We LOVE Sonlight too. My son’s cardiologist is the person who talked it up to us. I just wasn’t sure we could do all the books, but we are and loving every minute of it. My son loves reading and has become even stronger than I expected and my daughter has come to really love books too. This book loving mama could not be happier. And I love ALL the writing exposure my kids get and how everything works together in such a natural way.
My mom used sonlight HBLs for me 1st -12th grade...ten years out from high school I still remember so many of those great books with fondness. Whether or not I use Sonlight with my kids someday, I'll definitely read them several of the books in their programs!
I absolutely love sonlights history,science,and reading subjects we have been using them for 4 years and don’t plan on stopping. I actually separated each subject into their own 2 inch binders just seems easier to me.
I purchased HBL B this year and we attempted it in the beginning of the year but we weren't quite getting it 😂 so we put it up for a bit and brought it back out a couple months ago and now we're zooming through it! We are really enjoying it so much! I am so excited to continue on with Sonlight for a long time! ❤
We have used Sonlight for the last three years roughly. I paused this year but then picked it back up and we were able to catch back up to end the year on time. Already purchased for next year and HBL C is sitting on the shelf ready to go!! I’m excited to start this next year with Sonlight and use it the entire school year
I’m a newbie to Sonlight but not to homeschooling. Your videos have been very helpful in making my decision to try it out. I have a special needs son who loves history and I needed to fill that interest for him. We are trying B and C condensed this coming year. And my 2 high schoolers are trying 130. I’m excited for something new and I love the BOOKS!!!
We are using some of bookshark this next year, which I think is similar to sonlight just without some of the Bible aspects. We use something else for that but I’m excited to give it a try!
@sciencemama Yes thats why I always love your recommendations for programs. We use build your library now, it's wonderful for a mom of 4. I have done both Christian and secular but next year I have to use secular since we are going to be a part of a homeschool charter.
I purchased the level K in January before they announced the switch of A and K levels. We're going to use the Science K and Language Arts K this year but I'm saving the American History for when they're in first grade. I agree that it does seem a bit advanced for 5 year olds. We're using Beautiful Feet Around the World with Picture Books this year instead. I do love Sonlight though and will continue to use them in the future. 😊
Hello! Great video! Do you plan to use the entire program for your kindergarteners? I’m looking into it but debating about switching out the math. I have heard great things about Math-U-See, but I am leaning more towards a Singapore Math curriculum. Just curious. Thanks again for the videos!
Toni, are you aware we carry Singapore in our curriculum as well? You will be able to take advantage of the ASP discount either way if you decide to change it from Math-U-See to Singapore.
Mostly 4 day (I do like the 5 day science) - I would say it depends on how much of the program you are using (HBL, science, LA) ... but for just HBL and Science, it takes us about an hour to 1.5 hours to do Level C and K.
I love the idea that Sonlight has the schedule made for you. this might seem like a dumb question but what if you fall behind in one subject? are you then having to work off of two schedules at the same time? or do you skip a lesson to stay on track?
Not a silly question… sometimes we do get ahead or behind, but I try and catch up to the same schedule if I can. I do keep about 6 weeks of the guides in my binder so I can flip back and forth if needed!
Yes and no ... yes in that it teaches through living books, but no in how it uses the books to teach. For instance, Sonlight uses discussion questions (not narration), and the language arts takes a more gentle approach but it still uses writing assignments or prompts (not written narration. Hope that makes sense!
Thanks for sharing. I'm early on in the journey trying to decide whether we should use AAR alongside Sonlight LA if we do opt to homeschool. My son is further ahead in reading (although no necessarily in copywork/handwriting) than what I see in Sonlight for K. AAR would allow us to move at a quicker pace for reading/phonics. So your point on slow and steady resonated. If you were to go 'back' would you simply use Sonlight LA or still supplement with the other reading programmes because of your kids' unique needs? Thanks
👋 we did HBL-K this year. Would you do World Cultures A or skip to world history A? Next year I’ll have a 1st grader & 4th grader. Highly sensitive 4th grade girl actually
My two cents is I would lean towards World History core B if you are trying to keep them together. The current World Cultures A is being moved to the Kindergarten level switching with the American History K and it definitely is appropriate for that age. It was a bit light for my bright inquisitive second grader this year though she is thoroughly enjoying the read alouds anyway. She did listen through D as well but she is not sensitive lol. Good luck!
I would also say HBL B, especially because of the 4th grader ... but that also depends on your 1st grader. Also, are you hoping to keep them together or split them?
We LOVE Sonlight too. My son’s cardiologist is the person who talked it up to us. I just wasn’t sure we could do all the books, but we are and loving every minute of it. My son loves reading and has become even stronger than I expected and my daughter has come to really love books too. This book loving mama could not be happier. And I love ALL the writing exposure my kids get and how everything works together in such a natural way.
I couldn't agree more! It all goes together so naturally :)
My mom used sonlight HBLs for me 1st -12th grade...ten years out from high school I still remember so many of those great books with fondness. Whether or not I use Sonlight with my kids someday, I'll definitely read them several of the books in their programs!
So many good books!!
I absolutely love sonlights history,science,and reading subjects we have been using them for 4 years and don’t plan on stopping. I actually separated each subject into their own 2 inch binders just seems easier to me.
Sonlight's book list is really stellar. Love their selections. ❤
AGREED!!
