Sonlight or Five in a Row?

(Sure...this is "exactly" how I look everyday...lol)

If you are a fan of my blog, you will know that we recently started a new literature based curriculum this summer called Five in a Row.  The program is called "Five in a Row" because a single book is read five days in a row.  (This is called "rowing" a book.)  Each day a different subject is covered which pertains to something discussed in the book. (Note:  You can see what a typical week of FIAR looks like for us here to get a better idea of how the program works.) We are using this program as a sort of a filler year over the summer and fall until we are ready to order Sonlight P4/P5. 

Since I began blogging about Five in a Row I have gotten multiple emails from people asking me which I like better:  Sonlight or Five in a Row.  


Here I will give some of my thoughts on the subject for those who are interested.

Sonlight or Five in a Row?
The short answer to your question is this:  I think that the two programs actually complement each other VERY nicely.  So I would say that there is absolutely no reasons that you would have to choose between the two programs.  So, I would start thinking in terms of Sonlight AND FIAR.

The two things that these programs have in common is an absolute incredible ability to choose wonderful children's literature.  I have been blown away by their selections.  They happen to choose books that not only appeal to the adult in the child, but also to the child in the adult.  Some of the stories/books are timeless classics that you will probably be familiar with.  Others are books that I never would have discovered on my own if it hadn't been for FIAR and Sonlight.  But my short answer is that all of these books are absolutely wonderful.  Even if you don't do the entire FIAR program as intended (reading the books five days in a row and doing all of the activities) I would at the very least use FIAR as a reading list.  You won't want to miss these books.   The one con to both of these programs is that they will probably turn you into a children's book snob. (I say that half jokingly.)  What I mean is that It is hard to go back to everyday children's twaddle after spending so much time with Sonlight and FIAR books. *

One of the big differences between FIAR and Sonlight, is that FIAR puts a lot more emphasis on picture books.  In fact, picture books make up their entire program until you get to Beyond Five in a Row which was developed for 8-12 year olds.  One of the most wonderful things that FIAR has taught me (as a parent/teacher) is to appreciate these picture books immensely.  I used to think that these picture books were "babyish" and basically just a stepping stone until the child has the attention span to listen to chapter books.  However, I have learned that these picture books talk about incredibly deep subjects and the stories they have to tell are anything but babyish.   I have also learned to have such an appreciation for them as an art form.  So I am happy to include them both in what I read to my children.

Sonlight books, on the other hand, put a lot more emphasis on books with fewer pictures.   Actually, the only Sonlight core which is made up of picture books is their very first preschool core (Sonlight P3/P4).  After that, they move to a lot more chapter books (even in their core for 4 & 5 year olds-P4/P5 books!)  This is one of the reasons I say that FIAR and Sonlight complement each other very well.  Sonlight is going to have a lot of the longer read-alouds that you might read each day over the course of several days.  FIAR is going to be centered around picture books that you can easily read in one sitting.    Which is better?  I think that both are important for different reasons.  With picture books much of the story is stated implicitly.  You have to derive details from the pictures which teaches children to pay attention to small details while they are reading.  (Example: Night of the Moonjellies).  Non-picture books force the child to imagine the story for themselves (picturing how the setting and characters might look or sound like).  They also help build attention span. 

