oh I couldnt love this video enough. There are so many videos that talk down on Sonlight LA and I think I have done enough bouncing around between other curriculum that I am finally happy with Sonlight. I absolutely love the books they choose. I do struggle with the phonics and spelling portion but I like that they give you outside options if you dont want to use their route. Thanks for the video and the update!
Angie, I was raised on Sonlight (through nearly every core), and now I'm using the curriculum with my sons. It warms my heart to hear how you are doing creative writing with your children. 🥰 And just some encouragement regarding the phonics and grammar: My mom used a different phonics program for us, as well--though we did enjoy the Sonlight readers. For grammar, we did the Sonlight LA (including dictation). Interestingly, none of us (my siblings or I) had great "technical" grammar skills (diagramming sentences, etc.), but all of us could write well. Two of us passed a CLEP test for English during our first few weeks of college. Being able to identify the technical aspects of English only came into use for me (English ed. major) and my older sister (English major). Now as I'm going through the program with my sons, I am planning on supplementing Sonlight's LA with some straight-up grammar instruction (possibly Logic of English or something of that nature). Excited to follow along with you and see how you use/supplement/replace parts of the curriculum!
Thanks for all your Sonlight LA reviews. 💗 I’m considering using it with my kindergarten daughter in the fall. We’ve hit a wall with our current LA and need a fresh start.
We really liked the Grade 2 and 3 Sonlight readers. We’re in the 4th grade readers right now and my daughter likes most of them. I plan to get 5th grade next year. 😊 They really help her broaden the types of books she’ll pick up.
Sonlight's literature selection is great. However, looking back to Level K, I wish they had added in either phonics or given the option to supplement on their website. I didn't realize until 3/4 of the way through that it wasn't included so I then had to supplement on my own.
Haha, I just picked it up during break because I'm so excited to get to the second series - and I've heard the next book or books are coming out this year!!!
I find your videos oh so helpful!! This one is perfectly timed! I have 5 year old so I love hearing what worked/didn't for your daughter and how you will adjust for the twins! I just picked up sonlight LA K and 1 used and am trying to figure out if I could use pieces of it. We have All About Reading Level 1 that I want to use but I was hoping to use parts of sonlight to round out LA instead of just phonics. So helpful to hear how you just picked the parts that would work for you and the kiddos!
So glad it was helpful, yes I 100% believe you can use the LA program without the phonics portion ... I'm actually most excited for the LA program after it switches from learn to read (K-3) into read to learn (Level D and above)!
This was such an informative video! I use sunlight for my son who is in fourth grade. We use the history program. I was considering doing the language arts for him because right now our language arts program is not working for him. Thanks for sharing!
This video is great. I’m interested in more videos about sonlights LA. Like you, I am also starting out with Abeka for LA but would eventually like to move away from Abeka maybe around 2nd or 3rd grade and move towards Sonlight but I’m wondering how I should go about doing that. Your kids are a season ahead of mine so it’s super helpful seeing how you are doing it
I feel like Language Arts is the subject I’ve gone back and forth on too. We have tried Sonlight LA 1, BJU English 2/3, TGATB LA 3 and now today we started LIFEPAC LA 3. This year has been a Lang Arts struggle but I think we’ll be good now. 😂
We use AAR and AAS, but we plan to use the grade 2 readers from sonlight next year when my daughter moves into second grade. Thankfully I can borrow them all from a friend!
I'm super interested in Sonlight on many fronts. Hearing you talk about the LA, it sounds similar to brave writer and their youngest level where they tell you the story and you write it down. I remember you feeling like that program wasn't a great fit. What do you find different between the two?
