Pages From An Open Book

A Review Of "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum: Level K Primer Course Set & Level K Primer Supplement

2021-02-19T18:25:00.001-08:00

Level K Primer Course Set: 108-112pages & 34 Lessons of once again beautifully illustrated pictures, and some hands on activities woven through out. Along with "My First Reading Book": a collection of 7 stories, and 56 pages. Including the light and friendly 20 "Learning Songs". All Sold at a low cost and full of Christian values.

This course set is typically recommended for 4-6 year-olds, but as always make sure to check The Good & The Beautiful(TG&TB) assessment page to know if this level is a good fit. For more information on this course set and the assessment checkout TG&TB website.

Level K Primer Supplement: 50pages of additional practice for use after the Level K Primer.

( Home Printed PDF's of Level K Primer Course Set & Level K Primer Supplement)

Set Up Time: (5min+)

After you receive the Level K Primer and Level K Primer Supplement you'll notice there is very little to set up. Only gathering the basic supplies along with dried beans, buttons, change, cotton balls, a clothespin, and a spoon. Most items are ones you probably have lying around the house.

Though these items are probably hanging around your house, I recommend finding them all before you start. So when the lesson calls for the items you don't have to stop, and go find them. Otherwise you'll give up and use random objects.... or pennies (Pennies are my typical go-to improvising manipulative).

I would also take the time to download the 20 "learning Songs" to your devices (phone, iPad, computer, or iPod) and the "Vowel Song" that is a free download under TG&TB Level K Primer helps from here.

Daily Preparations:

If you already gathered the extra & basic supplies, and keep it on hand for each lesson. You'll find there is no other daily preparation needed.

Where My Kid Started & Finished:

Son#2 started the Level K Primer at 4-3/4 years-old knowing all his letters and their sounds, all the vowels, counting to 10, hit and miss on recognizing all 1-10 numbers. Still learning the alphabet song, and Rhyming was still a hard concept for him to grasp.

Now at 5years-old he just finished the Level K Primer Supplement. He has mastered all the letters, sounds, vowels, and long & short vowels. He can for the most part count to 20 (but always forgets 13? I don't know why haha), and can count down from ten. He still forgets to sing some of the alphabet ( L,T,U,V). Rhyming he has a better grasp on and can get it most of the time. Knows the sight words (A, I, see, The), can sound out a word, but only 1/3 of the time can say the letters blended together.

What My Kid Thought Of It:

My Son#2 loved doing the lessons and each one felt just long enough for his attention span. I do think he missed playing as many games as the Pre-K had. At the beginning we would often go back and play the Pre-K games for fun, per his request. Even though the two Primer courses don't have that same playful feel as Pre-K, they make up for it with a lot of cutting and gluing activities. Which my son really enjoyed.

He was over-the-moon to have his own reader the "My First Reading Book". He beamed with pride every time we worked on reading together (even though at the beginning it was painstakingly slow). I recommend laminating the reader as well, especially if you plan to use it with more than one child (my boys are so rough at times).

(Home Printed PDF of "My First Reading Book")

What I Added To Them & Extras:

After he had finished the "Doodles and Pre-Writing" pages, he started the Level K Handwriting Book about halfway threw Level K Primer. Even though they suggest starting the handwriting at Level K, I felt my son was ready to move forwarded in handwriting. He has done well too.

We continued using the music "Learning Songs" and the free "Vowel Song" to reinforce the alphabet and vowels.

I also started my son with Level K Math about halfway in the Level K Primer. He was ready (per TG&TB math assessment), and has really enjoyed both. I recommend this route because, the lessons start out slow and the math concepts slowly build upon each other. In addition it was nice to have him be learning and developing a routine with the Math Level K, after we were already in a grove with Language Arts.

I once again created a double sided, laminated Review Book from, both Level K Primer course books. It included all the "Trace & Read" pages, the "Match the Letter" pages, and the pages with the sight word activities. I typically would use one page as a warm up for the day. To do by himself while I got school ready. I also used it on our review day to go over some pages from each category. Doing this I feel really help cement all the new skills he was learning.

I especially found it helpful during the Level K Primer Supplement book. I would add a page here or there as needed to help make more of a complete lesson. Since the supplement book is not split into lessons, rather a single 50 pages. I did a couple pages a day and it came out to be about 13 Lessons.

I highly recommend adding in the app "Reading Eggs", it has been a great supplement to the Level K Primer's. While I don't think you have to use it, I think you should highly consider it. The app I felt really helped Son#2 to continue developing and practicing the skills he was learning from the Level K Primers. But he was doing this outside of school time, and in such a fun way he didn't see it a schoolwork rather play. (Clink here for my Review & tips of the "Reading Eggs" App)

What I Would Change:

Not a huge deal but, I think I would have preferred the Level K Supplement to be split into lessons. I didn't like that it was all single pages, and that I had to now create my own additional lessons.

I really wish TG&TB added more manipulative games similar to the Pre-K course. Like maybe a sight word game hide and seek style. Along with a game for the long & short vowels maybe similar to swat the fly, or find their match. I feel like a game in those areas would have kept my young child excited and entertained to really learn that concept.

Would I Use Them Again:

I defiantly will be using both again, after my next child finishes their Pre-K course book . I felt the Pre-K and Level K Primer flowed very well into each other. And even though my son could have skipped the Level K Supplement, I felt like the extra pages provided him time to really master the concepts. While developing a strong foundation and confidence, before heading into Level K. Which Level K is known to be a bigger jump from Level K Primer's.

