FLL, EFTC or PLL--Which one do you prefer and why?

[Uccnorsworth]

I have seen various curriculums that suggest PLL, FLL, and English for the Thoughtful Child. Which do you find to be best and why?

[Susie in MS]

I can't tell you from experience but I have PPL and have poured over it many many times. I LOVE it and can't wait to use it!!! I love the simplicity, the sweetness, and the quick and to the point lessons. Amazon reviews are all 4 and 5 stars.

I have looked at samples of FLL and it never did sit right with me. It looked cluttered for *my* liking. It was directed to the teacher instead of the student like PPL is. And then I decided to read reviews at Amazon and saw a lot of 1 and 2 stars, so I started there. I was shocked to see there are 49 lessons on NOUNS!! I would read the reviews to see what you think. There is more, but I will stop with that. I also have to say in all fairness-there are a LOT of happy mamas that have used it!! It is just not *me*.

I have not even seen EFTTC.

[stephanie]

I have seen various curriculums that suggest PLL, FLL, and English for the Thoughtful Child. Which do you find to be best and why?

I've used FLL and EFTC. I liked FLL b/c the lessons were short and to the point, but I felt it was thorough. It prepared my dc to start R&S 2 for grammar. This year I'm doing EFTC with my K'er, but very informally. She isn't ready for all the work in it yet b/c her writing skills are a little behind. However, we do the narrations and picture studies and she LOVES them. I haven't used PLL, but I think EFTC may be similar in that there are pict. studies, dictation, copywork,and narrations. The pictures are black and white, and I think they have a sweetness and innocence to them. Decisions! Decisions! I think either way they are all good curriculum,but that's just my opinion! HTH!

[BusyBee]

I prefer FLL. I love the straight to the point lessons. I love that it is scripted and it is one less thing I have to prepare in advance for. The way it approaches Language is fun and it has given my sons a firm grasp on grammar. My oldest easily went into ABeka 3 after completing FLL 1 & 2.

[Uccnorsworth]

How does this compare? I have been using the Blue Book for this year for my four-year-old, and he has done very well with it. Should I just continue, or do I need a more stringent grammar program?

[Verena]

I can't comment on PLL, but we've used EFTTC and are now using FLL and will continue with FLL 3 and 4 when the time comes. I, nor my oldest ds didn't care for EFTTC- there is nothing wrong with the text, imo, it's just too "old-fashioned" looking.
Other than that, I agree with what Busy Bee says. I like that FLL is scripted and I can just pick up and go.

[Trivium Academy]

FLL= scripted (written to teacher), teaches grammar before a child has had an opportunity to use it themselves, rote memorization, poems have been changed from their originals. Copywork, dictation, narration and poetry and grammar memorization, picture study using drawings from family life. I liked FLL Level 1 but once we got to FLL Level 2, our goals changed. Lessons take about 15 minutes orally, 20-25 written.

PLL= written to student, has child using the skills they are learning, covers various content with multiple disciplines. Copywork, oral & written narrations, observation & conversation lessons, dictation, picture study using art or nature, poetry memorization, beginning composition lessons, and creative writing. Lessons are short, total lesson takes about 15 minutes depending on child's handwriting ability. Lessons are able to be done orally as well.

I have not seen English for the Thoughtful Child to comment. I realized my dd7 needed more practice than what FLL level 2 gave us and frankly I was bored with it (dd was too but she had a good attitude). PLL has been a blessing for us, she's retaining more, enjoying her lesson and we love the variety. The scripted lessons felt tedious once I gained confidence, now I can freely teach beyond and deeper than what PLL provides using their example