Thanks! This is helpful. I don't really want to totally quit it because I really love SWB and I think her grammar foundation is amazing. And, like I said, my son isn't struggling to the point that he's in tears or anything like that. So I think maybe we'll just take a more relaxed pace with it and not feel the pressure to finish it this year. I could spread a lesson out over 2 days and I think that might work better.

So far we've been doing 4 lessons per week, and the lessons are taking at least 30 minutes. Like I said, he's not completely lost, but the program does seem a lot more comprehensive and intense than what he was used to with FLL. I'm just curious if we should slow down, and not aim to do an entire lesson per day even? Or maybe even stop and wait a year or so? But, if so, what to do in the interim?

I'm not sure which edition you're using. We have the first edition and for awhile there in both D and E, the lessons call for you to spend some time on "practice sheets" at the beginning. These can be found in the back of the worksheets book. They're timed and a good way to help with memorization.

My oldest son is 10 (would be in 5th grade). Last year he finished FLL #4 and when I was wondering what to do next, it was pointed out to me that a follow-up had just been made. So I got the first Grammar for the Well Trained Mind student book. I guess I'm a little confused, because the teacher book says "years 1-4". Am I to assume that the subsequent book/keys are basically the same, just using different examples. This is a 4 year program, no? I'm also wondering, did I start this a bit too young? I figured this was to be used after finishing FLL. But I'm reading that other people didn't start this with their children until 6th or 7th grade. We are currently on lesson 28. I wouldn't say my son is struggling badly with it, but it is pretty intense. I'm wondering if we should have waited; and, if so, what should we have done in the interim? I don't necessarily love the idea of switching to another curriculum only to come back to WTM. Maybe I should slow the pace down? Not necessarily have my mind set on finishing a lesson each day and 4 lessons per week? Any tips or advice on using this curriculum would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you, everyone, for the replies! I think I have a better idea of what to work with now. I appreciate it. =)

Hello everyone! I've browsed this board for about a year, but just finally registered. I am fairly new to homeschooling. My oldest is 5. I use Confessions of a Homeschooler's "Letter of the Week" and "Pre-K 4" curriculum from ages 3-5. This year he would be in Kindergarten, but I don't really follow grade levels per se. For instance, he's already doing level B Right Start math, which I believe is more equivalent to first grade. We are also using Alphaphonics and Explode the Code this year. And we read, of course. So I am wondering what all subjects we need to cover for next year, which would technically be first grade? Our state has no requirements, so I'm not worried about that. And I don't like to overload the younger kids. I'm planning on continuing with Right Start level C, since it has worked so well for us. And I've looked into Real Science Oddysey, and think that looks fun. Is some sort of Social Studies needed at this level? If so, what recommendations do you have? Where I really get stuck is Language Arts. What ALL does this encompass at this level? We are loving Alphaphonics. He is learning to read very well with that, and my sister (who is a first grade teacher) says that his handwriting is very good for his age. But that will be done at the end of this year. Explode the Code is fun, so I'd like to continue with that. But is that enough for LA for next year? There's not a lot of writing involved, it's mostly phonics. What all do I need to cover for LA next year? Separate spelling, handwriting, etc? I'm sure I could browse around for recommendations (I've already tried on Google), but I'm looking for something specific to where we're at now. I was hoping there might be someone on here who used similar curriculum and can guide us down the right path. We are kind of laid-back homeschoolers. I could never be an unschooler, but I don't want to get super intense and do hours of schooling every day. I like to cover the basics, and then do a lot of child-led learning. Thanks in advance for any help!