Although this was my first kid I've homeschool exclusively from the beginning, during this book I finally felt peace and a calmness . We both were completely comfortable as we went through both Primers since they followed a similar pattern of learning as the Pre-K curriculum we did before.

One a final note I highly recommend using both Level K Primer's together. And my son and I are both so excited (and maybe if I'm honest a smidge intimated) to slowly start Level K.

Click here for my recommendations on bridging the gap between K-Primer/Supplement and Level K.

Check out my review of Level K below

"A Review Of "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum: Level K Set"

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 3]: How To Print Your PDF's?

2021-02-19T18:03:00.055-08:00

You've taken the leap and bought the PDF's! But now your wondering, how to print those?

In this post I will give you the best tips for printing this curriculum, and hopefully make this process pain free and as enjoyable as it can be.

So you don't have to scour Facebook post's and random comments.

~This is Part 3 of the "Tips on TG&TB" series. If you missed the first and second of the tip-series you can click them here...

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 1]: Buying A Physical Copy Or PDF Copy?

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 2]: What Products Are BEST As A Physical Textbook, Digital Textbook, Or Home-Printed PDF?

Just to note this post is ongoing. I have posted what I currently know and will update & add to this post as I learn it.

Please keep in mind every printer is different, and while I can share my experience. I can not promise you will have the same options and possibly the exact results as me.

But I hope this post and it's pictures will help guide you to get the desired prints.

Keep scrolling and follow the steps below for General Tips on printing the majority of TG&TB textbooks.

For Specialty Items click the heading it falls under below, ↓ to quickly jump down the page to that section.

Language Arts: Pre-K, Level K Primer, and Level K-7

Handwriting: Doodles & Pre-Writing for littles, and Level K-7

History: Levels 1-4

Science & Health: Physical Science, Life & Earth Science, and Health & Safety

Math: Levels K-3

Electives: Creative Writing, Nature Notebook, Creative Arts & Crafts, Typing, and Drawing

General Printing Tips & Guidelines

What You Need To Get Started

Before you begin printing make sure you have everything you need

-Device or Computer: To pull up the PDF documents and print.

(Tip: Computer works best for Printing, as some options are not available on mobile devices)

-Printer: With good ink capabilities(recommend eco tank), duplex printing (optional but so helpful for majority of prints).

You should also know and have an understanding of your printer functions.

(Tip: A USB cord to connect computer to printer, makes printing large documents much faster)

-Adobe Reader: To achieve the best print and have the most printing options, you will need to have Adobe downloaded to your computer.

Click here to download the free Adobe Reader.

(Tip: You can get 60% off Creative Cloud All Apps (Includes Acrobat Pro) if your a student or teacher-homeschoolers are also eligible- see here)

-Paper: Optional card-stock paper for cover and back, and paper for the prints.

While I prefer 24lb paper so you can't see the page behind. Many are very happy using 20lb paper.

And for my overachievers you can go with 28lb or above for an even better print.

(Tip:24lb-28lb paper cheapest at Sam's, Costco or used on amazon)

-Binding Method: I prefer spiral bound over the other options ....comb bound, binding rings, in page protector sleeves, or leaving it loose/un bound.

(Tip: Check eBay for used options or even take it to a store to be professionally bound)

Steps To Printing Majority Of TG&TB Course Books

~MAKE SURE YOU READ THROUGH ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU CLICK THE FINAL PRINT ... go step by step with these provided tips and pictures to hopefully eliminate mistakes.~

1.Start by downloading the PDF to your computer (you'll click the blue highlighted "download files" button in the TG&TB email). Then choose an organized place so you can referrer to it when the time arises.

2.After opening the document in "Adobe Reader" (if you don't have it download it free here)

you'll now click Print and open the print window.

3.Select your designated Printer and optionally -connect your Computer to your printer with the USB cord.

4.Now select "advanced" settings, make sure to select "Print as an Image". Now select okay, and go back to the main print options.(See Picture)

(Screen Shot of General Printing a PDF "Advanced" print window)

5.Select "print on both sides" this will create a double sided page. (If you don't have duplex printing but want a double sided course book skip down ↓ to the end of these general tips to see how...)

6.Click "pages" and enter in that you want to print "page 2 - end of the document". This is important to skip the first page. If not you could end up throwing off the whole document, and all the blank pages you need for cutting.

(Tip: While most PDF's don't have a back cover. If the PDF does, you may want to skip the last page too. That's if your wanting that back cover page to be borderless. Other wise I just print the back cover with the rest)

7.Now you want to select what side you want the page to Flip on .

Most of the course books are in Portrait Mode for those select "Flip on the long side/edge"(If your binding it on the Long side).

While the rest of the course books are in Landscape Mode you will select "Flip On the Short Side/Edge" (If your binding it on the Short side).

8.Under Size Select one of two options...

"Actual Size " this works for all math course books (so when you measure things it will all be the correct size).

or....

"Fit" to page for all others (you may encounter some levels that have weird sized covers so this helps). (See Picture)

(Screen Shot of General Printing a PDF print window)

9.Next in the Properties settings choose the "quality" and color or black & white. I choose the Quality to be "Standard" for all the inside pages and in "color" (because these books are too beautiful not too, and an Eco Tank Printer makes it economical). (See Picture)

(Screen Shot of General Printing a PDF "Properties" print window)

10.Double Check Settings and then click "Print".

