How exciting! I just got a call from Sonlight because I requested the free literature book and lesson plans. I mentioned your name when asked where I heard about the company. The lady replied, " Oh yup we know her." I thought that was funny😄
Based on some advice from my veteran homeschool mom friends, I did IEW for the first time this year with my reluctant writer (4th grade). It has been awesome! And let me be clear, I’m still helping him physically write while he narrates…but his understanding of how stories are structured and what makes a good story has improved so much. It seems like a lot at first, but I’m glad I took the time to figure it out because now I understand why it’s a classic, well-loved curriculum.
Yes! I use Christian Light Education for math and I ordered a set of addition and subtraction flash cards from them even though I had my own because they are organized by CLE and labeled for when to use them. So each day when my daughter’s lesson says to practice L and M flash cards for 5 min k can grab them easily. With 7 kids this is a must.
We love those dot cards for visual math fact family drills. Abeka is just so good. We use Singapore dimensions as her spine and then arithmetic 2 for her spiral support. She just does one page a day and we adore it. The Abeka readers are just so so good too!
I used IEW SS 1A this year and am SO glad I got the Teaching SS. I helps to understand the whys. I also listen to the podcasts. The most important one for me was the 4 deadly mistakes in teaching writing.
We are using IEW for the second year. I do love it and think it has improved my kids writing drastically. I did SS year 1 Level A for my son in 5th grade. The first two weeks were easy but it quickly got to be too much for him to complete a lesson in one week. I also split the video into two days. Even with modifying the schedule he learned so much! Don’t be afraid slow things down if videos, lessons and writing take too long for your kid. We will be using it for the third year next school year!
Love it all! We’re doing Abeka for our first grade year phonics, language, and spelling. I just placed my order for son light science A through your link. I already have math with confidence so I’m using what I have on hand. I am so excited. I am excited to see how you implement IEW. That’s the plan for our writing program when we get there.
I love unboxings! I hear you on thr being hesitant with IEW. It looks/sounds so overwhelming to me. I have very reluctant writers. I hope to see more videos on it once you’ve used it!
We love the Mind Benders books. My 16 yr old just grabs her book and does them on her own 'cause she loves them so much. IEW is amazing. Hope you love it as much as we do.
Thanks for sharing! I use Abeka for all our subjects but having been thinking about adding some of the books from Sonlight (I love the idea of the books going along with history).
I wish we would have continued with Abeka math in elementry school. I never got the same results with the other math programs we tried. We loved G & T B language arts 4 and we've been happy with their other levels too. We're going to try IEW next year. I hear nothing but good things about it.
I don’t love the spelling with TGTB either. We use Sequential Spelling but we still review spelling rules and apply it to Sequential Spelling. I love how Sequential Spelling knocks out a lot of similar words all at once.
Always love curriculum unboxing videos!! SO much fun!! 😍 We’re currently doing BYL5 with my 10yo and we are LOVING it so much!! We’re only on week 8, but every single book has been a huge hit so far!! Excited to see what you pull from it!! I’m also so excited to hear about how you like IEW- I’m currently in research mode, but IEW is high on the list because my son is also super logical… are you starting soon or waiting until next school year?
I'm really excited to weave in BYL5 - I love hearing that it is going so well for you! I'm not going to start IEW until next year ... haha, I need enough time to wrap my head around it :)
I’m glad you got the Teaching Writing Structure and Style. I feel like all those who do not like IEW is because they did not take the time to take their flagship course and thus do not understand the why’s and how’s of the program. Once you understand all that you will get the brilliance of the program and teach it well.
I’d love to hear what you’re working out with IEW and Brave Writer. My rising 5th grader really struggles with getting any words on a page. We’ve been trying the lit singles from Brave Writer and they are going very well for creative writing. We all love them. Yet, I know she needs direct, clear instruction for other styles of writing. I’m currently looking at IEW, but weaving in the lit singles from Brave Writer. they work really well with my younger elementary kids too.
I love curriculum haul videos! I am curious about how you do phonics/LA and math with your twins? I have 7 year old twins and currently I do each one individually for those subjects. I am just wondering if you do those lessons with your twins combined? Next year I will also have a kindergartener and a little pre-k kiddo. Just concerned about how to fit it all in. We do history and other subjects as a family, which helps.
Haha, in the update video I am editing I chat about that very thing. I wanted to be able to combine them but it reached a point (comparison, fighting, peeking) where it just wasn't worth it and I have split them up and they are doing MUCH better!!
