My Honest Opinion of The Good & The Beautiful LanguageArts & Math for Kindergarten - Year End Review

[@eliza_kai]

I’d highly recommend watching Seven in all’s channel. She’s a second generation homeschool mom, living abroad. I completely respect her approach because of her obvious intelligence that was all homeschool taught. She’s a big Sonlight fan but supplements with a lot of other things. One of her sons is pretty advanced as well. I hate to say this but this was a total public school teachers opinion. I’m not sure how long you’ve been homeschooling but this community has always embraced child led learning. Many of us are unschoolers, eclectic schoolers, Charlotte Mason lovers, etc…as you grow in your homeschool journey, you begin to really value the freedom it provides to lay aside testing and grade levels and simply be present with your children. Ultimately, we aren’t in charge of where our child will end up academically. Most kids aren’t heading to Harvard. So why push intense curriculum on them in order to make ourselves feel better? You’ll learn as you go. Some children have specific needs and learning difficulties as well. I’m in SoCal and have been living in the top school district in the state. The children here are writing 3 page essays by the time they’re ending kindergarten…it’s INSANE. And what’s the purpose? Let kids be kids. We have our entire lifetimes to learn. Oh and none of my adult children who went to our local public school through high school were set up for success any more than my younger child led homeschoolers. It’ll be interesting to see how my eldest three navigate life vs my younger three exclusively homeschooled kiddos.

[@Joshwn2023]

I had the same thought. This sounds like is coming from someone who is trying to recreate public school in their home. That’s not what homeschooling is about

[@jcislord9450]

Such a beautiful comment

[@thriftyminia]

My opinion of TGTB, it’s the “training wheels” of curriculums. It’s an excellent curriculum to get you going as a new homeschooling parent. It’s open & go, very reasonably priced, & very pretty! Hopefully it works, but if it doesn’t, then you’ll start to learn your child’s needs.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I think this is a fabulous explanation. I completely agree. It really was a great start for us as a new homeschooling family. I never felt overwhelmed like I couldn’t keep up with planning or teaching. After opening my Abeka box today, I became immediately overwhelmed with the amount of supplies needed per subject!!

[@MrsTravis-nx1rq]

We started with TGATB preschool and kinder prep with my two boys. We have worked our way up to level 2 LA and level 3 Math. At first I felt the same way about the spiral. It did feel "extreme" to me. So after 1st grade, we switched both LA and Math to mastery type curriculums. My boys were bored, literally to tears. I made them stick it out for 6 weeks. And we ended up back with TGATB. I will say both of my boys have turned out to be great readers (they couldn't read when we started, they were only 4 when we started). My boys are more advanced in math and language arts than their public schooled and homeschooled cousins. I don't think that's important to compare, but I think it credits TGATB as a curriculum as a whole. This year we have added Ambleside Online Book list on top of our TGATB curriculum and it has been our best year yet! I really like the improvements made in the revised early years of the LA curriculum at TGATB. Also note, I come from a family of public school teachers, and have a business/marketing degree from a 4 year university. I think all that is worthless. You are qualified to teach your own children. Only YOU know what your children need. Let's bring our babies home and have a positive impact on the future culture for our children.

[@constanceturner5246]

I am so glad that we switched to a literature based curriculum...check out Charlotte Mason. It worked so much better for my kids. We used Learning Language Arts Through Literature for language arts and Miquon Math. It wasn't out yet so my kids couldn't use it, but Math Lessons for a Living Education is wonderful and exactly what my daughter needed but it didn't exist yet. If I had a child now, I would definitely use it with Miquon and Calculadder and ReadyWriter.

[@constanceturner5246]

We also used the Mystery of History! My kids loved it and were bummed when we couldn't finish with it because my kids finished school before levels 3 and 4 were written.

[@amayasd2369]

We started the good and beautiful language of art two weeks ago with my daughter and she simply began to advance in her reading. English is not our first language... and I am impressed with her progress. I think the most important thing in teaching is to have material that keeps them motivated to learn, that is my goal.

