Okay...all set for my eldest. My middle, a 1st grader, I'm just in a slump. I feel like I can't get over this hurdle! We bought him the workbooks for A/O 1st grade History/Geography. I was THINKING of using First Language Lessons for L/A...but not sold on that yet. This week at the teacher store, I bought the Making the Grade book for 1st Grade b/c it looked interesting. I'm so confused right now. The L/A looks too easy (basically going on the assumption that the 1st grader isn't a reader yet...maybe??). And the Math actually looks too hard. Maybe??? The Science looks like it's good and fun. And I MIGHT use the Social Studies too because the History & Geo is so bible based, it doesn't really cover anything like "real" if that makes sense. Sorry if that sounds cold. I love that it goes over the who am I, I live in a Family, etc. But it's not maps, states, history, etc...right? Using MTG will require a ton of prep work by me, which I'll don't mind....but I don't know! Help me. Talk me off the ledge...please!
Hello there...(waving to you) Can you see me? I have a big smile just for you... and see my hand...you can reach out and grab it, yes, yes, you can! (((((hugs))))) I would vote to do the Lifepacs and the activities that the Teacher's Guide mention.
kbabe1968- I have a 1st grade son too and we started out with Horizons Math 1 and it is way too easy for him. So now I'm just picking a concept and teaching it - from a scope and sequence list I found online. At least until I can afford another Math program. You didn't mention if yours is a reader yet - mine is and I was also thinking about First Language Lessons. I haven't been able to find one in a store around here and I really like to flip through the books before I buy and I can't tell from the online reviews if I would like it. I can't find anything for him for History. We're using a BJU Science book I found at a discount book store and I'm doing Bible lessons on my own. So basically I feel your pain and for some reason 1st grade is a tricky one for me too. Everything I find seems either too easy for him since he's such a good reader or way too hard and it won't keep his attention. Sorry I'm no help Is there room on your ledge for one more?
LOL....there's not a lot of foot room...hope you don't have big feet (I do...size 11's! LOL ) Thanks. YES...my son IS a reader. he taught himself, thanks to Starfall! LOL Kids don't need us to learn! LOL I did have a chance to look at First Language Lessons - it does look neat. It really looks like you could use it for two years, not just one. Online it's only like $10 plus shipping if you buy used. Do you have a Christian Book store near you? They might have it...ours did. That's where I saw it the first time. Anyway... THANKS
SO....are you wanting a History that's NOT Bible based? Your 1st grader doesn't have to do maps and states in first grade---unless you want him to. He'll get plenty of that as time goes on. Many homeschoolers start with Ancient History and move on up from there. So they would be in 4th grade before they got Modern History. SOTW (Story of the World) and MOH (Mystery of History) seem to be two favorites. SOTW is not religious based, and MOH is a creationist Christian viewpoint. Not sure exactly what you're asking???
Thanks Deena! NO...I LOVE that A/O is bible based, totally, and we're going to use that. I was just wondering if I should ADD to the History/Geo. We are going to wait to do SOTW when my youngest starts 1st grade b/c I'll be able to use it with all grades. I definitely want to use it b/c its so amazingly awesome. But we had already purchased the A/O lifepacs for Histor/Geo when I found SOTW and my hubby wasn't into switching gears. Oh well. I'm THINKING of using the Making The Grade Social Studies stuff, maybe...although, after relooking at it, it kind of parallels the A/O...goes a little deeper into mapping. I guess my questions really boil down to the L/A and Math. the L/A in Making the Grade is a little basic - BUT if I add extra reading/writing, it could work. The Math starts out REALLY basic, but will get over his head after about 1 unit. It looks good. Anyway....I think I'm just scared of the MTG because it's going to rely on me to do a lot of planning...where. I'm hesitant to purchase the rest of the subjects for A/O since my son isn't a workbook type learner, I don't think he'd like it. Thanks...rambling again!!!
History of Mystery has map work. I also purchased a map workbook for my kids. They love map stuff. So, if you are happy with the curriculum but feel you need to supplement..don't be afraid to do that. I don't think I would scrap a whole book just for that. That is if I am understanding you correctly. I do understand what you mean by bible based yet missing some basic elements...I am not sure how to word that myself..but I get what you mean. I perfer bible based. Going to ps all my life I had to learn where God fit in and learn to discern truth from fiction. My reflexes still tell me that Bible based things are not strong in hard science. I know I am very wrong. Anyway...that was two separate things..lol... one there are weak bible based books. If you like it overall...just supplement or find one that suits your needs. If you are struggling with the conflict in your head of ps vs. a Christian education re-evaluate your texts again...you may be surprised. Just my 2 cents that maybe only be work one cent. LOL.
