I'm thinking I want to buy part of the K4 A Beka program. I already have the ABC123 workbook. Can I just buy the Homeschool K4 Phonics, Reading, and Writing Curriculum book to go along with the workbook or do I need to buy all the extras too.
The ABC Writing Tablet goes along with the phonics that they learn. It teaches how to write letters, but also includes some exercises in recognizing sounds in words and objects. It is used in the first half of the year. The Writing with Phonics book is used in the second half of the year. It continues on in the same way as the ABC Tablet. They do some coloring in both books also. The Little Books and Little Owl Books are used in teaching sounds, blends and beginning reading. The Little Books are consumables. They are pamphlet like, short and sweet, LOL. It would depend on whether or not you are wanting to follow their program, or just want to add the ABC-123 book into another program for extra help. There are other things that are used in the program like the games they send in the parent kit, and flashcards (of all different kinds). It took hours upon hours of prep work for me to cut everything out. I did that when my oldest son, Ben was 4. I'm so glad I didn't have to do it again for the rest of the boys. My sister uses the same program, but without some of the extra games. She only uses a few. I went and did even more and made some of the extra visuals that they recommend also. BUT, there is NO possible way for me to come up with them all. So here's where I choose to cut back. You could drive yourself crazy by following everything Abeka suggests. Seriously, it gets even more difficult as they get older. I did buy all of the extra flashcards, but that was with Ben. So they are just there now for the using. You could spend a pretty penny... For me, I wanted a strong phonics program so I decided to go with what I knew, Abeka. I used Abeka in school when I was in lower elementary. So I wanted the whole program. I don't know if it's possible for you, but Abeka has Material Displays you can look here to see if they have one in your area: http://www.abeka.com/MaterialsDisplay/Default.aspx If you could actually look at the curriculum books and the other items you might be able to make a better decision. It's so hard when you order without being able to peruse the items. I think the Phonics and Reading Curriculum book is essential to the program, but you might not. The Numbers Curriculum book might be able to be skipped. The Phonics, Reading, and Writing book uses cursive for the writing curriculum. I don't teach my children to write in cursive until much later. So I choose the manuscript student books. So the writing curriculum doesn't help me to teach writing. I'm trying to think of anything that might help you make a decision. Sorry that this is so jumbled up. Ask me anything, I'll try to answer the best I can. In all honesty, if you want to do Abeka's curriculum, I'd suggest the parent kit and child kit. The charts and games are used daily. If you are using another curriculum and just want a few workbook pages, I'd suggest at least ABC-123 and the ABC writing Tablet.
Thanks for all the info! I bought the curriculum book, the pack of games, and something else. I can't think of it now. I'm more interested in the phonics part than anything else. I'm not going to follow the schedule they suggest. I'm doing before five in a row and just wanted to use the Abeka to help with phonics.
You warned me about the cutting but I had no idea how much was involved!! I did it while watching TV and it did help move the time along better but geez there is SO much cutting!!! My hand was numb when I was done. lol
I know isn't it awful! I mean the games definitely make it more fun for the kids, but OUCH! I think they need to make them with perforations around the edges. If you have anymore to cut, may I suggest a small craft X-acto that swivels...you need a cutting mat under to may it a little easier. But at least you don't have to open and close your hand as with the scissors.
