A Word About Purchasing Flashcards

I realize that even the mere mention of flashcards can make some homeschool moms cringe, but I also know that they are a crucial part of review time for others. Whatever side of the line you find yourself, I hope these few tips will help you as you attempt to buy the "perfect" cards for your homeschool.

Not all flashcards are created equal. If that's true, then what makes a good flashcard? Well, if you're askin', here's my 2 cents...





Need some flashcard game ideas?

Here's a link to a week-long series of flashcard review games.


A few distributors of "quality" cards

ABeka Book
Trend (but only their "all facts" line)
Christian Light Publications

Remember, you don't have to sacrifice your budget in order to be able to afford "quality." I have only ever purchased 2 or 3 sets of cards at full price. Most of the cards that I own have been purchased at the used curriculum booths at my annual homeschool convention or on a curriculum "garage sale" site.

Did I leave anything out?  What is YOUR flashcard criteria?

19 comments:

  1. LinAugust 6, 2013 at 2:28 AM

    Very useful post, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. CariAugust 6, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    As a new homeschooling mom to a kindergartener, preschooler and teeny tot this was very helpful and will keep me from that crazy dollar section at target! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie EricksonAugust 6, 2013 at 3:45 PM

      That section can be a bit addicting. Can't it?

      Delete
    2. CariAugust 6, 2013 at 4:09 PM

      It totally can!! I try to go to Target with all my kiddos so it forces the trip to be focused and quick :-)

      Delete
  3. ShayneAugust 6, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    I'm interested in finding some quality art flashcards, with works by famous artists. Do you use anything like that or know of a source for such a product?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie EricksonAugust 6, 2013 at 3:44 PM

      Shayne, I, myself do not know of a set. But, I'm sure there is a good one out there. Are you on Facebook? I could post this as a reader question and see if anyone else has a good suggestion for an a quality art set.

      Delete
    2. JustCoreyApril 24, 2015 at 2:06 PM

      That is a good idea... I just found a set on amazon after reading this comment called "famous painting cards" I am thinking of getting it for art supplement

      Delete
    3. Jamie EricksonApril 24, 2015 at 2:33 PM

      Thanks for the suggestion.

      Delete
    4. Finding Joy in the JourneyJuly 15, 2019 at 9:15 PM

      https://b4185.myubam.com/p/1241/famous-paintings

      Delete
  4. melanieAugust 6, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    was interesting but I am wondering why the expense of purchasing when you and the child or children could make your own. We found it helped to reinforce the information much like taking notes on a 3x5 card.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie EricksonAugust 6, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      I guess in the end, I was able to find most of my sets cheaper than it would be to buy 3x5 cards. So, I opted for a professional grade set. I didn't figure it was necessary to reinvent the wheel. But, I can see how creating your own would be another good way to do it.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousAugust 7, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Thank you for showing the difference between the different sea of flash arts. The dollar spot draws us in because of price, but has its downside. A Beka is coming to my town Friday soi will definitely be ordering the addition and subtraction cards....plus, free shipping!!!! Would you recommend any of their other cards for their 1st grade math program?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie EricksonAugust 7, 2013 at 7:31 PM

      I have the combination dot cards and find them to be very helpful, but would not consider them to be "essential". They are referenced quite a lot in the curriculum, but if you decide not to purchase them, you'll be OK.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2013 at 9:40 PM

      After watching your video I ended up buying the Abeka flashcards, ALL the sets needed for 1st grade math at a wonderful, used price!!!!! I just laminated all of them for more durability :)
      Thanks again for your follow up comment and the informative video.

      Delete
    3. Jamie EricksonSeptember 10, 2013 at 10:20 PM

      You're welcome! Happy homeschooling!

      Delete
  6. KatieAugust 13, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    Thank you SO much for linking to the "all facts" flashcards. I really disliked how our current set didn't include 'twins'. I love the 'old school' look of the Abeka cards, but the addition cards are currently out of stock...and I think they may be a bit bigger than what I want for our small space. Every square inch counts!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousAugust 18, 2016 at 9:45 AM

    I've been contemplating buying the phonics and the blend cards from Abeka, as well as the math facts, for a long time now. I think you just convinced me. I just need to look for them used, because they can be pretty expensive otherwise, and all the different ones that I want will add up quickly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie EricksonAugust 18, 2016 at 7:34 PM

      Yes, the price adds up quickly. I bought almost all of mine used.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousAugust 18, 2016 at 8:16 PM

    I keep watching them on e-bay, but it's ridiculous what people bid on them. By the time you add the shipping cost, they end up being the same price (sometimes even more) than on Abeka's website. It really defeats the purpose, and I can't find anywhere else to buy them from. :((

    ReplyDelete