Why I Switched To The Good and the Beautiful

[@homeschool.pray.repeat]

Funny, I just purchased their LA again, after trying it and putting it down for a while. I realized that TGTB LA basically has a few important parts of learning on the perfect “loop schedule” in one book. I was trying too hard to piece together art, grammar, geography, writing, etc etc. When I burnt out trying to figure out a CM LA, and pulling in art, geography, etc. I looked on their website at samples, and it hit me, they have all the things on a loop, in one book, while holding our hand as the teacher. So I ordered it again. Lol.

[@theculturedkidlanguages]

I think it's so important to not box yourself and be open to different curriculum that might not be popular with those in your own community but might be a perfect fit for your kids! Well done for being open to changing!

[@KS95x]

We use TGTB for math and language arts and it’s been a hit in our homeschool. This is our first year using AO as well alongside for all of our read alouds so that we’re getting exposure to great literature and we are loving them in tandem! It’s not too much at all when we break all the AO readings down across the week, and I still very much consider myself a Charlotte Mason inspired homeschooler 😊

[@LivChapp]

I also am passionate about the CM method but have been using tgatb for all the same reasons! my kids love it! And there’s something so satisfying about the books they are really beautiful!

[@shototodoFLOPki]

Good for you for being flexible! I feel like sometimes we dismiss certain curricula that doesn't fit into our ideal educational philosophy. I had used TGTB a few years ago and loved it but stopped using it for other reasons. But this year i caved because it just works for us! My kids don't fight my on it. That alone brings so much more joy to our days. And it's funny because my daughter is 9 and doing level 4 LA and level 3 Math. The kids are happy and learning and that makes mom happy. ❤

[@KidsLearningforLife]

My kids don’t fight me on it either, which is 90% of the battle 😂 I’m just in a place where I need to use whatever works, and it sounds like you’re in the same boat!

[@MsDinoGal]

We mix AO with TGATB language arts and math as well. I don’t apologize. It’s working for my kids and they love it!

[@KidsLearningforLife]

I love it! I’m glad to know I’m in good company.

[@carinthiamontana7069]

I feel that TGATB is Charlotte Maisony. It‘s true that the lessons are longer but they often have so many different components that it is like having different subjects…

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Yes, I agree. I do love all of the different subjects tied into one.

[@candykizz3z68]

I fall into “secular” curriculum, but a I use TGATB for ELA for my 4th and 5th grader (they both use the same level) . And they both like it . However , I don’t think it will continue to serve them much purpose this coming up year, so once they finish it this June, it will be the last time using it . We also love their science, and will continue to use it for some more units .

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Thanks for sharing! It’s great to hear other perspectives about how the program has worked for others. Thanks!

[@joysilas4724]

From the beginning we’ve used AO and TGAB for math & LA. I still feel like I’m a CM mom. How are homeschooling with a newborn? we have a newborntoo and two school aged girls and it’s so difficult to homeschool.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Sounds like we’re in the same boat! I know I just need to keep reminding myself that CM is a method, not a system. 👍🏼 I do want to make a video in the next few months about how I’m juggling the newborn, homeschool, and working.

[@WildBison74]

I had newborn twins this school year. It was so hard! Getting a little easier now that they’re a little older.

[@AR-k39]

@@WildBison74wow’ I feel like I wouldn’t be able to do it! I’d probably take a year off hasn’t. The Good and the Beautiful is actually a good curriculum for that though.

[@Dreblueskies]

I love how TGTB lets you really see a lot on their site. Their safety unit is great! I love your hubby’s advice, I need to take that myself 😂 Sounds like this is a great fit for you. Keep the govies out at all costs.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

The fact that I could see basically the entire curriculum on their website before committing to anything was huge for me. I really didn’t know what they were all about at all before, so it was helpful. Thanks for your support!

[@jennifer61122]

We just switched back to TGTB Language Arts after 2 years off. It just flows more cohesively. I noticed I was having to piece things together like you said and it was just more complicated. So we switched back and are now happy 😊

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Good to hear! I love that everything is included in TGTB, and we don’t have to use multiple resources anymore.

[@Sahmgirl]

Ive tried Sonlight, Abeka & Charlotte Mason, as well aa many online free sources. Now, a fellow HS mom suggested TGTB for this year. I def like Math-U-See for math, but for everything else, Im not sure, so Im looking into TGTB, but I dont want to spend a lot of money. I also like Easy Peasy All-In-One-Homeschool, but Im not sure if it rigorous enough for my older children.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

I recommend trying out TGTB’s free PDFs to see if it works! You might even be able to use those free PDFs to save money if you choose to stick with it. I just made the choice not to print it out anymore, but technically it’s possible.

