Complete Curriculum Grade 1

You can hardly believe these are designed as a supplement this series is that meaty! Fun, colorful pages encourage the student to work together with his/her parent to master any skill that he/she is finding difficult in his regular schoolwork. Well-organized and comprehensive, the skills covered parallel those at any specific grade level. Although instruction is minimal, it does exist in digest form with plenty of opportunity for practice. How might they be used? As a core for your homeschool year combined with library books and hands on learning activities? Yes! [In this instance, I would use Unit 1 in each section, then Unit 2, etc.] As a resource for extra practice in specific skills? Yes! As fun, reinforcing seat work to keep a child gainfully occupied while working with another student? Yes! Utilizing a specific section to fill a curriculum hole? Yes!

Lacking assessments (unless you count the Test Prep practice tests in the various subjects) and detailed instruction, coverage is otherwise impressive in all areas. The six sections (Reading, Spelling, Math, Language Arts, Writing, and Test Prep) typically have six units although Math has seven and Test Prep, eleven. Reading Skills utilizes high interest stories to focus on specific skills (facts, sequence, context, main idea, conclusion, and inference). The Spelling Skills section provides 30 lessons each featuring a list of words, organized by phonics with activities for reinforcement. Math Skills (seven units) features grouped topics with worked examples and practice problems and problem solving opportunities. Language Arts Skills (100 lessons) covers grammar, usage, mechanics and research skills. Units in the Writing Skills section cover the different forms of writing with an emphasis on the writing process and opportunities for analyzing, organizing, writing, and revising. Test Prep Skills includes both specific test strategies as well as test practice.

The solid Test Prep section distinguishes this series from other full curriculum workbooks. A complete answer key is provided in the back for the parents convenience. The consumable book is massive but pages are perforated for easy removal. 784 pgs, pb ~ Janice