Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 1]: Buying A Physical Copy Or PDF Copy?
So you have decided on The Good & The Beautiful curriculum, Yay! (I have to admit I think it's pretty awesome!) But now your unsure how you should order it. Today I'm going to give you the first series of The Good & The Beautiful (TG&TB) tips, to hopefully help you decide how best to order and use this truly beautiful curriculum.
My goal for this series is to be one resource that you'll find answers to common questions that come up when making your first order. Without you having to spend hours searching old comments in the Facebook groups, like I first did.
~Just as a disclaimer, I currently only have personal experience with Pre-K-Level 1 curriculum. But don't fret I will always update these post when needed~
Buying A Physical Copy or A PDF Copy?
Trying to decide how you want to purchase your curriculum when it's you first time using TG&TB, can prove to be rather a hard decision. Especially if you have more than one kid. Its' hard ordering physical copies when you know there is the PDF option, and with just a few clicks of a button, the curriculum can be right there on your computer. Ready to go for this year, and the years to come.....seriously such a nice option.
But.... you have to find a way to get that PDF copy off of the computer, and into a workable textbook. Unless you are going to use a tablet or iPad as an electronic Textbook ( I explain more of that in here: Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 5]: Downloading A PDF To An Electronic Device? ).
Reasons You Should Consider Buying A Physical Copy
-You only have one or two kids your purchasing for
Many small families (though even big ones too) are very happy buying the physical copies of the TG&TB. They don't have as many books to purchase each year, the TG&TB products are relatively cheap, and the overall expense is seen as a low price to pay for such a good product.
-You are NOT interested in the hassle of finding a printing company or printing yourself
This here I think is the biggest reason many families decide against solely buying the PDF copy. As great as saving money in the long run, by printing it on your own can be, it definitely comes with a big price tag upfront. Even with the right tools for printing, getting the PDF to print just right can be a headache, and overall too time consuming for most families.
-Lastly you have the money
If you have the money for the curriculum definitely just purchase the physical copies. You'll get it mailed right to your door, and for the most part it will be ready to just open and go. There is still minimal prep involved with math's activity box, science & health's: vocabulary-wall words & mini books, and Language Art's mini books, activity packets, & phonics cards. But mostly very minimal like cutting out phonic cards, assembling mini readers, and popping out little pieces.
Reasons You Should Consider Buying A PDF Copy
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| ( My First Reading Book A Home-Printed PDF vs It On A Digital Device ) |
-TG&TB is out of stock and you rather not wait
The current influx of home school families has made many of the TG&TB products out of stock. Which has left many parents not wanting to wait, hopefully weeks-possibly months for this issue to be resolved. Especially those families that plan to attend or go back to public school the following year.
-You have the means to print and don't mind the extra work
Many families have great success printing their PDF's at home, with printers that have exceptionally good ink capabilities. Like my personal favorite printer: the Eco Tank or others like Brother laser, and the HP Envy printer- with an ink program(I explain more of that in here: (Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 3]: How To Print Your PDF's?). And if you don't want to print at home but still want a PDF, then consider the next option.
-You plan to use a 3rd party printing company to print
Printing through a printing company can be a great experience for some, and a very expensive experience for others. The most important part when choosing this avenue is to do your homework, and shop around with other printing companies. The Homeschool Printing Company, LULU Printing, and Family Nest Printing are all said to be good options-that is per, the TG&TB grapevine. Click their links, get a price quote, and see which one is a good match for your family.
-You want to use the PDF on a tablet or iPad
This option could be a great fit for your family. Especially if you don't have a capable printer, would rather just skip the 3rd party printing scene, but still want to save a few buckaroos. I know of many families that want to curb the cost, and completely or mostly use PDF's on their devices. Putting the PDF on an iPad can literally take seconds to do, per my experience (I explain more of that in here: Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 5]: Downloading A PDF To An Electronic Device? ). But be advised there are some older deceives that can make this step a little more tricky to download.
Reason's You Should Use BOTH-Physical And PDF Copies
Initially your shaking your head at the excessive thought of purchasing all the curriculum twice, but hear me out. You're NOT buying each twice just picking, and choosing which would be best as a PDF or Physical copy. This here is a favorite option of mine, because you get the best of both worlds. Your kids get that physical writing experience that's needed for muscle growth, you get the ease of use at home or on the road, and you get to save a little by purchasing some PDF's.
There is definitely an argument to be made on which is best as a physical textbook-for them to physically write in, or as a digital textbook-work done on a device. (I explain this more in Tips On "The Good & The Beautiful" Curriculum [Part 2]: What Products Are BEST As A Physical Textbook, Digital Textbook, Or Home-Printed PDF?)
So What Type Should You Buy?
After reading the reasons to buy each, you should have a better idea at which option would best work for your family. But, if you're still unsure and need help making up your mind, then keep reading this tip series. Or just follow the tip series to confirm your chosen choice, is the BEST choice for you.
My basic recommendation for most customers of TG&TB (that have the money) is to just buy the physical copies. Since they are relatively cheap, and the print quality is SO nice. But, if you can't resist saving a buck here 'n there buy some as a physical copy and some as a PDF copy. Essentially you will be doing a little bit of both. However, with my personal experience I started with buying physical copies, and then switched to all or mostly all PDF's. I wrote that story here..... My Personal Experience-with Ordering The Good & The Beautiful Curriculum.
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