TyraTooters Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I'm still trying to narrow down what we'll eventually use. I have few favorites picked out that I think I'm set on a few things but I can't stop looking around and window shopping! So what are tour favorites for (not listed in any certain order and will not be done all at the same time!); Writing Handwriting Phonics Reading Math Grammar Spelling Bible History Geography Science Art Music Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 My current favourite maths is CSMP, because it's the only thing working at all! It's helping me see maths differently, which is a fun thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 (edited) . Edited July 9, 2022 by SilverMoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weintz8 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Writing: no idea - can't figure this one out myself.Handwriting: HWOT (I guess, but I feel its the best of the worst and can't find anything better).Phonics: OPGtTRReading: OPGtTRMath: CLE or Saxon, depends on kidGrammar: Rod and StaffSpelling: Rod and Staff Bible: can't find one I like :-( History: SOTW for cost effective, MFW otherwiseGeography: I just like cheap workbooks and games for this Science: Ugh - no idea here either - but we love lap books!! Art: Usbourne Famous Painting CardsMusic: ???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Favorites around here: Writing: WWE 1-2 for first and second. BW and CAP W&R for 3+ Handwriting: HWOT for pre-K - 1st copywork after that and Zaner Bloser for cursive Phonics: AAR Reading: sonlight readers Math: Math Mammoth Grammar: FLL 1-3, verdict is still out in 4... Spelling: AAS 1-4 starting in first, followed by R&S 4+ Bible: Bible Study Guide for All Ages History: after much trial and error we seem to have found the sweet spot for us: Veritas Press History as a spine with Sonlight readers and read alouds with hands on notebooking Geography: nothing we have loved yet Science: no love here either... Art: Draw Write Now and Mark Kistler Music: piano lessons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genny Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Handwritingpentime Phonicsaar (starting at level 1), leapfrog for letter sounds Readingvarious Math singaporeGrammarhaven't found one I'm in love with but will be using mct in conjunction with something? Spelling aasBiblewe have our regular Bible we read from but my husband also bought a comic book style bible that my kids LOVE reading! Geographygeopuzzles, wall map, internet etc... I haven't found a book I'm in love with Scienceapologia modified...I don't follow their beliefs but love how easy it is to use. Music both kids will be starting piano..no specific curriculum since it will be very basic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I don't have favorites for all of them, but here's the ones I have: Handwriting: StartWrite software so I can make my own worksheets related to other stuff we are doing. Phonics/Reading: we used Bob Books, then switched to library books. She didn't need a full-fledged curriculum so we didn't use one. Math: RightStart Math Science: Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding. We supplement with Science in a Nutshell kits. I also love using The Private Eye, which is a fascinating hybrid of nature study, art, and language. Art: Artistic Pursuits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Writing - we really like the Just Write first grade books for a fun intro to writing Handwriting - If we weren't using CLE, which includes penmanship, we'd definitely use Pentime Phonics - Dancing Bears worked wonders here Math - BJU and CLE Grammar - we just started with CLE and like its gentle spiral Spelling - R&S, Apples & Pears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing: Copywork, Treasured Conversations ;) Handwriting: I teach my kids directly through their copywork while sitting beside them while they are little.Phonics: Sing, Spell, Read, WriteReading: SWRWMath: Horizons, Hands on EquationsGrammar: taught via copyworkSpelling: How to Teach SpellingHistory: We read books.Science: We read books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 I'm thinking early-early elementary here: Writing: Copywork, dictation and just letting them write little stories (if they want)Handwriting: Handwriting without TearsPhonics: I have a really old boxed set of Hooked on Phonics K-2nd grade reading that I've used with all my kids. I don't even know if they make it anymore. I also really like Ordinary Parents' Guide to Teaching Reading. Math: Miquon Spelling: All About Spelling Bible: The Beginner's Bible History: Story of the World (but I don't start this until they're about 8) Science: More Mudpies to Magnets, Janice Van Cleave books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing: Copywork, Draw Write NowHandwriting: Handwriting without TearsPhonics: AAR, Classical Phonics, SRA Phonics 1, Read, Write, Type, Rewards IntermediateReading: Sonlight Readers for Grades K-3Math: Miquon, Singapore Standards, Hands on Equations, Zacarro booksGrammar: The Sentence Family, FLL 1 & 2, MCT for 3+Spelling: