First Language Lessons

by Carla
(Noblesville, IN, USA)

We used First Language Lessons for 1st-2nd grade from 2007-2009.

Likes: I liked the brevity of the lessons. They are the perfect length for the attention span of that age group. They are simple enough to use for non-readers and writers, yet have some additional work for those who are more advanced.

The picture studies are excellent for pre-writing skills. My daughter especially liked the poetry memorization that added variety to the lessons. The lessons are scripted, which can be helpful for some teachers. I especially liked the fact that I could use it for 2 years, it was non-consumable, and I didn't have to buy a workbook to go with it.

Dislikes: Some of the lessons became very repetitive at the beginning.

Limited Busywork, Plenty of Review

by Holly
(CT)

Subject: Grammar for grade 4
Dates Used: Fall 2009

I love this product. I have a child with learning issues. This product is breaking down grammar to an easily digested level. Since the program is scripted I do not need to worry about how to describe a concept. There is limited busywork, and seems to be enough review. This is really helping a dysgraphic child to understand parts of speech.

I think that most of the chapters should be broken down into smaller segments. I also think that you could go from the First Language Lessons for first and second grade and skip the third grade product. Third and fourth grade were very similar in content and too expensive to warrant purchase of both.

Short and to the Point!

by Peggy
(Wilmington, NC)

Levels Used: First and Second level
Dates Used: July 2008-June 2009

Likes:

The Lessons are short and to the point. This is great for kids who are wiggly or with short attention spans.

An audio CD is available. This was a must for my auditory learner.

Two years are packed into one book.

A very reasonable price considering that it's two years worth of curriculum.


Dislikes:

None really. This just did not click with my boys. I think this would be a better fit for a read/write learner such as myself.

Simple & Thorough

by Rebecca
(College Station, TX USA)

Levels Used: 1 & 2
Dates Used: '09/'10 school year

Likes: I love this book. Each day you have a short, thorough lesson. It is scripted for the teacher and gives the expected response for the student. There is enough variety so that teacher and student are not bored from day to day. Yet, there is enough repetition to help the child to really learn the different concepts. The student will learn the parts of speech, dictation, memorization, and narration. Well-rounded curriculum!

Dislikes: None.