Should We Switch to All About Reading? Is TGATB Math too spiral?? | January Homeschool Update

[@roseylove1543]

This was me last year with TGTB language arts. I worried that it didn’t follow “the science of reading” and if it explained the phonics rules enough. But after much research and looking into other science of reading curriculums (LOE, AAR, RIL Pinwheels) the only thing I could find in TGTB language arts that didn’t follow the science of reading (which is basically structured literacy), was the rote memorization of sight words. And I agree that structured literacy is the best way to give children a solid foundation. We ended up continuing TGTB language arts and just taught the sight words using the heart word method. And honestly, it wasn’t even that the language arts wasn’t working that made me question my decision, it was the constant opinions of others in the homeschool community that sang praises to the science of reading curriculums and that TGTB did not. But I disagree. Other than the sight words, it is very structured and explicit in it it’s teaching. I’ve found it to be very effective for us. Once I let go of my doubts, I was able to embrace it. And it has been a huge blessing to our family. I also really love that it ties in all the different components to language arts. I feel like it really solidifies the phonics concepts by also teaching spelling and writing. If it is working, keep going. You can always choose to supplement if you need it. 😊I can’t speak to TGTB math because we started with MWC from the beginning. And with what we are currently using (MWC and TGTB language arts) I feel very content that my children are getting a solid foundation in the core subjects. Like I said above, I’ve never used TGTB math but I have friends that swear by it and love it. I would say trust yourself and adjust what is necessary 😊

[@roseylove1543]

Also, I’m not saying those were some of your reasons for wanting to switch/supplement, just my thoughts. I just had to clarify cause intentions can be hard to understand through messages 😅 I hope you can understand what I’m trying to say 😊

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

No, oh my gosh, you're so right! I had these same thoughts the other day. Other people's thoughts and opinions do affect me nut in the end, if its working for us then it doesn't really matter what others are saying. Such a good reminder, thank you ☺ I am considering supplementing, not because I think we have to but because I want to and think it could be beneficial. Plus fun to try something new too :)

[@seasonsofwonder]

It's so hard I know. Sometimes we just want the best from each curriculum, but then again there is only so much time. You're doing great sweet mama! You worry so much because you care. I think you're doing a great job! 🙌☺️💗💕

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you so much! I am so encouraged by you! And you are so right, we do sometimes want the best of each curriculum but there's just not enough time. Thanks for that reminder!

[@OurMessyHouse]

We realized at the end of TGATB K math that it definitely is a massive spiral method, which left some serious holes for our kiddo. We love the language arts though! We started with the preschool in January and plan to start the kindergarten this coming school year. We use Jady A elemental phonics as well because I like to throw a few different ways of learning at my kiddos to see what works best for them. It’s ok to keep going with this curriculum until you feel at peace leaving it or sticking to it. If you have to start fresh in kindergarten this coming school year who cares! Two years of kindergarten can only make the foundations stronger ❤

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thanks for the encouragement! It is helpful to remember that we can not overthink things and if they are working, then they're working.

[@Well-DoingMomma]

I added in explode the code workbooks to help support tgtb language arts. I have kids in older grades and the rules are reinforced over and over in tgtb so for us it's been good. Even in 3rd grade ( just did a lesson with my daughter) phonics lessons are reviewed.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thanks for sharing! I have always been interested in Explode the Code, maybe next year we will try adding that in as well!

[@tamibailey8034]

I have a seven year old and a five year old and use TGTB with both. I did really panic (still do) about whether or not I am teaching it right, the fact that my children sounded out words for so long, but at the end of the day, my seven year old (even with all my doubts and considerations of switching to something else at least 100 times lol) has become a proficient reader, she can read absolutely everything we put in her hand and can work out words easily. I wouldn’t worry too much, if you like TGTB, there’s hope lol

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing!! Haha knowing I'm not alone and others are "panicking" as well helps to know I'm not alone. But I do LOVE TGTB so what you're saying is very encouraging so thanks again lol

[@sharonbaletka7703]

I have used good and beautiful K and 1 and we are working 2nd. I have noticed that I tend to be influenced by what people say about the good and the beautiful on KZbin and have started to question if it's the right cirriculum. In reality it has been working perfectly for us, my daughter enjoys it most of the time and she is learning! Booster cards are just an introduction to those phonics principles before they get to them in the book. I've learned a lot of the rules just by teaching the lessons. I think it is normal to forget the rules, or just have them somewhere in the back of the brain once you know how to read well. I have not found a single gap in the Math so far. Some people think there are gaps and the spiral is too much. I haven't noticed that at all. I think the problem is if you're not consistent or you are trying to use the book for a whole year instead of a regular school year. It's not the best cirriculum if you want to drag it out. My daughter has a solid understanding of place value now, they go over it a lot in the second grade book.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing your experience with TGTB! I can relate to being influenced by others' opinions of TGTB even though it's working really well for us too. Thanks for sharing your experience with the math as well. Super helpful!!

