ABeka vs. BJU Language: Why I Switch Mid-Stream


With mommas diligently planning curriculum choices for next year, my inbox has been jammed with questions regarding MY particular curriculum selections. Curious readers have wanted to know WHY I have chosen certain programs over others. Without a doubt, the #1, most-asked question I have received is some version of the following...

"Jamie, I'm wondering why you switch from ABeka Language to Bob Jones English in third grade?"

Great question!  
I can see why my madness would raise questions about by method.  

So, in an attempt to kill several dozen birds with one stone, I'm gonna do my best to satisfy the curious, today.*

(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)


The Short Answer

Both ABeka Language and BJU English are great programs. In many ways, they are very similar. They, both, subscribe to the spiral approach of learning the concrete rules of grammar. They, both, emphasize a traditional style (workbook/textbook) of teaching. And, they, both, were originally designed for classroom use and have been slightly modified to be used in a homeschool setting. Because of this, they, both, can get a bit redundant at times for the fast-learner, but quite helpful for the learner who needs additional review.

Since I, myself, learned grammar from the ABeka program, worked in the homeschooling division of their company for nearly four years, and taught from their resources in a traditional classroom setting, I KNOW that ABeka Language works well and I KNOW how to teach it.  

That being said...

The Long Answer

I start all of my children in ABeka's K-4 phonics program because I feel that it's a comprehensive, phonetical approach to teaching reading.  Having used it now for thirteen years...in various forms of teaching...I am COMPLETELY comfortable with and confident in it.  That being said, the Language program that goes along with those formative grades (first and second grade), is really just an extension of the phonics lessons.  It emphasizes PHONICS rather than GRAMMAR..as it should be at that level!

By third grade, most quality language programs will begin to focus less on phonics and more on the grammar/mechanics of writing.  While ABeka Language (third grade and beyond) does do an exceptional job of teaching grammar skills, I think that its emphasis of the BIG PICTURE of language is slightly off balance. 

And here's why...


The Longer Answer

What is the point of learning the mechanics of grammar?  Is it to be able to diagram subjects and verbs correctly?  Is it to be able to recognize dangling modifiers quicker than anyone else?  Is it to be able to accurately identify the difference between the past tense and the past participle tense of a verb?

Of course not.

The point of learning grammar...the BIG PICTURE of it all...is to learn to communicate the written word more clearly, accurately, and effectively.  While diagramming sentences is one TOOL that can be used to reach that goal, I believe that MORE writing experience is equally as important.  

Both the ABeka Language and BJU English programs teach grammar/mechanics WELL!  But, ABeka approaches writing as a completely separate subject throughout the elementary grades.  It does not infuse writing and grammar into one cohesive whole.  In other words, their language program from third grade until around ninth grade simply lacks a suitable writing component and does not afford a child the natural practice needed to become an effective writer.

BJU, on the other hand, treats grammar and writing as an extension of each other.  A grammar skill is taught in one unit, reviewed for several days, and then emphasized in a week-long (or several lessons-long) writing unit that follows.  In addition, students are taught many different forms and styles of writing...from technical writing such as business letters and short research papers to fictional writing such as tall tales and narrative fiction stories.  The writing process is broken down into tangible, smaller increments in order to make the entire endeavor more do-able for a novice writer.  

As a side note, I appreciate how BJU English texts always include sample student work and a grading matrix for every type/style of writing being taught.  Although I don't ever "grade" my kids' writing, I do like to provide constructive and skill-appropriate feedback.  As a mom teaching only one child per grade, it is sometimes difficult to know what is age/grade appropriate for writing success because I don't have any other work to compare my child's writing to.  The sample work not only gives my child a great example to pattern his/her work after, but it also provides me with some objective benchmarks with which to assess a very subjective subject.

The Long Story, Short

By the time my kids each reach third grade, I plan to switch them all over to the BJU English program.  Because while I want them to build a firm foundation of grammar/mechanics (something that I think is seriously lacking in our spell-check/grammar-check society), I recognize that knowing a rule is only good if you ALSO know how to implement that rule in daily life.  Since BJU emphasizes grammar and writing equally, I feel like my kids are getting the best of both worlds and will have a much better chance of becoming effective communicators...a skill that will be necessary for them to have no matter what vocation God calls them to.  