[@m.willow11]

I totally get where you're coming from. In the past we used Heart of Dakota ( when i only had 3 school aged) then My Father's World ( when we only had 6) This year we have 7 school aged and I've sorta combined simply charlotte mason w AO ( plus your film studies--so much fun btw!) But as my children have begun to really level out at different spots ive totally needed to outsource too ( for lack of a better word) to fill in the holes at their varying levels. I outsourced math by starting teaching textbooks this year ( highly recommend!) And today was our first lesson using TGTB science...it was ahhhmazing. My kids LOVED it. I really want to take the plunge w TGTB language arts but it gets incredibly pricey for so many children ( especially when i was on the fence about whether or not we'd like it) but between our success w their science and your review, I just might take that plunge!

[@de5889]

K-8 are free online (the complete programs with all components) so if you have something like an ecotank it can be very economical.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

I do have TGTB science (the bird unit) that I bought used and we will be trying out this year. I made this video before I had fully decided on which science unit we were using, but I do plan on talking more about that in the future. I do find that TGTB is reasonably priced, but I do know it adds up when you’re buying for multiple kids. I save money by doing some of the readers in lower levels plus the booster cards on the iPad using the free PDF downloads, so that’s nice. Plus, access to the letter tiles app and The Good and the Beautiful app are free. So all I purchased are the actual course books.

[@erinashley1910]

I can absolutely relate! The CM math curricula that I tried (SCM and Under the Home) with my oldest just did not work! He hated it, lessons took us FOREVER, and it was just drudgery. So, I switched my oldest to Christian Light Education because it is very straight-forward, and he is getting such a solid foundation. Then, I got The Good and the Beautiful Math Level K for my younger son. I struggled with the CM-mom identity as well, but our homeschool is so much more peaceful after making the switch. I'm liking both CLE and TGTB math. I kind of want them both on the same program, so I'm not sure if I will switch my younger one to CLE or my older to TGTB. I guess that's a decision for next year LOL

[@KidsLearningforLife]

You’re definitely making me feel less alone! Thank you!

[@Lucilious37]

@erinashley1910, what did you decide?

[@meganharris301]

Can you talk about what parts of AO you are still using in addition to TGTB?

[@jessicaloveridge2759]

I also love the new science units as do my children. The only thing we don’t use is history and that’s because I prefer a more linear approach to history.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

We recently started TGTB science in addition to LA and math. It’s the only science curriculum that has worked for us so far! And we don’t use their history either.

[@laurenrasmussen7997]

How did it go with tgatb?

[@abigailmcdonough6030]

Lol, I just moved from The Good and the Beautiful to Ambleside Online because of my daughters needs. I loved the Good and the Beautiful but my daughter stresses too much over getting everything perfect.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

I do think that is a struggle for my second oldest daughter as well. But yeah, for now I’m just going to try to balance the two curriculums. For now it seems to be working!

[@roxanaanagnos]

My daughter and I love TGTB but were are just beginning 2nd semester homeschooling through a charter school. How will you submit samples of their work using TGTB since they won't allow any religious curriculums? Thank you so much for all the info you share!

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Disclaimer: Every charter school is different and has different rules. That being said, my charter school does not allow me to use TGTB for samples. I have used alternative curriculum (such as Building Writers by Learning Without Tears) as samples instead. It hasn’t been too big of an obstacle. Hope this helps!

[@roxanaanagnos]

It helps a bunch! Thank you so much!

[@kim4mich]

Your baby is so adorable!!

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Thank you!

[@PerfectPromise]

When I tried going full blown all things Charlotte Mason with Ambleside. I got lost.. and resorted back to The Good and Beautiful and i'm never leaving them again lol We still incorporate her method but we also blend it with the good and beautiful and we love school again.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Sounds like we’re in the same boat. We love school again too! 🙌🏼

[@insidelifeschool8480]

May I know what state are you in?

[@KidsLearningforLife]

California

[@AR-k39]

Wait you get funding for homeschool? What state are you in? I wish we had that! We don’t! We pay taxes for public and homeschool is all out on pocket. The Good and The Beautiful is actually knew if the most AFFORDABLe curriculum’s out there.

[@KidsLearningforLife]

Yes, my charter school (in California) gives us funds for select homeschool items/classes. I can’t use it for TGTB (or most of my other curriculum) because it is religious in nature.