[@dylan_9989]

I have boys the same ages as yours so I love all your update videos! We use All About Reading and absolutely love it! It does a very thorough job of teaching rules and it’s very strategic and logical, and I love that about it. Plus I appreciate not having to worry if it’s “enough.” And we actually use it as our only language arts. I figure at the kindergarten level, the point of LA is basically just reading so I don’t feel guilty only using that. Also, we use Math with Confidence and I’m also very in love with that. I think it’s laid out very well, very interactive, and written for parents to know the “why” behind the lessons and I appreciate that. We’ve been so happy I plan to go on to the next levels for both AAR and MWC for first grade next year. Hope that helps!!

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you so much for sharing! I love hearing how you guys have kids who are the same ages, it's so fun! When it comes to not having to worry if it's enough, that's basically my main reason for wanting to switch haha but ultimately I may stick with it for now because I do think TGATB is working so we will see for next year though!

[@kellychristensen7309]

We use the same two as well!

[@Lexireyda]

We use the same 2 curriculums as well! My 2nd grader is doing level 3 in all about reading and level 2 in all about spelling, and my 6 year old just started level 1 of reading. I absolutely love it, and am going to finish through level 4. My daughter is a solid reader. That program does such a great job of teaching how decode every word that they come across, by teaching different syllable rules.. and it really works! There’s a great article on that all about learning website that talks about the order of teaching language arts that I found extremely helpful as well. We also use and love math with confidence!

[@brittany.powell]

We also use AAR, AAS, and MWC. We brought our daughter home to teach her after her first grade year. She’s currently in third and this is our second year. I’m so beyond thankful that I found AAR, AAS, and MWC from very early on in our journey. We used MWC from the get go. But we did try free phonics related programs to get started. We only purchased AAR/AAS once we saw there was a greater need for a well written and proven effective program. We suspect our daughter has some form of dyslexia, so these programs have been really great for her. We’ll use MWC until Kate Snow stops making more levels. I wish she would have plans for beyond grade six. We intend to use all four levels of AAR and we’ll at least use AAS through level 3 or 4. It’ll just depend on that being a need or not.

[@amandab.6815]

I will say up front that I am biased- we LOVE AAR and AAS! But I tried several other phonics programs (not TGTB though) and I spent several hundred dollars before finally pulling the trigger and investing in AAR. I have zero regrets. We went back and started at level 1 with my child when she was 5, and we have worked our way through. She is now 7 and about to finish level 3. My son just started level 2. It has been amazing. They know the phonics and syllable rules inside and out and can read pretty much anything they encounter. There are very very few "sight words" that you memorize. And sometimes things are introduced as sight words in the beginning to allow your srudent to read more stories, but you get taught the phonics rule later on, if it's a more advanced one. The biggest criticism I hear of AAR is that it doesn't move fast enough for kids who have had prior phonics instruction, but it is a mastery based program, so you can move as quickly or as slowly as your child needs. The levels don't correspond to grades, and there is no need to do a certain level in a certain grade.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing! I am tempted to buy AAR and am considering sort of doing a quick fly through level one this summer to see how we like it before fully deciding for next year. I love how many say how much they like it though, it's very encouraging.

[@mswilson8888]

Looks like maybe you got the level k of TGTB. I highly recommend starting with their preschool and then their primer K. Not sure if that is what it is called. Their preschool is amazing. I have tried a few and they improved theirs from what is was even 5 years ago. The online letter rhymes and hand signs are so fun and helped my children learn their letter sounds. Good luck!

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you!

[@brittany.powell]

I’ve wrestled with similar doubts with resources we were using. In the end I decided to choose what gave both myself and my daughter complete confidence. For us that was AAR, AAS, and MWC. I can see the progress she’s making daily and these programs all work really well for my specific child. I’ve probably told my husband about a dozen times this school year how reassuring it is to have zero doubts that our child is learning and thriving with the resources we’re using. That right there is huge for me. I had to take the risk of going with my gut by making changes and it’s been well worth it. Take opinions for what they are, do research, talk it out with someone you trust and that respects what you’re doing for your children, pray about it, and do what feels like the next right thing.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for the advice, this is very helpful!