Although this did not play into my decision of purchasing one curriculum over another, it is worth noting that BJU teachers' materials are much more user-friendly than ABeka's.  The BJU English Teacher's Edition is an all-inclusive resource providing both the answer key to the student book, as well as the lesson plans and teacher's notes.  ABeka's program, however, is divided into two different parent books.  The lesson plans and teacher's notes are included in one resource, while the answer key to the student book is found in another.  

I should also mention, that I do not give my children tests.  So, although I utilized the ABeka Language testing materials back in my classroom days, I have never used any of those resources for homeschooling purposes and therefore have no valuable opinions of either the ABeka Language or the BJU English tests or test keys.  


*No birds were harmed in the making of this post.


70 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this! Just a quick question: I just purchasedhe Abeka curriculum for my 1st & 3rd grader, and I was wondering what you would suggest I do for creative writing for my 3rd grader?
    LOVE your blog!

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    1. Patti,
      Are you thinking just creative writing...writing where the kids create fiction stories that don't necessarily get critiqued for grammar? Or are you wanting ideas for something more formal to learn the proper elements of writing?

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  2. Hi! We are so encouraged by your blog, thank you! Quick question, since BJU is now aligned with the National Common Core Standards, how does their curriculum also change? Thank you!

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    1. I actually have not noticed a change in their English program at all, to be honest.

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    2. https://www.bjupress.com/resources/common-core-standards/

      It is my understanding that BJU did not change to become common core aligned according to the above article put out by BJU.

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    3. I agree with you Jen, as far as I understand BJU is NOT common core aligned.

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    4. No, I agree it's not! However, some things may line up with CC. Ask a public school teacher how their CC report cards have to be filled out with standards (at least in our state) and you'll see the big difference.

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  3. Interesting. I did BJU 1 year and my dd and I both HATED it! I love ABEKA for Phonics. Both have a bunch of busy work. We now are in a Classical Conversations group where grammar is taught well, and a paper is written most every week. I have to say though that I disagree with one thing you said. I think knowing your grammar is essential to writing good papers. Anyone can be creative. But you need to learn the framework in which to be creative.

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    1. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. I DO think grammar skills are essential to good writing. That's why I support both of these programs. But, grammar without real-world practice is just grammar. It's not writing.

      Yes, I would agree that both programs have some elements of "busy" work, as I mentioned the "redundancy". They were designed for classroom use and classroom teachers NEED busy work in order to keep faster workers occupied while others finish and to provide enough review for those who need extra.

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    2. Jamie, I completely agree with your review of the two programs, and the need for more application of writing to go along with the acquired grammar skills! I teach 3rd grade in a Christian school. We use ABeka k-2, Bob Jones Math, History, and Science. Unfortunately, the decision was made to switch to McGraw Hill’s Open Court for Reading/LA. This was our first year. Total nightmare for the 3rd graders coming from 2nd grade ABeka 2nd grade materials. They were expected to be able to write an 80-100 word essay on the beginning of the year diagnostic, as well as all weekly essay for the reading story of the week! Keep in mind they are coming from grade 2 ABeka with having barely had sentence writing, no paragraph writing, and expected to be able to write a higher level critical reaction to a story using high level inference. on top of that, Open Court for 3rd grade is a review year for what is taught in K-2 Open Court. What is expected is outrageous and all based on Common Core and Ohio’s 3rd grade reading guarantee - which our school does not adhere to! So basically, I’ve been forced to teach unaligned public school curriculum. Why you ask? Because they needed to use up public dollars and didn’t have the money to buy Christian materials...so frustrated.

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    3. Oh, that is frustrating. I can only imagine how difficult it has been for you and the kids. So sorry!

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  4. Jaime, thank you for taking the time to share. You mentioned that you don't give your children tests, is that only in grammar or all subjects. I find that the only tests I give consistently is spelling (I have a 4th and 2nd) but that is more due to busyness with 4 children versus just not finding it necessary.

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    1. I do not give any tests, Tamara, because I don't think they are necessary...at least not until the older grades. A test is usually given in a traditional school setting in order to provide the school district and the parent with a tangible assessment of the child's progress. As a homeschool mom, I KNOW how my child is doing DAILY. I know what he/she gets, and what he doesn't...what he/she struggles with and what he/she has mastered.

