Comments on: Six Weeks of Sonlight – Why We Bought Sonlight http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html Bringing blunt-edged babes to finely-sharpened arrows Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:44:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Amy http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-7774 Amy Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:27 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-7774 I do Sonlight for History and that's about it. We use a mix of VP and Apologia as well, so you and I sound a lot alike! For me, Sonlight was about the books and the history from living books. I love it, but I do not use it exclusively. You really can integrate a lot of other things and just call yourself eclectic! ;) I do Sonlight for History and that’s about it. We use a mix of VP and Apologia as well, so you and I sound a lot alike! For me, Sonlight was about the books and the history from living books. I love it, but I do not use it exclusively. You really can integrate a lot of other things and just call yourself eclectic! ;)

]]> By: Crystal http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-7773 Crystal Mon, 03 May 2010 15:37:07 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-7773 Just wanted to say thanks for this series, forums, and website. I'm going to be homeschool K-5 next year and feeling very overwhelmed with choosing curriculum! I always thought I would use veritas press (no one has commented on this provider, but before we moved it seemed everyone I knew was using this.) I love classical and charlotte mason philosophies. I already have the VP phonics materials. Then I started looking at Sonlight. It looks so fun, with great books, and a missions/other cultures emphesis that I love. Then I came across Apologia- and think it would be great to do some Zoology next year, Then I looked at MFW and it goes along with my educational philosophy, has such a great price, and the lesson plans look so integrated and seem like they would take the least planning. Then I just found someone who is willing to give me most all of their K5 Abeka stuff! I want to do everything! But know I need to be realistic. However do you decide! Just wanted to say thanks for this series, forums, and website. I’m going to be homeschool K-5 next year and feeling very overwhelmed with choosing curriculum! I always thought I would use veritas press (no one has commented on this provider, but before we moved it seemed everyone I knew was using this.) I love classical and charlotte mason philosophies. I already have the VP phonics materials. Then I started looking at Sonlight. It looks so fun, with great books, and a missions/other cultures emphesis that I love. Then I came across Apologia- and think it would be great to do some Zoology next year, Then I looked at MFW and it goes along with my educational philosophy, has such a great price, and the lesson plans look so integrated and seem like they would take the least planning. Then I just found someone who is willing to give me most all of their K5 Abeka stuff! I want to do everything! But know I need to be realistic. However do you decide!

]]> By: Six Weeks of Sonlight – Making the Currirculum Work for You | Raising Arrows http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-6604 Six Weeks of Sonlight – Making the Currirculum Work for You | Raising Arrows Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:29:30 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-6604 [...] Series:Part 1 – Why We Bought SonlightPart 2 – How We Chose a CoreThis is Part 3 – Making the Curriculum Work for You Part 4 [...] [...] Series:Part 1 – Why We Bought SonlightPart 2 – How We Chose a CoreThis is Part 3 – Making the Curriculum Work for You Part 4 [...]

]]> By: Amy @ Raising Arrows http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3637 Amy @ Raising Arrows Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:07:24 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3637 Kathi,<br />Hi! Here are my thoughts for what they are worth.<br /><br />First off, you are not poor. Sonlight is an expense. Even those of considerable means would find buying two cores a bit strapping. They are an investment. There is just no other way to look at it. However, right now I couldn't purchase two Cores...investment or not. It is what it is...and that's okay.<br /><br />As for what to do. Don't buy for your youngers. Buy a Core for your olders, catering mainly to your 5th grader. From what I hear Core 5 is wonderful and I am really looking forward to it. It is challenging too from what I hear. I'll be using it with my 7th grader and my 4th grader next year.<br /><br />For your youngers, I'd just keep on keepin' on until either financial circumstances change or they get to a place where they can use Core 5. (or whatever Core you choose) That's where the investment comes in handy. You already have that core and won't have that expense that year.<br /><br />I do not use Sonlight for everything. I do think I may turn to their lang. arts at some point, but not yet. I love my Apologia Science and have purchased it used so no need for their science curriculum. I'm also hoping to take the next year and a half and try to amass the books I'll need for Core 6 & 7 so all I'll need to purchase is the Instructor's Guide. But we shall see if I actually get around to that!<br /><br />Let me know if you have any more questions or if I wasn't clear. <br />Blessings,<br />Amy Kathi,
Hi! Here are my thoughts for what they are worth.