(Don't forget to have your printer selected. Otherwise you can spend 20min going crazy problem shooting with google to figure out why you have no advanced options available. Then feeling ridiculous when you figure out, you forgot to select your printer!!!Big Sigh.....)

Cover Pages

11.Once done it's time to print the Cover (and Optionally the back if your PDF has one and you want the quality to match the cover). Start by loading the printer with cardstock ( you don't have to but it makes the image quality better and a stronger book once bound). And then select "print" .

(Tip: You can print a Back cover from another PDF like- Safety science, or other books. So that your Printed PDF has a matching TG&TB back cover.)

12.Type in print Page "1" or "1,(last page number)". If printing front and back cover together.

13.Select the page to print to "Fit" and de-select "Print on both sides of paper". Keep the advanced setting to "Print as Image".

14.Now in the Properties setting, check that you want to do a "Borderless" print ( this makes it so the covers have no white border on the edges).

When I choose borderless printing I now cannot print double sided or in the "High" quality setting. I am only able to print in "Standard-Vivid" quality (I prefer borderless covers and am still very happy with the "Standard-Vivid" print quality.)(See Picture)

(Screen Shot of General Printing of a PDF Cover page, "Properties" print window)

15.Now check settings and then click "Print". Once printed I like to Laminate the Front and back covers to help with the strength of the book. (Plus I just love the sight of the glossy laminated covers, it makes a home print look so professional).

Tips On Double Sided Printing With A NON-Duplex Printer.

~Though every printer functions differently, I wanted to write the process of manually printing double sided to help guide you.... But I recommend looking up videos on you tube of your printer, before your start printing to get a good idea how your specific printer functions~

When you would normally Select "print on both sides", with a NON-Duplex printer you will not have that option. So I will show you how to Manually print double sided.

1.Open the document in "Adobe Reader" (if you don't have it download it free here)

you'll now click Print and open the print window.

2.Select your designated Printer and optionally -connect your Computer to your printer with the USB cord.

3.Now select "advanced" settings, make sure to select "Print as an Image". Now select okay, and go back to the main print options (A picture of this is attached above under general printing).

4.Click "pages" and enter in "page 2 - 30". This is important to skip the first page. If not you could end up throwing off the whole document, and all the blank pages you need for cutting.

(Tip 1: For large course books, Print in smaller batches of 30-40pages. Don't do hundreds at a time, because you will be reinserting the pages back into the printer to print on the backside.)

(Tip 2: While most PDF's don't have a back cover. If the PDF does, you may want to skip the last page too. That's if your wanting that back cover page to be borderless. Other wise I just print the back cover with the rest)

5.Under more options Select "Odd Pages Only".

6.Now you want to select what side you want the page to Flip on .

Most of the course books are in Portrait Mode for those select "Flip on the long side/edge"(If your binding it on the Long side).

While the rest of the course books are in Landscape Mode you will select "Flip On the Short Side/Edge" (If your binding it on the Short side).

7.Under Size Select one of two options...

"Actual Size " this works for all math course books (so when you measure things it will all be the correct size).

or....

"Fit" to page for all others (you may encounter some levels that have weird sized covers so this helps).

8.Next if possible in the Properties settings choose the "quality" and color or black & white.

I choose the Quality to be "Standard" for all the inside pages and in "color" (because these books are too beautiful not too, and an Eco Tank Printer makes it economical).

(A picture of this is attached above under the General Printing tips)

Below is a screenshot of the Non-Duplex printing window

(Screenshot of Non-Duplex printer's PDF 1 print window)

9.Double Check Settings and then click "Print".

Backside Pages

10.Now take the stack of finished pages you just printed, and load them in the printer. (downward or upward depending on your specific printer).

Unless your printing options does not include the "Reverse Pages" button . Then just manually re-shuffle the odds (so the bottom/last page, prints last, instead of first).

11.Click "pages" and enter in the same pages as the batch before "page 2 - 30" (Still skipping the first page/Cover).

12.Select Even Pages Only & Click "Reverse Pages" button.(See Picture)

(Screenshot of Non-Duplex printer's PDF 2 print window)

13.Double Check Settings and then click "Print"

Scroll back up ↑ to see how to print the Cover pages

Language Arts

Keep Scrolling down OR click the specific specialty items below to jump down this page to each.

Course Books. Activity Packet, Flip Books, Readers, Mini Books, Phonics, Beginning Books Box (A-D), Spelling Rules & Flashcards, Shared Readers, Poetry Collection, Spelling & Writing Workshops, World & Biographies Reader, Course Companion, Geography & Grammar, and Daily Checklists,

Course Books(Pre-K, Level K Primer, & Level K-7):

All fall under the General Printing Guidelines up above

Activity Packet(Pre-K):

Flip Books(Pre-K):

My First Reading Book(Pre-K):

Mini Books(Levels K):

Phonics(Levels K-2):

Reader(Levels K-3):

I used a duplex printer, if you don't have one I'd try printing odds then evens in the multiple setting(I have not tested this).

When printing the readers start with as mentioned above selecting "print as an image" Then click pages and type in pages 2-end of document(if it has a back cover you can skip the last page).