      We use a spelling program that doesn't require the memorization of a list of words each week, so I don't give spelling tests. If I did use a more traditional program, I might consider it.

      My daughter does have an occasional math quiz, but as she does a computer-based math program, I have no control over the sequence of lessons. Plus, since I am not as involved with her math as other areas of her learning, the quiz is helpful for me to see how she is doing. I can use it as a guide for her learning and decide whether she needs more review or can keep progressing in the program.

      Long story short, I just don't think, in MOST scenarios, tests are necessary for elementary-aged homeschoolers.

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    2. I agree! We know our children's strengths and weaknesses, because we work with them daily. I choose to do math tests simply because I want them to get practice taking tests (our state requires them), but I don't even do that until the standardized tests are required...3rd grade. I'm (selfishly) glad to hear another mom agree. :) We're at 8th grade and we'll be doing all subject grading in 9th grade.

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  5. I am currently using Abeka workbooks in a freelance style. I tried to follow the teacher plan for the full curriculum and just couldn't keep up on all of it for my 1st and 2nd grade boys. I was homeschooled using Abeka and HATED the emphasis on diagramming (although I now have a BA in English haha). I might check out the BJ English curriculum because I do wish they offered more writing practice with the Abeka even though I am completely satisfied with their grammar and phonics emphasis. I do have a question to you though - what do you do about cursive? My boys were in public school prior to this current year (pre-k through 1st grade) and there was little emphasis on hand writing so they have been working hard on legible printing and had meltdowns when I tried to introduce cursive. Any suggestions? I like cursive and I hate to see it become a "lost art," but cannot think of a time as an adult or college student when it was actually useful other than signing my name or writing on decorated cakes. As a former educator do you feel that cursive is an important aspect of writing and penmanship that should be taught at the expense of time/energy spent on other subjects? I'm just curious as I've done research on both and it really just seems to be a matter of personal preference depending on who is or is not teaching it!

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    1. I do feel like cursive is still an important art to learn. I have witnessed teenagers not be able to read certain things that were written in cursive simply because they were never taught.

      We use A Reason for Handwriting because I like how it transitions from one letter to the next. In other words, if a child can learn to make a cursive "e", the next logical step would be to learn to make an "l". I don't buy any of the teacher's materials for the program. Just the student workbook.

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  6. What spelling curriculum are you currently using? I used only Abeka for 1st & 2nd grades. This year for third grade I mixed in some Rod & Staff for English & changed to All About Spelling.

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  7. I keep the ABeka Language, but when the Writing with Phonics books stop after third grade I add different writing books. Different books have worked for different kids.

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  8. I used BJU 2nd & 4th grade this year. It was our first time with them. One of my favorite parts was that the chapters mirror each other. It made it easier for me to teach on one topic at a time. I have a question about testing though. My kids were in public school and faced some anxiety over testing. Because testing is part of life, with college, work, drivers tests, etc., I have chosen to test and grade my kids to prepare them for the future. It seems to have helped ease their anxieties and has given me SEVERAL teachable moments. One of my children believes that performance excellence is the end all be all in life and thinks he will die if he isn't perfect. My husband and I have talked him off the ledge, so to speak, many times. As this year progressed, he has finally started to see that his best effort is all we expect and all he should expect of himself. We are seeing that start to reflect in his day to day life with sports, hobbies and his expectations of others (which is pretty high and difficult for him that he can't control them to). So my question is, since you are from the world of classroom teaching, what made you decide to not grade and test your children? I'm wondering what aspect I'm missing in my logic. Thanks!

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    1. Great question. I actually get this one a lot and should consider writing a post about it.
      Personally, I feel that the purpose of a test (at the elementary level) is to have valid proof of how a child is doing...in order to assign a "grade" and keep accurate records for a school district. A test simply shows WHAT/HOW much a child knows about a particular topic. As a homeschool mom, I teach my child and evaluate them every day. I know exactly what they know and what they don't. I don't need a test to tell me that. It is kind of redundant, in my opinion. And really only needed in a school setting where a parent and school administrator would need physical proof of what was or was not mastered.

      I do agree, however, that the skill of being able to take a test is a a valuable one that most kids should have experience in. That is one of the benefits of taking a standardized test each year. Our math program, Teaching Textbooks, has built in quizzes that help to introduce the concept of testing, as well.

