Apr. 2, 2008 - 1st Grade Curiculum Thoughts


I went to an A Beka Book Display today, and man oh man my head is spinning....all those books, how would I ever keep it all straight.  I met this really nice lately there that was also a homeschooling mom and she suggested to use some of A Beka, but to use something like Son Light or Five in A Row for the other subjects to make it easier with all the other kids in the house.   So this is what I am thinking about doing:  Using A Beka for Reading, Phonics, Language, Writing, and Arithmetic, not sure what to do about Spelling (I have heard that A Beka Spelling is hard), and then using Five in A Row for the other subjects. 

I just don't know what to do, I am so confussed and all those books you have to use with A Beka makes my head spin and spin and spin....not to mention all the Support Materials you are suppose to use. 

I am thinking about just buying the Child Kit from A Beka and then buying the Parent Kit items used.  I just hate to spend all that money on something and then hate it and only get half price for resale.  Makes more sense to me to buy it at used price and then resale....

Just look above...Reading, Phonics, Language, Writing...all different subjects, why can't they all just be combined into one thing....Lets see with A Beka for just the basics I would have 3 Curriculum/Lesson Plan books...not to mention the Test Keys/ Speed Drill Keys (there would be 2 of those)...so

Curriculum/Lesson Plan books

1.  Phonics/Reading/Spelling Curriculum/Lesson Plans

2.  Cursive Writing/Seatwork Curriculum/Lesson Plans

3.  Arithmetic 1 Curriculum/Lesson Plans

Keys

1.  Letters and Sounds 1 Test Key

2.  Arithmetic 1 Tests/Speed Drills Key

I wish I could just go with something a lot easier with 4 kids 5 and under...what is the easy way?

Post A Comment!

Apr. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by xanga.com/homekeepingheart
I second the lady at the display! Use A Beka for the subjects that each child would need separately and for the things like Bible, science, history, and literature you can combine all your children using Sonlight or your own choices. That's what I do! (except not A Beka). BTW--There is something that combines phonics, reading, handwriting, language, plus picture study, dictation, poetry and more--all in one! It's called Language Lessons for Little Ones and you can look at it at www.queenhomeschool.com. I think that would really simplify your life. All those subjects--one $20 book--one short easy lesson a day. It is very nice. You should check it out ;-) I think I just convinced myself to do it again!
Jennifer
Permanent Link

Apr. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by xanga.com/homekeepingheart
I wanted to add that I if you want to do A Beka, I really think it would take a lot of pressure off of you to forget about lesson plan books, drill books, teacher's manuals, etc. Just get the math workbook, phonics workbook, etc. and work through them at your own pace. You might find you go through books even faster that way. Sometimes my son wants to do 5 or 6 math pages a day. I doubt we could do that if we had to go through a bunch of drills and exercises beforehand you know? He is now halfway through Horizons first grade math and is a whiz at it to say the least. He loves it. I really don't think you need teacher's books for such early grades. In my opinion, they would really burden me and bog me down.
Homeschooling should be fun, something to look forward to and be excited about. You need to be free! That's what homeschooling is all about! Set yourself free girl!
Permanent Link

Apr. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kimalita
Hey you!! We used Abeka for one our kids, tried for the next one but it didnt work out so well. It's a lot of work, work, work for the student. It's way more than necessary. Not to mention the price is crazy. I wish I had known what I know now and not used it and jsut nejoyed the younger years with my first b/c it was so much stuff to do and so much pressure on the kid. I would really pray about it first. Also, its a year advanced than what the other curriculums are -- not bad and my 1st did fine and is ahead ~ but at what expense?
Also what the gal said up there is great. Use a couple tihngs for the child and then use other things that you can use with ALL your children. Thats how i do it....so much better!!!
Permanent Link

<- Last Page :: Next Page ->

About Me

Just trying out this blog stuff to see how it all works. I am mom to 4 wonderful children; Chloe (5), Noah (4), Zoey (2), Jonah (6 months). I am just beginning the homeschool journey and trying to become the Godly Woman I am meant to be.

Links

*Home
View my profile
Archives
Email Me

TEACHmagazine Blog
Above Rubies Devotionals
Keys for Kids (Great Devotional for Kids)
HisKids.net


Friends


mom26kidz
creativehsmom
Tiany
FreeStuffForHomeschoolers
Aligirl
PreschoolersandPeace
genamayo
hallfamily8
Sher
4realblessings

mzclark
deovolente
rubberwoodschool
cahanbury
doughgirl37

kimalita
Crashinbeck33
tkd1238
homeschoolboutique


Template design copyrightPhotobucket

Photoshop Brushes Credited to These Sites