That is such a good questions! I feel like both Sonlight and Brave Writer both follow more of a natural technique for teaching LA! After using both I would say that SL has more support for teaching a structure to writing in the earlier years. Additionally, SL doesn't emphasize partnering with your child as much as BW, I've just decided to pull that technique into my teaching while using SL. Hopefully, that helps answer your question :)
Thank you so much for your honest sharing of your love and use of Sonlight. Do you have a video on how to order the curriculum? I’m needing to put together a program for my two youngest. My 8 year old has special needs and my 6 year old is on track as a 1st grader. I’m wanting to start them in Sonlight next fall in the K level. From watching your videos and others I’m thinking that I could bring my boys both into the program with their age/level appropriate readers and they would benefit from the over lap of the same read alouds.
Hi! Sonlight sounds wonderful for your boys ... you might even try HBL A before HBL K because the history is a bit gentler! I don't have a video but I would highly recommend the Sonlight Advisors, they are great to discuss exactly what might work best for your family. Also, SL typically has its big sale the first week of March :) Additionally, I have a code in my description box that will get you $10 off!
@@sciencemama thank you so much! I will talk to my husband and see if we n take advantage of the sale. I’m super excited about this program. Is level A before K
We tried Sonlight LA for 3rd grade. I didn’t like how much of the instruction was to me, to relay to my son. I really prefer it be written to the child, and the parent helps out as needed. I’m not trying to be lazy about it. My son prefers independent work and if I read something wrong, I could also instruct him wrong. I’m still on the hunt for the unicorn language arts program. We love their history and literature though. We do a separate Bible.
I was wondering if Sonlight's LA teaches about the different kinds of literature? An example would be a fable, biography, folk tale, and etc..... Also, does it teach the different kinds of tools that author's use? An example would be a simile, imagery, personification, and foreshadowing.
My son has done similes in LA 2, we are only week 12, we are loving Sonlight LA, my son loves the way the spelling is so cleverly linked with Explode the code, and the daily spelling instruction/activity is totally age appropriate for what they need at that age.
Hi, yes SL include those things within the language arts program ... I feel like a deeper study in literature analysis comes in the higher levels, but we have covered simile, imagery, personification already in the levels we have used. And like I said in the video, those concepts will keep spiraling around :)
Did you make a creative expression video? We're new to Sonlight and I'll have a 3rd grader whose a good reader but strughles with spelling/writing and the need to be perfect. This sounds like it'd be good for him. Also looking at LOE Essentials for him. Really likes your Video on that. Would that just be enough or do you need a writing program and additional readers too?
I haven’t made a dedicate creative expression video but I do chat a bit more through the Sonlight Level 3 language arts in a dedicated video. I don’t use anything on top of LOE and Sonlight - and I primarily only use SL for the writing and readers 😊
@@sciencemama thanks I hadn't found that video yet. Just watched it. Very helpful! I was so confused on those diamond notes when just looking at the sample pages on their website. So you just do the LOE Essentials and add in Sonlight readers and creative expression writings? LOE Essentials doesn't have a big writing portion, does it? Would just the LOE Essentials be enough for Language Arts?
@@Rach609or correct, most people add a writing program to LOE. There is a bit of writing if you using the Essential Reader program - but I decided not use that because I like my SL readers. But, in my opinion that is still not enough writing for those ages!
We are started Sonlight LA K and 2 and this was very helpful! I am curious though how you organize your Sonlight LA. Do you keep a few weeks of the LA IGs in your "working binder"? Or do you keep all of the LA IGs in one large binder and work out of that. Love your channel!
Yep, I keep my LA IGs in my working binder with my HBL and Science ... it is all behind the weekly tab! It just really helps me keep everything in one spot :)
Sonlight over all wasn’t a good fit for our family past 3rd grade, but I love their readers! We use a different curriculum now, but I still have my kids k-2 readers.
I think I'm missing something. What do you use the IG for if not for the schedule? Am I missing what it offers? (I looked into it because I got all the literature from public library) but I didn't think the $50/$95 for the IGit for just using the literature. I noticed you said you enjoyed the readers but didn't use the schedule, does the IG provide more?
