What Curriculum to Choose?

[DanceMom]

I used to use Carols Affordable Curriculum but I am trying out Funshine Express this year - I like that its actually cheaper than Carols and it looks a bit more creative - Carols I thought was too easy and sometimes boring with all the worksheets.

Only negative about Funshine is that I only need for 3 children and you can only buy in 2's so I will have one extra but I figure I can complete it too with the kids using the 4th one.

[Unregistered]

Ipc

We also use the International preschool curriculum - the great part for me is that it has themes that the kids love and parents seem to love too.

[Lilbutterflie]

So far I do my own curriculum, but I am having a really hard time with one of my dcb's. He is 4. He always complains when it's time to do crafts, workbooks, anything that involves doing things as a group and learning/writing/crafts. He often will just stare into space, or pay attention to the other kids work instead of his own. The other kids all finish before he does (even my own 2 yo), and even when the others leave the table to play he sits there and stares into space rather than finishing. I am pretty much forcing him to participate.

I have never encountered such a young child rejecting learning, crafts, etc... in this way. He is the boy that also plays by himself almost 100% of the day. So I'm not sure if it's related to group activities, or just learning and doing crafts in general.

Any suggestions to get him to participate without having to force him? Has anyone encountered a child who hated these types of activities?

[Unregistered]

Mother Goose Time discount

I've tried most of the ones mentioned a one point or another; I even tried doing my own last year. It seems I always go back to Funshine Express~I briefly thought about Mother Goose Time but then Funshine offered a 20% discount on a subscription so I ordered that for this year.

Mother Goose Time also offers a 15% discount if you order a subscription of 9 months or more. So if you are using it all year, like we do - then you automatically qualify for their discount. The pricing is actually quite similar to Funshine - but I have found the value in Mother Goose Time in terms of product quality and content of materials is much, much higher in Mother Goose.

[Abigail]

The two popular curriculums seem to be Mother Goose and Funshine and both offer discounts. Would you recommend purchasing either of their curriculums just for ONE year and then re-do it so you don't pay again or do they actually send you things that are handy besides telling you what to discuss and what crafts to do?

I would rather do my own because I'm creative and we have tons of free access online. If I could just choose weekly themes for each month and come up with ideas, in the end it will be organized and the children will be the ones doing the work....not me. Then again, this might be one of those "Easier Said Than Done" LOL

[Unregistered]

International Preschool Curriculum Home Based Version

Hey moms! I have been following this thread for some time and noticed how everyone has their views on Mother Goose, Funshine and IPC. So I was surprised to find out that the IPC has recently launched a home based version which is a lot cheaper ($620). I bought it last week and just got it yesterday. It came with 10 children's books, a hardcopy binder with the thematic units and access to parent induction/training which is actually very useful - even though I'm on my second child. The value for money part came with the research and rationale. Here's a sample:

"Rationale- It is important for children to acquire emotional and social development during their younger years. Emotional development should range from self awareness and all it entails to others, and the world around them, such as the environment. It is key to tie together their direct effect and role as a member of society. This will create an important sense of belonging and self esteem."

The activity that follows is called "I care" in which the child compares a growing seedling to themselves to better understand what they need to grow and prosper.

Its so cute!

[StarBriteLearning]

preschool curriculum

Check out the Star-Brite Learning Program!

They offer over 100 hands-on craft and learning activites each month for ages 3-5 year olds.
All instructions and paper/craft materials are included in the package.
There are discounts available for pre-paying for a couple months at a time..$5 off any order of $68 or more...and previous months at HALF PRICE!