Another difference between sonlight and FIAR is some of the topics that they talk about.  There is a really great article that I recommend reading called 27 reasons NOT to buy Sonlight.  I would say read these and if you find that a large amount apply to you , then I would skip sonlight because you probably aren't going to like it.  In particular I will talk about their reasons 6, 11, 15, 21, and 22.  Take for example, the Brer Rabbit tales included in Sonlight P4/P5.  Sonlight includes this in their core because they feel that these are classic tales which have a unique historical and cultural importance.  However, I have heard some people complain about these stories because in the stories Brer rabbit lies and cheats and generally gets away with it.  Although the stories are lighthearted and funny, their are some parents who don't even like to expose their chidlren to character traits like that at this age.   (Espeically when cheating seems to get the character ahead in life!)   It is Sonlight's opinion that parents need to talk with their children about right vs. wrong while reading the books.  And that books alone can't teach character lessons.  In fact, most of Sonlights curriculum is centered around the conversation that is supposed to happen naturally as you read these books.  However, if you feel like stories like this are not something you want to bring in your home, you probably aren't going to like Sonlight in general.  Another example would be Sonlight P3/P4 core are classic fairly tales.  In sonlight's opinion, these fairy tales and nursery tales are an important part of our handed down traditions in literature.  Sonlight feels that it is important that children be familiar with some of these stories since they are referred to so often in our culture.  On the other hand, some parents don't like fairy tales because of some of the topics that come up.   (For example in Hansel and Gretel, their step mother tries to get rid of the children by leading them off into the woods alone!)   As far as this issue is concerned, there is no right or wrong answer here.  I just bring this up so that you are aware of some criticism that Sonlight has received and you can decide what is right for YOUR family.  I also brought up some of the more controversial stories in both the preschool cores so that you might be able to check them out from the library and see if you have a problem with them.    The majority of the people I have talked to love Sonlight.  However, some have complained because they don't like some of the books sonlight chooses based on character issues.  You have to decide how you feel about this.

In both Five in a Row and Sonlight, some heavy topics are discussed through the use of children's books.  For example, in the Five in a Row book Who Owns the Sun the topic of slavery is brought up which wasn't something I would have planned to talking to my 3 and 4 year old about.  However, I think that all of the books are written with taste and sensitivity and in a way that even young children can understand.

Which Do I Personally Like Better?
Well, bottom line is that I like both programs...and I have found both useful and worthwhile.    Also, like I said before, the good news is that we don't have to pick one vs. the other.  We can have both.  :)  However, I guess if I had to pick one, I would probably pick Sonlight. 


We are three weeks into FIAR now, and to tell you the truth, I have very mixed feelings on it.  One one hand, it is a very fun program.  And the books are just superb.  I was pre-reading one of them last night (The rag coat) and I was seriously crying my eyes out at the end of it!  Over a picture book!  So they are truly great books and touch on a lot of important subjects that I never would have thought to bring up on my own.  Plus, we have been doing a lot of neat things.

On the other hand, I still feel like FIAR is VERY planning intensive for mom.  (That is my biggest complaint about FIAR.)  Also, Marcus really doesn't like reading the same book over and over again.  He likes more variety.   So--to be honest with you, our family enjoyed our time learning with Sonlight more than FIAR.  So if I could only pick one for some reason, it would probably be Sonlight.


I like it that sonlight does all of the planning and scheduling for you.  I just pick up the instructors guide and I have a complete put together curriculum that is also centered around great books.  So I had more time to actually just enjoy being with my children instead of time spent planning and gathering supplies.FIAR also seems more appealing from reading a blog point of view.  (Lots of great pictures.)  However, sonlight is more appealing from an implementation point of view.

However, like I said, FIAR books are excellent...so at the very least I would tell people to use the program as a reading list.  You don't want to miss these books.  :)

Are you thinking of ordering from Sonlight?
If so, if you click on the banner below to complete your order, you can save $5 on your order of $50 or more.  Just enter my rewards number upon registering (CH20271164). 



Are you thinking of ordering from Five in a Row?
I have found that you can save significant money on the Five in a Row teachers manuals by ordering them used from Amazon.  I have gotten all of mine that way, and I have been very pleased with their quality and price.
Before Five in a Row
 Five in a Row Vol. 1
Five in a Row Vol. 2
Five in a Row Vol. 3

 

Do you have a question for The Attached Mama?  You can ask your question here!

*Links to Become Attached To:
Some other great reading lists/literature based curriculum that I would recommend checking out in addition to Sonlight and FIAR are:

• Ambleside Online Year 0 
• Peak with Books 
• Simply Charlotte Mason Early Years Read Aloud Guide 

(I haven't loved every book from Simply Charlotte Mason, but there are many treasures in there.  You will notice some overlap between all of these lists.  However, their are many treasures that I would see if your library has. ) 

Also, to see how other families like Sonlight and Five in a Row, check out these links:

• The Sonlight Blog Roll
• The Five in a Row Blog Roll

About Five in a Row (FIAR)--My review

We recently started doing a new program called "Five in a Row".  Five in a Row (often abbreviated FIAR) is basically a set of unit studies involving great children's book.  We are doing this program in addition to our regular handwriting, reading, and math.  It is just basically a way for us to sneak in some more great books and help make some wonderful memories this summer.