Hi! Yes, there is so much in the IG, such as discussion questions for the readers ... so I just pull out the questions and use those as a bookmark, that way I don't have to worry about being on schedule! The other aspect of the LA program that I find so beneficial is the sections for the creative expression. The IG explains the assignment first to the part and then includes another box for what you can say to your kiddo to help teach the writing concept. You can read it verbatim or just paraphrase. The IG also includes a rubric and writing example to use to help gauge expectations. Hope that helps!
Sorry if I missed this mentioned in your video. How are you liking the literature? The portion that’s not the actual readers. I was looking into HBL-K (w/ 1st gr readers) for the literature portion this coming year. I’m trying to compare it to lightening lit, and a few others. I don’t need all the extra grammer bc we have a solid curriculum for this. Is it worth it to purchase the HBL IG just to utilize the literature portion? Just wanted to hear your opinion on the quality of discussion/questions it provides. Thanks!!
I'm not sure if it would be worth it if you don't plan on using the history or the bible. I use the discussion questions, but not all the time and I'm sure I could come up with my own ... it's just nice to not have to think up questions all the time!
So do you just have them read the readers and do some creative expression? That's such a big expense to use it so sparsely. I am doing Bookshark preschool. I thought I would love it. We are on week 2. We have already had a story about hunting ducks being comparable to killing human children, and visiting Graves, as well as arranged marriage to someone who is " ugly and cruel" and treated his wife poorly before she died. I am shocked that these were the story choices and second guessing everything.
oh I couldnt love this video enough. There are so many videos that talk down on Sonlight LA and I think I have done enough bouncing around between other curriculum that I am finally happy with Sonlight. I absolutely love the books they choose. I do struggle with the phonics and spelling portion but I like that they give you outside options if you dont want to use their route. Thanks for the video and the update!
I agree, there aren't as many favorable reviews on SL LA ... I think it is because it is hard to see if for what it is until using other programs!
Angie, I was raised on Sonlight (through nearly every core), and now I'm using the curriculum with my sons. It warms my heart to hear how you are doing creative writing with your children. 🥰 And just some encouragement regarding the phonics and grammar: My mom used a different phonics program for us, as well--though we did enjoy the Sonlight readers. For grammar, we did the Sonlight LA (including dictation). Interestingly, none of us (my siblings or I) had great "technical" grammar skills (diagramming sentences, etc.), but all of us could write well. Two of us passed a CLEP test for English during our first few weeks of college. Being able to identify the technical aspects of English only came into use for me (English ed. major) and my older sister (English major). Now as I'm going through the program with my sons, I am planning on supplementing Sonlight's LA with some straight-up grammar instruction (possibly Logic of English or something of that nature). Excited to follow along with you and see how you use/supplement/replace parts of the curriculum!
Thank you so much for the encouragement! I love hearing stories from Sonlight graduates. I also love following your journey :)
Thanks for all your Sonlight LA reviews. 💗 I’m considering using it with my kindergarten daughter in the fall. We’ve hit a wall with our current LA and need a fresh start.
Hope it works for you!!
We really liked the Grade 2 and 3 Sonlight readers. We’re in the 4th grade readers right now and my daughter likes most of them. I plan to get 5th grade next year. 😊 They really help her broaden the types of books she’ll pick up.
Sonlight does pick amazing readers!
Sonlight's literature selection is great. However, looking back to Level K, I wish they had added in either phonics or given the option to supplement on their website. I didn't realize until 3/4 of the way through that it wasn't included so I then had to supplement on my own.
IRON GOLD ON THE SHELF!!!!!! Yes! Love red rising series so much
Haha, I just picked it up during break because I'm so excited to get to the second series - and I've heard the next book or books are coming out this year!!!
I find your videos oh so helpful!! This one is perfectly timed! I have 5 year old so I love hearing what worked/didn't for your daughter and how you will adjust for the twins! I just picked up sonlight LA K and 1 used and am trying to figure out if I could use pieces of it. We have All About Reading Level 1 that I want to use but I was hoping to use parts of sonlight to round out LA instead of just phonics. So helpful to hear how you just picked the parts that would work for you and the kiddos!