[@karasmith2490]

We loved TGTB preschool and their kinder prep. We really did NOT like their ELA or Math for level K (kindergarten)! We switched after three weeks. This was super unexpected and threw a wrench in our plans earlier this year. Honestly, I don’t think TGTB teaches reading in a well-rounded way. I love, love, love Logic of English and AAR is really similar. Your concerns are EXACTLY why I switched. An Orton-Gillingham approach is a fantastic way to go! As far as TGTB math we found it was WAY too spiral. We’d learn a concept then immediately move on. It was so hard for my kinder and he’s very inclined towards math! We switched to Math with Confidence and it’s amazing.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing! I love the spiral approach but you're right it really is intense. So far it is working but I can see it being a problem when he has more substance to learn in the future. I think I'm actually going to buy just the teacher's guide for MWC Kindergarten and sort of supplement for the rest of the year and see how we do. I maaay do the same with AAR haha we shall see.

[@tanyacagle2423]

We do math with confidence too and although I like to good and beautiful language arts my daughter kind of doesn’t. It can be boring at times for her and sometimes when she sees me flip it open and sees a lot of words on it she freaks out which of course is the parents portion. I do see it not being a well rounded phonics program. We used abka phonics for k4 and part of kindergarten and switched to gab half way through kindergarten last year and have been struggling little this year although she is an outstanding reader, because of Abeka… the good and beautiful teaches concepts and moves on too fast from them and then loses what she learned . I mean I’m a little confused are they supposed to master these things? At six years old? Like verbs etc. idk. I do know a mom Grace and grit is her channel and she used good and beautiful her kids whole school and her daughter is in high school and has scored outstanding in some testing for college.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

I saw the mom from Grace and Grit talking about her daughter doing well in college classes too and was also encouraged by that. I think it just depends on the individual child, TGATB won't work for every child. But it for sure can work for some.

[@karifacer]

We use AAR and love it. We have also used MWC and it’s great too. But if TGTB is working for your son, and he enjoys it, then I wouldn’t worry about switching. If you are worried about gaps, you can always look ahead in TGTB and see how they approach things further down the line. I do think understanding the phonics rules is very helpful, but not everyone needs it to be a great reader or speller. You can always use All About Spelling to reinforce rules as well. AAR does include other language arts teaching…like vocabulary and reading comprehension. You definitely wouldn’t need more than it unless your son needed extra practice with something. It really comes down to your son and what his needs are. My oldest used TGTB math and thrived because he is good at math. My second used MWC and he still struggles with math because it’s just not his strong suite.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you, this is really helpful! I think I have come to the same conclusion, that if it's still working and were both enjoying it then I'm going to stick with it (at the very least until the end of the year). But I am still unsure about next year. When do you add in writing and grammar, do you wait until your child is done with AAR?

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Also, I am so intrigued by MWC and am going to be doing a ton of research and may switch next year, still unsure though!

[@karifacer]

I think everyone has a different opinion on when to start writing and grammar. I feel like reading should be the focus for kinder and first grade. If you school with a charter, they usually require both in first grade, at least where we live. But you know your child best and if you feel like he is ready for more. Also, if you do decide to switch for next year, I really do love AAR. And then MWC does require more prep work on the teacher’s part because you are usually gathering things from around the house before you begin. Good Luck, there’s lots of great options!

[@emmaathome]

I have a kindergartener as well. I love All About Reading- that is our main reading curriculum. We supplement with TGATB language arts and do not use the booster cards. I skip activities as I see fit.. it works really well for us!You could also consider supplementing with Explode the Code to get additional practice with phonics rules. We've also had a great experience with Math With Confidence- it is very teacher intensive, but most math curriculums are at this age.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing!! Haha it's so helpful to know that someone else out there does use both TBTG and AAR, it sounds a little crazy saying I want to do both but knowing others do it too is encouraging!

[@sharonbaletka7703]

I recommend always associating each letter with its most basic sound once they can sing the alphabet.