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  9. For third grade spelling we used the Rod & Staff workbooks with the All About Spelling curriculum. For reading we used the Abeka readers & the read & think skill sheets. Grammar was a blend of second grade R &S text with Abeka language workbook. Math was R&S. The rest (writing, science, history & manners was Abeka.). Now the question is what for next year??? I plan on staying with the R&S text for grammar & their spelling workbooks to compliment the All About Spelling. My dilemma is what to use for reading & writing. I want a reading curriculum that tests not only simple comprehension but inference... I would like a writing curriculum that is not just creative writing & penmanship. We started homeschooling three years ago with just Abeka. I have found myself looking for a more thought provoking curriculum and haven't found one yet. I have begun to pick & choose a variety to serve that purpose. I would love a curriculum that does more than just incorporate rote memorization. I am not opposed to memorization. I believe that it is necessary & goes along with the child's cognitive development during the grammar years. But sometimes with Abeka I feel like I am just pouring facts into bucket when my hearts desire is to light a fire for the love of learning! Especially with the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. I also am struggling with keeping R&S for math for next year. Can anyone help me out with what has worked for them?

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  10. Just wanted to add that I love Abeka phonics, too. However, after teaching 7th and 8th grade students in a Christian school, I knew I didn't like the writing program one bit. So for this reason, we also switched to BJU about the same time. My first child would get so upset when she saw that blank page that said to write a report of Abe Lincoln. BJU first asked them to list three animals. Then they were asked to narrow down to one. A flowing progress of outlines, diagrams, and webs resulted in a painlessly written paper. Yay! Switched to IEW in middle school.

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  11. I'm curious to know if you think the teachers manual is necessary when purchasing? I can never decide if I need it or not.

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    1. I always recommend the teachers manual for both ABeka and BJU. The workbooks for ABeka are only designed to reinforce the teaching that is given through the manual.

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  12. Hello Jamie,

    Thanks for your article on comparing BJU vs. A Beka. It was helpful.

    I do have some other questions that maybe you could help me with?

    I'm a homeschool dad who is struggling a bit with knowing what Language Arts curriculum to now go with for my kids. I have two boys who will be in grades 3 and 6. They have both completed the Hooked on Phonics material and are excellent readers. The past two years, however, I used a piece-meal approach to teaching them Grammar and Spelling via some free material I found online (McGraw-Hill Treasure series - money was tight). Both boys are coming along well overall with the series but this year my wife and I wanted to start them on a dedicated kit/curriculum instead. Additionally, both of my boys have not had any Cursive exposure yet.

    So with all that said, what curriculum would you favor? My concern is, since we have not been methodically teaching them in one of these kits prior, that if I, say, put them through BJU Grade 3 and Grade 6, then would they struggle a bit? Maybe I should put my oldest (who's generally a bit slower of a learner) in the Grade 5 BJU Language Arts (I guess they call it English) Kit to ensure it's at the right level for him?

    Those are my main worries. I wish BJU or A Beka would offer a few samples to know for sure whether the age level is appropriate for the child. I don't want it to be too easy or a grade too hard for either of them.

    I hope those questions make sense. Thanks for your time!
    J

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    1. Great question. The good thing to remember is that English can be learned at any age. Some homeschoolers recommend NOT teaching formal grammar/mechanics until jr. high or high school. I, myself, did not learn any of it until 7th grade. It was difficult at first, but once I caught on, it was smooth sailing.

      I think your third grader would do just fine jumping in at the third grade level of either BJU or ABeka or whatever program you decide to go with. Third grade is when grammar is introduced formally in most curriculums. Regarding your sixth grader, I would recommend starting with the fifth grade material and setting your own pace. Slow down when needed and speed up when you can.

      Hope that helps.

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  13. Yes, I am just starting out with homeschooling my two childern, 5 and 4? I was wondering if you would suggest any curriculum to go by starting out that would draw their eye and make them interested in learning. I am looking into the bju k4 curriculum but am a little confused as to what I'm getting and how it may help me teach my childern to the best.

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  14. Thank you for your post. I am curious to know your thoughts on Abeka vs BJUpress for 1st grade. My daughter has had quite a bit of review with phonics, she is reading at a 3rd/4th grade level. However I have never done grammar/english/language arts/phonics program-curriculum with her.