So glad it was helpful, yes I 100% believe you can use the LA program without the phonics portion ... I'm actually most excited for the LA program after it switches from learn to read (K-3) into read to learn (Level D and above)!
This was such an informative video! I use sunlight for my son who is in fourth grade. We use the history program. I was considering doing the language arts for him because right now our language arts program is not working for him. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely check it out!
This video is great. I’m interested in more videos about sonlights LA. Like you, I am also starting out with Abeka for LA but would eventually like to move away from Abeka maybe around 2nd or 3rd grade and move towards Sonlight but I’m wondering how I should go about doing that. Your kids are a season ahead of mine so it’s super helpful seeing how you are doing it
So glad it was helpful!!
Love your videos and your approach to hs.
Thank you!
I feel like Language Arts is the subject I’ve gone back and forth on too. We have tried Sonlight LA 1, BJU English 2/3, TGATB LA 3 and now today we started LIFEPAC LA 3. This year has been a Lang Arts struggle but I think we’ll be good now. 😂
The struggle is real :)
We use AAR and AAS, but we plan to use the grade 2 readers from sonlight next year when my daughter moves into second grade. Thankfully I can borrow them all from a friend!
That is such a great plan!
I'm super interested in Sonlight on many fronts. Hearing you talk about the LA, it sounds similar to brave writer and their youngest level where they tell you the story and you write it down. I remember you feeling like that program wasn't a great fit. What do you find different between the two?
That is such a good questions! I feel like both Sonlight and Brave Writer both follow more of a natural technique for teaching LA! After using both I would say that SL has more support for teaching a structure to writing in the earlier years. Additionally, SL doesn't emphasize partnering with your child as much as BW, I've just decided to pull that technique into my teaching while using SL. Hopefully, that helps answer your question :)
Thank you so much for your honest sharing of your love and use of Sonlight. Do you have a video on how to order the curriculum? I’m needing to put together a program for my two youngest. My 8 year old has special needs and my 6 year old is on track as a 1st grader. I’m wanting to start them in Sonlight next fall in the K level. From watching your videos and others I’m thinking that I could bring my boys both into the program with their age/level appropriate readers and they would benefit from the over lap of the same read alouds.
Hi! Sonlight sounds wonderful for your boys ... you might even try HBL A before HBL K because the history is a bit gentler! I don't have a video but I would highly recommend the Sonlight Advisors, they are great to discuss exactly what might work best for your family. Also, SL typically has its big sale the first week of March :) Additionally, I have a code in my description box that will get you $10 off!
@@sciencemama thank you so much! I will talk to my husband and see if we n take advantage of the sale. I’m super excited about this program.
Is level A before K
I would like to learn a little more how you use the creative writing part of sonlight. Do you ever write in the guides?
I can do a video on that!
@@sciencemama I would really appreciate it!
I’d be interested in knowing how you mix Abeka and sunlight!
It depends - but mostly I use the phonics from Abeka and most everything else from Sonlight!
We tried Sonlight LA for 3rd grade. I didn’t like how much of the instruction was to me, to relay to my son. I really prefer it be written to the child, and the parent helps out as needed. I’m not trying to be lazy about it. My son prefers independent work and if I read something wrong, I could also instruct him wrong. I’m still on the hunt for the unicorn language arts program. We love their history and literature though. We do a separate Bible.
That totally makes sense!!
I was wondering if Sonlight's LA teaches about the different kinds of literature? An example would be a fable, biography, folk tale, and etc..... Also, does it teach the different kinds of tools that author's use? An example would be a simile, imagery, personification, and foreshadowing.
My son has done similes in LA 2, we are only week 12, we are loving Sonlight LA, my son loves the way the spelling is so cleverly linked with Explode the code, and the daily spelling instruction/activity is totally age appropriate for what they need at that age.
