Experiences with Lifepacs?

meamommy · #1 December 21st, 2011, 10:05 PM

Has anyone used any of the lifepacs before? We have just finished the first unit in the language arts grade 3 and Miles and I both LOVE it! He has not complained a bit about the work, seems to have really enjoyed it and I love the way they are done. I am thinking of ordering the math and possibly geography as well in these. We have horizons math which I thought we'd like but neither one of us love it. Anyways, my concern was on some reviews I saw people saying they thought they were below grade level? Has anyone else come across this? I don't want him to be behind so that worried me. Also wondering if anyone has used the Kindergarten ones. Thought I might try them for Ethan next year as well since we like them so much right now.

BensMom · #2 December 22nd, 2011, 05:06 AM

"On grade level" really doesn't matter unless you plan to enroll with public schools at some point. All curriculum will vary from PS grade levels ... some more than others. The most common complaint about LifePacs isn't grade level... it's that they're extremely boring. Personally, I hate them! If they're working for you, though, definitely continue with them. Don't fix something that isn't broken, ya' know?

Butter · #3 December 22nd, 2011, 05:35 AM

Ditto to BM about "on grade level." Even schools systems vary as to what is on grade level and what isn't. It's impossible to accurately say unless comparing to another specific scope and sequence (for example, we use Calvert and it is 1 1/2 grade levels advanced compared to the local schools according to the county guy we review with... how they compare to other homeschool programs or school systems, who knows).

I used some LifePacs when I was homeschooled and LOVED them. I always loved workbooks. They make me happy. I was never bored (though A Beka bored me to tears and many people love them). If it's working, go for it! I used some LifePacs with Ani and she loved them, too. She's always liked workbooks, too.

meamommy · #4 December 22nd, 2011, 10:06 AM

Very true guys, thanks! Yeah I have always liked workbooks and Miles seems to too.I can see where it would be super boring if you didn't though. I can see him not liking the science, he LOVES science and we have apologia and he loves that. But for the other things he really likes them. I tried Abeka and neither of us liked it, and you're right so many people love it. I think I am finally realizing what we like is what we need to do!

And yeah I guess I do just worry because more than likely we will put them back in school at least by high school IF they want to because of sports, etc. I honestly hope they don't want to before then, and part of me hopes they don't want to then either, but if they want to be able to play sports, we will try it out I suppose.

Lynn87 · #5 December 26th, 2011, 07:02 AM

We use them here! DS loves the workbook format. He does bible, LA, science and history/geo and we use Horizons for math. He did the K Lifepacs when he was three. He is an accelerated learner though. They were ok, not great but they worked. We plan to continue with them. I do supplement alot though with educational videos and books from the library. I don't feel like the science and history/geo are enough by themselves.

meamommy · #6 December 29th, 2011, 08:56 PM

I was thinking of going ahead and getting the K ones for Ethan, he will be 5 in March.we are doing some preschool things and he seems to be a little ahead himself. I think he will enjoy workbook type formats as well.