AASBible: Never found something I love here, best was probably Leading Little Ones to GodHistory: Story of the WorldGeography: Story of the World, Geopuzzles, Sequence States & Capitals, Stack the States & Countries, Barefoot AtlasScience: GEMS Science units, Intellego units, Supercharged ScienceArt: Artistic PursuitsMusic: Instrument lessons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventuresinHomeschooling Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing - We just started CAP's Writing and Rhetoric for third this week after 2 years of WWE. As of now, I think we will continue this routeHandwriting - Pentime because I love the stylePhonics - We love SSRW, but I know Abeka has solid phonics for the early years as well.Reading - SSRW and then independent readingMath - Saxon, but we just switched to Abeka for early years for math with second son because he wanted colorful worksheets. One thing I like about Abeka is the solid knowledge of math facts. So far, one thing I don't like is all their special visuals you need. I like Saxon's scripted teacher's manual more, but it can be a little too repetitive in the early years. However, I liked the K book for preschool. Plan to use Saxon for upper grades.Grammar - We love Shurley Grammar for early years, but we plan to switch to Michael Clay Thompson next year. If I couldn't use these, I'd probably look at Rod and Staff based on reviews.Spelling - I am fortunate to have a natural speller. We went through McGuffey's speller last year, but he wanted a workbook this year, so I got him one.Bible - We are starting God's Great Covenant this year and then very excited to do Summit/Apologia's Who is God series.History - SOTW, and then we are planning to transition to Tapestry of Grace. But for the first 4 years, SOTW has everything you need when you get the Activity Guide.Geography - It is combined with history, but we bought some workbooks called Maps, Charts and Graphs that go into teaching all sorts of things about how maps work.Science - Going to try Elemental Science this year, but I can't give feedback yet. This is my toughie.Art - Discovering Great Artists has some fun projects that tie into history and art appreciation. Going to try Artistic Pursuits this year.Music - music lessons and classical music appreciation with Dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daffodil Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing: Bravewriter, CAP W & RHandwriting: HWOTPhonics: Progressive PhonicsReading: lots of good books, nothing specificMath: MEP Reception, RightStart A & B, Singapore, Beast Academy Bible: n/aGrammar: Sentence Family, Grammar Land, MCTSpelling: AASHistory: SOTW, Usborne Encyclopedia, living booksGeography: incorporated with history + ideas from The Core Science: BFSU, GEMS units, nature study Art: Art Lab books Music: choir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 I'm still trying to narrow down what we'll eventually use. I have few favorites picked out that I think I'm set on a few things but I can't stop looking around and window shopping! So what are tour favorites for (not listed in any certain order and will not be done all at the same time!); Writing: English Lessons Through Literature Levels 1 and 2, then move to Writing and Rhetoric by CAP Handwriting: Getty-Dubay Italics, New American Cursive by Memoria Press Phonics: Logic of English Foundations Reading: Emerging Readers list from Heart of Dakota after finishing a phonics program Math: Math in Focus, MEP, Miquon Grammar: English Lessons Through Literature, The Sentence Family Spelling: Apples and Pears Bible: Bible Study Guide for All Ages History: Beautiful Feet Early American History and homemade history using All Through the Ages Geography: Beginning Geography workbook Science: Sassafras Science, Read and Let's Find Out books, The Bernstein Bears' Big Book of Science and Nature. Art: Home Art Studio My answers are in red. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathie in VA Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing. I like FLL 1/2 w/o the workbook. We do the copywork n dictation for writing. Then I tend to use Classical Writing. Handwriting. Handwriting skills Simplified Phonics. Alpha phonics, Bob Books, Letter Factory DVD , wWord Factory DVD , n Doodling Dragons book from Logic Of English. Reading. No reading program. Books at or below reading level. This year I am going to help my slow reader with lots of joint read alouds n Reading Detective SW. Math. Singapore Math, RS math games, lots if early work with the RS abacus, this year focusing on math facts Grammar. FLL 1/2, Clasical Writing grammar with or without Rod n Staff English. Spelling. Did not like early levels of Rod N staff spelling so we went back to How to Teach Spelling. Bible. We just read n discuss with dad. Starting Primary Bible Reader this year. History. SOTW, TOG. (But prob not using anything this year). Might take some time to learn about our town, county, n state. Geography. SOTW, TOG. (But prob not using anything this year). Might take some time to learn about our town, county, n state. Science. No favorites. Trying NOEO chem this year. Have