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    1. I can't honestly give you an opinion as I have never used BJU 1st grade. I always start my kids out in ABeka because I really like their phonics program.

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  15. Thank you for your helpful article! I have one question if you don't mind. Which parts of the BJU Press curriculum do you use in elementary once you make the switch from Abeka? Do you use all four parts: English (Writing/Grammar), Reading, Spelling, and Handwriting? If not, which parts do you use? I'm also curious if you use any other subjects in the BJU Press curriculum. Thanks in advance!

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    1. I only use the English (Grammar/Writing). I also order my annual achievement tests from BJU. This coming year, my oldest will be using their science program.

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    2. Thank you for your response! I was thinking of doing that also, but then I saw in their scope and sequence that they over quite a bit of their English content in their Reading course and some in their Spelling course also. Do you use a different curriculum to cover those topics?

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    3. I use ABeka to teach reading, but I don't do an organized reading program that has my kids reading from curriculum readers. For spelling, I use All About Spelling.

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  16. Hi Jamie, We started homeschooling our youngest for the first time last fall. She had been previously in public school first through 2nd grade. After researching curriculum and reading tons and tons of reviews, I took your advice in getting the 3rd grade BJU Grammar/Writing books. I have to let you know that we both love this curriculum!! We love how the book alternates the grammar and writing which keeps our daughter's interest. I like how it is set up to teach in an organized way, but we can still go at our own pace. We can easily do two grammar pages in a day if we have to skip a day during the week for co-op or something else. We will finish the book a little early this Spring, and we'll be purchasing grade 4 for next year! Thanks for your review...VERY helpful =)

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    1. That's so awesome, Tami! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm so glad the program is working for you.

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  17. Haha, love your disclaimer! 😄

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  18. Hi! Thanks for your review, it's so helpful to read others' experiences & thoughts as we sift through so many good options to find what's right for our own homeschool family! QUESTION: Since you believe Abeka is strong in the earlier grades, I'd like to know if you feel that if I used BJU in grades 1-3 if it would be as thorough? Or do you feel strongly about using Abeka 1-3, then the switch? Thank you!!

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    1. I honestly can't answer that, Lauren, as I've never used the BJU 1-2. I switch in 3rd and really like it. I begin ABeka in K-2 because I know and like it and have never had a reason to try anything different.

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  19. Hi Jamie. This will be my first time homeschooling. Our daughters are in K and 1st grade and are currently in private school. I plan to homeschool when they are in 1st and 2nd this upcoming school year. The school use ABeka and Pearson. Q: Did you switch to the BJU curriculum for 3rd grade until graduation? And did you continue with all accredited curriculums? I just need some help with trying to get started. Thank you very much for your time.

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  20. We are using Abeka second grade. Second grade has been revised. There is a ton of writing sentences and journal writing. So o am not understanding where people say it lacks on writing.

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    1. For me it never "teaches" writing. Just says "Here...write a story using these words about a trip to the zoo". Or "Write a story about Abe Lincoln". So random! No instruction. I'm not a fan of free writing and prefer more step by step instruction. For reluctant writers and natural writers.

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    2. I think that is what people mean when they say there's not a lot of writing. There's not a lot of writing instruction.

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  21. Jamie, I am looking at BJU for my 5th grader. She is a natural writer and has been doing CLE LA (heavy grammar) for two years. I'm thinking of doing 6th grade BJU English with her. How much time per day do YOU spend teaching at this level? It looks so involved (the sample online) but also looks "classroomy". Thanks!!

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    1. Most lessons require 15 minutes from me. Writing assignments sometimes take more.

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  22. I have used abeka for phonics, reading, handwriting,language and spelling for 1st this year. I did not do the writing as far as the writing composition part goes. I felt it was a bit much for first and not very well done. Do you do the writing section for 1st? What about for second grade? I plan on doing bju english for 3rd. What are your thoughts on starting out with writing beginning in in 3rd with bju with nothing formal in 1st and 2nd?

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    1. I did not do the writing as instructed by the curriculum. But I did do creative writing.
      I think kids would be able to transition well regardless of how much formal writing instruction they had previously. BJU 3 explains the process step by step as if a child is starting from ground zero.

