Before Five In A Row ~TOS Review

Since I began homeschooling 3 years ago I discovered our favorite method of learning is through reading living books. With each book our children have a new world opened up before their eyes. I am so excited to begin homeschooling my 30 month old in the same style, reading books with my baby girl is such a joy.
I have a problem trying to figure out just what activities to use to extend the learning with my youngest. I have purchased a couple books and while I really enjoyed the activities in them I felt they lacked the necessary literature aspect. I recently had the opportunity to review Before Five In A Row, an early learning curriculum based on picture books for ages 2-4.
Before Five In A Row is not your typical curriculum for pre-schoolers.  BFIAR is a wonderful resource to gently teach your child all about the world around him. Divided into 2 sections, you can easily do any activity or unit you choose in any order.


The first section is twenty-four cross curricula units that center on a specific picture book. Each book is “rowed” for a week (or longer if you choose) at a time during which you read the story with your child each day. After each reading you select a few of the activities from the unit to do. Each unit is set up very loosely in a natural way to simply encourage learning through play.
The second section of the book is a selection of activities to foster learning in each content area such as large and small motor, language development, reading readiness, life activities, toys, and the arts. It really is, as the author states, “A parent’s treasury of creative ideas for learning readiness.”
Even though sample lessons are not posted on the site a sample lesson breakdown / overview can be viewed here.
My thoughts for this book:

• Great resource and time saver
  
• Loved the relaxed approach
  
• My daughter loves hearing the same story over and over
  
• Low key activities too for days when my child is in a mood of not wanting what I planned
  
• A little pricey for me, however it is worth it.

Before Five In A Row can be purchased at Rainbow Resource for $35.
Be sure to check out the Fold and Learn Folders and other Five In A Row Digital items available.
Don’t forget to stop by The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog to see what other TOS Crew Members thought about this product.
Mandy
Disclosure: I was provided a copy of the above product in exchange for my honest opinion and review of said item. I was in no other way compensated for my review.