Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! We are going to start our homeschool journey in the fall with our oldest, who will be in Kindergarten! I loved hearing your reviews!
This fall will be my first year homeschooling my girls, going into third grade, kindergarten, and my youngest (3 years old) may start some preschool concepts. I’m binging so many of your videos right now lol. Curriculum seems a bit overwhelming..but less so getting more insight from seasoned homeschooling moms like yourself 💕
Aww so glad to hear that! And yes, curriculum choices when you’re first starting out is overwhelming to say the least. It’s a lot! Feel free to ask any questions you might have ❤️
I realized that TGATB math 1 (new version) was a tad more advanced for my kiddo. So we will be repeating it next year. BUT I got the Abeka workbook as a supplement thanks to your recommendation! I also bought level K Abeka worksheet book for a kind-of practice for the summer to reinforce some concepts I feel she may have missed in public school. Thank you for this video!
Yep totally agree about the k5 lesson plan book- I sold mine! Lol. They basically just go through the handbook for reading in order. Once I figured that out, I realized I really didn’t need the lesson plan book. I like to make up stuff as I go like using letter tiles and stuff. I do love the straightforward approach that Abeka takes!
Hi! I love your videos, I get so much from them and jot down ideas! I’m curious, did you entertain the idea of TGATB for level K Lang Arts? I know your oldest daughter has switched to them. I’m considering TGATB vs Abeka for K and Grade 2 next year. Thank you!
We did Abeka as a supplement and TGTB level k when Lexi (my middle) was in kindergarten a few years ago but ended up switching to Abeka fully about half way through because I didn’t love the way TGTB laid out their reading. Knowing that, I just went straight with Abeka this year for Lola.
Ok, that makes sense, thank you! I watched your new video, talking about level 2 TGATB LA. It’s so hard to decide! I’m between the new level 2 TGATB (not out yet...) or Abeka, which I’ve never done before. I think I’m scared of switching! And Abeka is often ahead, so I need to see if level 2 or 1 would be better. Thanks for ALL of your information and reviews!
I totally get what you mean about the old TGTB math versus the new. The new math is so much quicker that I couldn’t go back to the old. But I loved how the old one flowed and explained things better. The new math was worded funny sometimes, and I had to re-read something to figure out what it was trying to say 😅
Yes! Don’t get me wrong, I really still love the new math, but there is something about the old one (I can’t put my finger on it), that seemed to explain it just a bit better.
I am having such a hard time with the K5 Lesson Plans! I realize I’m probably making it harder than it needs to be but I really dislike it and it’s discouraging because I know how critical learning to read is! It doesn’t help that I’m OCD about organization. I feel so out of sorts
Aww I’m sorry 😞 It can definitely be overwhelming and I think I mentioned in this video that I didn’t love the lesson plans for kindergarten (I’m trying to remember haha). What exactly are you having a hard time with? Are you doing all of the subjects or just one or two?
@@thepracticalhomeschooler I am just using it for Phonics/Reading basically. I have the Numbers workbook and also the Think & Learn but I basically just got the lesson plans because I wanted to make sure I was introducing the phonics flash cards/blend book in correspondence with the Phonics and Reading lessons. I think because I’m only utilizing the Lesson Plans for Reading/Phonics and didn’t purchase every single flash card pack they mention, I’m confusing myself! Lol I only purchased the flash cards you used. The others I felt were redundant. I think for someone that purchased the entire curriculum and all of the “extras” it would be much easier to navigate! 😃
@@megan58389 could be!! For me, all of that was too much but for others it might be worth it. To me it was easier to eliminate what I didn’t have and only use the lesson plan portion for what I did have. It took a bit but we did get into a groove of things and had more of a flow
@@thepracticalhomeschooler that is exactly what I am trying to do! Get my groove! 😁 I’m sure it will come, with patience and perseverance. I truly appreciate all of your videos! You have been a true blessing 🤍
Love Abeka! We'll be using most of their K5 books with my littlest next school year, since we had great luck with it in the past. Our girls have also been reluctant using the Abeka manuscript handwriting in the past, not sure what it is, but we are still going to give it a try again next year... maybe I'll offer an incentive (a snack, sticker, privilege) if they finish a whole page. Handwriting is definitely something our girls have to work on, thinking of starting it this summer as a "5 min activity" so they'll get a little extra practice before our August start date. ☺️ Thanks for the review!