[@brandywaller3868]

We switched from another curriculum to TGTB! We used the revised version of level K and we loved it!! My daughter loves the stories, she loves the games in the Math, and she loves the booster books and readers. While it may not be for everyone, we absolutely loved switching to this curriculum and I’ve already purchased level 1 for next year!!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

This is great to hear!! Did you ever use the previous version before the revised version? Did you notice a big difference?

[@candicejoseph-khemraj1396]

My daughter started the K level at 4.5. We started in January doing 1 lesson per day. However for the last couple months we've been doing 2 lessons per day, we're 8 lessons away from completing the course. She is loving it. I love it. Even the Language Arts. We started in June, I really want to complete it before the end of the year. But it looks like we'll be heading into the next year with a few lessons. We're currently on Lesson 76. But because we're also using The All about Reading Program. Which is amazing. I really dont want to overwhelm her with too much. I love the Good and the Beautiful. I'm currently looking at other curriculum options for the new year, but it's highly likely I'll be back with TGTB. The spiral method I personally love it. It keeps it fresh, my daughter doesnt mind, She's a fast learner so most times she grasp the concept the first time around. The few concepts which is a challenge I suppliment when Online games and worksheets and she loves that.

[@MrsTravis-nx1rq]

Wow! Great job, Mama! Sounds like you are a lovely mother and wonderful teacher for your young one!

[@SoyAnnySandoval]

Hello Candice! Can you speak more on how you combine the THTB LA K and the all about reading (level 1?) in interested in doing that combo but afraid the method used in both are different and I’d be taking on too much. Do they complement each other well?

[@katies5810]

I definitely think your daughter sounds like she was ready for level 1 if it was so easy! I’ve taught K for 10 years, and we would never be able to start with 2 letter words with most kids - they def need practice mastering all sounds, then blending the sounds, and many kids come in knowing 0-10 letters. Totally agree that the K math seems to be suuuper simple, at least at the beginning. BUT how awesome that as homeschoolers we can switch and adjust to the things that make our children as successful as possible!

[@kasitouvell3895]

Their prek/k prep is similar to a beginner public school kindergartener.

[@FishHive]

We have been using TGTB for 2 years. My daughter is now in Level 1. She actually learned how to read fast using this curriculum. I think TGTB is best for Kindergarten to Grade 2

[@corliajordaan7647]

Yes!! We did 2 years of TGATB and the jumping around and fluff was just too much. We switched all our subjects to Simply Charlotte Mason and just love it!!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have been looking into SCM and A Gentle Feast!! I’m struggling so hard to nail down a curriculum. I have a fear of commitment or something haha!! It’s like I just want to buy them ALL!!!!!

[@ashleymcallister4306]

I found this super helpful. Thank you! We’re debating between this one & gather round.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

So funny, I’m actually looking into gather round right now!!!! It’s just soooo expensive for multiple kids and multiple units 😩

[@sarahstewart9721]

We’ve used TGAB since k with my now completed 4th grader. I’m planning to switch for 5th grade. All the curriculums I’ve checked into she would start in levels 6 and 7 based off all she learned in level 4! Yes, TGAB starts slow but their work load intensifies as the child gets older …

[@thelittlesimplethings7842]

Thanks for the review. Very helpful! I've used the old version of the good beautiful level k. It was really story intensive but they tried to lean toward Charlotte Mason which is heavily story based teaching. so I think that's where the fluff comes in.

[@tanyacagle2423]

We ended up back with the good and beautiful. I did Abeka and Christian light education. When we would do the other school work she already had the comprehension and I was so surprised and she told me she missed good and beautiful math it was fun. Christian light education is great too but too much book work for little years in my Iowans my daughter didn’t like school because of it. That and no color for the money part and she would get confused. I also like that the good and beautiful doesn’t state anything that church is on Sunday. Because for us we go on sabbath ( Saturday). So many homeschool curriculum and it gets frustrating and brings anxiety. I was like you had a hard time of commitment. But learned my daughter prefers good and beautiful :) may god help you and bless you on this journey.❤

[@MrsTravis-nx1rq]

We went back to TGATB as well. We wanted to try something else, perhaps the whole fear of missing out. But in the end, we have been happiest and most successful with TGATB. And I love that they offer it FREE K-8th. I know so many families who have been blessed because of this.