Next print as a "Booklet" and if it's not already select the booklet subset to be both sides, also check that the binding is set to Left , Orientation is Portrait, and binding on the long edge. (see picture below)

Click print it will look like its not printing right but don't fret.

Once the middle is printed its time to print the covers. Following the rules above but type in pages 1 & last page. keeping it in booklet setting,.......... unless you want to print in the multiple setting at 2 pages per sheet. (only the covers will work this way too). Then click print.

Once printed cut down the middle and bind

-Level 1 Reader: I found the first two pages to bit switched. I printed as above but changed the page numbers a bit due to the fact that the cover was actually identified as page 2.

I would recommend printing the middle pages, page 4-316 (the second to last page). Then printing page 2(actual front cover) & the last page(since it's a back cover).

Then I manually reloaded the printed cover paper I just made and printed page 1 (an info page) & 3 (copywrite line) on booklet setting on the back.

Beginning Book Box's A & B (Level K):

Beginning Book Box's C & D (Level K):

Disclaimer I find BOX C & D to print very differently than A & B due to it being a taller book. Print in multiple setting rather than booklet(booklet will print jumbled). This PDF is made to read digitally NOT for easy printing.

Base Settings-start by selecting printing as an image, in color, and in the multiple setting(pages per sheet 2).

You have two options for printing.

Option 1.The first is a simple printing option is print each page single sided in the multiple setting, after that cut down the middle of the pages. Then combine the blank sides to their match(this will take a min as you arrange your pages to follow the book). Lastly you'll laminate /glue the pages together to create a double sided page.

I don't prefer this method as it takes more paper and time arranging the single sided pages together.

Option 2. The second option is for a manual double sided print. Follow the steps below.

~Just to Note we are going to print the Frontside and then reload the paper in the printer and print the Backside. Then we will print the title/ cover page last. DO NOT SELECT PRINT DOUBLE SIDED (due to how the PDF is created, I could not find a way to print double sided and not mess up the page orders). ~

1. Frontside Pages: print pages 2 -the end of document, select Odd Pages Only, page order Vertical in Portrait orientation (see Picture).

(Screen Shot of Frontside print window)

2. Check settings and then click print.

3. Now take printed stack of papers and DO NOT change the order or rotate them in any way (follow the instructions of your printer on how to feed them), and load them in the paper tray. Make sure to take the whole stack, even if top page is blank. (It is part of the first couple title pages, so keep it with the stack)

(Possibly let the stack pages dry. I printed the backside quickly after the frontside one time(the "Can You Spy" book). Since the ink is so wet & saturated the books pages stuck together, and messed up the order. Though I was able to salvaged it I don't want you to have that experience so make sure to let the stacked pages dry in between (like 1-2min).

4. Backside Pages: Again print pages 2 - the end of document, Then select Reverse Pages (this will help them line up correctly), next click EVEN Pages Only, page order Vertical REVERSED in portrait orientation (see Picture).

(Screen Shot of Backside print window)

5. Check settings and then click print.

Title Page: Now it's time to print the title page. Depending on the book, the title page may be it's own single page print, on a new sheet of paper OR a print on the backside of the page containing 2 & 4 ( title page and challenge words page on the frontside of the sheet).

6. All Books but the "poems" story. Start by Rotating the page containing 2 & 4, so that the page 4 (challenge words) is fed into the printer first. Go back to the original settings from the beginning. Then select print pages 1 (only), Page order is going to be Vertical. (See picture)

(Screen Shot of Title Page print window)

7. Check settings and then click print.

Poems Book Only

Poems Book ONLY, Go back to the original settings, Then select print pages 1 (only), Page order is going to be Vertical,

Then check settings and click print

8. Assembly for the Manual Double Sided Print: Now we want to cut each page in half. I like to lightly fold each page in half(hamburger style) and then cut along the light edge you just made. Then I laminate them and bind them into two-three books. But you could also just bind them or staple them.

Shared Reader(Levels 2 & 5):

Spelling Rules Flashcards(Level 1+):

Most of the same rules apply as above expect you do not need to do the cover page separate (But still print as an image, size: fit) there are three ways to print this, I have only tested the preferred method.

My Preferred Method:

Select print only the odd's, Custom pages per sheet (2 X 2), then page order Horizontal, in portrait orientation. (See Picture)

(Screen Shot of Frontside print window)

Check settings and then Click print.

(You will now have all the front's of the cards printed)

Then put the stack directly back into the printer you do not want to mess with the order. Now you'll select print in Reverse Order, Printing Only Even's Pages, and in Horizontal Reverse Order. Leave the orientation and pages per sheet the same as before.(See Picture)

This super important, if you do not, then the back side of the pages will not line up correctly.

(Screen Shot of Backside print window)

Check settings and then hit print.

It will now print the backs of each card onto the front.

Option Two: Print single sided, all pages, in the multiple setting of pages per sheet 2 X 2, horizontal page order, and portrait.

Check Settings and then Click print.

Lastly you'll cut down the middle and fold at the bottom and then laminate them.

Third Option: If your printer can buy blank index cards, put them in the printer and select the size of paper you are using in Adobe Reader, print on both sides, flip on the long edge.

Then click Print.