First off, you are not poor. Sonlight is an expense. Even those of considerable means would find buying two cores a bit strapping. They are an investment. There is just no other way to look at it. However, right now I couldn’t purchase two Cores…investment or not. It is what it is…and that’s okay.

As for what to do. Don’t buy for your youngers. Buy a Core for your olders, catering mainly to your 5th grader. From what I hear Core 5 is wonderful and I am really looking forward to it. It is challenging too from what I hear. I’ll be using it with my 7th grader and my 4th grader next year.

For your youngers, I’d just keep on keepin’ on until either financial circumstances change or they get to a place where they can use Core 5. (or whatever Core you choose) That’s where the investment comes in handy. You already have that core and won’t have that expense that year.

I do not use Sonlight for everything. I do think I may turn to their lang. arts at some point, but not yet. I love my Apologia Science and have purchased it used so no need for their science curriculum. I’m also hoping to take the next year and a half and try to amass the books I’ll need for Core 6 & 7 so all I’ll need to purchase is the Instructor’s Guide. But we shall see if I actually get around to that!

Let me know if you have any more questions or if I wasn’t clear.
Blessings,
Amy

]]> By: Kathi http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3638 Kathi Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:07:23 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3638 OK.Tough question that I'm also going to swoop over and ask Kimberly...<br /><br />I have (will have next year) 4 school aged children. DDs 8th and 5th and DSs 2nd and K.<br /><br />Girls were PS until 2 years ago (so in other words no chronological history, textbooks to the max, spelling before writing...the whole 9).<br /><br />We've used MFW's CtG, and are in the middle (almost...rough year) of RtR. So up next would be Exploration to 1850 (1400 - Early American).<br /><br />We must be poor (although is doesn't really seem so), because we could not afford 2 Sonlight programs like some families.<br /><br />What would you purchase?<br /><br />MFW is almost OUT. Like another commenter, I'm exhausted of having to go to the library, only to find, they don't have the book the MFW TM suggests.<br /><br />P.S. Do you use Sonlight for everything...Language Arts, History, Science, Math?<br /><br />Sorry this is so long. We usually purchase for the next year in February, and I've almost decided (well I did, until I read your posts) that I'd just make my own, but honestly, where am I going to find the time for that???<br /><br />Have a blessed day!<br /> - Kathi OK.Tough question that I’m also going to swoop over and ask Kimberly…

I have (will have next year) 4 school aged children. DDs 8th and 5th and DSs 2nd and K.

Girls were PS until 2 years ago (so in other words no chronological history, textbooks to the max, spelling before writing…the whole 9).

We’ve used MFW’s CtG, and are in the middle (almost…rough year) of RtR. So up next would be Exploration to 1850 (1400 – Early American).

We must be poor (although is doesn’t really seem so), because we could not afford 2 Sonlight programs like some families.

What would you purchase?

MFW is almost OUT. Like another commenter, I’m exhausted of having to go to the library, only to find, they don’t have the book the MFW TM suggests.

P.S. Do you use Sonlight for everything…Language Arts, History, Science, Math?

Sorry this is so long. We usually purchase for the next year in February, and I’ve almost decided (well I did, until I read your posts) that I’d just make my own, but honestly, where am I going to find the time for that???

Have a blessed day!
– Kathi

]]> By: Cathy http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3639 Cathy Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:06:23 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3639 Just found this blog while obsessing aobut...er...I mean *researching* sonlight online. ;)<br /><br />My catalog is also marked all over and dog eared. We will see if I actually order anything from it. <br /><br />Anyway, just wanted to say that I am also loving your sonlight articles. Keep 'em coming! :)<br /><br />Your fan,<br />Cathy @ The Attached Mama Just found this blog while obsessing aobut…er…I mean *researching* sonlight online. ;)

My catalog is also marked all over and dog eared. We will see if I actually order anything from it.

