Hi everyone!

I will be starting fresh with year 1 in the fall with my 5 yr ds. We are starting this year mostly for me because I am very excited about TOG, so we will be doing things pretty laid back and slow. I've already checked the library system here and I can get all but 2 or 3 of the books listed for this year.
I have one question for those experienced toggers out there: Since I can check all the books I will want out from the library, is there any reason to purchase any of them? I also have a 2 yr old dd, so they would be used in the future. I guess what I would really like to know is are there any of the books that I will need to use so often or any of the books that are so wonderful that I would be better off owning them. I am on an extremely tight budget, so will only be able to purchase a few.

Welcome!
Since your children are so young, I would suggest investing in a good story Bible if you don't already have one. Year 1 incorporates a survey of the Bible and how ancient history integates into Biblical history, so a good story Bible would be used all the time. If your budget is tight, you can probably find most everything else you need at the library. Don't forget the links provided by TOG! Enjoy your adventure through ancient history!
Blessings,
April

Hello!

We are working through the first unit of the first year with my just turned 7 year old son.

Thus far the only books I have bought are a Children's Story Bible (I bought the small sized Children's Illustrated Bible, mainly b/c of price, it was $8.99, I think. It covers all the topics listed in unit 1.), a children's Bible atlas (we purchased the Veggie Tales version but much of the info is repeated in what the Bible is all about so we could have gotten away with not purchasing it!) and What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers. Mainly because I know these books will be used a lot and for more than just the first year.

All of the other books I have been able to get from the library except for one or two and those I was able to get through an interlibrary loan or just use something else equivalent.

If you have a little money to invest I would suggest maybe buying the Old Testament Days Activity Guide b/c it gets used so much in the first unit you will have to renew it from the library or copy down the projects before you return it. Also, if you search online for the projects you could find them w/o having to get the book at all, I think!

My kids and I really loved the 'Who Built the Pyramids?' book and if we could have purchased more books that would be one (they were both captivated with that story and the illustrations!) but I don't think it's necessary, especially at the younger ages. The books are great and would be nice to own but for those on very tight budgets like we are, they aren't necessary to have.

We do own The Story of the World Volume 1 and use that as a supplement as well as some of the activity ideas in the activity book and those are really nice to have, but again, not necessary!

I do keep a spreadsheet of the books we have used, how we liked them, how they helped in school, where I got them etc so that when my youngest is ready I will remember which books would be most beneficial!

I hope that helps and made sense

Angela

Hey there Angela,

Ever considered posting some of your impressions on the customer comment section of our Bookshelf? We activated that function of our software just so that experienced (and organized!) moms like you could help people choose the best books for their unique situations! Everyone's different, but it helps to hear how various families use the recommended books.

Thanks for considering!

Thank you for your responses. I do have a children's Bible already (actually a few of them) so we are good on that front. I wasn't too concerned about purchasing books for this year, especially since my ds is so young. Thank you for confirming this.

Hey Marcia,

Thanks for the tip! I will do that.

Jessica,

We are in MI too! In the Metro Detroit area.

Angela

Hi Angela --

We are fairly close then! I live in Ann Arbor. (Ypsilanti actually) I didn't think there were very many Easter Michiganders using TOG, it's nice to know someone else is out here.

Sorry - I didn't mean "Easter" Michiganders, I meant "Eastern"!!!

Hi Jessica!
We're finishing year 2 TOG. I've found many of the recommended books at the library, as well.
You might want to consider purchasing the "spine" books (ones used for several weeks in a year)at your kids' learning levels if your budget allows. We've done this, & it has really made a difference, as we've found ourselves going back from time to time to recheck something (my kids are 7 & 11).
Happy Homeschooling!
Tracey