Specific questions on the Computer Skills and Applications part of it, are the skills they are teaching ones that are not being taught by just using the computer on a regular basis? I plan on starting to teach him touch typing at some point but his little hands are almost too small still. What about the Maps, Globes and Graphs, pretty basic stuff that I can duplicate with other books? I am being offered used curriculum is why I am asking but do not want to miss out on anything crucial. What are these ATS tests? That is only if I am using the advisory service, right? Ok, well then I do not need them anyhow. What 'is' the phonics library, is it a book? a set of flash cards? Thank you in advance for any help you are willing to lend me........
When we used Calvert it didn't have the computer part to it. It's all REAL new. The SV Maps & Globes & Graphs can even be ordered if you want it. My son didn't really care for it since he was already a huge geography buff and the lower level was...this is your neighborhood type stuff. ATS test are only for the advisory service. Phonics library is 8x11" pages that you tear out and fold in half to form simple little books that focus on the skill they are working on. To buy the black line masters are real expensive I think around $75+ type thing. They aren't critical but...if you are using the Calvert lesson manual just make sure when it's time to compare those stories that you realize you didn't have them. Even the reading books and practice pages that Calvert uses can be purchased on their own. Of course Calvert hand picks the practice pages so...their numbers don't match up with the practice but... HTH if not ask again.
That helps a LOT and I thank you. On the phonics library are they similiar to those little books in K? The colored books? When you speak of the 'black line masters' I am unclear on that. Sorry, I am new at the lingo, but whatever they are I am trying to figure out if they are important as they are expensive, if they are then maybe I should just buy the whole new set. The map part sounds like things we have covered light years ago as DS is like yours.......way too interested before 1st grade so if it is lower level we will not use it anyhow. I am trying to keep some consistency but hate to spend SO much if I am going to have to supplement with another $500 in extra materials anyhow. Oh the dilemmas...........
The Phonics Library are the blackline masters sorry for the confusion. They are similar to the K books but...not as nice. lol I guess you could make them nicer but...we didn't. I just unfolded them when I was done to save for the next kid. Important as they are expensive...probably not. They just sometimes refer to them when comparing stories but...considering the story is sooo short you could find another story to read and compare/contrast with. Other than the lesson manual...you can purchase just about everything else separate and on your own. So...it just depends on where you are and how much the used set is being sold for. pm me when you get a chance.
