So are you saying that I only need the workbook then? Is that what is common sense or get the Instructor book and the rest is common sense? Sorry I am a bit confused:confused:lol

Have any of you only purchased the Instructor set? If so have you later wished you had purchased the workbook as well? I am trying to cut costs but don't want to spend my year frustrated that I have made a lot of extra work for myself.

Love your school room:D Your kids are very sweet, I hope you had a great first day!

I am struggling with what to do with my K for math this year. Last year I completed Horizons K with my first daughter and it worked but I have to say it wasn't my favorite, I wanted to switch it up this year for my second dd and thought about using the earlybird singapore. The problem is from what I am understanding the earlybird math is meant for a two year program. What have you done to complete singapore K in one year instead of two years? Do I just do 1A, 1B or 2A,2B? I also have thought about not doing a curriculum at all and just teaching her the things that are going to prepare her for grade 1. My only hesitation with not using a curriculum is that I am going from homeschooling 1 child to 2 so I don't want to feel stressed about having to plan lessons but would rather have it prepared for me. So basically I am asking your opinions on what to do for K, do I stick with Horizons because I am familiar with it, switch to singapore because I love the idea of it or do my own thing? Also after a lot of debating I think I have decided to use Math Mammoth for my dd who is in grade 1, however IK am still considering Singapore.. any thoughts on that?

I am Canadian, I live in BC:)

So basically apologia is good but wait a few years until the kids are a bit older. I will have to go look at the science section in TWTM, I don't think I have actually read it. Is there any other science books that are better suited for their ages? Thank you all so far:)

So if I chose to do the astronomy one for example, that would be all she would learn about that year? Or is there a total science book that touches on many areas?

I am doing 1st and Kindergarten this year. I was thinking about using Apologia. I notice that their books are on certain parts of things like zoology, astronomy, botany etc. Do you just choose one per year or do you supplement with other science things as well? Like if I got the science experiments from usborne or something....

I will be watching this thread because I also have a 1st grader and am not sure what to do for science.

What about Math Mammoth?

Actually I totally forgot that I picked up the Hooked on Phonics 1st grade addition at winners the other day for 9.99. I thought it would come in handy at some point being that I have 4 kids. Now sitting here thinking about a phonics curriculum I am wondering if anyone has used it as a stand alone phonics program or if it is just meant for a supplement?

The one thing I am concerned about with switching to a different curriculum is that she will get bored. From what I gather Abeka is a little more advanced. Have you found that to be true with Abeka? In your experience would switching to something different pose any problems? Thank you all for your suggestions so far:D

Hi there this is my first time posting here although I have been reading here for a long time. I am frantically trying to decide on curriculums for next year and am wondering what you all use or have used for grade 1? Last year I did Abeka just the letters and sounds books and am not sure if I want to keep going with that or what else is out there that you have found successful. She is reading, not strong yet but knows a lot of the rules. Thanks all :)