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    2. That's good to know. We do a bit of creative writing too, but nothing too formal. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

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  23. Hi there. I am homeschooling 4th and 2nd this year. We used BJU Press this year for first and third and due to some life changes, we were unable to finish. Should I continue and finish or just start them in 2nd and 4th? We are thinking of switching to Abeka Academy because my kids like the classroom/teachers better. They say the BJU video's are boring and babyish. (They are very dated, I'll give them that.) Thank you for your input and advice.

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    1. I think you will be completely fine switching. Both BJU and ABeka use a spiral approach when teaching new material, so there's always lots of review at the beginning of each year. If there was something your kids missed in the previous year, they'll for sure get a chance to relearn it during all the review.

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  24. I so appreciate your words. I am teaching in a multi-age classroom. I have 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 6th grade. I was feeling very disappointed with the Language Curriculum because of the lack of writing. I have since changed to Excellence in Writing and am using ABeka to supplement. Next year we are transitioning to using all of Excellence in Writing's curriculum for spelling, poetry, grammar, and reading/literature. You should check it out!

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    1. I am familiar with the IEW program. I have friends who really like it!

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  25. Wow thank you for this helpful post, even though it's been a few years :) my upcoming 3rd grader has been using CLE for both reading and grammar, but I've been seriously considering using BJU next school year. Can I ask, do you remember how much time you spent prepping and teaching the lesson each day? Do you have any thoughts on the BJU distance learning videos for English 3? I'm also considering using that to lighten my load. And one more question - what's your view on the writing component in English 3 compared with other writing curriculum for this age? Thank you!

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    1. The prep was very minimal. The teacher's manual and the teaching section of the student pages is very open-n-go. To be honest, I didn't do many of the extras in the teachers manual. I just did the basic lessons.

      I've not done any distance learning below the 8th grade level, but I have toured the studios where they film the content and have watched a younger lesson and it was fantastic!

      I like how sequential the writing steps are in the BJU materials. They help to make a subjective skill a bit more objective and concrete.

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  26. Thank you for the helpful information! I am homeschooling my 3rd grade child who has been in public school K-2nd. I am planning on using BJU English and BJU Science. I was wondering if you have any recommendation on the BJU math grade 3? Since, I plan to use BJU English and Science, I considered using BJU for math also. From the sample pages and information I can view from their website, it seems like a good program, but my only concern is the scope and sequence seems a little behind what Abeka or Horizons 3rd grade math are. Do you have any input on BJU math 3, Abeka math 3, Horizons math 3, or any other math curriculum?
    Thank you!

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    1. We've not used the BJU Math, but plan to start this year. So, I don't have any really opinions to share about it yet. ABeka and Horizons tend to be a year ahead of most programs, so chances are, BJU won't be on par with the ABeka scope and sequence.

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  27. I just stumbled upon your blog today and haven't done much else other than reading it. I'll get to the kids eventually ;) I'm new this year to homeschooling. My kids went the first seven weeks to public school 2nd and 4th grade and we decided to make the switch. I didn't do any research because honestly, I felt it would discourage me too much, so I went with what my husband was homeschooled with in the 80s. I thought he's highly intelligent so why changed what worked. So I purchased everything for 2nd and 4th grade online accredited learning from ABeka. Since, I have switched to unaccredited, videos, dropped handwriting all together, only work on either a science or history chapter with my 4th grader and a multitude of other changes. Sometimes coming on a weekly/daily basis. Sigh....I'm not a teacher and there is a reason why I did not go to school for it. But I'm finding that my kids learning from someone on a screen that doesn't interact and answer questions isn't helpful either. So i'm currently losing my mind with 2nd grade phonics trying to figure out how to teach something that I don't understand when I don't have the teaching guides. I finally figured out what book I need and will probably forego those video lessons now too. Anyway, I digress, back in 2014 you changed to BJU English, but now it looks like you are using the Yellow Book? Do you have a blog about that change? I'm trying to get better prepared for the next school year as I stumbled and fall through the current one.
    Thanks!

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    1. Yes, I began switching all my third graders and above to LLATL. You can read about why I like it here>>>
      https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2017/04/learning-language-arts.html

      When they start 9th grade, I switch them to BJU Press.