[@alexjones519]

I think the fluff is context for the lesson and is there to try to bring out the interest in the child . Nothing wrong with using whatever method works for your child though.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I agree, I totally understand why they add in the storyline behind the concept. It definitely seems to work for a lot of kids!

[@ShardaeRenee]

I'm a public school teacher turned homeschooler too!😆 I'd love to hear your coming to faith story. We ultimately left TGTB because I found myself adding stuff to it. It got to a point to where if I had to add to it then what's the point in having it. It did get me through my twin pregnancy and 1st years of homeschooling though.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Ahhh hello!! It’s incredible how many of us public school teachers end up homeschooling. We got the inside scoop!! I will definitely start my video series on my journey to Faith soon. It’s a wild one lol. I also felt I had to add to TGAB and I’m glad to hear others felt the same. Reading most of the comments on this video make me feel like the outsider here 🤣🤣

[@Creeper1824]

Thank you so much for your awesome review. The funny thing is I was on the fence about the good & beautiful but I’m actually now sold on it. My boys are neurodivergent and struggling with Prep & grade 3 . I absolutely believe my kiddos need the ‘fluff’❤ .

[@elizabeth0265]

Abeka phonics is great! We changed from the old tgatb level K to Abeka phonics and I have been very happy with our decision. Straight to the point, no fluff and I can feel the difference. The way they teach blends is just awesome

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

This is great to hear!! Are you using Abeka for other subjects as well?

[@elizabeth0265]

@Wildflower Book Company just for phonics and arithmetic. I'm not 100% sure if we will continue the arithmetic or not. I've considered christian light education math. It seems more budget friendly. I do plan to stay with Abeka phonics and reading K-2nd though, their phonics ends in 2nd if I understand correctly

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@elizabeth0265 I am deep into researching Christian light education and I’m really loving what I’m seeing!!!! The price is really helping my interest too lol

[@kimberlygoudzwaard2811]

We like TGTB for language arts but we did not like the math either. We are using CLE (Christian light) math and we really like it. It is spiral but it is so logical and incremental! It’s just well organized.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have really been looking hard into CLE for many different subjects!! I just posted a full unboxing video of the Abeka curriculum I received. Now I am even more overwhelmed!

[@kimberlygoudzwaard2811]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool picking curriculum really is overwhelming! I used Abeka with my oldest for k5 and first grade, and it worked well for him! Their phonics, grammar, and math are pretty strong IMO

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@kimberlygoudzwaard2811 did you use the video lessons or did you teach it yourself?

[@kimberlygoudzwaard2811]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool I taught it myself! I’ve heard the videos are pretty long and the kids go super fast with the math facts. I think it would be discouraging for my kids- we like going at our own pace!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@kimberlygoudzwaard2811 I understand that!

[@leahlane6506]

Definitely a public school teacher perspective.

[@pamelalima5401]

Yes des schooling is necessary

[@homewithmama5414]

We just finished kindergarten a few weeks ago. We used Logic of English foundations A and B, as well as right start math level A. I love both of those and so does my daughter.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have been hearing a lot of great things about Right Start Math!!

[@amandamendoza4181]

I think it’s important to know where your child is at. When doing homeschool it is important not to worry so much about the grade listed on the curriculum and if your child is ahead get the grade that corresponds with where they are at. Placement tests are helpful as well as getting your hands on and looking through the materials. We use CLE for math and language arts. We love it!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Yes! All excellent points. 🙂

[@allheartandsong]

We have always done Math u See and LOVE it. We have used it sinde the beginning with our 4 children. Oldest is 13. We want to add t.g.t.b. math just fir some extra spiral approach. Math u see is mastery. We love Gods Design for Science and A.c.e. and t.g.t.b. little heatts snd hands.