Hi, yes SL include those things within the language arts program ... I feel like a deeper study in literature analysis comes in the higher levels, but we have covered simile, imagery, personification already in the levels we have used. And like I said in the video, those concepts will keep spiraling around :)
Did you make a creative expression video? We're new to Sonlight and I'll have a 3rd grader whose a good reader but strughles with spelling/writing and the need to be perfect. This sounds like it'd be good for him.
Also looking at LOE Essentials for him. Really likes your
Video on that. Would that just be enough or do you need a writing program and additional readers too?
I haven’t made a dedicate creative expression video but I do chat a bit more through the Sonlight Level 3 language arts in a dedicated video. I don’t use anything on top of LOE and Sonlight - and I primarily only use SL for the writing and readers 😊
@@sciencemama thanks I hadn't found that video yet. Just watched it. Very helpful! I was so confused on those diamond notes when just looking at the sample pages on their website.
So you just do the LOE Essentials and add in Sonlight readers and creative expression writings? LOE Essentials doesn't have a big writing portion, does it? Would just the LOE Essentials be enough for Language Arts?
@@Rach609or correct, most people add a writing program to LOE. There is a bit of writing if you using the Essential Reader program - but I decided not use that because I like my SL readers. But, in my opinion that is still not enough writing for those ages!
@@sciencemama thanks! That's helpful!
We are started Sonlight LA K and 2 and this was very helpful! I am curious though how you organize your Sonlight LA. Do you keep a few weeks of the LA IGs in your "working binder"? Or do you keep all of the LA IGs in one large binder and work out of that. Love your channel!
Yep, I keep my LA IGs in my working binder with my HBL and Science ... it is all behind the weekly tab! It just really helps me keep everything in one spot :)
Sonlight over all wasn’t a good fit for our family past 3rd grade, but I love their readers! We use a different curriculum now, but I still have my kids k-2 readers.
Glad you still love the readers :)
What did you move to after Sonlight LA 3?
I think I'm missing something. What do you use the IG for if not for the schedule? Am I missing what it offers? (I looked into it because I got all the literature from public library) but I didn't think the $50/$95 for the IGit for just using the literature. I noticed you said you enjoyed the readers but didn't use the schedule, does the IG provide more?
Hi! Yes, there is so much in the IG, such as discussion questions for the readers ... so I just pull out the questions and use those as a bookmark, that way I don't have to worry about being on schedule! The other aspect of the LA program that I find so beneficial is the sections for the creative expression. The IG explains the assignment first to the part and then includes another box for what you can say to your kiddo to help teach the writing concept. You can read it verbatim or just paraphrase. The IG also includes a rubric and writing example to use to help gauge expectations. Hope that helps!
Have you used level K language arts?
Briefly, but not really :)
Sorry if I missed this mentioned in your video. How are you liking the literature? The portion that’s not the actual readers. I was looking into HBL-K (w/ 1st gr readers) for the literature portion this coming year. I’m trying to compare it to lightening lit, and a few others. I don’t need all the extra grammer bc we have a solid curriculum for this. Is it worth it to purchase the HBL IG just to utilize the literature portion? Just wanted to hear your opinion on the quality of discussion/questions it provides. Thanks!!
I'm not sure if it would be worth it if you don't plan on using the history or the bible. I use the discussion questions, but not all the time and I'm sure I could come up with my own ... it's just nice to not have to think up questions all the time!
So do you just have them read the readers and do some creative expression? That's such a big expense to use it so sparsely. I am doing Bookshark preschool. I thought I would love it. We are on week 2. We have already had a story about hunting ducks being comparable to killing human children, and visiting Graves, as well as arranged marriage to someone who is " ugly and cruel" and treated his wife poorly before she died. I am shocked that these were the story choices and second guessing everything.
Oh, I’m so sorry that you have had that experience- hopefully it gets better or you find what works for your family 😊