We're strongly considering TOG Year 1 for our son, who will be starting first grade in the fall.

Maybe there's a good discussion on this topic somewhere on there that I haven't found (so feel free to point me there), but would you suggest buying the DE or the regular printed version?

I'm curious to see what some TOG veterans would advise. Thanks very much.

Hello and welcome to TOG. I have a 2nd grader and K(and 3 & 2yrs). We have done TOG for the last two years and love it. Some would say that it is not for these younger years but I strongly disagree. I love it and so has my daughter. You just have to keep the main things in focus (reading, writing and math -and Bible if you are a Christian) and let TOG be the icing on the cake or let it help lead you through fun reading and crafts. All options are laid out on the table for you to chose from, just don't chose everything or you will be overwhelmed and overwhelm your son.

I have used printed but I have DE for next year. I haven't looked over the DE yet, but I think it will especially be great for this lower level since there is so much less material to print out.

If you have access to someones printed copy to get the overall look and feel, I think that is helpful, but then get the DE and set it up taylored to your needs.
hope this helps

Jax,

The GREAT news is that you don't HAVE to choose. You can have both from us. For $270-$280 (depending on the year-plan) you have an always-updated DE version AND a full-color printed copy that you can mark up and read from delivered to your door.

There are real strengths about each version, and I'm sure many people will chime in. Some DE benefits are these:
*Easy to update at any time.
*Permanent: cannot be lost or broken or torn
*Use it time and again with all your children. Print as many copies of every page as you want to in the privacy of your own home.
*Don't need to store massive notebooks when not using them.
*Don't have to deal with large chunks of the curriculum in younger years when you're not yet using it all.
*Cheaper initial cost.
*No downside to buying it unit by unit.
*If accessing via Internet, no shipping charges.
*Home network licenses are available on request for those who wish to access the curriculum from multiple computers within your home.
*Important to some is that DE is NOT resaleable.

Pros of Printed TOG:
*It's all there to leaf through in traditional ways.
*You can mark it up.
*You can mark it up temporarily using protector pages that you purchase separately.
*You don't need a computer to access it.
*You CAN resell it.

Again, almost all the best features are combined in the DE/Print package.

HTH!

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping to get more feedback. Anyone else?

Marcia listed all the pluses and minuses I can think of. If you are confident about your decision to use TOG I suggest getting DE. You can purchase the printed year plan with it or print off pages as needed (this is what I do.) If you're unsure, and I don't blame you if you are because you really need to spend time with TOG to become intimately acquainted, then I would get year 1 in print and make your decision about DE when you are ready to move on to Year 2.
Karen

Hi,

I am not a veteran, however, my oldest child is starting in 1st. I decided to purchase the DE Year 1 without getting it printed. So far I have been very happy with it. You might consider what type of printer you have. I have a laser b&w. This does not bother me since I'm only using it for one child right now. You might want a color option in which it is probably cheaper to have someone else print for you. I really like printing only what I'll need. Having said all this, I have never had the full print version. But I honestly do not feel that I am missing anything.

Happy decision making!

I am confused by the prices Marcia listed above. I was trying to figure this out today. So for Year 1, the website says that Bonus Bundle DE is $250 and Bonus Bundle 08 (I guess this is the printed version?) is $295. Is there a way to buy the Year 1 Bonus Bundle DE and printed version for a discounted price?

Yes, you can buy the Year 1 Bonus Bundle DE and printed version together. When you look at the delivery option (when you are going through the purchasing steps) you can choose DE and have it printed. It has a note Digital/Print Package (extra charge) ( +$100.00 ).So, you are looking at roughly $350 for both. This is the DE/Print option that you cannot resell. As far as I know there is not a discounted option to purchasing DE and a printed version that you may resell.

Thanks Mindy K that's good to know. So is there any difference between what you get with the Print Package that you get with DE for $100 extra and the Bonus Bundle 08 that is listed at $295 on the website?

No, there is no difference in the packages as far as bonus options/items go.

OK, thanks for your help Mindy.