FAQs, Helps, and Extras

New Editions FAQs

Can I switch from an old edition of one level to a new edition of the next level with ease? (For example, from the old edition Language Arts Level 1 to new edition of Language Arts Level 2).

Because there is a new scope and sequence for levels Preschool to Level 3, you will notice these changes when transitioning from the old curriculum to the new curriculum:

Original Level K Primer to New Level K: The new Level K moves much more slowly at the beginning of the course. Your child should have no problem moving from the original Level K Primer to the new Level K course, although some children may find the first 20 lessons or so easy and will be able to move through them quickly.

Original Level K to New Level 1: If your child completed the original Level K, there will be no problem moving to the New Level 1, although much of the first unit of the new Level 1 will be review for the child, and the child may be able to move through the lessons more quickly.

Original Level 1 to New Level 2: If your child completed the original Level 1, there will be no problem moving to the New Level 2, although much of the first unit of the new Level 2 will be review for the child, and the child may be able to move through the lessons more quickly.

Original Level 2 to  New Level 3: We released a new edition of Level 3 on June 6, 2023, and it is the perfect bridge between the new Level 2 and our current Level 4. Reading, phonics, grammar, and punctuation are all on about the same level with the old and new Level 3. The writing in the original Level 3 is presented in a more difficult format, so you just might need to take that more slowly. We will not be redoing Level 4 as it is already aligned to an average Grade 4 level.

The shift in scope and sequence to be more on grade level allows for children to easily transition from old editions to our new editions.

How are the new editions different from the previous editions?

The lessons have been shortened and the pacing has become more gentle, but the effectiveness with which children learn to read, write, and spell has improved and increased. The sequence is much more streamlined, focusing on principles in a very sequential way and building upon prior knowledge. The lesson formats have been improved. Many more geography principles are integrated. The new courses use a new optional Letter Tiles app to assist with spelling practice.

Has the scope and sequence changed? Are the courses advanced or on grade level?

Yes, the entire scope and sequence of Kindergarten Prep through Level 3 has changed.

These new courses have been aligned to be on average grade levels. We had a huge piloting group, and that was an immense help in making sure the pacing, interest level, and academic level were just right for each age group.

Are any previous pieces/products used with the new courses? Is the previous edition reader required to complete the course?

No. All items in our new courses are completely new. Phonics cards, mini books, and readers are not a part of the new program. The readers from any previous editions are not integrated into this course. You can still use them for independent reading for your child.

Can you tell me more about the components in the new courses?

We have introduced a more robust and engaging phonics approach with Reading Booster Cards and Reading Booster Books for Levels K-2 and Phonics Read-Together Books for Level 3. These brand-new resources, which are used in correlation with the course book, perfectly align with the child’s progress and greatly increase reading confidence and fluency in a sequential, ordered way.

Are the new courses offered in printed and PDF format? Are the PDFs still free?

Yes, Language Arts Levels K-8 are offered in printed and PDF format. The PDFs are free to download.

Do I have to use the apps to complete the courses?

We have introduced a free Letter Tiles app that can be used in correlation with the lessons and which has been a favorite with pilot families.

We have also released a Homeschool app, which will be a tremendous resource and make it easy and quick for you to access resources.

The app resources are highly recommended to enhance learning, and pilot families, even those who do not use screens in their homes, were raving about the videos, video books, and spelling resources. Most parts of the courses can be completed without the use of our apps, but some parts, especially geography, and some highly effective spelling rule videos require the use of the app, but those parts can be skipped if desired. The apps can be accessed and used on the computer if desired.

Do the new LA levels contain assessments?

Yes, the new Levels K-2 Language Arts course books each include a total of three units and three unit reviews. Level 3 contains four units and four unit reviews. These assessments include extra practice for any principle the child does not pass so you can check the child’s progress and assign extra practice as needed.

Is there diversity in the new courses?

Yes, a big focus was placed on adding even more diversity in our new courses. In fact, we bought expensive original paintings and commissioned other detailed, beautiful paintings in order to better feature diversity, above and beyond the limited, appropriate paintings that feature diversity that are in the public domain.

Do you have more information on upcoming new editions?

Language Arts Levels 6 and 7 are scheduled to release in the summer of 2025. Twenty percent of the coursework will be online but optionally. The optional portions are geography and grammar cards, spelling dictation, and some other things that are chosen to greatly reduce the load on the parent and to give the child some typing and computer practice. We do not have additional information about the changes for the new version but look forward to sharing more as we approach the new release.

Language Arts Level 8: We will be releasing a Language Arts Level 8 course in the coming years after Language Arts Levels 6 and 7. It will be a full-length course that will replace our Level 8 Book Studies. Students who will complete Level 7 before the new Level 8 course is released can complete our current Level 8 Book Studies or move immediately into High School 1.

 

What should I do if my child will be ready for Level 8 at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year?

 

Your child can use our Level 8 Book Studies. The current Book Studies review concepts from prior levels and are meant to review and prepare a student for High School. Alternatively, students can transition straight from Level 7 to High School 1 if desired.