Poetry Collection(Level 3):

Spelling & Writing Workshops(Level 4):

Personal Reader(Levels 4 & 5):

World Biographies Reader(Level 4):

Course Companion(Levels 5 & 7):

Geography & Grammar Cards(Levels 5-7):

Daily Checklist(Levels 5 & 7):

Handwriting

Doodles & Prewriting for littles & Level K (Pre-K & Level K):

Handwriting Levels 1-7:

History

Keep Scrolling down OR click the specific specialty items below to jump down this page to each.

Course Books, Big Book of Stories, Maps & Images, Timeline, and Timeline Stickers

Course Books(Year 1-4):All fall under General Printing Guidelines(add link) for those click here.

Big Book of Stories (Year 1 & 3):

Maps & Images( Year 2 & 4):

Timeline(Year 2 & 4):

Timeline Stickers(Year......):

Science & Health

Physical Science, Life & Earth Science, and Health & Safety Science( ALL Science Units):All fall under General Printing Guidelines(add link) for those click here.

Mini Books:

Math

Keep Scrolling down OR click the specific specialty items below to jump down this page to each.

Course Books, Activity box Games / Activity Mats, Math Manipulatives,, planner level k, Planner Level 1, Planner Level 2, Musical Multiplication, flashcards, dominos, level 3 math cards,

Course Books(All Math Levels): All fall under General Printing Guidelines(add link) for those click here.

-Math Level 2 Part 1 PDF: I found out you need to skip "a" (this is technically page 1, but the PDF refers to it as "a"). As per the instructions above skip "a" or the cover page, and then print "b"-298 ( the last page).

Sometimes I skip the last page if its a cover. but Part 1 does not have one. Where as Part 2 does have a back cover and so I print two copies. That way both Part 1 & Part 2 end up having a back cover.

Hopefully this saves you from messing up your print like mine. I did not have this "a,b,c" problem when printing Part 2.

Activity Box Games & Activity Mats(Levels 1-4):

Math Manipulatives(All Activity Box Levels 1-4):

Planner(Level K):

Planner(Level 1):

Planner(level 2): Following the basic instructions given above, except the planner orientation will be Landscape. So when printing double sided make sure you flip on the short edge.

First I printed pages 3-78(all the middle pages) and then only the covers 1, 80 as borderless. I never printed page 2 & 79 as they were just blank pages.

Musical Multiplication(Level 3):

Flashcards(All Activity Box Levels 1-4):

Dominos(Activity Box For Levels 1 & 2);

Math Cards(level 3):

Electives

Keep Scrolling down OR click the specific specialty items below to jump down this page to each.

Creative Writing, Nature Notebook, Creative Arts & Crafts, Typing, and Drawing

Creative Writing(Books 1 & 2):

Nature Notebook(Book 1):

Creative Arts & Crafts(Book 1):

Print the book following normal above rules. Start by printing pages 2-86 (middle pages & last) and then printing page 1 (cover, there is no back cover).

Typing(Books 1-3):

For Book 1 follow normal instructions above ↑ printing pages 2-44 (middle pages), and then printing covers 1, 45 (as per above Borderless).

Drawing(Books 1-5):

Find the Next in the series here......

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 4]: How To Bind Your Printed-PDF Books?

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 2]: What Products Are BEST As A Physical Textbook, Digital Textbook, Or Home-Printed PDF?

2020-08-31T10:42:00.001-07:00

I think the best way to discus the curriculum is to take a look at each individual subject and the material that has the PDF option. I'll also define each of our 3 terms so there is no confusion, on what they mean.

~Just as a note, this is Part 2 of the "Tips on TG&TB" series. If you missed the first of the tip-series click here...( Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 1]: Buying A Physical Copy Or PDF Copy? ) This post will help you narrow it down between the two main purchasing options.

For a quick view of today's post suggestions Skip down to the end. ~

Today's Terms

Physical Textbooks: Are high-quality full-color materials/books printed by The Good & The Beautiful (TG&TB), and shipped to your house.

Digital Textbooks: Are PDF's that are purchased and downloaded from online, and then onto a device. Many families choose to use the PDF's as a digital textbook along with a home-printed version.

While some choose to only use the PDF's as digital textbooks, they will typically use a stylist for the children to write into the digital book, on the designated device. Another option would be to write in a notebook as they follow along with the device as a teachers copy.

Home-Printed PDF's: Are PDF'S that you purchase, download from online and home-print. Usually with a printer with great ink capabilities.

(Language Arts TG&TB Physical Textbook vs On A Digital Device)

Language Arts:

Pre-K, Level K Primer & Primer Supplement: All three of these books I would NOT recommend as a digital textbook. There is lots of cutting, coloring, and even gluing in objects done inside the book. I think it is import for this age to have that physical element and interaction with a printed copy. So either buy the physical TG&TB or home-print a PDF.

(If you have your heart set on using this as a digital text book, go for it. Just be sure to add a physical writing element and cutting practice in place of the physical textbook.)

Level K: This Book I would say could be any of the three options. I personally prefer A physical TG&TB or home-printed PDF to ensure the child practices their emerging writing skills on actual paper.

Though the first half of the book has mostly only dictation, and lots of reading. Which already requires another source to write the dictations on. Usually they use paper or an erase able board of some kind.

Therefore a digital option could work almost as well. One idea is using the digital textbook with paper for the dictation, and a printed out booklet of the consumable pages. Another option is downloading an app to use the PDF in and writing right in the digital textbook with a stylist.

