First Grade Changes

[BugsMama]

I am looking at getting the first grade program, without the math or phonics. Basically, I want the enrichment program, story time treasures, the poetry, music and art (at least I think that's what I get if I leave out the math and phonics).

I have two questions, I know first grade is being updated- should I wait for the new program, or are these elements not changing? I want to make sure I get the current program, but I also need to be able to start as soon as possible, so I'd rather just order if these elements are not changing.

Also, should I order the separate reading and enrichment lesson plans, or should I get the complete first grade lesson plans?

Thank you for the help!

[tanya]

Hello.

First Grade also includes an Opening Recitation, Copybook/Memory, and Cursive. If you don't want these lesson plans, but only want Reading and Literature & Enrichment, you can just order the individual lesson plans for Reading and Litearture & Enrichment. That is all you will need.

There are no changes to either of these programs. The only first grade changes I anticipate is the replacement of SRA Phonics, but that won't affect you since you aren't using our phonics. So feel free to order any time!

Cheers,

Tanya

[Kdsrgifts]

What phonics will you be using?

I just read you will be changing first grade phonics from Sra to something else...what will that be?

Jennifer

[tanya]

Hi, Jennifer.

We are going to use Core Skills Phonics for supplemental phonics work, and Spelling Workout for spelling. Our teachers are coming in next week to begin working on lesson plans for this. If you want to continue using SRA, that is fine. We like it, but McGraw-Hill isn't allowing us to distribute it, so we are replacing it with books we can stock.

Regards,

Tanya

[KF2000]

Yay! Happy to hear a choice has been made. I'm going to look at Core Skills, but happy to hear about Spelling Workout! That sounds great!

AMDG,
Sarah

[CherryBlossomMJ]

Swo

So what levels if Spelling Workout to what grade?

[tanya]

Hello.

We are planning on Level B for 1st grade, and forward from there. I just gave the books yesterday to the teacher who is making the lesson plan changes, so that is a tentative answer until she gives me the green light!

Tanya

[CelticaDea]

Completely out of curiosity, what made you guys pick Core Skills Phonics instead of the EPS Primary Phonics line workbooks?

I'm thinking of adding the EPS Primary Phonics workbooks to the additional readers (levels 2-6). My dd needs more active teaching of these concepts and writing, specifically, helps her.

Just wondering if there is anything specific to recommend one over the other.

Certainly having you guys plan out the coordination is a huge positive for the Core Skills Phonics

[tanya]

Hello.

The EPS workbooks would be a perfect fit with the little readers, so we did look closely at them. But they would require the teacher manual in order for you to use them effectively. Since we are using these as a supplement for students who are already reading and preparing to leave leveled readers for real books, we felt the Core Skills books were a better fit. The worksheets tell you in the heading exactly what skill you are working on, and they stand alone better than the EPS workbooks. Also, we are going to run so quickly through the leveled readers in the summer and during the first month of 1st grade that to do those workbooks with the readers would encompass 20 worksheets a day sometimes.

But for parents with students who are truly struggling readers, the EPS readers and workbooks at a slower pace would be a good option. We have chosen Core Skills as a supplement, assuming students are reading and progressing at a normal pace, ready to read Little Bear shortly after the beginning of 1st grade. And we are adding Spelling Workout, which will also continue to work on phonics skills.

Regards,

Tanya

[CelticaDea]

Thank you for such a great answer. It helps me a lot in trying to decide what to do.

[The Autumn Oak]

Will Rod & Staff Spelling be replaced and not used anymore?

[tanya]

Tahara,

That is the plan right now. If you already have R&S Spelling, it is fine to continue using. We like Spelling Workout because it will take less time, and the lessons are clear in the rules they are focusing on in a way that R&S Spelling is not.

Regards,

Tanya

[thenightbeforechristmas]

School Making Changes?

Tanya,

I apologize in advance if this question has already been answered:

Will Highlands Latin first grade classes also be switching to Core Skills Phonics for supplemental phonics work, and Spelling Workout for spelling?

Thank you!

[tanya]

I believe HLS will be switching over to Core Skills Phonics and Spelling Workout. The teachers are working on this now, and once they have it put together for the homeschooler, we will see how it will translate to the classroom. In my ideal world, everyone will be doing the same thing - at home and in the brick and mortar classroom!

Cheers,

Tanya

[CherryBlossomMJ]

Any new info?

Expecting baby in 2-3 weeks and I want to put my fall ducks in a row before then if possible.

Are we sure on Spelling Workout B for First Grade? Core Skills: Phonics 2&3 also?