I switched my incoming 4th and 8th graders to Abeka for math and the language arts. I close Masterbooks life science for my incoming senior. Guest Hollow for my 4th and 8th graders (Jr. Anatomy and Jr. Geography) and for my 12th grader, he’ll use the Government from Guest Hollow.
@@usmosers2495 I just realized that the flip through is for the old editions ... but I would say it is pretty similar, mostly copying but some questions.
I am right there with you! I tried to leave Sonlight and use BYL and I just couldnt use it in its entirety but i still LOVE her book list. I feel like BYL has a new updated book list and is a great resource to add alongside Sunlight. I love Sonlight because they give you discussion questions AND the answers where BYL doesn't give the answers to the discussion questions. Another one I am looking at for our American history unit is Blossom and Roots River of Voices series! I do like the BYL and B&R has a more indigenous focus over Sonlight so I will be blending mine as well! Great line up, Are you guys not using Logic of English next year? did I miss your spelling unboxing?
Exactly! I love the Sonlight IG but prefer some of BYLs book list - so I thought it was time to see if I could mesh them :) B&R also looks amazing!! We are using LOE next year - but I already picked up all the workbooks. I just copy the sheets I need ... it is set up a little strange with the Level A,B, and C, so that seemed to be the most logical :) As for Spelling - my son uses LOE, so that is covered and currently my daughter is using TGTB. But if we change that I have AAS I could use!
I’d love a math video if you don’t mind? My son is advanced in Language arts but pretty much on level with math. Like you, I feel more confident when I get extra hand holding. We are using Singapore 2022 and it’s very solid but I find myself not loving it. I feel like my son just wants to get straight to the point and move on. I suspect he has ADHD like me so I think it’s not going to work long term. Do you think abeka is better? Should I go the traditional route? I wanted to love Singapore primary but I’m not sure it will work for me to teach it with so many moving parts at once.
I would be happy to do a math video - we have had a lot of luck with the traditional method for teaching math ... both Saxon and Abeka. We didn't do as well with Singapore, but I know lots of kids do great with it!
I was curious about the Sonlight American History and how you were gonna make that work, there is a lot of boring books and not as much diversity as I would like. My daughter is going into 4th grade as well and frankly she would be so bored in it. Amazing idea to interweave Build Your Library!!
I'm excited to add in a bit of BYL! I'm hoping to preread some of the Sonlight books because I am often surprised by books that look boring but end up being amazing! But I do want more diversity and I LOVED the resources for that in BYL5. I will keep you all updated :)
Hi! Just speaking from the graduated homeschooler perspective. My family used Sonlight from elementary all the way to senior year and a large part of the books in level D are still the same books that I remember. They are actually some great books that I loved rereading over and over and I look forward to reading to my future children. I do love the idea of adding some additional books in though too. You can never have too many books!
Why are my comments being deleted? The first time I thought maybe I made a mistake and didn't actually submit it. So I rewrote it and afterwards made sure it was there. I forgot to mention something about the program, so I was coming back to add it and low and behold, it's been deleted!! AGAIN! I'm really not sure why?? Frustrating to offer support and suggestions only to have them removed.
Super weird! I’ve never had that happen before. I loved your video and really appreciated the fact that you supported Emily like that! Really sweet of you. My recommendation was for your son…have you looked into layers of learning?? They have a fabulous writing program that is super flexible called Writers Workshop that I think you might really love (especially with IEW). It has a TON of creative and fun ideas and is meant to be used “family style” for kids 6-18. The pdf is like 300 pages and costs under 50!! It’s honestly amazing! Sarah Makenzie from the Read Aloud Revival recently mentioned that it was one of the writing programs they used in their homeschool that they loved. I highly recommend checking it out!
@@inquisitivemindsacademy I've always been a big fan of Emily and BYL! Thanks for the recommendation - that is a new one to me, I will go check it out! I hope your comments don't get deleted again, I really appreciate you taking the time!
Thank you for the content! I recommend clicking on the curriculum guide for writers workshop on their page. Gives a really thorough explanation for the program and each unit found within it! It’s seriously fabulous!!
@@inquisitivemindsacademyI'm doing layers of learning writers workshop with my son next year and then going to add IEW the following year. I'm super excited!
I've heard that advice ... but I think I will try to use it as written at first because the program is geared towards 3rd-5th and he will be in 5th! If its too much, I will probably split the lessons in half!
