I just got my Tapestry yesterday. I am soooo confused on where to start. I've read the quick start guide, but it still looks daunting. Any advice or words of wisdom for a newbie?

Put Units 2, 3 and 4 away for now.

Just focus on Unit 1 --

- Do you have a binder? If so, start by putting Unit 1 in a binder with the tab set if you bought them. (I store the Loom CD and MapAids disk in a pocket on the inside of the Unit binder we're currently working on.)

- Read the Unit 1 Intro

- Look at the booklist and determine what books you want to use. Then, what is available through a library. Then, make a list of what you will need to purchase.

- Look at the hands-on projects and determine which ones, if any, you want to do. Start gathering supplies.

- I have made a set of folders numbered 1 - 36, one folder for each week of the year plan. During the summer, I go through and print out the SAPs and Maps we'll be doing. I file them in the appropriate week's folder.

Hope this helps!! Let me know if you have any more questions...

Thanks Amy,
that does help as far as organizationals goes, but I'm still a little lost, I guess specifically with the Writing Aids and how to figure out where to place my kids. I've already homeschooled 3 years and I guess technically speaking they're both on a 2nd grade level for reading and language arts, but I'm not understanding the Writing Aids at all!
P.S. I like your 36 folders idea, but does it feel like you're perpetually printing SAPs? Thank you for any advice! Jane

I'm sorry I misunderstood your question...

Placement within Writing Levels is based on your child's abilities -- NOT grade level. As ability changes, you can move up and down levels to accomodate your children. Have you looked through the Writing Level Overviews? (on the Loom, I think) By doing that, you can get an idea of the complexity of the writing assignment and determine where to start.

Writing Aids is a tool for YOU to use to teach the child. Think of it as a writing handbook complete with the writing planners, etc. It also has grading rubrics to assist you in evaluating the assignment.

The folder system works well for me as I have 3 children in 3 different levels. (lg, ug, and d) I usually take a big chunk of time and print out what we'll be working toward. It can be a little boring -- but at least it's done and all I have to do is grab the folder on Monday AM...no kids waiting for Mom to get the paperwork together!!

With only younger children, it probably isn't as big a job...especially since you might be teaching them on the same level.

Does this help?? Let me know if you have more questions...

Yes, that helps. I guess, just like the quick start guide says, it will help if I just start and get going into it. Yes, I really do love your folder idea, I was actually just on-line looking for a hanging file system. I'm an organizational junkie! Thank you sooooo much for the advice. I really do appreciate it. Jane