used Real Science for Kids also. Art. Draw Squad, Drawing with Children, n some parts do Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Music. Classical kids CDs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 This is fun! Now that I about have things figured out for elementary here, we're nearly entering the middle years. I'll be starting lost again! Writing Early, if you really want to use something, WWE orally and/or with the parent writing it down for the child, depending on the level about 3rd grade, depending on the child http://www.amazon.com/Most-Wonderful-Writing-Lessons-Grades/dp/0590873040 is fantastic for narrative writing instruction After that foundation, CAP Writing and Rhetoric Fable Then: CAP Narrative I w/Treasured Conversations Handwriting Handwriting Without TearsPhonics Progressive Phonics (free to print online) is fantastic. I used the first two levels of I See Sam first, and they were great to start. They can be printed free too.Reading After the above, we just read regular books. We started with books used in Heart of Dakota's early reading levels. When my boys were 4th grade, I wanted to work a little more directly on multi-syllable words. I used Elizabeth B's (on here) free word division exercises and followed with this phonics and word study bookMath I think the early levels of RightStart provide an excellent foundation. C rods work well with any math curriculum, and education unboxed is a great resource for those. After RightStart C finished introducing subtraction, I switched. We eventually landed on Math in Focus, and I've been happy with it. Oh, Singapore publishes a Process Skills and Problem Solving series for word problems that is fantastic.Grammar I really like the grammar portions of MCT. I started grammar in 3rd grade fwiw.Spelling I don't do spelling until reading is going very well. We ended up with Apples and Pears, which has made a decent speller out of a struggler, and been good for my natural speller too. It is writing heavy, so not for younger grades.Bible I like Telling God's Story. Going through the Jesus Storybook bible is great too.History Story of the World with the activity guideGeography I use Core Knowledge lesson plans for thisScience Magic School Bus videos, and you can find little experiments to go with online. Side note: Make history, science, geography, etc. fun at the early ages. Cultivate interest and enjoyment above all else.Art Come Look With Me books are nice for art appreciation if you can get them through a library or similar. Scholastic had a book How To Teach Art to Children that seemed good and doable. Music I think lessons or a choir is probably the best way to do this if you aren't inclined yourself. Core Knowledge lesson plans have some nice lessons for appreciation and exposure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyraTooters Posted August 27, 2014 Author Share Posted August 27, 2014 Loving all these!! Thanks for playing along so far and keep them coming! I'm writing all these down. I just can't decide between a few and it's killing me. I'm just so torn!! Too many choices. I get set on one thing and then something makes me change my mind. I'm not good at making decisions so this is incredibly hard for me. I love that my husband trusts me with these decisions but sometimes this is when I wish he would weigh in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mckameyzhiy Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 I liked the K book for preschool. Plan to use Saxon for upper grades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grover Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing: Road to Writing Golden Books, Writers Apprentice. Handwriting: Getty Dubay (we skip A and B and start right in with C)Phonics: don't do this except as part of spellingReading: real books. Read to, read with. Math: Miquon, Life of Fred, Dreambox, Xtra MathGrammar: Grammarland. MCT for funSpelling: All About SpellingBible: n/aHistory: reading lots of books. Building a timeline as thing come up. Projects around topics of interest. Horrible Histories (books and DVDs)Geography: Discovering the World of Geography, real maps and google maps games.Science: Magic School Bus, Suzy's World, Ellen McHenry, Mr QArt: ArtventureMusic: outsourced lessons, Lina Ng books for theory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 I'm still trying to narrow down what we'll eventually use. I have few favorites picked out that I think I'm set on a few things but I can't stop looking around and window shopping! So what are tour favorites for (not listed in any certain order and will not be done all at the same time!); Writing Essentials in Writing : http://www.essentialsinwriting.com Handwriting Zaner-Bloser: http://www.zaner-bloser.com Phonics Adventures in Phonics (with readers): http://www.shopchristianliberty.com also sold at CBD Reading Local Library Math Liberty Mathematics (Christian Liberty Press), or Christian Light, by 3rd or 4th grade we switch to Teaching Textbooks: http://teachingtextbooks.com Grammar Language Fundamentals (Evan-Moor) Spelling Spelling Workout (Modern Curriculum Press) Bible Bible Storybook (we