McGuffey Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions

"Do I need the workbooks?" many people ask.
Our answer is absolutely! The workbooks are designed to work hand-in-glove with the readers. Each week's workbook lessons are based on one story in the McGuffey Reader. The workbooks are essential to your child developing advanced phonetics, helping your child to become an excellent speller, and develop good reading comprehension. Further, they will teach your child correct grammar and all the "ins" and "outs" of proper communication.

What is the difference between the reading and writing workbooks?
The Reading Workbooks stress reading skills, phonics and reading comprehension. The Writing Workbooks stress writing skills including punctuation usage and grammar skills. They are entirely different in the material they cover. Both are essential for the early years and both are based on the McGuffey Readers.

Are any other materials needed to use the McGuffey program?
Actually, there are four. The Reading Series workbooks include many references to two other items: Phonics Made Plain (flash cards and chart) and The ABC's and All Their Tricks. The Writing Series workbooks reference the Spencerian Penmanship series, though you may easily substitute your own penmanship series. Harvey's Grammar is needed for the fourth series of workbooks.

Is there a parents' guide for the workbooks?
Instructions are given at the top of each assignment. The tests and the answer key are also included in a pull-out section with each workbook.

How much shall my children do each day?
This is quite easy to gauge. To complete each school year in timely fashion (nine months), the child will need to average two pages per day in each workbook, and one story per week from the readers.

What does my child need for each grade?
Just check your child's grade level for a listing of materials.