I love Singapore. I have one mathy kid and one non-mathy kid. They both do fine. I always buy the Textbook but barely ever use it. I don't think that I have opened any of them for 2 years, but I like to have them in case I need to explain something in another way. You definitely DON'T need any instructor guides (in my opinion). If you want extra practice I would say to get an extra practice book or just do some problems on your own. Grab a cheap workbook from walgreens or something. My kids are in 4A-5A and I supplement with "Key to" books depending on what I feel like they need work on. But you need to use what works best for both you & your son. I think that if some people are used to something like Saxon or Horizons, Singapore will seem like it is lacking substance. It is only lacking the amount of exactly the same problems. My 10 yo would have DIED if I had ever presented him with a whole page full of problems like that! It takes several years to really gain a full understanding of all the basic math, and if you don't try to drill it or jam it all in there at once, it is more likely to become an acceptable daily thing.... not a dreaded and awful activity. Sorry, just getting on my math soap box.:tongue_smilie: Korin

In regards to Ring of Fire... I bought 2 of the discs *used* and they are on the rock cycle and earth science. They seem to be secular, but I haven't really delved into them, so maybe I am in for a shock. I hope not. I plan on selling them again anyway so it is no big deal. I like a lot of the literature selections in WP, and have used their IGs on occasion (in a totally warped way)... and other than a few overtly creationist books, can be secularized. I can't wait to do HAOH. I am doing the MP3 classes, not live... I still have to talk my husband in to the expense, but that is no big deal.

For History, what about "History at our House"? Not a book.... but I know that it is totally secular. I have soon to be 4th & 5th graders (how did that happen!) and here is some stuff I will be using.... L.A.: MCT LA series (these are really excellent! especially if you & kids are visual types), AAS when I finish that I will most likely go back to Sequential spelling, writing: a few of the "arrow" and freewriting from bravewriter, letting my boys have a web page on my blog whenever I start one. Math: Singapore w/ key to... and starting LoF, Adventures of Penrose the Mathmatical Cat, Murderous Maths Science: Dr. Arts guide to science, The Way Life Works, ring of fire. I am winging it on science this year. I refuse to buy another science program! I will try HAOH this year and I have all the horrible histories and dead famous books. Also various Learning through History magazines. I have become a bit of a secular snob, in that I can't tolerate much "extra curricular" in each subject. I used to modify a bit, but I still seemed to be able to avoid it, as the way those curriculum tend to be laid out was never appealing to me. Now I just can't tolerate it. :tongue_smilie: There are plenty of people who will buy that stuff anyway.... I look forward to some more suggestions... Korin who does not know how to make those little signature lines so many of you have:confused:

I think that every library should carry Home Education Magazine, as it is the most even-handed and inclusive of all the mags I know of. If someone is looking to start HSing or curious, it will not scare someone off ~ on many levels. HSing is now done for so many reasons, and HEM doesn't seem to prop up the "stereotype" of HSers as all religious fundamentalists, but human beings interested in doing what is best for their families.... it covers the broadest spectrum. Also, all the advertising is like 50% christian based vs. 50 % secular/ non-religious... which seems fair to me.... That all being said, Secular Homeschooling Magazine is my favorite HS mag, but not necessarily the best "first" magazine for a library to purchase. Does this help?

You shouldn't feel terrible. Even with any curriculum, book, etc. you use, it might work great until it just... doesn't. Don't sweat it, or feel guilty! It is only curriculum! You can sell it, or donate it to someone else... or keep it in case you and your kids change your minds again. Or... use both!!! Books don't expire. At least, a lot of them.:001_smile:

I started AAS 1 with my 10 & 9 yos together. I have explained to them that it might "appear" to be too easy, but that it is laying a foundation, and I don't expect it to take them more than few weeks. I have modified it quite extensively, as we went through the phonograms once (only reviewing vowels & ch) they now most of the other rules, so I just kind of wing it, look at some parts I think are important and emphasize them and away we go! We had only one 2 days worth of lessons (1-4) and yesterday I dictated 50 words (yes they were all 3 letter words) with nary a single mistake. They felt that they had accomplished something, I was happy that they didn't screw up such easy stuff, then I let them put stickers through lesson 8, after going over whatever rules needed to be covered. Even though it is totally scripted you shouldn't be afraid of modifying it when you need to. We only did the tiles once so far, I can't imagine using them more than once before we move on to harder parts. There can be an advantage to using it with an older child, as you don't have to repeat the tedious parts until they actually don't know it. anyhoo, my 2 cents. I am looking forward to level 2, when i can find it cheap enough!

ok... not my cup of tea. Sorry!

I thought I knew of every math program... and yet there are still ones I have never heard about! I am no help to this actual thread... just thought I would point that out.:D I am a tried and true singapore-ean with many silly supplements, to mix it up, key to... and math lit. As my kids are reaching the top end of Singapore though, I have to start paying attention again! :tongue_smilie: Korin

I am a firm believer in approaching math from many angles. :001_smile: I have LoF fractions and plan on eventually doing most of them (although I hear geometry has some problems) but I would like to point out a few other books for all of you to look at... if you are already on the bandwagon as "math & lit" together... these are another great addition. Penrose The Mathmatical Cat- Theoni Pappas my kids could have me read from this one all day long! There is a second book that I don't have yet. Under 10$ on amazon The Number Devil- your library should have this. Murderous maths series- Poskitt from Great Britain. VArious subjects. You can get them from this guy in San Diego http://www.horriblebooks.com My kids are 10 & 9. So starting 5th & 4th, if I cared to grade them. My older is less mathy, my younger is math whiz, so they are almost on the same Singapore book. One more month or two and they will both be in 4B. I enjoy mixing it up with the stories. Anyway, I thought you might like to have a few more math book options. ;) Korin

Thank you! These ideas will really help!

I am specifically looking for a good, preferably free, source for finding some copywork. I have boys, 10 & 9. I have really been slow to start the writing thing, but am now seeing the need to incorporate some copywork. I would LOVE a site where I can just print some stuff off. I would also prefer it being from real literature, and not religious in nature. I like to keep our education and spirituality separate.:) If this is an impossibility, I would also welcome any ideas for how to go about this on my own. I would prefer something I can just plunk down in front of them, instead of having to type out. I spend too much time in front of this computer anyway. Thanks in advance! Korin