used the one published by MFW for 1st grade) History Adventures in America (can be stretched over two years by adding History Pockets/library books - this is what we did for 2nd & 3rd): http://www.elementalhistory.com Geography Evan-Moor Beginning Geography (1st grade) along with DK Children Just Like Me, The Complete Book of Animals (American Education Publishing), and Around the World in 80 Tales. After 1st grade, we use: Evan-Moor Daily Geography Science We use textbooks and course plans purchased through Kolbe Academy : http://www.kolbe.org and Young Scientist Club Kits (can be purchased inexpensively through Amazon). Art Artistic Pursuits : http://www.artisticpursuits.com Music The Story of the Incredible Orchestra by Bruce Koscielniak, and Music CDs purchased through MFW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silverwood Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing: WWE (we are in book 1 right now, but my DD is enjoying it and I feel she is improving) Handwriting: Rhythm of Handwriting (from LOE) Phonics: LOE Foundations Math: Horizons Grammar: FLL Spelling: AAS Bible: still trying to find one we like. As of right now, we are just reading from the bible every night. I plan on trying God's Great Covenant next year. History: story of the World Science: Elemental Science! We are loving it so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinivanMom Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing - Journal, copywork, & a daily writing block (using Writers Inc as a reference) Handwriting - Handwriting without Tears Phonics - Reading Reflex Reading - Bob Books followed by lots of real books Math - Singapore Math Grammar - We wait until 4th to start formal grammar. Spelling - Solid phonics, followed by studying the words my kids actually misspell along with lists of the most common words. History - We choose a spine and read lots of real books along with it. Geography - We bought a globe and a good atlas; then we look places up when they are in the news or we read about them in history. Science - We choose a spine and read lots of real books along with it; then we visit our local zoo, aquarium, & science museum Art - Artistic Pursuits Music - piano lessons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbernt Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Math - Dreambox math - entirely individualized and adaptable online math that is colorful and feels a little like online games. Also excellent for finding learning gaps and taking care of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing SWRHandwriting SWR W/ CURSIVE FIRSTPhonics SWR Spelling SWR Reading SWRGrammar SWR Math MIQUON (We also love CSMP, but having used it for 4 years, I must warn you that, as far as I can tell, it is only worth it if you have a highly verbal student who is a reluctant writer, as it is very teacher-intensive.)History SOTW/TOGGeography SOTW/TOGScience BFSU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRobinson Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Thanks so much for this! Just starting out and appreciate learning about what others love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Writing: WWE 1-3Handwriting: Zaner-Bloser ManuscriptPhonics: Dancing Bears or The Writing Road to ReadingReading: Books. I make up my own lists based on ones from SL or Ambleside Online and other such sites. Math: RightstartGrammar: nothing for early elementary. FLL4 about 4th grade, or MCTSpelling: Apples & PearsHistory: A Child's History of the World or Story of the WorldGeography: Galloping the GlobeScience: various kits and library books. I never found a program I loved for early elementary.Art: Atelier or Meet the MastersMusic: Discoveries in Music, Kinderbach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Writing, Handwriting, Phonics - ETC and copywork or maybe Jot It Down (BraveWriter), and then later look at Treasured Conversations by 8filtheheart (3rd grade?). OR Writing Skills work book level A (2nd - 4th grade)Reading - during the phonics period, add great read alouds - Lots of lists available for these. After phonics - Use Step into readers, etc. until you gain fluency, then eventually require 30 minutes per day from "shelf" or "basket" of good books. Elson Readers are also good.Math - Math Mammoth if they are good at math. CLE if they need more "spiral" review.Grammar - FLL if you only have one or two children and you like it. Otherwise wait until they are older. Spelling - If you only have a couple children, use AAS. If you have more use SWO and hope for the best.Bible - just read from the Children's Golden BibleHistory - I like Ambleside Online. If you don't, use SOTW. Easy to use, kids like it, color a map. Done. Or you could do online self-paced from Veritas Press. Depends on your goals.Geography - SOTW, color a map, done. No need to make this difficult. 