 

The creator of Five in a Row is named Jane C. Lambert.  One of the first things you will notice when you start researching FIAR is what WONDERFUL books are included in the program.  Lambert has an uncanny knack for choosing very high quality children's literature to include in her program.  Books that not only appeal to the adult in the child, but the child in the adult.  (You will enjoy reading them to your children as much as they enjoy listening!)  Some of the books are popular classics that you will probably all ready be familiar with.  Other of the books are more obscure, but they will most likely become welcome additions to your home library.

When Lambert set out to create FIAR she noticed that many children love repetition when it comes to their favorite picture books.  (As parents we know that too as we often wind up reading the same book over and over again to our kids!)  So she put together a program that utilized this natural want for repetition.  She used it to explore various aspects of this book in a deeper way.   So, the basic premise behind FIAR is that a book is read to the child five days in a row.   With each reading, a different aspect of the book is explored further.   This process is often refereed to as "rowing" a book.

Here is a description of what "rowing" a book might look like from the FIAR website:

"The first time you read a story, children simply want to discover what happens. But each day we peel back the story, learning to write using some of the techniques the story's writer has used or learning to draw or paint using some of the techniques, materials or palettes the illustrator has used. We learn more about the culture or setting where the story took place, etc. So with each new reading, the child can look at the illustrations, think about the cuisine or the architecture; appreciate the writing style, etc. Each day builds on the previous days learning experience. And each reading builds a bond with the book for your child so that they develop a deep and abiding love for each wonderful story. Then each time they read the story they'll recall and strengthen their grasp on the dozens of lessons learned from that beloved book."

Five in a Row can also be a very affordable program for families to participate in.  Once you get your hands on one of the Five in a Row instructors guides, all you really need to "row" a book is a library card.  I saw somewhere that someone had worked out that the average minimum costs of a FIAR unit study is 5 cents or something ridiculously low.   I am not exactly sure how that was calculated, but I can tell you that it is possible to do FIAR for next to nothing.  So it is a great program for those on a budget.


Another reason FIAR is so popular is all of the flexibility built into the program.  The program covers a wide range of ages.  So siblings can all enjoy reading and listening to the books together.  More complex studies are included for the older kids and less complex subjects are included for the younger kids.  Also, there are MULTIPLE options for each subject included in the instructors guide.  This allows the parent to choose things that they think their kids would actually be interested in learning about.  I also know that some families will "row" a book multiple times because it is nearly impossible to cover all of the options given in 5 days.  The parent also has maximum flexibility when it comes to choosing the order that the books are rowed.  The parent can start with ANY of the books included in any of the four volumes of instructors guides.  There is no right or wrong order when it comes to FIAR.  (This is helpful when it comes to library reservations.  You could potentially row a book as you get it.)

Perhaps the greatest thing about FIAR is that it teaches us to become critical readers.  I know as a parent, I have gotten so much out of FIAR too.  Lambert has taught me to notice all of fascinating details of books that I might have completely passed over before.  She has taught me a new level of appreciation for the art work in these picture books.  She has taught me how to look for and notice all of the particulars that make up a great story.  She has taught me to read critically, ask questions about the story, and not to take so much for granted.  I hope that this is a skill that my children pick up while doing FIAR too.

Potential FIAR Pitfalls--

OK, OK, so I told you all of the good stuff about Five in a Row, let me discuss some of the cons.

First and foremost, I mentioned that FIAR can be done for next to nothing.  However, I didn't mention that one could very easily spend hundred of dollars "rowing" these books.  When it comes to the cultural recipes, the field trips, the "go-along" books and movies, and everything else that could be done with these books, the money can add up quickly. I mean, the sky is the limit when it comes to what is done with these books.  So I caution people that while it can be done for next to nothing, you need to watch out because things can up quickly!