[@amypennenga4328]

I'm doing Math U See and All About Reading with my Kindergartener and loving it! I've been curious about the good and the beautiful but I don't like the spiral method at all and my son doesn't care for fluff. Math U See may seem stark after Good and Beautiful but sounds like it will be a good fit!

[@astoldbydeedra]

I agree about the math! My kiddo actually liked the fluff, but I’m also working the kindergarten book at a Pre-K level. Since their math curriculums are free to download, we actually used it as a guide for preschool level math.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I didn’t realize all the math was free!! I might have to do the same

[@thelittlesimplethings7842]

Well they Did Not dumb it down. The curriculum just moved too fast. Because most homeschools were introducing the old TGTB to young 4 year olds who just finished learning how to blend. And it picked up very quickly. Some children were even in first grade when they started to use this curriculum. So it can be a little insulting when you say they've chosen to dump it down.

[@kyliestanley965]

We love TGTB! Have used up to 2nd grade in language arts and math!!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Are you planning to use it for 3rd? Do you feel like the concepts are practiced enough to fully master in the 1st and 2nd grade books?

[@kyliestanley965]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool yes!! My sons are both doing excellent in reading, we have been using the new language arts versions which I like more than the previous. Both of my sons are ahead in their reading curriculums because of how it allows reading to move faster than the course book. One of my boys struggles in math and the spiral method has been very helpful in the simply good and beautiful math books.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@kyliestanley965 this is good to know! I’m so glad it’s working for you. I’ve heard mixed things about the newest versions being too “easy” since they’re aligning with standards more. I haven’t actually seen the newer versions yet!

[@Grace_Filled_Homeschool]

We LOVE math u see. As a former 3rd grade teacher I love the mastery approach. My daughters in pre algebra are doing so well because of the solid teaching they grew up with.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

This makes me feel so much better! I taught 1st and 5th and cannot believe the poor quality of curriculum that was used in our county. I also went through public school growing up and math is NOT my strongest. I feel like I am going to have to relearn math all over again along with my 6 year old!

[@Grace_Filled_Homeschool]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool I completely agree!! Math U See has made me better at math as well. My public schooling was poor in that area as well.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@Grace_Filled_Homeschool yay I’m excited to start!! I got the blocks but now I need to purchase the content. I’m thinking of starting her with Alpha after leaving The Good and The Beautiful Kinder math

[@Grace_Filled_Homeschool]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool my 1st grader is using alpha this year.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@Grace_Filled_Homeschool mine will be going into first. Are you using the video lessons too?

[@chandrafreeman9234]

We used The Good and the Beautiful Level K math, and Abeka Level K math, and like you said, The Good and the Beautiful has a lot of fluff, but I felt that the skills taught were the same as in Abeka. We switched to Math with Confidence for level 1…we’re not very far into it yet, but I feel like it’s an even slower pace….I’m undecided on if we like it. We’ve also added CTC math…we’ll see what we end up doing after a few months of trying both programs…

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Oh wow sounds like you have been through it with the math! Have you looked into Math U See at all??

[@pamelastansbury1407]

Is there anything wrong with doing a hybrid type homescooling..using both Charlotte Mason in a Box, and the Good and Beautiful? I will be helping teach our granddaughter... And I told her Mom I see value in both...We are keeping options open..Would it be confusing for the child? She is almost 3..

