I just finished drooling over beautiful feet's geography. http://www.bfbooks.com/s.nl/it.A/id.468/.f?sc=2&category=2

Thank you all for your replies. I will be checking these programs, its funny how I heard of some of these, but never checked them out. Thanks for the recommendations. Tina, I see you really liked Phonics Road. I have been hesitant on this program (its actually on my shelf) because I can seem to find anyone using it past year one. Can you tell me more about the upper years...say compared to if I went with WWE and FLL and AAS?

So... AAS is going to move really slow for reading, what then should I use for reading? Your responses have been so helpful! Thank you!

Hi, I am actually using level 1 with my (not reading) 6yo. He is doing fine, but wanted to know if anyone has had any negative experiences or saw some cons with this program before I decide to start using it with my other children. Here are some things I have noticed: 1- Level one is all 3 letter words 2- compared to SWR and Phonics Road, they will have the child spell less words. (she does seem to give "more practice" words at the end of some lessons. Does this continue? Are the words as rigorous? 3 - It will be a while before the student gets all the sounds. Please don't hate me, I am really fleshing out phonics right now because it is my final decision for next year. I haven't had a grand experience with phonics, etc. and my 6yo is not really reading, just sounding out 3 letter words. I want my experiences with my younger children to go better. I was thinking of using AAS, WWE, and FLL next year. I like the vertical phonics method, but would be willing to venture off a little if they would be better readers. I'm open to LA scheduling for a K & 1st grader. Thanks for listening.

FLL= First Language Lessons

I have been looking at AO for a long time, since I will have a 1, k, and pre-ker next year. I love the literature selections, especially about nature and animals. I also found another CM website that used most of the AO selections. I like the way she has set up the schedule and booklist also. I really prefer this website, especially for 1st grade (we will be using this next year). Hope you enjoy! http://higherupandfurtherin.blogspot.com/2006/01/our-curriculum.html

This website has a nature portfolio that looks fun for ages 6-10. http://www.homeschooljourney.com/aNature2.html

We are baptist here. Just started slowly doing these with my young children. Amazing what they can learn! Oh, and we are using a Baptist Catechism.

thanks for your reply, yes it does help. I think 1st might be a little too early, 2nd grade looks more appropiate.

I also had this question some time back, I'm all ears to those who have larger families and can get it all done! Here's a link to my question which is similar to yours. The replies listed some info on curriculums large families use. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76577

I'm excited an really like the book and copywork selections (planning on reading these anyway this year). We won't be quite ready to use them yet, but we might be able to jump in after fall or winter. What ages/grades are your dc? I think you only need to add phonics/spelling (we use AAS), do you think that will be a well rounded LA program between the two curriculums. Would you add anything?

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Thanks for the wise words!

Waiting on May 8th Ship date! Whoooo Hoooo! This will be my first copy!:001_smile:

bump

Thanks for responding, maybe someone else will too!

I came across this website http://higherupandfurtherin.blogspot.com/2006/01/our-curriculum.html just wondering if anyone has used it and their opinions. I notice many hs use AO and this one is similar. What were your experiences? I am thinking through my history, literature, and science for next year and can't decide if I should go AO (or Higher up and further in) or Sonlight, WP, etc. Thanks!

I was wondering if I had planned too much. I really want to sit and read with them, I won't be running to the library (and I don't mind building up our library since they are just starting to read). Mallory, thanks for your suggestions--you'd be suprised, we have 98% of what you mentioned so we must be doing good. abbeyej and Emmy, thanks for the suggestion on SOTW, I was curious about doing it early. Most say to start it in 1st or 2nd, and my oldest is just now 1st. I think your right. One website I just love is "Higher Up and Further In" http://higherupandfurtherin.blogspot.com/2006/01/our-curriculum.html and Ambleside. I might just get some of the history and literature from their websites. I am also adament about starting a solid art program (artistic pursuits), being a former art teacher. This will be a weekly or biweekly starting out with newborn. Thanks again, I am open to more suggestions also!

We are set for La and Math for next year. I wanted to add some "extra." What do you think? If you have anything you did nor did not like about these programs, especially pertaining to a Pre-k, K, 1st grader (next years grades) please let me know. I hope this helps me make a final decision. 1. Sonlight Core K + Sonlight Science (this could be changed) 1. WP Animal and their Worlds + SOTW Trying to be somewhat well rounded since mine are little ones. They are very hands on we color, cut, etc every day. I also like to read aloud to them. I will be having a newborn in July so that will make life interesting come next fall!

Thanks for your advice, the VP catalog makes them seem irresistible, but without a sample its hard to judge and no one talks about them. Thanks again!

I am using Artistic Pursuits next year with my 1st, K, and prek children. I was an Art Teacher before HS my dc so I can be a little critical of art curriculum. Artistic Pursuits seems to have a good scope and sequence with out being too formal but is also academic. We did Singapore this year and it was fun while teaching some elements of art like color, line, shape, etc. but their curriculum only goes up to Kinder and your kiddos are older. AP's article on "Why we Teach Art" http://www.artisticpursuits.com/ateach.htm was very helpful to me in deciding on using them next year.

What grade levels are they best with? I know they are listed for a 1st grader by Veritas Press, but I just wanted your opinion. I was thinking of doing this as "geography" with my sons who will be 1st & K next year. Thanks!

As far as the "how" to memorize this is a good resource. I use in with my son and his phonics/spelling words (its actually modified to be for the 5 days of the week M-F instead of everyday) http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/

We are doing AW next year with a preK, K'er, and 1st grader. This is excellent advise as I have been a little nervous for time requirements (I also have a very bossy 2 year old running around and will have a newborn). I also like the advice about reading across the columns instead of down--probably much more efficient! Thanks for your advice Heather! :001_smile:

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