Abeka K4 / K5 - good for cursive, phonics and foundational skills (good teacher support) ?

[Mommaof3]

My four year old is dying to do "school" and is way ahead in small motor control and trying to read. She LOVES worksheets and it totally different than my older chldren whom I used a slightly delayed formal school / Heart of Dakota / Charlotte Mason approach. I am considering buying the K4 or K5 curriculum from Abeka because I have heard it is a strong foundation in cursive, phonics and math. My older children have struggled with handwriting and phonics (both dyslexic) so I know I definately want to teach cursive first and I think I need more teacher support and structure in reinforcing phonics and handwriting skills than I have in the past. I have a HOD curriculum left over from my son which we loved so I am also planning on stil using that as well for all subjects that Abeka doesn't cover at that age. I figured that would give me a balance between solid skills, hands on and active learning, and great books. Due to the fact I will be using 2 curriculums and she is young I am considering streching this program over 1.5 - 2 years so the time commitment would be less everday and we could go at her pace. Does this sound like a good plan to anyone ? Has anyone used Abeka for k4 or k5 and found it teaches foundational skills well with good teacher guidance and structure ? Any feedback on whether I should just jump to K5 and skip K4 if I am streching it out ? If they build upon each other maybe I should plan on doing both ? Her birthday is December 20th so she is not considered kindergarten age in my state until the year after next anyway so this is also an option since we are starting young. Thanks for any input anyone might have !

[purpleowl]

I have used A Beka materials for work at levels K4, K5, and 1st grade (after that level I switch to other things). I do think it provides a great foundation for cursive, phonics, and math. I mainly just use the worksheets and then instruct on new concepts the way I want to, but if you want more guidance the curriculum definitely provides it.

 

Both of my girls went more quickly than normal, not more slowly, so I can't really be of help with the idea of stretching it out. There is a good bit of review at the start of the K5 material - I don't have it handy so I can't tell you how many lessons are review.