I purchased HBL B this year and we attempted it in the beginning of the year but we weren't quite getting it 😂 so we put it up for a bit and brought it back out a couple months ago and now we're zooming through it! We are really enjoying it so much! I am so excited to continue on with Sonlight for a long time! ❤
I'm so glad to hear that!! When it works, it works :)
We have used Sonlight for the last three years roughly. I paused this year but then picked it back up and we were able to catch back up to end the year on time. Already purchased for next year and HBL C is sitting on the shelf ready to go!! I’m excited to start this next year with Sonlight and use it the entire school year
Love that we are doing the same level - when are you planning on starting? I'm tentatively starting mid-July :)
I’m a newbie to Sonlight but not to homeschooling. Your videos have been very helpful in making my decision to try it out. I have a special needs son who loves history and I needed to fill that interest for him. We are trying B and C condensed this coming year. And my 2 high schoolers are trying 130. I’m excited for something new and I love the BOOKS!!!
I'm so excited for you!!
Yes I use Sonlight currently in HBL C my boys say it's their favorite subject! I love it too!
We love Sonlight! It’s our 7th year with them and my boys love reading and I’m pretty sure it’s because of their great book selection!
Ahh, 7 years that is so wonderful!!
We are starting HBLK this year and I am so excited about it for ALL the reasons you mentioned! 🙌🏻
Ahh, I really loved HBL-K ... excited to hear how it goes for you :)
We're on year 4 of sonlight and loooove it too!
Next year I have a child starting the high-school levels and I think I'm more excited than she is haha
I totally get that - every year I look at the high school programs and I can't wait!!
We are using it and loving it!! We are on HBL B and I have already purchased HBL C 🎉
Same here!
We are using some of bookshark this next year, which I think is similar to sonlight just without some of the Bible aspects. We use something else for that but I’m excited to give it a try!
I love all your videos. I would love to see you do a Sunlight and BookShark comparison. I know you have used secular programs before. ❤
I seriously considered Bookshark because of the secular nature for the science!
@sciencemama Yes thats why I always love your recommendations for programs. We use build your library now, it's wonderful for a mom of 4. I have done both Christian and secular but next year I have to use secular since we are going to be a part of a homeschool charter.
I purchased the level K in January before they announced the switch of A and K levels.
We're going to use the Science K and Language Arts K this year but I'm saving the American History for when they're in first grade. I agree that it does seem a bit advanced for 5 year olds.
We're using Beautiful Feet Around the World with Picture Books this year instead.
I do love Sonlight though and will continue to use them in the future. 😊
I love all the Beautiful Feet Books :)
Hello! Great video! Do you plan to use the entire program for your kindergarteners? I’m looking into it but debating about switching out the math. I have heard great things about Math-U-See, but I am leaning more towards a Singapore Math curriculum. Just curious. Thanks again for the videos!
Toni, are you aware we carry Singapore in our curriculum as well? You will be able to take advantage of the ASP discount either way if you decide to change it from Math-U-See to Singapore.
Awesome, thanks for the info!
Do you do the four or five day program. How long does it take your family to complete your school most days?
Mostly 4 day (I do like the 5 day science) - I would say it depends on how much of the program you are using (HBL, science, LA) ... but for just HBL and Science, it takes us about an hour to 1.5 hours to do Level C and K.
I love the idea that Sonlight has the schedule made for you. this might seem like a dumb question but what if you fall behind in one subject? are you then having to work off of two schedules at the same time? or do you skip a lesson to stay on track?
Not a silly question… sometimes we do get ahead or behind, but I try and catch up to the same schedule if I can. I do keep about 6 weeks of the guides in my binder so I can flip back and forth if needed!
😊 Question...wondering how far you are into the human body and if you went over the hormones and baby section? With the videos
We’ve been using Bookshark but I’m thinking of switching to Sonlight. Does it give you enough Bible or should I plan on adding that in?
I think it gives the perfect amount of Bible ... but I feel like everyone lands differently on that :)
This was great, thank you! Would you consider sonight to follow a "Charlotte Mason" style principle as it is literature based?
Yes and no ... yes in that it teaches through living books, but no in how it uses the books to teach. For instance, Sonlight uses discussion questions (not narration), and the language arts takes a more gentle approach but it still uses writing assignments or prompts (not written narration. Hope that makes sense!
Thanks for sharing. I'm early on in the journey trying to decide whether we should use AAR alongside Sonlight LA if we do opt to homeschool. My son is further ahead in reading (although no necessarily in copywork/handwriting) than what I see in Sonlight for K. AAR would allow us to move at a quicker pace for reading/phonics. So your point on slow and steady resonated. If you were to go 'back' would you simply use Sonlight LA or still supplement with the other reading programmes because of your kids' unique needs? Thanks
If I could go back, I would try to use just Sonlight LA first, but if needed add a phonics program along side!
Have you used Abeka? Wondering how Sonlight compares to Abeka?
I've only used Abeka phonics :)
👋 we did HBL-K this year. Would you do World Cultures A or skip to world history A? Next year I’ll have a 1st grader & 4th grader. Highly sensitive 4th grade girl actually
My two cents is I would lean towards World History core B if you are trying to keep them together. The current World Cultures A is being moved to the Kindergarten level switching with the American History K and it definitely is appropriate for that age. It was a bit light for my bright inquisitive second grader this year though she is thoroughly enjoying the read alouds anyway. She did listen through D as well but she is not sensitive lol. Good luck!
I would also say HBL B, especially because of the 4th grader ... but that also depends on your 1st grader. Also, are you hoping to keep them together or split them?