I hear you about curriculum being a bit scattered and not making sense the way it's laid out. Especially reading. It feels like phonics approaches are so varied across the board, it's hard to find a good fit for kids. ❤️❤️ Great video! Last kinder!!! Yay Lola! ❤️❤️
My daughter did the Abeka K-4. It sounds like a lot of what is covered in the first part of the Abeka K-5 is what was taught in K-4 so your son should be fine going into K-5 without completing K-4. I reached out to Abeka to see if there was an advanced option for students going into K-5 who completed K-4. They informed me there was not and that K-4 is just a preschool program. Hope this helps!
I got the Abeka teachers guide mainly bc I haven’t taught a child to read before and I wanted to know when to use which flash cards (Abeka has SO many). We are only using Abeka for phonics, reading and handwriting. Although I won’t use the teachers guide for the handwriting. Our plans are so much alike but you are one year ahead of us so it’s really nice to watch your videos for all the ideas.
O nice!! Hopefully this didn’t dissuade you too much 🫣😬 lol as long as you know which flash cards you’re going to stick with, it will help eliminate all the extras you won’t need to use
@@thepracticalhomeschooler no not at all!!! I have kinda looked at it and had already decided that I wouldn’t be reading it word for word. We just aren’t using all the parts. Your Abeka videos have all made me certain about my decision to use it! My daughter is only a few months off of yours in terms of her bday so she will also be a young kinder student.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! We are going to start our homeschool journey in the fall with our oldest, who will be in Kindergarten! I loved hearing your reviews!
Thanks so much for watching ❤️❤️
This fall will be my first year homeschooling my girls, going into third grade, kindergarten, and my youngest (3 years old) may start some preschool concepts. I’m binging so many of your videos right now lol. Curriculum seems a bit overwhelming..but less so getting more insight from seasoned homeschooling moms like yourself 💕
Aww so glad to hear that! And yes, curriculum choices when you’re first starting out is overwhelming to say the least. It’s a lot! Feel free to ask any questions you might have ❤️
I realized that TGATB math 1 (new version) was a tad more advanced for my kiddo. So we will be repeating it next year. BUT I got the Abeka workbook as a supplement thanks to your recommendation! I also bought level K Abeka worksheet book for a kind-of practice for the summer to reinforce some concepts I feel she may have missed in public school. Thank you for this video!
Ahh nice! Always better to make sure they get the concepts and take your time rather than rush through
Yep totally agree about the k5 lesson plan book- I sold mine! Lol. They basically just go through the handbook for reading in order. Once I figured that out, I realized I really didn’t need the lesson plan book. I like to make up stuff as I go like using letter tiles and stuff. I do love the straightforward approach that Abeka takes!
Exactly! It does go in a great order which is really helpful!
It's amazing how kids can vary in learning so much. My July daughter was just not ready for K and will be doing it this year at 6.
That’s how my middle daughter was…she didn’t do kindergarten until she had just turned 6
Loved hearing your thoughts for kindergarten since I will eventually have a kindergartener ❤️ thanks for sharing Lauren!
Thanks for watching girl! ☺️
Hi! I love your videos, I get so much from them and jot down ideas! I’m curious, did you entertain the idea of TGATB for level K Lang Arts? I know your oldest daughter has switched to them. I’m considering TGATB vs Abeka for K and Grade 2 next year. Thank you!
We did Abeka as a supplement and TGTB level k when Lexi (my middle) was in kindergarten a few years ago but ended up switching to Abeka fully about half way through because I didn’t love the way TGTB laid out their reading. Knowing that, I just went straight with Abeka this year for Lola.
Ok, that makes sense, thank you! I watched your new video, talking about level 2 TGATB LA. It’s so hard to decide! I’m between the new level 2 TGATB (not out yet...) or Abeka, which I’ve never done before. I think I’m scared of switching! And Abeka is often ahead, so I need to see if level 2 or 1 would be better. Thanks for ALL of your information and reviews!
@@laurene9166 take your time… no rush. Really look through the new one and go from there! ❤️❤️
I totally get what you mean about the old TGTB math versus the new. The new math is so much quicker that I couldn’t go back to the old. But I loved how the old one flowed and explained things better. The new math was worded funny sometimes, and I had to re-read something to figure out what it was trying to say 😅
Yes! Don’t get me wrong, I really still love the new math, but there is something about the old one (I can’t put my finger on it), that seemed to explain it just a bit better.