[@Busybeeexplorers]

My kids are similar ages. I have an almost 6 year old boy in Kindergarten, and a 2 year old daughter who tags along. For LA we decided to use Pinwheels from Rooted in Language and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a lot of printing/prep but after it’s basically open and go. It’s scripted and my son has thrived with it. I did originally print off the free version of TGTB K, but I didn’t like how it didn’t teach the “why”. As someone who also doesn’t remember phonics rules (and all the other rules in LA) Pinwheels has really held my hand and made me feel confident. I also have used Math with Confidence. We completed level K, and jumped into first grade this past November. I absolutely love it, and my son enjoys the hands on games. I enjoy the mix of mastery and spiral approach. I agree with some of the comments that it’s so easy to feel unsure of ourselves. I think the saying “if it’s not broke don’t fix it” is something I have to say to myself often 😂

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing! You're so right, I do need to listen to the "if it's not broke don't fix it" saying. It really isn't broken so maybe I'm just worrying too much lol I do think I might supplement with Math with Confidence for math though. I like how everyone I come across says they love it lol and it seems a lot more conceptual than TGTB.

[@jennifersanchez4245]

Hi! Hope this helps. I've seen more explaining for the reading a little later in TGTB. We are going level 2 right now and my son explains to me and his younger sister why the words are read and spelled a certain way. We used TGTB and my children watch preschool prep (meet the alpha blocks, meet the phonics etc)

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Hi! Thanks for sharing! That is really helpful to know!!

[@hannahhensley8497]

I’m in a similar boat although a little different. I started with a systematic Science of Reading approach and feel like although my kinder is progressing, he isn’t really developing confidence in his skills and it’s missing other LA components so I’m thinking about adding TGTB and integrating the SOR approach and methodology. Idk, it’s so stressful!

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

It honestly is so hard to decide what to do haha I so get it! We are attempting to do both TGTB and AAR so I will have to keep you updated on how it goes. Maybe that could work for you guys as well.

[@schultesweeties]

When I was researching phonics for my middle I ultimately decided to do all about reading to really focus on phonics instead of all the extras. I attempted doing TGTB and AAR together but for us it was too much. My middle is now almost done with the program in grade 3. She is reading so well! I’m attempting the same thing with my youngest in kindergarten now too

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing your experience, it's really helpful! I think doing TGTB and AAR would be too much for us as well. If you don't mind sharing, what do you use for the rest of LA with AAR because I'm not sure what else I would do if we did ultimately switch?

[@schultesweeties]

@@saltandlighthomeschool For most of the years, we've just been using Explode the Code and Word Ladders because they are mainly independent. We've attempted spellings, but nothing's been a great fit. But for my middle who is in level 4 now in her 3rd grade year, we've added in more. So we tried to do the full LA program from Guest Hollow (which includes Beowulf Grammar), but honestly we are mainly focusing on Beowulf Grammar and AAR. We will likely work through more of the full LA program next year when she doesn't have AAR anymore. This semester, I also switched her to Soaring with Spelling and Winning with Writing by JacKris Publishing. They do also have a grammar. The assignments are broken up into easy daily chunks. My youngest in Kindergarten is mainly just doing explode the code and AAR though.

[@Blessedwithmightyarrows]

I use TGTB LA and i love it my son didn't. He hated the booster cards. I created games to play to instill the phonics principles and when introducing new principles i use a whiteboard. Someone we may only do phonics on days where he needs to master the concept. In not worried about pace i go with his. I is Masterbooks Math and live out. It's a very gentle early approach but it is a method for them to fully grasp concepts and they get everything needed by middle school pre algebra in s gentler way. For dishes definitely check out Masterbooks let's talk science series. It's my favorite homeschool curriculum ever!

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thanks for sharing! I will definitely look into those. :)

[@nancystevens8475]

Have you looked into the Logic of English? It is a solid program that incorporates phonics, handwriting, spelling, grammar, and writing. My son enjoyed all of the readers and the gross motor games and fun activities.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

I have looked into it a little bit but maybe I should some more. Thanks for the recommendation. :)

[@madisonhoppermomlife5444]

I think knowing the rules might help with spelling. I am considering switching from TGTB to Logic of English. My son is in TGTB language arts level 1. He just started booster cards C. The booster cards have been pretty easy for him, and he has gone through them quickly. I have noticed that he forgets what double e says or ai says. In logic of English they have lots of flash cards that I think help teach the sounds and rules in a way the child will remember. However, I also love TGTB & will be sad to leave it behind.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's so hard to decide when you really do love the curriculum. I am definitely going to give it more time and see how the rest of the year goes I think before deciding anything for sure.

[@thelittlesimplethings7842]

For math I used to good and a beautiful love. Okay and level one but then after that grade I switched to math with confidence. I can also use Kate snow preschool meth at home and that was awesome.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

I am considering adding in Math With Confidence next year! I've heard such good things about it, thanks for sharing!

