Did your purchase come with the Teacher Manuals? The guides aren't necessary, in fact A Beka sells the curriculum without the DVD program. We are using it with the Video guides, but they aren't necessary unless you're using the DVDs. We did 7th grade in the standard text program..
The Grammar and Comp does flip back and forth in the book in both formats alternating between grammar and composition exercises. Spelling, Science, Math, and History progress in the standard lesson format. (IE..Do the next page, exercise, lesson etc.)