit for us? The last thing I want to do is buy a new core for next year and not like half the books. It just seems like the books are maybe not as adventurous or action-packed as we are used to. But I've heard from so many people that Sonlight has the best books. So maybe it's just us and we should push forward. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thank you so much!

Can someone explain how these two texts, SOTW and CHOW, compare? And is around 1st grade the ideal age to start both? THANK YOU!

I am looking through a library copy of The Ordinary Parent's Guide To Teaching Reading. I like the straight forward approach but I anticipate my 5 yr old getting bored. Is AAR much more fun? Is it necessary to go through all levels of AAR? What is suggested after OPGTTR? I can shell out the money if AAR is engaging and a solid program that gives me peace of mind. Would love any thoughts on the topic.

Love the article! Thank you!