We LOVED it. My 5 1/2 year old started it at four and now she is reading at a 5th grade level. I loved how simple it is. I didn't read all the script though. My kids begged me to do reading.

Thank you! I just got it FREE!! Yay.

Would Lyrical Science work for Lower Elementary? I read the workbooks are geared more for older elementary aged. But I am looking for something that I can use for science memory and that I can add projects/ worksheets too.

I haven't used Rod and Staff Spelling but I think it is more independent.

Compare R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey or Elemental Science for the Grammar stage, particularly Biology for an advanced 1st grader. Which has better projects and experiments, content, ease of use etc? Anything else I should be looking for in these two? Please help me decide. :-) Thank you.

DK or Kingfisher Encyclopedia for Science? Which do you prefer and why? I would love to not have separate science encyclopedias for both Grammar and the Logic stages. But I will if I need to. :-) DK Kingfisher

I need a science program for my 1st grader that follows the WTM. I wanted to follow the recommendations in the WTM on my own. But honestly, I don't think it will happen here. I have a 4 and 2 year too, and one on the way. I would like the following: 1. Open and go 2. Projects/ experiments 3. Follow WTM recommendations for 1st grade science. I have looked at Apologia, God's Design for Science and Elemental. I am pretty overwhelmed with this decision. I would love you feedback! Thank you.

Thank you both so much! This is SO helpful. :-)

I am planning on doing science for my 1st grader similar to what is outlined in the Well Trained Mind. I only have the 1st edition of the Well Trained Mind and I am having a hard time finding all the main resources. Can someone let me know what is recommended in the 3rd edition?

My five year old is in Alpha. She loves it! Should she be getting 100% (or close to it) on the end of section test without blocks before moving on to the next section?

Thank you, Ellie. You are so helpful. I have read every (or almost every) post you've written on WRTR. If it wasn't for you, I probably would have given up. I am so grateful to you. This has been such a perfect fit for us.

Ellie, I have a question for you. I am using the 4th edition. My dc (who turned 5 a week ago) just finished section H. Should I review A-G and H? Or just move on to section I? She loves reading and spelling and seems to be doing well. Not sure what my next step should be.

I would go with Alpha and not rush it. That is what we are doing. It is working great!

My daughter (5 in two weeks) is just about done with MM 1A. And we just started MUS Alpha. They work perfect together and she loves both. She is pretty "mathy" though. I am just going straight though both. We do math 6 days a week and rotate back and forth. We use the MUS blocks with everything.

I taught her the phonogram sounds while learning to write the letters. My dd's reading and spelling has soared the past few months since we started WRTR. It worked so well after doing 100EZ. There is some VERY helpful information here: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/465708-ellie-ive-got-some-wrtr-questions/

We left in the late 80s. We probably could have left sooner. She got a really great foundation with 100EZ. I agree on the blending! We are now doing WRTR and McGuffey.

I really appreciate the feedback. Thank you all! I decided not to buy the TM. I can always buy it later. :-)

Do I need to Instruction Manual for Alpha? I have the DVD and Student Pack. If you do use it, what do you find most helpful about it? If you don't use it, why?

Here is a site where you can "hear" the sounds: http://www.phonogrampage.com/ I have used it a lot.

I am so glad I read this. I was going to buy it. But I am pretty sure it will not be a good fit. What are some alternatives for K and 1st grade science?

Where do you all buy World and US wall maps?

Oh...I thought I read in the 4th edition that I teach all 70 first. :-) I am so grateful for your help. Thank you!

Ellie, I am a little confused... We memorized all 70 phonograms. (We are using the 4th edition). A five year old would then start on sections A-G (page 133 in the 4th edition), is that correct? Do we wait to do page one until cursive is learned? What should be our next step?

I am interested in knowing too!

I think a lot about the quote "begin with the end in mind" when planning.