I am having such a hard time with the K5 Lesson Plans! I realize I’m probably making it harder than it needs to be but I really dislike it and it’s discouraging because I know how critical learning to read is! It doesn’t help that I’m OCD about organization. I feel so out of sorts
Aww I’m sorry 😞 It can definitely be overwhelming and I think I mentioned in this video that I didn’t love the lesson plans for kindergarten (I’m trying to remember haha). What exactly are you having a hard time with? Are you doing all of the subjects or just one or two?
@@thepracticalhomeschooler I am just using it for Phonics/Reading basically. I have the Numbers workbook and also the Think & Learn but I basically just got the lesson plans because I wanted to make sure I was introducing the phonics flash cards/blend book in correspondence with the Phonics and Reading lessons. I think because I’m only utilizing the Lesson Plans for Reading/Phonics and didn’t purchase every single flash card pack they mention, I’m confusing myself! Lol I only purchased the flash cards you used. The others I felt were redundant. I think for someone that purchased the entire curriculum and all of the “extras” it would be much easier to navigate! 😃
@@megan58389 could be!! For me, all of that was too much but for others it might be worth it. To me it was easier to eliminate what I didn’t have and only use the lesson plan portion for what I did have. It took a bit but we did get into a groove of things and had more of a flow
@@thepracticalhomeschooler that is exactly what I am trying to do! Get my groove! 😁 I’m sure it will come, with patience and perseverance. I truly appreciate all of your videos! You have been a true blessing 🤍
Love Abeka! We'll be using most of their K5 books with my littlest next school year, since we had great luck with it in the past. Our girls have also been reluctant using the Abeka manuscript handwriting in the past, not sure what it is, but we are still going to give it a try again next year... maybe I'll offer an incentive (a snack, sticker, privilege) if they finish a whole page. Handwriting is definitely something our girls have to work on, thinking of starting it this summer as a "5 min activity" so they'll get a little extra practice before our August start date. ☺️ Thanks for the review!
What is it about their handwriting curriculum? Lol
Great idea for the incentives though! Something simple…love it!
I hear you about curriculum being a bit scattered and not making sense the way it's laid out. Especially reading. It feels like phonics approaches are so varied across the board, it's hard to find a good fit for kids. ❤️❤️ Great video! Last kinder!!! Yay Lola! ❤️❤️
Yes I agree! I think since I’m familiar with Abeka it made it easier to put into place. But totally think it lays it out well!
Did you do a preschool curriculum with any of your girls? We did not do Abeka’s K4 so I’m wondering what my son needs to know going into their K5.
I did the good and the beautiful preschool for my youngest (we LOVE that one) and easy peasy all in one for my middle daughter.
My daughter did the Abeka K-4. It sounds like a lot of what is covered in the first part of the Abeka K-5 is what was taught in K-4 so your son should be fine going into K-5 without completing K-4. I reached out to Abeka to see if there was an advanced option for students going into K-5 who completed K-4. They informed me there was not and that K-4 is just a preschool program. Hope this helps!
@@rebekahsmith9279 That’s very helpful, thank you!
Any tips on where to buy used curriculum stuff?
I buy used from eBay or Facebook groups for that specific curriculum company
Great thank u!
I got the Abeka teachers guide mainly bc I haven’t taught a child to read before and I wanted to know when to use which flash cards (Abeka has SO many). We are only using Abeka for phonics, reading and handwriting. Although I won’t use the teachers guide for the handwriting.
Our plans are so much alike but you are one year ahead of us so it’s really nice to watch your videos for all the ideas.
O nice!! Hopefully this didn’t dissuade you too much 🫣😬 lol as long as you know which flash cards you’re going to stick with, it will help eliminate all the extras you won’t need to use
@@thepracticalhomeschooler no not at all!!! I have kinda looked at it and had already decided that I wouldn’t be reading it word for word. We just aren’t using all the parts. Your Abeka videos have all made me certain about my decision to use it! My daughter is only a few months off of yours in terms of her bday so she will also be a young kinder student.
@@GenJenandJuice ok great!! Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions ☺️
I had a few who hated that writing as well!
It’s not for everyone!
I don’t always like teacher guides!!! I can find them tedious!!! We find phonics completely different!!! We love the new TGTB math!!!
I think it depends on the teacher guide, but I agree, they can be a lot sometimes!