[@callsign.Noctra]

TGTB is Charlotte Mason inspired so that may be why they use so much "fluff". It's meant to be a way of connecting what the student is learning to real life events and happenings. My kiddo, and myself, adore Charlotte Mason methods of teaching and learning, but sometimes we do skip the games with TGTB math. They can be a bit of a burden when we're trying to fit everything in and are running out of time for the day. I've also looked into Abeka and CLE, and they seemed a bit dry lol no offense to anyone else who may use them. I think we've just become accustomed to TGTB's art style. Just a heads up too, Gather Round might annoy you as a former teacher. There's been many discrepancies pointed out in that curriculum.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I’m so glad you mentioned that about Gather around. Just since I posted this video I’ve learned there are several inaccuracies within many of the units and strangely enough, when these discrepancies are pointed out in their Facebook group, the posts/comments get deleted. It really rubbed me the wrong way. I’m glad I didn’t pull the trigger and start buying the units!! I actually agree with you about Abeka and CLE compared to TGAB. I wonder if my daughter would prefer the “dryness” of those more? We are definitely set on Math U See for math, but I actually think I may give Abeka a chance for the other subjects since I already have that curriculum just sitting waiting to be used. I’m still very much interested in A Gentle Feast, too!

[@blissfullybrittany9217]

I think your bringing too much of your public school prejudices into the homeschooling. I think if you let that Go , you will find beauty in everything you use . Remember homeschooling doesn’t need to look anything like public , that’s why we took our children out . 😊 kindergarten is Really building those reading skills , and learning how to imagine for future writing . Don’t skip over that reading stuff , it’s soo beneficial. Btw I know exactly what you mean with the Homeschool curriculum rabbit hole been there bought the shirt 😆😆😆😆😆🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pamelalima5401]

Exactly… I live in Florida and I don’t see kids being advanced in education here, actually our state is not among the best ones in education. I what I hear usually is that the good and the beautiful is a little bit advanced compared to the public school standards but you can do your own pace.

[@Abelfam5]

We're going to try Guest Hollow this coming year for language arts.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have not heard of this one. I’ll have to look into it!

[@RiverSkye.Reseter]

Did you do the placement tests before you started? I feel like those are so important. Maybe she needed a higher level.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Yes and honestly she was right on the cusp so I went lower just to be safe!

[@dimitrageorgouses3373]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool was going to say the same thing as Lisa. My daughter is 4, on her third year of homeschooling (we did play based from 2.5-4) but she wasn’t ready for TGTB ELA yet for K so we used the K prep and it set her up well for blending. So she went on and started K ELA at 4 & 3 mo (we also do explode the code to focus on phonics and learning without tears for handwriting). She also really loves the K math and she is one who wants the story. Each kid is different, but perhaps like my kiddo, she just needed to jump up for math.

[@jamesramsay3365]

I started last school year (1st grade) with the good and the beautiful LA and strongly disliked it for all the same reasons you listed. I switched my son to abeka for phonics/reading/language and it was such a good decision. Abeka phonics is fantastic and my son thrived on it. It is straight to the point and it is spiral but it's a well thought out and will implemented spiral. Tgtb to me, the spiral felt so random and all over the place that my son didn't even remember whatever it was when it showed up again in a lesson. It was very frustrating. I don't think you can go wrong with abeka (I do parent led and definitely adapt as I see fit) but it is spiral (so it's CLE) so that's something to consider. But the way abeka spirals is so much better- it's systematic and effective. Tgtb felt all over the place. So spiral may not be the problem, it may be the way tgtb does spiral that doesn't work for you. -Sarah

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

This is SO helpful!!! Thank you!!! I was so overwhelmed with this unboxing that I didn’t really get a deep look. I can’t wait to dive in and look through it more. It seems like the standard opinion by most that their phonics is above and beyond!!!! So crazy to me that I was starting to decide against Abeka and then randomly won this in the raffle. God had a message for me I guess! 🤣

[@karinnarodriguez2205]

Hi! Since you went down the rabbit hole lol would you compare another LA curriculum to TGATB? In the sense that is all in one. Writing, reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling, dictation, etc.

[@thekangaline2914]

We did Sonlight and Math U See for K/Primer and we're going to TGATB for first grade. We're basically just swapping! Although I feel like Abeka doesn't have quite as much parent reading as Sonlight. By May I was sick of my own voice.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I ordered a sample of Sonlight that they mailed to me for free and it seemed pretty intense for language arts - so we stuck with TGAB. I do know a lot of people who absolutely love Sonlight though!! It seemed like we were doing multiple read alouds throughout the week and skipping around between books which I didn’t like. I never got a chance to check out the math though!

