We did Core K and Core 1 over 1 1/2 years each. DD will be finishing Core 1 this year (1st grade). We started early for a variety of reasons, but I wouldn't consider you behind at all. My second DD will likely be "late" going through Core 1, but it really isn't just for first graders.

That's what we do. We also use the maps that come with the SOTW Activity book. They are much better for the historical places Core 1 covers.

We enjoyed Sonlight's science. My DD had a great time doing Science K. The Discover and Do DVD was nice and the books selected are good reads. Ultimately, however, we decided to drop SL Science. Following the recommendations in WTM, I wanted to focus on one subject area per year. I also wanted experiments that correlate to the information we were learning about. I just wanted a more organized, "scientific" science program. We are now using R.E.A.L. Life Science and it is outstanding. It is not hard to implement, does not require a lot of planning, and common household items are used for the experiements.

We use both and it's going well. We do FLL 3 times a week and WWE 4 times a week. We skip the copywork/dictations from FLL since that is covered by WWE. It really ends up being quick, easy, and effective. HTH.

My oldest is a bookaholic. She's been reading since she was three and reads at about the 5th grade level. Her favorrites are Beverly Cleary books (Ralph S. Mouse, Socks, etc.).

Bible - Sonlight’s Core 1 Bible Curriculum Memory Work - Bible Verses, VP History Cards History - Sonlight Core 1, TWTM-style notebooking, History Pockets, and CHOW workbook Literature - Sonlight Core 1 Read-Alouds, plus any supplementary materials Handwriting - A Reason for Handwriting B Spelling - Spelling Workout B/C Grammar - FLL Writing - WWE Math - Finish Horizons 1, begin Horizons 2. Miquon Red Reading - Sonlight 2 Advanced readers, extras from library and VP Science - R.E.A.L. life science Spanish - Teach Them Spanish 2 Art - Come Look with Me series, Artistic Pursuits

We are doing the first option. My oldest DD is using Core 1 and I have added bits and pieces of SOTW, items from VP, etc. We'll be using FLL and WWE and doing WTM notebooks, too. I have decided to ditch SL's science in favor of studies in the sequence outlined in TWTM. We're still going to follow the SL cores in order but I'm going to add to them.

My DD turned 6 in January and we're about to start SW A. It will be very easy for her - she's been reading and writing well for a couple of years now - but I don't have a problem with that. She'll really enjoy how easy it is (we're finishing ETC 8, so it will seem easy in comparison) and I'll be able to insure there aren't any holes in her spelling. I imagine she'll move through it pretty quickly and we'll continue on through the series. If your DD is interested, give it a shot!

That's how I have used it. I started DD on ETC1 when she was already reading pretty well (We had finished 100EZ). We're now nearly finished with ETC8. I'll probably use it the same way with my other children.

My second DD will be turning 4 in late September. This is what I have planned for her. Sonlight's P 4/5. (I used this curriculum with my oldest DD, so I don't have to buy it again. :D It is SOOO worth it! If I had to, I'd get the books at the library, but I really appreciate owning them. My girls read them over and over) Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. DD is showing interest in learning to read now, so I'm working through it slowly already. BOB Books, Sonlight's Fun Tales Kumon and other Pre-K workbooks. DD loves to "do school" like big sis.

I have this all typed out in a weekly format, but it was too big to attach. :glare: So here goes: Bible - Sonlight’s Core 1 Bible Curriculum Memory Work - Bible Verses, VP History Cards History - Sonlight Core 1, TWTM-style notebooking, History Pockets, and CHOW workbook Literature - Sonlight Core 1 Read-Alouds, plus any supplementary materials Handwriting - A Reason for Handwriting A and B Spelling - Spelling Workout B and C Grammar - FLL Writing - WWE Math - Finish Horizons 1, begin Horizons 2. Miquon Red Reading - Sonlight 2 Advanced readers, extras from library and VP Science - R.E.A.L. life science Spanish - Teach Them Spanish 2 Art - Come Look with Me series, Artistic Pursuits She'll also be doing soccer in the fall and spring. We're considering adding in music lessons as well.

I think it's worth it. :001_smile: We have used Cores P3/4, P4/5, K and now Core 1. They are such a great fit for our family. The books are wonderful and my girls look forward to school every day. I really like having the IG take all of the scheduling out of my hands (although now that I've read TWTM, I'm slightly shifting things around for my oldest). If money is tight, you can buy Sonlight used in a variety of places. Some people even get all the books at their local library. We are able to buy our cores directly from Sonlight, which is a blessing. The company has fabulous customer service and an excellent return policy. I love Sonlight! :D

Persuasion!!

:iagree:That's what I heard as well.

We loved them! They were one of DD's favorite parts of the day. Definitely not your average workbooks. The listening activities get pretty hard by the last book, but they are still fun to do as long as you don't stress over them.

We have been doing SL on-level or ahead of level. We started P 4/5 when DD#1 was 3.5, started Core K when she was 4.5, and just began Core 1 halfway through her K year. We'll finish Core 1 by the end of her 1st grade year. You are right - folks on the SL forums are all about working "behind". If I were you, I'd get P 4/5 and see how it works. We enjoyed it heartily. If it doesn't work, just save it for later.

Writing down everyone's suggestions. :001_smile:

I saw those on Amazon and was intrigued. I checked the library - they have the last one in the trilogy, but not the others! What's up with that?

These are great! Anyone else?

http://homescool-ed.blogspot.com/2007/04/sonlight-books-arranged-by-well-trained.html

I recently bought it and was shocked at the price. That's some book for $20!

I have been using Sonlight for a couple of years and finally sat down and read TWTM last month. It struck a huge chord with me. It really addresses many of our family's educational goals for our DDs. We're sticking with Sonlight - it works and we all love it - but I am adding in many of the suggested readings from TWTM. I am also reorganizing how we do some of the SL cores, how I approach teaching writing, and other elements.

I could - I have almost everything I need through next May. I wouldn't want too, though. I am a compulsive curriculum buyer. :001_smile:

We're using Sonlight's Core 1 and I bought a few of VP's books to add in, too. I'm getting an Amazon order ready to go - what are your favorite ancient history supplements? I'm looking for both history add-ins and reading themed to go along with our history studies. DD can read almost anything although she prefers to read books with colorful pictures. TIA!

Here are a couple of excerpts we've read. I hope this is helpful. From p. 20: "Thermonuclear fusion tells us that there could not have been life on earth billions, or even millions, of years ago." [Two paragraphs follow expanding on this topic] From p. 33: "Amazingly, parts of Mercury have no cratars. The fact that parts of Mercury are craterless is difficult to understand for those believe the solar system is millions or billions of years old." [One paragraph on this topic] The text as a whole is explicitly Christian. For example, there is a page on how God is brighter than the sun, one page on the Gospel in relation to constellations, etc. Honestly, if it didn't fit my world view, I wouldn't buy it. From page 153: "We don't need the stories in the stars anymore because we have God's written word. Praise God! Don't forget to read your Bible; it's the best book in your house and the only one that is a living book. Remember, it is the very World of God."