posted July 19, 2000 07:44 PM               

I just thought I would take some time to share with everyone, veterans and newcomers alike, our tremendous experience with Before FIAR. As of last week, we finished our last book after visiting every book on the list except Jenny's Surprise Summer (couldn't find it).

So, where to begin? So much has happened since we opened Jesse Bear that last week in September, 1997. My then just-turned-3 yo daughter was almost as excited as her mommy! We have always read together, but this was so much more than reading! We were playing and learning and enjoying books in a way I never knew we could!

I credit so much of Keaghan's growth to B4. When we started, I had no "expectations" of what would happen. But if I had, they would have been so far exceeded. It has been the most wonderful thing I think I could have ever done for her in teaching her to love, love, love books and learn from every one of them.

Since beginning, she has learned to identify every letter and the sounds they make. She can count to 100, although I think the most "items" we ever counted in a book where the windows in buildings in Red Carpet. She can identify so many more animals than I dreamed. She has learned 25 + scriptures by heart. She has learned the days of the week (The Little Rabbit), the months of the year (supplemental Jesse Bear book), the seasons (Cranberry books), the phases of the moon (Goodnight Moon), the importance of manners and kindness to others (Katy No-Pocket), the love of family and the joy of giving as exemplified in so many of the books (Runaway Bunny, Corduroy, Ask Mr. Bear, etc.) .

She has been taught to care for her pets (Little Rabbit), keep things in order in her room (Jesse Bear), give thanks for not only meals, but everything God has given to us (Prayer for a Child). She has explored her artistic abilities (I Am An Artist) and her singing abilities (ABC Bunny song). She has become proficient in writing her letters, including her entire name, from copying the letters from many of the book covers. She sailed with My Blue Boat, climbed trees with monkeys in Caps for Sale, and we took The Quiet Way Home. We picked blueberries with Sal and hunted for bears in the swishy, swashy grass.

We met and "adopted" Angus, planted and waited with the Carrot Seed. And we even shed a tear or two with Play With Me. It was in this book that I realized how sensitive her little heart could be.

We have entertained Jesus when He came to our house, and we have entertained each other by acting out scenes from numerous stories. She has seen her mother come out of her comfort zone as I learn to love the joys of "play," something that doesn't come easily to my very serious nature. (Hey, we even got to shop with our Green Pocketbook, what more could I ask for? I LOVE to shop!)

All in all, it has been the most wonderful seven months I could have ever asked for. I am grateful for the wonderful ideas that have been provided in both the manual and on this board.

I just want to say if you have any reservations about using this marvelous learning tool, please don't hesitate any more. You will never, ever regret introducing your little ones to the characters and lessons in each of these books.

posted July 19, 2000 07:46 PM               

B4FIAR and 4yo's!

I have 3 girls, 7 on Sat, 4.5, and 2. My 7 yod is using FIAR, but I started the 4 yod on B4. This is why:

1)I want her to be very confident in her learning ability and she masters the concepts in these stories with ease (but not with boredom.)

2)I can take use all of the activities in the manual for each story over a week or two and really keep her interested. If she's not as interested in a particular story or activity as much as I'd like her to be, we spice it up. This is where you'd really have to know your little girl. Mine loves to cook. We cook something that goes along. She loves to paint--that can always be worked in. Also, most of these little books go along with all the activities most of us do with our preschoolers anyway. You just get to do more of them, with more focus.

3)She'll only be 4 once. We have lots of time and lots of years for FIAR.

Something else you might consider is the expense. I don't know anything about your financial situation, but B4 is much less inexpensive to begin with, especially if you're considering buying the books. There aren't nearly as many.

Sorry to ramble on so long. I'm very passionate about FIAR. I love it. I also feel the same about B4. It's sweet and charming and innocent and full of wonder. It's not that FIAR isn't, you just deal with different issues and concepts.

Best of Luck!!

posted July 19, 2000 07:47 PM               

B4 for teenagers!!!

I just had to share this. The other day my sister was visiting. She has four children. Hers plus my three were creating quite a bit of energy. I decided to sit them down and read our book "The Red Carpet" I had my two girls (6 and 3) and my niece (4) and nephew (9) all sitting on the couch listening intently. The 9 year old enjoyed it just as much as the little ones. We were having fun pointing out all kinds of objects. When we got to the page about the statue of General Lee, I asked my nephew if he knew who that was. He piped right up about wars and generals, etc. etc. Then my other nephew who is 16 and was sitting at the computer entered the conversation, and he went on to say that General Lee was the greatest military man in history. (his opinion, of course) :-) Then later after we had finished the story, I saw the 16 year old looking through "The Red Carpet" and reading it to himself! I thought it was so cute.

posted July 19, 2000 07:48 PM               

B4 is GREAT for babysitters!

Hi,

I just had to share the fun way we are using B4. My 13yod is currently being offered many babysitting jobs with neighbors and church members. She was interested in putting together a babysitting bag with fun activities for preschoolers. When I saw B4 at our hs convention a couple of weeks ago, I got an idea.

My dd and I are putting together FIAR packets to take on her babysitting jobs. We just finished her "Corduroy Pack". In a large ziplock baggie we have the following items:

Corduroy book

A laminated construction paper button for hide and seek

Proverbs 17:17 written on a decorated index card

Teddy Bear coloring pictures

Animal Cards - pictures cut out of magazines, glued to construction paper, and laminated.

A Homes Book - pictures from magazines or coloring books that show different types of homes as mentioned in FIAR. These pictures are stapled together to create a book.

Bank Box Craft - We have a pattern for making a small box from cardstock and made a couple for the kids to fold, glue, and decorate.

A Bag of Buttons - for sorting and counting

My dd and I had so much fun putting this packet together! We can't wait to make another FIAR packet. I am sure my dd will be the most beloved babysitter at church with these wonderful books and activities. I'm sure she will be spreading the word about FIAR and the blessings of homeschooling.

Thanks Steve and Jane for your wonderful books.