Level Readers & Beginner Books Box A-D: Many will say they are truly happy just buying the Physical TG&TB copies. Because they can then skip figuring out how to print, while enjoying TG&TB high quality-print. But once you know how, and have the means to home-print the PDF is then an easy low-cost option. With the added bonus of having the option to download your PDF to a device at any time.

I LOVE our home-printed, laminated, and bound PDF Beginner Book Box's! Knowing my boys are naturally just rough with materials I made sure to make this heavy duty, and even though this book gets daily use it still looks beautiful. Which is great since it has to make it through three more boys haha!

( Home-Printed PDF Beginner Books Box A & B )

Levels 1-7 : For all of these levels you could really do any of the three. Yet I still recommend either the physical TG&TB textbook or a home-printed PDF. As previously mentioned if you do digital you will most likely want to print out a consumable booklet. For these levels the child has heavy writing, cutting and pasting pages.

As my kids are still young I have no personal experience in the middle school and high school arena, but here is my recommendations off of the research I have done on the subjects.

High School 1-3 Unit Booklets: I recommend both, the physical TG&TB or home-printed PDF. If you don't want to mess with printing them then get the TG&TB. But if you want to use them with more than one kid then go the home-printed PDF route, as this is a consumable product.

High School 1-3 Book Packs, Grammar & Writing, And High School Cards: As these are all non-consumables I recommend just using the physical TG&TB. The Grammar & Writing and High School Cards are used in High School 1-3 so make sure to only purchase it once.

Where as with each High School level (1, 2, & 3) there is new Book Packs, that you will need to purchase for each level. You can go the home-printed PDF route if you prefer and then have the option to download the books onto a digital device.

Book Studies & Honors Book Study: I would recommend the home-printed PDF, because while there is some picture pages it is minimal and you then can make more copies for future children. Though buying the physical TG&TB is only a few dollars more and cuts out the hassle of you printing it. So it really just comes down to preference.

But I would purchase the physical TG&TB books for each of the Book Studies, as they are a non-consumables.

~For the most part regarding Language Arts I recommend still having either a physical TG&TB textbook or home-printed PDF. But digital is a doable option if you want your child writing on a device with a stylus, writing in a notebook, or printing ONLY the consumable pages.~

( Home-Printed PDF's of The Handwriting Coursebooks )

Handwriting

Pre-Writing & Level K-Level 7: For these Levels I strongly recommend a physical copy for the child to be able to really hone their writing skills. You can do either the physical TG&TB textbook or my personal preference the home-printed PDF. If you have multiple kids you won't want to buy this consumable twice so get the PDF, and easily print it in color or black & white.

History

Course Book Year 1-4: For this coursebook I recommend the PDF copy because all the pictures in the books are black & white. Meaning there will be no loss of picture quality through home-printing. While also giving you the added benefits of being able to use it on digital devices.

Big Book Of History Stories: I definitely recommend paying for the Physical TG&TB Textbook. For this textbook is more like a 200 page picture book, that will come printed at a high-quality full-color print, on thick paper. You surely can go the digital route, and show the pages off of the device.

However, I personally would prefer to have that as an additional option, instead of it as my only option. I would NOT recommend home printing on this one, if you can avoid it.

Maps and Images: For this coursebook I once again recommend paying for the Physical TG&TB Coursebook. Though, having them on multiple devices could be a nice complement to the physical lessons for large families.

Timeline: Many just buy the physical TG&TB copy as it is a few dollars cheaper than the PDF. But if you do buy the home-printed PDF you can easily print and laminate the 7 pages, and then use the PDF on digital devices. Like being able to show the Timeline to all your children at once on your TV screen, as a big visual.

Timeline Stickers: If you don't mind finagling the printing of the stickers (on sticker paper or just simply cut & glue) then just buy the PDF version. If not the TG&TB physical set is a fine option.

( TG&TB Physical Science and Home-Printed PDF cover to The Mini Book )

Science & Health

All Levels: I recommend the purchase of the physical TG&TB Textbook, because in this case it already comes WITH the PDF! So you are able to have their high-quality full-color on thick paper print. While also being able to download the PDF onto your digital devices, and print off the consumables for your child or children. It really is an easy choice.

I don't suggest only getting the home-printed PDF option, because this non-consumable textbook has many pictures, and you'll only need each level once. In my opinion it's worth the investment.

Math

Levels K-3 (Future Levels 4-6): This subject is a great choice of when NOT to get the physical TG&TB Coursebook. That is IF you have the means to print or are willing to use a digital device. For these levels you can easily home-print the whole PDF without loosing quality, or print just a consumable booklet for your child. While there is cutting and pasting from the appendix pages and random lessons, it still is a good digital option.

Weekly Planner: For this coursebook a physical TG&TB option is nice but not necessarily needed. You could achieve a similar quality with a home-printed PDF in mostly black & white, and be able to make copies for future children or levels. The only thing in color is stickers, so you will need to print your own or just cut and paste onto the planner.

( Math TG&TB Physical Textbook vs It on A Digital Device )

Activity Boxes: I HIGHLY recommend you buy the physical TG&TB activity boxes, if possible. Doing so will save you a BIG headache of figuring out how to print ALL the cumbersome manipulatives and trying to find all the other random manipulatives (like 10 & 12 sided dice, wooden shaped pieces, a movable clock, and game pawns).