[@tatyana1324]

I think SM sounds great but in practicality not so much.... CLE math is amazing as well as Lifepac from Alpha and Omega (my girls use it and love it) mastery based. Thank you for great videos as I am searching for my upcoming kindergartner 😊 and very nervous to start from the beginning 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have been looking into the lifePacs!! I love the organization of it. I was also looking at the Monarch online program too by Alpha Omega. Sooooo many good options to choose from!!

[@JonathonSeniorII]

I noticed the LA curriculum doesn’t teach silent e! (I couldn’t believe it) what are you using to teach that topic?

[@shaylakirana4940]

It does teach silent e. They nickname it caboose e

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

We made the full switch to Christian light education and it’s incredible and cheap!

[@kasitouvell3895]

Masterbooks does in level 1 phonic

[@Svargasc3]

We didn’t like TGTB math k either. My daughter wasn’t learning anything. Figured out she needed mastery based math so we do kindergarten math with confidence, which is mastery but has some spiral review, and she’s doing better. I don’t like all the manipulatives, but she’s learning. We loved TGTB LA-K, she’s doing well with it. We didn’t feel like that one was too jumpy. Do you think TGTB LA, is comparable to public school in FL, less rigorous or more? We also live in FL, so I’m curious. What was that test you were talking about? I want to look it up but I can’t find where you talked about it. Can you also talk about the other things you are doing outside of curriculum? I love seeing former teacher perspectives.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have heard really great things about that program!

[@HarpDuoToronto]

How old are kindergarteners in Florida? You mentioned that your daughter turned 6? I am in Canada and my daughter will start kindergarten with me in September before she’s even 4. ( birthday in December)

[@theohanahomeschool]

I’m from Florida and started kindergarten at 4 (that was in the 90s) but I think now it’s between 5/6 depending on birthday

[@JessicaShillington]

I"m also in Canada. The cut off is December but you need to be 5 by December not 4. I dont know anywhere that does Kinder at 3

[@pamelalima5401]

Florida you need to be 5 before September 1st to start kindergarten in public school

[@lindsaypotter3694]

What are you using instead

[@lingmenter9988]

Could you suggest science curriculum for 5th grade,I found the good and the beautiful has wonderful video lessons for science, but I want get more opinions from you since I am new for homeschooling, thanks ❤

[@kasitouvell3895]

We’re going to try masterbooks. It’s like chemistry & ecology I believe.

[@Stephanielyn18]

This sounds so pretentious. Oh it told a story so we rolled our eyes my daughter is too smart for stories.

[@pamelalima5401]

Maybe then it’s not for her homeschooling values

[@thriftyminia]

Whoa! You have a whole homeschool room 😍

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Yes I am soooo thankful for a 4th bedroom!! My two eldest share a room because I just wasn’t willing to give up this room lol!! I’ll do a video tour sometime

[@lindsayrosas5678]

Math u see is the best!!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

Have you been using it for a while?

[@shainahonderich5002]

I got Math with Confidence for my son!

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

I have been hearing more and more about this!! What age is your son?

[@Abelfam5]

We do Math with confidence and it's a great fit for my 2nd grader so far but it is spiral. Not as extreme as the TGTB spiral and no fluff. But it is teacher intensive.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@Abelfam5 I like the no fluff part!!

[@Abelfam5]

@@Heavenlyhomeschool it's pretty gentle, which is great for my daughter who struggles a lil with math and is a kinetic learner. If your student is good with numbers, have you looked into math mammoth? It is mastery. I agree with you about tgtb. We tried some free downloadable and it was so all over the place and way too much fluff. I'm ok with the language being like that but for math... Nah.

[@Heavenlyhomeschool]

@@Abelfam5 I have been hearing a lot about math mammoth lately!! Thanks for your insight.