[@Svargasc3]

According to Jenny Philips video on how to use the course, the booster cards are taught in a mastery approach, the course lessons are what spiral. You are so right, I don’t remember any rules of spelling or reading. I just know how to do it. I think that may be the case with most people too. 😃 I have also considered using all about reading but I don’t like the teacher guide. I feel like it’s not easy to teach in my brain. Lol tgtb doesn’t follow the science of reading, like AAR does, but I do t think it matters much if your kiddo doesn’t struggle. I think what’s important is that they get lots of reading practice. I could be wrong though. We didn’t like the math so we switched to math with confidence and we love that.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for explaining, I think after more time that I agree and that if he's able to retain the information this way then it is good enough. I also really enjoy teaching it so it would be hard to switch. I do want to add in the Gather Round Ready to Read so that could reinforce some more practice. If you don't mind sharing what about the math made you switch, I think that could be helpful in deciding if we will use next years or not. Thanks again!

[@Svargasc3]

@@saltandlighthomeschool extra practice never hurts. 😉 so my daughter did the first 50 or so lessons in TGTB math level k. When she got to the assessment, it was as if she didn’t. Know how to do any of it. I just knew right then and there, she needed a mastery approach. I switched to math with confidence, and she completed level k, and is in the first grade book now. It’s amazing. It’s super deep math, yet broken down so well, it has my daughter doing it mentally, memorizing her facts easily. It’s short sweet lessons and game and activity based. She loves it. I did have to highlight the script in the teacher guide because it was black and white and I didn’t like that. Also, instead of using index cards to create number cards, we use a free spinner app. Those 2 hacks are game changers for me. 🤓 I also feel like the author of MWC is the perfect person to write curriculum. Her math degree is from Harvard, she was a teacher in the classroom and is now a homeschool mom. I feel like my daughter is getting a math education from Harvard. lol sounds silly but that’s how I feel.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

@@Svargasc3 I love this haha so helpful, thank you!!

[@lettingitgo]

It never hurts supplementing by reading to him. You are making it more complicated than it is and worrying needlessly. All of these rules are reviewed time and time again. 😀 Naturally remembering the rule while reading is a much better, it’s like once you learn to type - you just do it. Or riding a bike, driving a car. I’m a mom of 5 and my youngest is 8 oldest 28. Don’t stress so much, you will end up burnt out early. Play and reading to him is the most important thing. Stressing kids out early cause more problems than anything else. Stop anticipating problems that don’t exist- you will create them. ❤🙏 Relax. Breathe. It will be okay. Experiencing fun play is just as rewarding as classes. ❤ We’ve been using TGATB for several years and will continue. I also like My Father’s World and have incorporated their unit studies. We also use Spelling You See and like that as extra work. Different kids have different needs and as they get older you will discover how to navigate those and adjust. Take it one day at a time. 😊

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thanks for your encouragement. :)

[@monicalara3942]

We love TGATB my kids are learning so much. However I always makesure the just dont know how to read but also spell. I use the Khan Academy kids app after learning a new sound or concept, I do it for couple of days. I downloaded some pritables to create crafts , so what I do is that I dedicate some of words with the new sound and that also lets me know they understanding. I also use websites like Lalilo , splash learn for math and zearn. We only do TGATB 3 times per week. We do more of online(learning) the rest of the week.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am leaning toward just keeping with it unless it becomes a problem. I will have to look into Khan Academy kids, thank you!

[@rebeccaarce8923]

There is another homeschool mom here on youtube. Maybe you have heard of her? Jady A, she has many videos on how to teach kiddos how to read and even has workbooks for cvc and for blends.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Oh I have heard a little bit about her. I will look into her workbooks. Thank you for sharing.

[@michellebatac1336]

If If I were to go back, I’d use Logic of English or AAR for all my kids. Right now I’ve used TGTB LA up to 4, but will stop with my other after 3 and switch to CLE for grade 4 and up. That’s just us of course but I was in the similar issue as you. Yours are young enough to switch without too much issue. Mine are used to TGTB LA and are doing fine but I don’t like it after level three.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Ah this is exactly the type of thing that does make me want to switch! It's so hard to know! Thank you for sharing your experience!!

[@ReiverGrad14]

Just so you know if you switch to all about reading you still have to add a language arts curriculum.

[@saltandlighthomeschool]

Yes I am aware, thank you.