Anyway, just wanted to say that I am also loving your sonlight articles. Keep ‘em coming! :)

Your fan,
Cathy @ The Attached Mama

]]> By: Amy @ Raising Arrows http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3640 Amy @ Raising Arrows Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:06:21 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3640 Aha! I have been in the world of cloth diapering too long and the word "tester" now mean someone who "tests" something (like a cloth diaper) and then answers questions about the product they tested! lol<br /><br />Anyway, you are right...I'm not a "tester". For many children tests don't do justice to what they actually know. I would much rather "discuss" (which is something Sonlight encourages) and see how much they know that way. Sonlight does offer books that have tests in them...we just choose to use those tests as oral review instead.<br /><br />That said, I am not anti-test, but at a young age, I don't encourage it. My 11 yr old does take tests in grammar & math (neither are Sonlight based), but that has been a fairly recent thing. Aha! I have been in the world of cloth diapering too long and the word “tester” now mean someone who “tests” something (like a cloth diaper) and then answers questions about the product they tested! lol

Anyway, you are right…I’m not a “tester”. For many children tests don’t do justice to what they actually know. I would much rather “discuss” (which is something Sonlight encourages) and see how much they know that way. Sonlight does offer books that have tests in them…we just choose to use those tests as oral review instead.

That said, I am not anti-test, but at a young age, I don’t encourage it. My 11 yr old does take tests in grammar & math (neither are Sonlight based), but that has been a fairly recent thing.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3641 Anonymous Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:06:20 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3641 By "tester" I mean I like the tangible evidence that they are getting it...for example, 10 lessons and then a test...there is so much reading (which is great!) but are they hearing what is read and retaining it?! Easiest way to judge that is by "testing" I would think...does that clarify or was that as clear as mud too? So what are ways that you can show all your "work" with Sonlight if majority is reading? Thanks for attempting to answer my question comment though! ~DIANA By “tester” I mean I like the tangible evidence that they are getting it…for example, 10 lessons and then a test…there is so much reading (which is great!) but are they hearing what is read and retaining it?! Easiest way to judge that is by “testing” I would think…does that clarify or was that as clear as mud too? So what are ways that you can show all your “work” with Sonlight if majority is reading? Thanks for attempting to answer my question comment though! ~DIANA

]]> By: Amy @ Raising Arrows http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3642 Amy @ Raising Arrows Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:06:20 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3642 D-Your opinion is greatly appreciated. We have used TOG as well, but I found myself overwhelmed by it. Probably using the things I've learned (that I'll share in Part 3) would have made TOG more usuable for me, but after 1.5 yrs of using the curriculum, I felt bogged down. That said, it IS a solid curriculum and definitely something others should look in to!<br /><br />Diana - sorry for being dense here, but I'm not sure I know what you mean by "tester". Enlighten me! D-Your opinion is greatly appreciated. We have used TOG as well, but I found myself overwhelmed by it. Probably using the things I’ve learned (that I’ll share in Part 3) would have made TOG more usuable for me, but after 1.5 yrs of using the curriculum, I felt bogged down. That said, it IS a solid curriculum and definitely something others should look in to!

Diana – sorry for being dense here, but I’m not sure I know what you mean by “tester”. Enlighten me!

]]> By: gracie http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought.html/comment-page-1#comment-3643 gracie Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:06:17 +0000 http://blueyonderdesign.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/six-weeks-of-sonlight-why-we-bought-sonlight-2#comment-3643 thank you for covering this, i too have been looking at Sonlight, the attitude towards homeschooling is changing in my state and we seem to be heading towards more regulation, and sadly now that i am divorced i have less time to coordinate topics for 3 children as i have the jobs of both parents in and around the house, my children do chores but they are still only children thank you for covering this, i too have been looking at Sonlight, the attitude towards homeschooling is changing in my state and we seem to be heading towards more regulation, and sadly now that i am divorced i have less time to coordinate topics for 3 children as i have the jobs of both parents in and around the house, my children do chores but they are still only children

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