For the middle school level some of the videos can be 45 minutes long. We have split them into 15-20 minutes because there is usually some pausing and working in the middle of it. It makes it go a lot slower but my son is learning a lot so I am ok with that.
Thank you for the knowledge! I typed the question up before I heard you say it was your first year doing IEW, I’ll be waiting on your review next year! My son is going to be in 5th grade this next year too. We did EIW for 4th grade and he does it but is a little bored with it. We started adding in TGTB this last month and both my kids enjoy it. So we’ll be sticking with it next year, just trying to decide if I need to add in writing or not especially for him. Also been looking at writing and rhetoric for extra writing.
Hello. I wanted to let you know that after viewing your content, I have decided to move forward with Sonlight. I used your link for the $10 off. And you have encouraged me to also start a RUclips channel.
How exciting! I just got a call from Sonlight because I requested the free literature book and lesson plans. I mentioned your name when asked where I heard about the company. The lady replied, " Oh yup we know her." I thought that was funny😄
Haha, I love that so much - thank you for telling me :)
Based on some advice from my veteran homeschool mom friends, I did IEW for the first time this year with my reluctant writer (4th grade). It has been awesome! And let me be clear, I’m still helping him physically write while he narrates…but his understanding of how stories are structured and what makes a good story has improved so much. It seems like a lot at first, but I’m glad I took the time to figure it out because now I understand why it’s a classic, well-loved curriculum.
What you are describing is my hopes for my son ... structure and framework for writing! Thank you for sharing :)
Yes! I use Christian Light Education for math and I ordered a set of addition and subtraction flash cards from them even though I had my own because they are organized by CLE and labeled for when to use them. So each day when my daughter’s lesson says to practice L and M flash cards for 5 min k can grab them easily. With 7 kids this is a must.
Exactly, I just don't have time for that!!
We love those dot cards for visual math fact family drills. Abeka is just so good. We use Singapore dimensions as her spine and then arithmetic 2 for her spiral support. She just does one page a day and we adore it. The Abeka readers are just so so good too!
I'm excited to start using the Dot cards - I think they will be so helpful!
I used IEW SS 1A this year and am SO glad I got the Teaching SS. I helps to understand the whys. I also listen to the podcasts. The most important one for me was the 4 deadly mistakes in teaching writing.
We are using IEW for the second year. I do love it and think it has improved my kids writing drastically. I did SS year 1 Level A for my son in 5th grade. The first two weeks were easy but it quickly got to be too much for him to complete a lesson in one week. I also split the video into two days. Even with modifying the schedule he learned so much! Don’t be afraid slow things down if videos, lessons and writing take too long for your kid. We will be using it for the third year next school year!
Love it all! We’re doing Abeka for our first grade year phonics, language, and spelling. I just placed my order for son light science A through your link. I already have math with confidence so I’m using what I have on hand. I am so excited.
I am excited to see how you implement IEW. That’s the plan for our writing program when we get there.
Musical multiplication made a huge difference for us!
Wonderful, I hadn't heard too much about it but I think she will like it!
I love unboxings! I hear you on thr being hesitant with IEW. It looks/sounds so overwhelming to me. I have very reluctant writers. I hope to see more videos on it once you’ve used it!
I will definitely keep you all updated - haha, because yes I am feeling a bit anxious!
We love the Mind Benders books. My 16 yr old just grabs her book and does them on her own 'cause she loves them so much. IEW is amazing. Hope you love it as much as we do.
I LOVE doing the mind benders myself, so I understand where your son is coming from :)
Same on the Abeka flash cards, so glad I finally got them!
They are so helpful!
Thanks for sharing! I use Abeka for all our subjects but having been thinking about adding some of the books from Sonlight (I love the idea of the books going along with history).
SL booklist is really top notch!!
Loved the haul 🎉❤
I wish we would have continued with Abeka math in elementry school. I never got the same results with the other math programs we tried. We loved G & T B language arts 4 and we've been happy with their other levels too. We're going to try IEW next year. I hear nothing but good things about it.
Loved seeing this. Thanks for sharing!
I agree that you do need the teacher course for IEW, even if you have the video lessons. Just my opinion / experience.
I’m really curious to see what you think of IEW and the teacher’s course as well. I’ve never used it, but may later on. Please keep us updated!
I will definitely keep you all posted!
Great Haul! I am considering ordering the D'nealian handwriting book Grade 1 because the worksheets I printed were not enough.
