Our first curriculum choice was Winter Promise I'm Reasy To Learn. WP claims to be a CM curriculum, looked very comprehensive, and was somewhat affordable. I had read poor reviews when it came to shipping policies and customer service so I ordered early. I had absolutely NO problem with shipping and everything was received in a timely manner. YAY! At first glance, it looked perfect for us... and so we delved in.
IRTL is a unit study program designed for 3-5 year old covering all areas. The Bug and The Cat are 11 months apart and this program is just not designed for two kids not on the exact learning level. I think The Cat on her own would have been fine if we took it slow.... however it is FAR beneath The Bug, even though he is 4. There are far too many art, crafts, and activities that serve no real purpose, like making a paper crown for no apparent reason or folding paper to make chickens nests. If you have preschooler who can not yet cut or draw well, half the crafts are out unless you want to do them yourself. Farmer Boy, the science program for the Farm unit, too quickly throws young kids into chapter books... and offers no real guidance in the area of science. In the first unit, I see two opportunities for nature study, which is a key component for CM's Early Years. There is no true art or composer study... dumbed-down songs are offered weekly, however.
Needless to say, we will not be using WP again. I have no idea where next year will take us but I can say with complete sincerity that WP was a massive FAIL!