3Rs are important, geography in the context of history is fun and easy. Or when they're a little older, let them play Civilization, lol. Science - Do we have to? okay, fine. Go outside. Draw things. Read scientist biographies. If I only had one or two young ones and I wanted more to do, I would use Science in the Beginning from Jay Wile.Art - Draw Write Now. Artist Study (Ambleside Online).Music - Play lots of classical music. See Ambleside Online - composer study. Love music yourself. Play it for them. Repeat. Sing a lot. Pay for piano lessons or violin, if you must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGHEALTHYMOM Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I'm still trying to narrow down what we'll eventually use. I have few favorites picked out that I think I'm set on a few things but I can't stop looking around and window shopping! So what are tour favorites for (not listed in any certain order and will not be done all at the same time!); Writing IEW A, WWS, CAP Fable Handwriting MP American Cursive, Draw Write Now Phonics Doodling Dragons, LOE APP, Funnix, 1OO EZ Lessons Reading Rocket Reader Bible, Abeka Bridge Book, BJU LEVEL 3 w/ flip chart & 6, Usborne books, picture books Math Right Start, TT Grammar Grammar Songs, LLTL, MCT Spelling LOE Bible Beginners Bible, Golden BIBLE, Beginners Bible movies History SOTW, MOH 3, Layers of Learning, WORLD magazine for current events Geography Geography Songs, CC Memory work, Maps and Globes, Minn of Mississippi Science Hands on (outdoors), Apologia Anatomy, Story of Science (Joy Hakim) Art Drawing with Children, Ed Emberly books, Atelier Art level 4 Music Tin whistle, Piano lessons, Guitar lessons, Choir, Dover coloring, Peter and the Wolf, Classical composers cd's, Attend Symphony and Musicals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julikins Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Writing--I don't start writing instruction until 4th grade, except for narration and copy work. But nothing "formal". I have my son starting with Wordsmith, Evan-Moore Daily 6-Trait writing, and/or The Wordcraft series (apprentice, etc.). It's been fun. My daughter (older) has done some Killgallon and that has helped her a lot. Handwriting--I've done a A Reason for Handwriting for both kids, then I transition to Abeka's for my struggling one who needs consistent practice. Phonics--I've loved Alpha Phonics and Phonics Pathways, both simple and straightforward and it works. Reading--Writing Road to Reading for Phonograms, this leads into spelling Math--Depends on the kid. My oldest has thrived with Math-U-See and my youngest did well starting out with CLE Math and is now using Critical Thinking Company's Mathematical Reasoning and Teaching Textbooks. Grammar--I struggle with this one. We have done MCT, which I like somewhat but I struggle getting it done, and R&S which is good but I hate teaching it. It works though. Spelling--struggling speller--Writing Road to Reading, AAS (slow but good program, can't stand to teach it though), Megawords for Syllabication and now Phonics Zoo (this one is finally what she needs). For natural speller, I've been using Sequential Spelling, it so easy and he gets it (he can't stand workbooks either). Bible--We have used all sorts of different things including Awana, Leading Little Ones to God, Apologia's Who is God?, and Bible studies from Precepts Ministries. The most important has been having them read the Bible and write down something from what they read. History--For youngers I've finally landed on SOTW with Activity Guide and for the olders I've done a mismatch of resources based on the the 4 yr rotation (MOH, Guerber/Miller Histories, Lapbooking, historical fiction, etc.) I'm considering Notgrass for American History next year. Geography--usually in conjunction with HIstory, but I have used Legends and Leagues, an Exploring countries curriculum, Trail Guides to World Geography Science--A mishmash of stuff, God's Design for Heaven and Earth, this year we're doing Apologia's Human Anatomy. Art--I want to start Artistic Pursuits in connection with Harmony Fine Arts in a couple weeks. Music--Piano lessons to start with, listening to composers and classical music. I'm looking for something for Theory--Breezin' Thru Theory perhaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsmm Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 We love AAS. Singapore The Sentence Family SOTW audiobooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelmama1209 Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 i feel like we've finally "got it". for my oldest at least. the only part of school she dreads is math and i honestly believe that curriculum doesn't matter for her. it's a mindset thing. anyway, we're using: fll lively latin sotw r&s spelling scholastic handwriting/cursive ellen mchenry's the elements how to study the bible for kids beethoven who how to teach art to children simply charlotte mason's visit to... geography series the only thing not really set is writing, but she's taking a once a week iew class at co-op. she also does logic countdown, waker uppers, reading comprehension, map skills, 365 days of nature play, global studies, and the healthy kids cookbook. my youngers are doing: math mammoth and cuisenaire rod idea book phonics pathways etc you can read from 1+1+1=1 song school latin fll and most of the extras listed above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.