I'm a really big fan of D'Nealian!
I don’t love the spelling with TGTB either. We use Sequential Spelling but we still review spelling rules and apply it to Sequential Spelling. I love how Sequential Spelling knocks out a lot of similar words all at once.
Sequential Spelling is one I haven't tried - which is surprising because I feel like I've tried them all!
Always love curriculum unboxing videos!! SO much fun!! 😍
We’re currently doing BYL5 with my 10yo and we are LOVING it so much!! We’re only on week 8, but every single book has been a huge hit so far!! Excited to see what you pull from it!!
I’m also so excited to hear about how you like IEW- I’m currently in research mode, but IEW is high on the list because my son is also super logical… are you starting soon or waiting until next school year?
I'm really excited to weave in BYL5 - I love hearing that it is going so well for you! I'm not going to start IEW until next year ... haha, I need enough time to wrap my head around it :)
I’m glad you got the Teaching Writing Structure and Style. I feel like all those who do not like IEW is because they did not take the time to take their flagship course and thus do not understand the why’s and how’s of the program. Once you understand all that you will get the brilliance of the program and teach it well.
Agreed! I felt like I wouldn't understand the program without the teaching course :)
Such a great haul!
i love abekas phonics as well........with my son we do alot of the language seatwork together orally :)
That is a great idea!
Unboxing videos are so much fun! ❤
Agreed! Did you see that I'm planning to weave in BYL5 a bit next year ... your videos helped convince me!
I’d love to hear what you’re working out with IEW and Brave Writer. My rising 5th grader really struggles with getting any words on a page. We’ve been trying the lit singles from Brave Writer and they are going very well for creative writing. We all love them. Yet, I know she needs direct, clear instruction for other styles of writing. I’m currently looking at IEW, but weaving in the lit singles from Brave Writer. they work really well with my younger elementary kids too.
I will keep you all updated as I work it out and plan ... I might do a IEW + Sonlight or Bravewriter type video :)
I love curriculum haul videos!
I am curious about how you do phonics/LA and math with your twins? I have 7 year old twins and currently I do each one individually for those subjects. I am just wondering if you do those lessons with your twins combined? Next year I will also have a kindergartener and a little pre-k kiddo. Just concerned about how to fit it all in. We do history and other subjects as a family, which helps.
Haha, in the update video I am editing I chat about that very thing. I wanted to be able to combine them but it reached a point (comparison, fighting, peeking) where it just wasn't worth it and I have split them up and they are doing MUCH better!!
I switched my incoming 4th and 8th graders to Abeka for math and the language arts. I close Masterbooks life science for my incoming senior. Guest Hollow for my 4th and 8th graders (Jr. Anatomy and Jr. Geography) and for my 12th grader, he’ll use the Government from Guest Hollow.
That sounds like a wonderful plan! I love the look of Guest Hollow!
I would love to see inside the Arithmetic. My daughter is less than excited about math these days and I am considering a switch.😊
Great video idea - I don't feel like there is much on RUclips for Abeka math!
Sorry, I couldn’t find the link to your video about that handwriting program. I’d love to check it out more.
Here you are! ruclips.net/video/1ctOfArNqeQ/видео.html
Thank you! I did watch it, but I couldn't see what all was in the Grade 3/4 books. Is it questions that they answer? Or just copywork?@@sciencemama
@@usmosers2495 I just realized that the flip through is for the old editions ... but I would say it is pretty similar, mostly copying but some questions.
Thanks!!
I am right there with you! I tried to leave Sonlight and use BYL and I just couldnt use it in its entirety but i still LOVE her book list. I feel like BYL has a new updated book list and is a great resource to add alongside Sunlight. I love Sonlight because they give you discussion questions AND the answers where BYL doesn't give the answers to the discussion questions.
Another one I am looking at for our American history unit is Blossom and Roots River of Voices series! I do like the BYL and B&R has a more indigenous focus over Sonlight so I will be blending mine as well!
Great line up, Are you guys not using Logic of English next year? did I miss your spelling unboxing?
What is BYL?
@elisr3884 It is Build Your Library
Exactly! I love the Sonlight IG but prefer some of BYLs book list - so I thought it was time to see if I could mesh them :) B&R also looks amazing!! We are using LOE next year - but I already picked up all the workbooks. I just copy the sheets I need ... it is set up a little strange with the Level A,B, and C, so that seemed to be the most logical :) As for Spelling - my son uses LOE, so that is covered and currently my daughter is using TGTB. But if we change that I have AAS I could use!
