My first grade dd is average in math ability and did not have much math in public KG. we started CLE for first grade and we absolutely love it! It amazes me how they subtly add in new concepts. I often find myself thinking what an awesome job they have done. My dd is really doing great with it. We are on light unit 7 and have covered add and sub. facts up to 11, telling time to the 5 minute, ruler 12 inches = foot, beg. Fractions, number lines, thermometer, and are just starting how many cups in a quart. We have also done 2 digit add and sub (without carrying). It is put together soooooo well that my dd never complains about it being too hard. A few notes We have not done the timed fact drills since book 2 because they were hurting my dd's confidence instead of boosting it. A story problem is included every day since the beginning. It has been a great experience for her. Each lesson is 3 pages long. Sometimes I cross things out if it is too much on a particular day. Anyway, I HIGHLEY recommend CLE math!

I want to do American History in Early Elementary before we jump into world history cycles. I am considering Elemental History or MFW Adventures. Any experience you have with these or maybe how to combine them?? I like the read alouds listed in Elemental but I like some of the spines ( like Pioneers and Patriots) in MFW. But I am not really looking for the science in MFW. I also considered American Story from WP but I have almost given up on that idea because of the mixed reviews about WP and the cost. What do you think?

I am in the same boat. I am deciding between Elemental History or MFW Adventures. I am tempted to use both!

We love CLE math!

I am going to stop our worksheet based (CLE) LA program because it is becoming tedious with lots of writing and takes forever to complete (although I love their math and am sticking With that). i think I am going to go to Writing with Ease, First Language Lessons, and AAS. Do you think that sounds like a well rounded LA program? Also, she is in 1st this year. Should I just wait until second to start the new LA or should we start now? If we wait, should I start with the FLL 1 or 2? I noticed the first writing with ease book says for 1st or 2nd. I was also considering going through first language lessons 1 now and then starting Writing with Ease 1 next year along with First Language Lessons 2. So what do you think?

My DH and I have used it for a long time. I never found anything sold at stores that would work. I still get small breakouts from time to time (I am in my early 30's), but for the most part we are happy with how it works. I think it is worth trying. The mall sells it for a lot more than if you get the shipments directly through Proactive.

We are doing SOTW 1 with my 1st grade dd about 2-3 days per week and only about 15 minutes each day. I have mostly 1 chapter per week (but some weeks 2 chapters that have less content/living books to go along with it. I have it scheduled over 34 weeks. We listen to the Audio, do the map work, coloring page, look at the encyclopedia pages (I dont really read it. I just use it for the pictures at this point.) I add in 1 or 2 of the suggested supplemental books from the library and end the week with a SIMPLE activity from the book. I know it sounds like a lot, but really it a fairly simple and doesn't take a lot of time. I review what we are learning at other times during the day/evening very casually. I am hoping to make a post every week documenting our learning through SOTW. We will see how it goes. Here is a link to our first week. http://originalkatathome.blogspot.com/2011/08/story-of-world-1-what-is-history.html

I am 100% happy!! We are using CLE for Math, Learn to Read, and Lang. Arts. For history we are using SOTW 1, and Science a free curriculum I found online that does a year-long unit study on the Human Body. I posted a link on my blog if anyone wants it. http://originalkatathome.blogspot.com/2011/08/2011-2012-homeschool-curriculum-plans.html

I am using SOTW 1 Audio with my 1st grader. We love it! We listen the the audio and pause it when necessary to recap what has been covered. She also colors the coloring sheet when she listens sometimes. Also, after she has colored the map, I have found myself pointing to it as we listen which helps things make sense to her. I think she is retaining a lot. We dont listen to more than 10 minutes or so at a time. I dont think I would enjoy SOTW as much if it weren't for the Audios. His voice...I could take it or leave it. But, the advantage of having the text read to us outweighs any negative aspects of his voice. Hope that helps.

Yes, I found this idea from other blogs I have found, and I LOVE it. It is so simple and everything is right where I need it for the whole year.

Shiller Math (Bought a few years ago and was dissappointed with it) Singapore K CLE (Currently use and LOVE)

I use it to record what we do each day as we do it. So, I have my typed lesson plans and then I keep my Well Planned Day planner handy to record what we actually accomplished. Plus, I write appointments, dinner plans etc... I really like it. I wrote a post with a picture on my blog recently. http://originalkatathome.blogspot.com/2011/08/homeschool-work-space-and-how-i-plan.html

Oh, my signature is not updated. She is 6 years old. But thank you for all of your suggestions. I am going to leave some little math manips near her when she does her math facts so that she can use them or her fingers if need be. You all are right...I need to keep end goals in mind. THANKS!

My 1st grader is using CLE Math. We really love it so far (we are on week 2). But, she is having a hard time memorizing her math facts. I always had a hard time with math facts growing up and no one made me learn them so I am determined not to let that happen with my kids. But, I dont want to go overboard and stress her out either. My question is, is it okay for her to use her fingers or objects to add the numbers or should she just know them "by heart" or both? Also, are there any tricks for memorizing facts with kids when it doesn't come naturally to them? So far we have learned: 1+1=2 2+1=3 1+2=3 3+1=4 1+3=4 1+4=5 Thanks Ladies! Katie

Okay, this helps. My dd has not had a lot of Science. I almost considered skipping Science for next year just because we are focused on other things. But I do want some science exposure so this might work. It sounds like a light and fun program that my pre-ker can join in on too. The other program I was considering was the K Science Excursion program.

I am interested in this program, but I can not find many reviews on it. Can anyone give me some input on how they have liked it? Thanks!

Awesome! These are some wonderful resources! I have already done lots of exploring. Thanks guys.

I keep searching for homeschool blogs that have journeyed through Story of the World and documented their activities and experiences with pictures etc... Why can't I find any? Does anyone know of some great SOTW blogs? I need some inspiration.

But I think we have narrowed it down to Positive Action Bible for First Grade in the Fall. It looks like a great program...I hope we like it. Good luck with your choice!

I am sure this has been asked before, but when does American History get brought into SOTW? Also, I really want to do some in depth American History in elementary school, but how do I work it in if I am on a 4 year rotation? MY dd will be in first grade when we start SOTW volume 1 in the Fall. Thanks!

I have bought some Montessori Math Materials from Montessori Outlet. Google it and you can explore their website.

Okay, I am considering 2 options for 1st Grade LA... All About Spelling with CLE Language Arts. I would supplement with readers, but I dont plan on using CLE for reading.Can I use the CLE LA without the reading program? Is CLE LA a stand-alone program? Since CLE has spelling worked in, would it be confusing to have an additional spelling program with AAS? OR All About Spelling with Sonlight LA1 I would use sonlight readers. On a side note...we are going to use CLE for Math and Sonlight for History/Literature so I will be using both companies anyway. I just dont know which would be best for LA. Any advice would be great. THANKS!

I am going to be using SL Core K with my 6 yr old in the fall for History/Literature. I want to begin AAS with her as well. Is AAS thorough enough to use for a LA program or should it be used as a supplement to SL LA or another LA program? Thanks!

Thank you everyone for your advice and encouragement. We are still prayerfully considering this option. But is nice to hear so much support and advice from fellow homeschoolers.

I just googled private schools in my area and then the classical school came up as one of the choices. I do not know if there is a Natl. listing though. Here is the association they are getting accredited with... http://www.accsedu.org/default.aspx