Musical Multiplication: I personally plan to just buy the PDF version of this. On the grounds that the print quality is not a big deal here, in addition you will also be able to use it on a digital device. The child really just needs to look at the equation on the colorful page as the song plays. But you can certainly purchase the physical TG&TB book, if you rather not print.

( Math Activity Box level 1 & 2 )

Electives

Creative Arts & Crafts: Both options are fine I recommend the PDF, because it could be one less book you need to store, yet still have on hand to print at any time. However with the physical TG&TB coursebook you will still get the PDF. So it's a toss up.

Creative Writing Notebooks: Though they have scattered colorful pages and pictures, this book is so heavy in writing I would recommend a type of physical notebook. I personally would just buy the PDF so that I could home-print and use it again and again, just like the Handwriting textbooks mentioned above.

Drawing: The set 1-5 books are 20% cheaper than buying each PDF individually. As this is a non-consumable coursebook, in this case it is better to just buy the physical TG&TB textbooks. You won't be able to have it on your devices, but you'll have a high-quality print and save a few buckaroos.

Nature Notebook: This is a great PDF to buy, though I don't recommend having them use it digitally. Can you imagine young kids outside with your expensive devices....eeek! Let alone the leafs and seeds they will need to glue into the notebook. Therefor this is a great thing to print at home, for it's all in black & white, excluding the cover.

Typing: This is a course book you will want as a physical book. Whether it's printed through TG&TB or a home-printed PDF, it's really a toss up which is a better option.

While you can buy all PDF's and save about $12, this course is a non-consumable (besides the stickers, but you could use any really), and all of the pages have bright colors. Some prefer the purchase of the physical TG&TB textbook for the high-quality of printing.

This coursebook I clearly see as NOT a good digital option, for your child will already be managing another device that they are typing on.

( Pre-K TG&TB Physical Textbook vs It On A Digital Device )

In Summary

Even though there are families that are completely digital in ALL subjects, and are very happy with their choice, I don't personally recommend it. And if you find it works for your family... then that's great. For me it comes down to, two reason why I don't solely use digital textbooks

The first being that I want my kids to still be able to have screen time for quiet play, like video games or movies. Secondly I think it's so important for them to physically write on paper, and create a feeling of ownership over their own work. That they can then easily look back and see their own progress.

I hear of many families outside of the United States that shipping the physical TG&TB textbooks would be outrageously expensive, as well as any other TG&TB printed materials. If that is you or you already have some previously bought PDF's, try loading a couple on a device, and see what you think. It just might be the cost effective solution you were looking for to teach multiple children, or even just to save on home school clutter.

My final thoughts.....As a teacher I love having all (excluding handwriting) of my kids course books on my iPad to compliment their physical textbook. I can follow along with them as they read, or even jump ahead to read the upcoming instructions. This makes for a smoother transition into the next activity.

Heck.... if I wanted to take an extended trip I'd have pretty much all I'd needed in one place, besides the math manipulatives. It is really so convenient. I talk more about how to do this in the future post (Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 5]: Downloading A PDF To An Electronic Device?).

Bottom line....just try out some PDF's I recommended above on a digital device to go along with your children's physical textbooks. You'll get a taste for the digital companion and know if it is a good fit for your family.

Find the Next in the series here......

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 3]: How To Print Your PDF's?

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 1]: Buying A Physical Copy Or PDF Copy?

2020-08-18T19:02:00.069-07:00

So you have decided on The Good & The Beautiful curriculum, Yay! (I have to admit I think it's pretty awesome!) But now your unsure how you should order it. Today I'm going to give you the first series of The Good & The Beautiful (TG&TB) tips, to hopefully help you decide how best to order and use this truly beautiful curriculum.

My goal for this series is to be one resource that you'll find answers to common questions that come up when making your first order. Without you having to spend hours searching old comments in the Facebook groups, like I first did.

~Just as a disclaimer, I currently only have personal experience with Pre-K-Level 1 curriculum. But don't fret I will always update these post when needed~

Buying A Physical Copy or A PDF Copy?

Trying to decide how you want to purchase your curriculum when it's you first time using TG&TB, can prove to be rather a hard decision. Especially if you have more than one kid. Its' hard ordering physical copies when you know there is the PDF option, and with just a few clicks of a button, the curriculum can be right there on your computer. Ready to go for this year, and the years to come.....seriously such a nice option.

But.... you have to find a way to get that PDF copy off of the computer, and into a workable textbook. Unless you are going to use a tablet or iPad as an electronic Textbook ( I explain more of that in here: Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 5]: Downloading A PDF To An Electronic Device? ).

Reasons You Should Consider Buying A Physical Copy

-You only have one or two kids your purchasing for

Many small families (though even big ones too) are very happy buying the physical copies of the TG&TB. They don't have as many books to purchase each year, the TG&TB products are relatively cheap, and the overall expense is seen as a low price to pay for such a good product.

-You are NOT interested in the hassle of finding a printing company or printing yourself

This here I think is the biggest reason many families decide against solely buying the PDF copy. As great as saving money in the long run, by printing it on your own can be, it definitely comes with a big price tag upfront. Even with the right tools for printing, getting the PDF to print just right can be a headache, and overall too time consuming for most families.