I’d love a math video if you don’t mind? My son is advanced in Language arts but pretty much on level with math. Like you, I feel more confident when I get extra hand holding. We are using Singapore 2022 and it’s very solid but I find myself not loving it. I feel like my son just wants to get straight to the point and move on. I suspect he has ADHD like me so I think it’s not going to work long term. Do you think abeka is better? Should I go the traditional route? I wanted to love Singapore primary but I’m not sure it will work for me to teach it with so many moving parts at once.
I would be happy to do a math video - we have had a lot of luck with the traditional method for teaching math ... both Saxon and Abeka. We didn't do as well with Singapore, but I know lots of kids do great with it!
How did 3rd grade go with TGTB go? We’re currently using Abeka language arts.
It went really well, I've moved her into Level 4 to start the year!
@@sciencemama Great to hear! Did you feel it was on the same level as each other or were there gaps?
I was curious about the Sonlight American History and how you were gonna make that work, there is a lot of boring books and not as much diversity as I would like. My daughter is going into 4th grade as well and frankly she would be so bored in it. Amazing idea to interweave Build Your Library!!
I'm excited to add in a bit of BYL! I'm hoping to preread some of the Sonlight books because I am often surprised by books that look boring but end up being amazing! But I do want more diversity and I LOVED the resources for that in BYL5. I will keep you all updated :)
Hi! Just speaking from the graduated homeschooler perspective. My family used Sonlight from elementary all the way to senior year and a large part of the books in level D are still the same books that I remember. They are actually some great books that I loved rereading over and over and I look forward to reading to my future children. I do love the idea of adding some additional books in though too. You can never have too many books!
@@thehuffmans7183 Thank you for sharing your perspective - I agree, that Sonlight books are amazing, I have yet to find one we don't like!
Why are my comments being deleted? The first time I thought maybe I made a mistake and didn't actually submit it. So I rewrote it and afterwards made sure it was there. I forgot to mention something about the program, so I was coming back to add it and low and behold, it's been deleted!! AGAIN! I'm really not sure why?? Frustrating to offer support and suggestions only to have them removed.
I’m not sure why either - I love support and suggestions!! I’m sorry that is happening!
Super weird! I’ve never had that happen before. I loved your video and really appreciated the fact that you supported Emily like that! Really sweet of you. My recommendation was for your son…have you looked into layers of learning?? They have a fabulous writing program that is super flexible called Writers Workshop that I think you might really love (especially with IEW). It has a TON of creative and fun ideas and is meant to be used “family style” for kids 6-18. The pdf is like 300 pages and costs under 50!! It’s honestly amazing! Sarah Makenzie from the Read Aloud Revival recently mentioned that it was one of the writing programs they used in their homeschool that they loved. I highly recommend checking it out!
@@inquisitivemindsacademy I've always been a big fan of Emily and BYL! Thanks for the recommendation - that is a new one to me, I will go check it out! I hope your comments don't get deleted again, I really appreciate you taking the time!
Thank you for the content! I recommend clicking on the curriculum guide for writers workshop on their page. Gives a really thorough explanation for the program and each unit found within it! It’s seriously fabulous!!
@@inquisitivemindsacademyI'm doing layers of learning writers workshop with my son next year and then going to add IEW the following year. I'm super excited!
For IEW do you break up the videos? I keep looking at it but the video length holds me back.
I've heard that advice ... but I think I will try to use it as written at first because the program is geared towards 3rd-5th and he will be in 5th! If its too much, I will probably split the lessons in half!
For the middle school level some of the videos can be 45 minutes long. We have split them into 15-20 minutes because there is usually some pausing and working in the middle of it. It makes it go a lot slower but my son is learning a lot so I am ok with that.
Thank you for the knowledge! I typed the question up before I heard you say it was your first year doing IEW, I’ll be waiting on your review next year!
My son is going to be in 5th grade this next year too. We did EIW for 4th grade and he does it but is a little bored with it. We started adding in TGTB this last month and both my kids enjoy it. So we’ll be sticking with it next year, just trying to decide if I need to add in writing or not especially for him.
Also been looking at writing and rhetoric for extra writing.
Hello. I wanted to let you know that after viewing your content, I have decided to move forward with Sonlight. I used your link for the $10 off. And you have encouraged me to also start a RUclips channel.
Ahh, thank you so much for the support and I'm excited to hear how Sonlight works for you!