I'm trying to decide what to do with dd this fall. I would like to have something on hand, but don't want to spend a ton of money. So what are you planning? What things or programs have worked for you? I was considering My father's world, but I really don't want to spend $100 unless it is really worth it.

P.S. This is what I am going to do with my 2nd grader:

Math- Singapore and MUS

Phonics- Finish R&S1 and go through Phonics pathway if needed

Reading/ Spelling: Library books, Spelling Workout

History: Beautiful Feet Primary

Science: Living Learning Books 1 then Apologia when Finished

Handwriting: Getty and Dubay C

I started out with The Well Trained Mind's recommendations, burned out and was sorry I had spent so much money. Then I bought an older used version of Oak Meadow and we really love it. I spent $70 for the syllabus, craft book, and fairy tales. I had already spent $60 on The Heart of Learning and the Home Teacher's Process Manual, but you could use OM without those books if you had to. I used arts and crafts materials I already had on hand, so that would be an added expense, but you're going to need supplies no matter what program you use.

I have heard that Five in a Row and Before Five in a Row are reasonably priced ($20) and you can get the story books from the library.

Peace,

Kimberly

The first one is artsy not a lot of writing save coloring (but this is the one I got the Pre-School version), the second is loosely scheduled using library books and can be hands-on, and the third is strictly worktext format (meaning the book and workbook are one and thus consumable).

I feel my children got a great start on each of them. (I used the first and second on my oldest and the third on my second oldest.)

In a very tiny nutshell, the Oak Meadow requires a child that likes to color and do crafts and sing. The Five In a Row requires a child that loves to be read to, and the third requires a child that loves to do workbooks (It's only one lesson a day).

Sincerely,
Debra, homeschooling mom of 4 (ages 1, 5, 7, and 8)

We mostly read books, did craft projects and went on field trips. Kindergarten is all about fun. Along the way, she learned her letters, letter sounds, counting, etc, etc. We didn't do anything structured. And, we had a great time.

We did the same as Marcey. We basically did a lot of crafts and baking, lots of time outside exploring. Nico mainly learned basic number and letter concepts by living and playing.

I ended up just following Nico's lead, and playing lots of fun games that reinforced basic skills.

I decided not to buy a structured curriculum. I do have HWT and a couple of workbook type things for her. This is to keep her busy while I work with DS on certain things. Thanks for the input!

i started out w/ fiar but have kind of dropped that. We have tried to be consistant w/ saxon which my son loves b/c of the manipulatives. WE are also doing sing spell read & write which i got through our charter. I did try a bit of learn at home k but i had a hard time getting some of the books. It did have neat ideas for crafts and whatnot. Good luck

I started out with The Well Trained Mind's recommendations, burned out and was sorry I had spent so much money. Then I bought an older used version of Oak Meadow and we really love it. I spent $70 for the syllabus, craft book, and fairy tales. I had already spent $60 on The Heart of Learning and the Home Teacher's Process Manual, but you could use OM without those books if you had to. I used arts and crafts materials I already had on hand, so that would be an added expense, but you're going to need supplies no matter what program you use.


Peace,

Kimberly

We used Oak Meadow with three of our children. I'm actually using that right now with our youngest...but as a preschool program since he will go to half-day kindergarten at my dh's school next fall.

You can snag a used Oak Meadow for a good price and I have to say that I love Oak Meadow....as a mom but also as a trained teacher in the field of early childhood education and development.

HTH and best of luck with whatever you do!

Michelle

for ds we're using 100 easy Lessons, Handwriting without Tears, Explode the Code, and Math U See Alpha. He enjoys every minute of it, except the handwriting. We've finished that book though, so things are better now. He also visits Starfall.com a little and we have the little readers that coordinate with it.

for ds we're using 100 easy Lessons, Handwriting without Tears, Explode the Code, and Math U See Alpha. He enjoys every minute of it, except the handwriting. We've finished that book though, so things are better now. He also visits Starfall.com a little and we have the little readers that coordinate with it.

Are you looking to sell the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons anytime soon?

I'm looking for a copy.

Michelle

We've used 100 easy lessons, Sonlight K, explode the code, blah blah blah...My favorite has been phonics museum from Veritas Press, awesome program..

We take it easy for Kindergarten. I skip the Saxon math K and go straight to 1st and just go slow in the begining. Then, we spend about 15min on phonics each day. so, total about 45min/day. The rest is playing!

We've used 100 easy lessons, Sonlight K, explode the code, blah blah blah...My favorite has been phonics museum from Veritas Press, awesome program..

We really liked the phonics museum, too. We also like Sonlight K, but it doesn't have to be a kindergarten program.

I just wish VP went past 1st grade with the phonics museum.

Well, I've got 2 more kids to go through it before I can let go of it. Otherwise I'd just let you have it!

Are you looking to sell the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons anytime soon?

I'm looking for a copy.

Michelle