Secondly, be aware that FIAR can be very planning intensive for the parents.   Much more planning intensive than other literature based curriculum like Sonlight for example.  This is probably the biggest con for me when it comes to the program.  The program is a lot of fun.  The program is also very rewarding.  But expect to put in a lot of outside planning time.   If you talk to some parents using FIAR they will admit that they spend a significant part of their free time planning for these "rowing" adventures.  It is very easy for parents to become burnt out after only several weeks of FIAR.  I know this first hand.  When the kids were younger I actually started the Before Five in a Row program.  (It is for kids 2-4 years old.)  However, the planning was just too much for me at the time.  SO, we just used Before Five in a Row as a reading list.  I referred to the Before Five in a Row teacher's guide whenever I needed ideas, but I wasn't able to do the program strictly.   In another article, I am going to talk about some tricks for making FIAR less of a burden when it comes to planning.  Please stay tuned!

Another con to the program is that some children simply aren't going to like reading the book that many times in a row.  Most kids like repetition, but some simply do not.  Despite what you might read online, FIAR is not going to be a good fit for all families.   I have found that if the child starts to grow weary of listening to the book it is best not to force the issue.  Instead, you can work around this issue by perhaps just pointing out a particular illustration that you want to talk about---Or perhaps just reading an exert from the book instead of the whole book.

Five in a Row Instructor's Guides:

Before Five in a Row (Ages 2-4)

Five in a Row, Vol 1 (Ages 4-8)

Five in a Row, Vol 2 (Ages 4-8)

 

Five in a Row, Vol 3 (Ages 4-8)

 

Five in a Row, Vol 4 (Ages 4-8)

Beyond Five in a Row (Ages 8-12)

 

Above and Beyond Five in a Row (Ages 12 and up)

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated by Five in a Row for this review in any way.  These opinions are a result of my direct experience with the product.

2010-2011 Curriculum

Hello Readers,

First, this is a LONG post.  I hope that the length doesn't scare some of you away.  However, I know you guys love details, details, details...so I tried to give you as many as I can.

Disclosure:  I received NO (ZERO!) compensation or free products when putting together this list.  These are all products that we purchased with our own hard-earned money.  (I think we tend to judge products more harshly and truthfully when we have actually paid for them!)  So rest assured that my reviews and recommendations are all brutally honest.  These are all products that we use in our home and have found valuable.

I do have an Amazon Associates account.  So if you purchase any of the products using the links on this page, I do receive a very small compensation.  Lists like these take quit a bit of time to put together.  So if you find this post or my blog helpful, it would be greatly appreciated if you could use the links below to purchase your products.  

And now....(drum-roll please)....our 2010-2011 Curriculum:

CALENDAR / MORNING BOARD:

(More on this coming in a separate post.)

BIBLE:

Bible Stories:

The Jesus Storybook Bible:  Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones

(We use both the book and audio CD) 

I can't say enough good things about this book.  We LOVE it!  The message in this book is exactly the sort of thing I want my children to hear.  We read about 3 stories a week from this book.  We also listen to the audio book in the car.  The audio book is very well produced and I highly recommend both!

Memory Verses:

Songs for Saplings, Dana Dirksen

Supplemented with the printables from Totally Tots.

I really like this CD too.  It has music that both kids and adults will enjoy. 

About once a week we introduce a new memory verse.  Each verse is tied to a letter of the alphabet.  They also have a verse for many of the holidays.  The kids and I act like nuts and dance around the house to this.  I also use some of the printables from Totally Tots to supplement this.  We hang one picture up on our morning board as a visual to help us remember. 

Character:

Right Choices by Kenneth N. Taylor

 

I will say that I don't totally recommend this book.  There is a lot in this book that I don't personally agree with and find it preachy and creepy.  For example, there is a page on why parents must spank children because they love them.  (I find phrases like that creepy.  I personally don't associate hitting and causing pain with showing love.)  In the book the child "needs" to be spanked because the young child took cleaning supplies out of a low cabinet.  (My thoughts:  Perhaps the parents needs a spanking so they can learn how to secure dangerous things like cleaning supplies.  Then perhaps the parents needs a lesson on how to teach their child...not just punish and hurt.)

