Going into this school year I had to make a few tough curriculum choices. I have been used to getting a boxed curriculum. However, things were not working for my family, so I considered carefully each choice that was made, and tried hard to pick what would be best for the kids and me. A few of my friends were using First Language Lessons, so I was able to look at these books before purchasing them. After looking them over and praying and asking for Christ’s guidance, I took a leap and purchased these books.
About the books:
- Level 1 is a complete grammar text for the youngest student. It uses copywork, narration, picture study, and other classical techniques to develop the student's language ability.
- Level 2 is also a complete grammar text, and uses dictation, narration, picture study, and other classical techniques to develop language ability.
- Level 3, reinforces the grammar and writing concepts introduced in the previous levels. It also introduces new material, including sentence diagramming. Level 3 has two parts: the instructor book and the student workbook. The instructor book has the same simple-to-use, scripted format as the previous levels.
Each of these book are scripted so you never have to wonder if you are using them correctly because all you have to do is follow the script.
What we liked:
- My kids loved the scripted narration, and the one on one lessons they received. It made them feel like I was focusing on just them and no one else, which was extremely important to them.
- I loved the scripted lessons, because I didn’t worry about teaching it wrong, or missing something.
- I love the passages that were in the book, I don’t know that I had heard of many of the books, and they always seemed to teach a moral lesson, not just a language lesson.
- The lessons only took about 5-10 minutes, so we were about to double up often.
- I liked how quickly they were able to memorize the poems. Memorizing the poems helped with scripture memory.
- Hailey has a Working Memory delay, and the repetition was great for her.
- I was able to start introducing concepts to Christopher in Kindergarten.
- I liked the added workbook in Level 3, It broke up the monotony
What I didn’t like:
- There is so much repetition, that I could not see trying to do book one and book two the same year. We started Christopher early, so that it wouldn’t seem like pointless repetition.
- Had this not worked so well, and had the children not enjoyed it I would have given it up because it is really dry at times. At least in my mind.
- I loved the picture studies, but there were not enough of them.
My thoughts over all:
This is a solid language curriculum that I would suggest to anyone. But, I don’t think it’s for everyone, and that’s ok. My kids, LOVE it, and ask for it. Overall, I plan to keep these books on my shelves for the younger ones, and I plan to move on through the curriculum offered by Peace Hill Press. I may skip Level 4 though, and add Easy Grammar. I am glad we went this rout.
-I was not compensated in any way for my opinion of this curriculum. I purchased these books, and the opinions stated are my own.
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