-Lastly you have the money

If you have the money for the curriculum definitely just purchase the physical copies. You'll get it mailed right to your door, and for the most part it will be ready to just open and go. There is still minimal prep involved with math's activity box, science & health's: vocabulary-wall words & mini books, and Language Art's mini books, activity packets, & phonics cards. But mostly very minimal like cutting out phonic cards, assembling mini readers, and popping out little pieces.

Reasons You Should Consider Buying A PDF Copy

( My First Reading Book A Home-Printed PDF vs It On A Digital Device )

-TG&TB is out of stock and you rather not wait

The current influx of home school families has made many of the TG&TB products out of stock. Which has left many parents not wanting to wait, hopefully weeks-possibly months for this issue to be resolved. Especially those families that plan to attend or go back to public school the following year.

-You have the means to print and don't mind the extra work

Many families have great success printing their PDF's at home, with printers that have exceptionally good ink capabilities. Like my personal favorite printer: the Eco Tank or others like Brother laser, and the HP Envy printer- with an ink program(I explain more of that in here: (Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 3]: How To Print Your PDF's?). And if you don't want to print at home but still want a PDF, then consider the next option.

-You plan to use a 3rd party printing company to print

Printing through a printing company can be a great experience for some, and a very expensive experience for others. The most important part when choosing this avenue is to do your homework, and shop around with other printing companies. The Homeschool Printing Company, LULU Printing, and Family Nest Printing are all said to be good options-that is per, the TG&TB grapevine. Click their links, get a price quote, and see which one is a good match for your family.

-You want to use the PDF on a tablet or iPad

This option could be a great fit for your family. Especially if you don't have a capable printer, would rather just skip the 3rd party printing scene, but still want to save a few buckaroos. I know of many families that want to curb the cost, and completely or mostly use PDF's on their devices. Putting the PDF on an iPad can literally take seconds to do, per my experience (I explain more of that in here: Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 5]: Downloading A PDF To An Electronic Device? ). But be advised there are some older deceives that can make this step a little more tricky to download.

Reason's You Should Use BOTH-Physical And PDF Copies

Initially your shaking your head at the excessive thought of purchasing all the curriculum twice, but hear me out. You're NOT buying each twice just picking, and choosing which would be best as a PDF or Physical copy. This here is a favorite option of mine, because you get the best of both worlds. Your kids get that physical writing experience that's needed for muscle growth, you get the ease of use at home or on the road, and you get to save a little by purchasing some PDF's.

There is definitely an argument to be made on which is best as a physical textbook-for them to physically write in, or as a digital textbook-work done on a device. (I explain this more in Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 2]: What Products Are BEST As A Physical Textbook, Digital Textbook, Or Home-Printed PDF?)

So What Type Should You Buy?

After reading the reasons to buy each, you should have a better idea at which option would best work for your family. But, if you're still unsure and need help making up your mind, then keep reading this tip series. Or just follow the tip series to confirm your chosen choice, is the BEST choice for you.

My basic recommendation for most customers of TG&TB (that have the money) is to just buy the physical copies. Since they are relatively cheap, and the print quality is SO nice. But, if you can't resist saving a buck here 'n there buy some as a physical copy and some as a PDF copy. Essentially you will be doing a little bit of both. However, with my personal experience I started with buying physical copies, and then switched to all or mostly all PDF's. I wrote that story here..... My Personal Experience-with Ordering The Good & The Beautiful Curriculum.

Find the Next in the series here......

Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 2]: What Products Are BEST As A Physical Textbook, Digital Textbook, Or Home-Printed PDF?

My Personal Experience - With Ordering "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum

2020-08-17T17:13:00.033-07:00

Real quick before I share my experience there are two things you should know about me. The first is that I find busy work calming, and the second is if I am going to do something.... I GO ALL OUT! So, if you find yourself shaking your head thinking I am crazy, that is just fine. But......don't be surprised if you start drinking the Kool-Aid too...

With my first purchase of The Good & The Beautiful (TG&TB) products, I was so unsure if I should get PDF's or Physical copies. I remember going around and around on it. I finally settled on just purchasing the physically copies, since my printer was nothing special, and then I could just get started (this was before most of the inventory was out of stock).

But the more I read through The Good & The Beautiful Facebook groups, the more I heard about this magical unicorn: the Eco Tank printer. And its magical abilities to print thousands of COLOR pages, for a fraction of the normal cost. Needless to say, I was hooked on the idea of printing my own textbooks. Not just once, but being able to with each of my kids...each year! Plus, I could then print guilt free any of my homeschooling needs. Like my home school planner, that is pictured above and it is FULL of color.

And so, a week later I got back online and purchased the PDF's. Which means the magical printer soon followed. But as I normally do, I couldn't just stop there. For the blogs had also talked about binding machines, and the reality that with a certain amount of kids it would soon pay for itself ......and so further I crawled down the rabbit hole of homeschooling.

I am now the proud owner of a binding machine-Trubind, and Eco Tank printer. Though I must admit at first, I had moments of nervousness that I had made a rash decision in purchasing two expensive tools. Now after using them both to make my own curriculum and fun extras, I see no real need to buy any physical copies again. Besides perhaps getting the math manipulates and possibly the History & Science books. I talk more on this subject here.... ( Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 2]: What Products Are BEST As A Physical Textbook, Digital Textbook, Or Home-Printed PDF?)

Just to note the printer is currently at half ink volume, and that's with printing over 2,000 color pages!! Oh, and if it's not obvious I am still so in LOVE with both the printer and the binding machine!