There is also a lesson with the example of a child who gets upset over having to leave a fun place, and the child is supposed to pray that she will not "get mad over nothing".    How belittling is that to a child's feelings?!  I think it is wrong to tell a child that they are "bad" for feeling a natural disappointment when they leave a fun place.  I personally think it is OK to feel disappointed or upset.  Instead of teaching that an emotion is wrong, we instead work with our kids to teach them the correct way to express the emotion.  (For example:  it is OK and understandable to feel disappointed that we are leaving.  It isn't OK to shout or kick or hit when you are angry.) 

However, there are some good lessons in this book.  It has a nice lesson on "stranger danger".  It also has some nice lessons on the importance of honesty and gratitude.  We will be using about half of the lessons in this book.  I am definitely pre-reading this book and editing it heavily as I read it aloud.  Most of our character lessons will not come form a book.  The majority of them will come for modeling and life lessons. 

LANGUAGE ARTS:

Spanish Montessori Class 

We found a great Spanish class for preschoolers in our area.  The class size is very small.  (6 preschoolers counting Marcus and Sophia.)  The class also meets once per week.  The teachers uses a variety of teaching methods including storybooks and Montessori materials.  It meshes perfectly with our style.   

Handwriting without Tears Pre-K

When it comes to handwriting programs, this is the best there is!   Often times the names strikes people as a bit funny, but it really is a great program.    Everything is done in a playful method using many different learning methods.  (Manipulatives, music/song, workbook, games.)

The children learn to form their capital letters using wooden pieces, roll-a-dough letters, stamp n see screen and other methods.  They also learn colors, pencil grip, pencil control and some basics phonics.  The program also comes with a musical CD for children who learn through moving and listening.  We are currently just working through building the ltters with the various manipulaitves (shown below), the capital letter cards, and the blue mat.  We currently have started our children on the workbook becaues my son has absolutly no interest in sitting at a table and doing a workbook page yet.  :) 

Stamp-N-See Screen

Roll-A-Dough

 

 

Wooden Pieces used to build the capital letters

Slate used in"Wet, Dry, Try"

Montessori Materials

From time to time we also put out some Montessori language materials that focus on pre-reading and pre-writing skills.  We usually tie these into whatever holiday or unit we are studying. 

The Montessori "Brown Stairs"

The Montessori Pink Tower

Leap Frog Videos:

I know, I know....  a DVD?   But I highly recommend the leap frog learning videos.  They are very high quality and very effective and fun for kids. 

READ-ALOUDS

Sonlight P3/P4

This is our second year using the Sonlight P3/P4 curriculum.  We are just slowly making our way through it until Sophia gets old enough to start Sonlight P4/P5.  Sonlight is actually a complete curriculum, but it is a very gentle program that focuses on using high quality books as a learning tool.    


Before Five in a Row

Before Five in a Row is not a curriculum.  It is a book filled with great ideas to bring literature, music, and learning into your child's life.

The book is divided into two parts.  The first half of the book is a list of activities centered around the titles pictures above.  The second half of the book contains ideas to help promote learning in the home.  I had this book checked out of the library for weeks and weeks.  I was so sad when I had to return this book to the library.  I knew that I would have to buy it and luckily found it used through amazon for a good price. 

Ambleside Online Year 0 Book List 

Ambleside also has a great list of books for young children.   We don't' own many of them yet, but as our budget allows, we hope to add these to our home library.   They are all classics that will last for generations. 

Science:
Nature Study

Unit Studies at times 

Periodically we will branch out and explore topics of interest to the kids.  I call these taking a rabbit trail.  We usually do this by visiting the library and checking out some books on the topic.  We will also supplement this with some field trips, activities, and movies.  (Whatever I can find.)

MATH

MathStart Books 

MathStart books are fun story books that integrate preschool math concepts.  If you child likes to be read to, these are a fun and way to introduce some basic math concepts.  Plus, the author has all sorts of great extension, "hands on" activities that you can use to expand these concepts.

Montessori Materials

We also put out some Montessori inspired activities onto our learning shelves from time to time.  

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography and History using quality children's books

Sensory activities using Montessori Materials

Practical life lessons using the Montessori method as a starting point

PRE-SCHOOL GROUP:

Once or twice a week we also meet with a local preschool group.  We do holiday related activities or go on field trips.  

I also plan to purchase a large mark-able world map, map of the USA, and globe for the kids and start pointing out locations as we come across them in life.  I am trying to save up for these!  :)