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  28. A little background on my...I have taught 4th grade public, Montessori preschool, and five day four year old preschool...I will be teaching Kindergarten next year with 10 kids in my class. I thought that I had found a curriculum that I liked (Sonlight), but when I received the materials, I decided it wasn't what I wanted for a classroom setting. I thought it would be because I'm more of a hands on teacher who likes to teach creatively. So, I'm currently trying to find a curriculum. I like Bob Jones's phonics approach and letter teaching sequence, but I do not like the d'nealian handwriting. I prefer the ball and stick method. I have tried to contact Abeka to ask questions, but we got disconnected. Do you know the letter sequence that Abeka teaches? I'm thinking about piecing together curriculums, but I'm getting overwhelmed! Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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    1. I'm very familiar with ABeka's letter sequence in their phonics program but not their handwriting. I used their handwriting in the classroom over 20 years ago, but haven't used it since. So, I don't recall the sequence.

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  29. You have given essential data for us. It is excellent and good for everyone. Keep posting always. I am very thankful to you. Best Academic Writing Services Usa

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  30. We used Abeka for Pre-K & 1st Grade I actually felt they did a good job providing step by step instruction for writing. We’re looking at enrolling our daughter in a hybrid model she would go to school 2 days a week and I homeschool the other 3. The school uses BJU. Do you think she would get what she needs? Should I still supplement with Abeka?

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    1. By second grade, she probably has a good grasp on the foundational phonics skills and now just needs to practice. So, she'll probably do just fine with BJU.

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  31. Hi, I'm going to be teaching k student to read. I'm currently using AAR. It's working ok. My older child was taught using Abeka in a church school. Is Abeka difficult to use for teaching at home to one child? My older had a great foundation from Abeka. It's a little overwhelming looking over the material. Also, I'm considering switching to BJU English for my 3rd grader and found this helpful. I'm also looking into LLATL.

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    1. I think as long as you don't go overboard and buy every single item, ABeka is user and cost friendly. The lesson plans are well laid out.

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  32. If you weren't as used to teachings abeka in the earlier grades, would you try bju all the way from kindergarten?? I have a child starting second grade and following your suggestion it would be one year abeka and then bju, or would it be just as good to start bju in 2nd???

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    1. While I can't answer that definitively because I've not used BJU below 3rd grade, I have looked at the lower grades and haven't really been impressed with their phonics/reading program.

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    2. Hi, thank you for your review. I am considering homeschooling my 1st grade daughter and 3rd grade son. It is a bit overwhelming trying to get the right curriculum for them. They are currently attending a private umbrella school that uses PACE curriculum. Both of my kids are well advanced in this curriculum but we all know PACE is not the best program out there. My question is, should I get the BJU kit for my 3rd grade and do all subjects, or should I just get the English? If so, what is your recommendation for the rest of the subjects. Same with my 1st grade, in regards to Abeka, since you prefer Abeka for K-2. I really appreciate your help. I am so new at all of this and concerned about not setting them to fail and feel discouraged

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    3. Not knowing your kids and their learning styles at all, here are my basic recommendations for subjects: I'd recommend getting Heart of Dakota for your content subjects like history and science for the both of them to do together. Content subjects don't have to be grade specific and can be done in large spans of ages. Then get Abeka Phonics for your youngest. Learning Language Arts Through Literature for your oldest. And a separate math program for them both. That's what I would do if I were in your shoes.

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  33. If I want to try A Beka 1st grade language arts, what books in the subject kit can I skip? It is overwhelming, and I like to simplify. For sure, I don't want to do the tests. Do I really need to do both the Letters and Sounds and the Language book? Do I really need the Handbook for Reading? My daughter is an excellent reader and had a strong phonics background at her private school for Kindergarten. Thanks.

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  34. Hey there! Appreciate your insight and wisdom. We are currently set to begin 3rd grade in Aug/Sept using Abeka’s third grade curriculum- the creative writing piece (learning how to put thoughts in paper in general) is something I def wanted to spend time in this year in particular. I didn’t research much into BJU until after a friend had asked my thots and then came across your blog. What are your thots starting BJU LA in 4th grade? I only say this because my curriculum has been purchased- and wanting to avoid the return process, but would be eager to start on BJU and try it out.

    Also- what spelling do you use? We have just used abeka for math/la & spelling since K5, but always open to branching out more to better educate and prep my kids. Appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

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