Hi there, Can a 6th grader who has a good grasp of grammar (but has done very little diagramming) just jump in at grade level with Growing with Grammar? I'm looking at the 6th grade level. The other option is to get the diagramming supplement, do that for awhile, and then jump into the grade 6. I know she can handle the grammar, but I'm not sure if the Grade 6 reviews diagramming enough for her to do that piece in the program, without some review. If it does, that would be great, and I'd love to know! I'd love opinions, please! Many thanks, Penny

Great question - I'd love to know too... so ((bump)) :) Penny

:grouphug: We're starting tomorrow too, and I'm full of anxiety as well. I think you have a good plan in place, and I hope you can relax and enjoy all your hard work! Plus, just think of all the time you'll have now that you won't be researching curricula... :) Good luck!!! Penny

Handbook of Nature Study Units from Harmony Art Mom. I buy them faithfully, and have never, ever used them. I still love them though, which proves my overall insanity. Fun question, in an odd sort of way... lol Penny

My dear Asmaa - GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :party: Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! Penny (yes, that Penny from the OM board ;))

They will tell her what to do. She will have to submit a course of study (not a big deal, especially with so few weeks left in the year) and send it in with a few forms. Then she can pull her child as soon as she gets her notice that they have been notified. She can email all of this to make it speedy. The VT DOE is very helpful and very understanding. I did this with my Dd a few years ago. It was no problem at all. Took maybe a week total. And yes, your friend should join the VT homeschoolers yahoo group. We're a fun bunch!:D HTH Penny PS: It is not an "approval" process, as someone earlier stated, it is a notification process. Two very different things.

... it barely gets used. More now than in years past, as we do watch Nova and other documentaries. We watch movies sometimes too, not often. Access is not restricted at all, btw. We've just never been TV watchers. TV isn't evil though. Mostly. lol Penny

I didn't realize that you were that familiar with the program. If you know for sure, perhaps you could get the grade you want and see if it's still your dream - they have a great return policy. Then you would know if it's worth it. Can you cut back on something else to get it? Use the payment plan? Good luck! Penny, who, of course, meant no offense to Calvert fans (or chickens) lol

Lots of people sell it used. Try ebay. Calvert is not all it's cracked up to be. That's all I'm sayin'. I said a lot more but then chickened out about posting it! (No offense to chickens intended!) Penny

I think I might actually use the Trail Guide to World Geography instead, that way I can combine both of my daughters together. The 4th grader is pretty map savvy, and an excellent reader, so I think your advice about the picture books is probably right for her, they would be too young (sadly! I love picture books!) Many thanks for your reply! Penny

Anyone? Pretty please? :) Penny

Hi :) I'm wondering if Galloping the Globe can be used with a fourth grader very well, or if it's really geared towards students who are much younger. I love the look of it. Also, if it is better for youngers, do you have any suggestions for a very hands-on geography study with lots of map work and projects and cultural stuff? I have loads of books, so SL and WP are not what I'm looking for, I'm really looking for an around the world activity guide. And while I'm at it (grin) do you have any suggestions for an around the world geography study for 8th graders? Again, focused on activities and not reading - I have loads of books, and a great library. Many thanks for any help or advice you can give me! Penny

Mathematical Reasoning is a big hit here too. I use it to supplement MUS, but truthfully, I'm thinking of dropping the MUS and going with MR and games and flashcards. We're just finishing MR D, if that helps. Have fun! We love Critical Thinking anything around here. Penny

I think it only says American Girl on the return address. You should be fine. I think. When you order - ask them - they may be able to ship in a plain box. I'm sure you are not the first person to need this! Have fun! Penny

We always have a picnic lunch! Penny

I supplement MUS with Evan Moor Daily Word Problems. Variety is good :) Penny

Sorry I got my FLL3 and my WWE messed up - it's been a long day of me having to get comfortable in a new mindset. We've have done dictation and narration - just less formally. I think she can handle the work - and if not I'll pop her down a level - no harm. Thank you all for letting me know that it's ok to do SOTW 1 and WWE3 together - I feel very unsure of myself right now, except in my resolve to get back on the WTM track. I could do my own "Things I Wish I'd Done Differently" lecture...especially for the 7th grader... but that's a whole other set of questions! Thanks again, very much, Penny

Still :confused1:, and would appreciate any input! Thank you!

Hello :) It's been a long time since I've been here - I was seduced (for lack of a better word) away by some other homeschool theories about 5 years ago. Luckily... I've recovered. lol Now I'm back with a couple of questions, and hoping someone will help me out. I have purchased FLL3 and WWE for my grade 3 daughter, and I noticed that the readings correspond (appropriately) to SOTW3. However, I was planning to do SOTW1 with her. She actually knows quite a bit of history thanks to some other things we've done and her older sister, but she's never done an in-depth thing like SOTW. I guess my question is... Is it better to line up FLL and SOTW3 or will it be ok to do SOTW1 with her and let the readings be connections she makes later? She has also done a LOT of USA history, (including pioneers) so she'll make connections that way as well. Thank you for any guidance, and I'm sure I'll be back - I have a seventh grader too! Gratefully, Penny PS: I'm listening to Mrs. Wise's CD "What I Would Have Done Differently" - she is so inspiring!

That is just what I needed. Thank you so much! Be well, Penny

Hi :) I have a daughter who will be 9 in Sept. (grade 3). She has good grammar skills and understands what a sentence is, what a paragraph is, etc. I'm wondering if I can plunk her into WWE3 or if we should back up and do WWE2. Any guidance is truly appreciated! Many thanks, Penny

Hi, I'm thinking of using Writing Strands with my rising 7th grader. She is a competent writer, but a very reluctant one. Should I start her in book 5 as WTM suggests or Book 4 like Rainbow Resources suggests (not that I don't trust WTM more, I just wonder if Ms. Bauer is optimistic!)? Also, has anyone had any experience starting WS late? Is this a bad idea? Is there another? CW is out, as is Bravewriter. I think the more systematic approach of WS is a better fit. Maybe. I hope. Can you tell I'm frustrated with the whole composition thing today? lol Any help is appreciated, so thank you in advance! Penny

So... my daughter has finished 1/2 the Key to... Algebra books and the Key to... Geometry books. She's doing well with them, but I feel like she should be doing something, um... different. I have two questions: 1. Am I wrong? Are these books fine for 7th and 8th grade? When she finishes them can she head straight into Algebra I? 2. Should I have her do Mathematics A Human Endeavor this year and then head into Jacobs Algebra when she finishes (8th or 9th grade), rather than stick with the Key to.. series and then go to Algebra (most likely Jacobs)? I think she would like the Mathematics A Human Endeavor book, but I don't want to switch gears unless it makes sense. I'd like to see her enjoy math a little too, rather than just "get it done" - the Key to.. books are very, well, unexciting (for lack of a better term...) Any opinions would be VERY gratefully received! Thank you so much! Penny

thank you thank you thank you In my 6 years of homeschooling, I have never been so unsure about what to do next. Thanks for your help! Penny

Hi :) My 2 questions about RS4K, Chemistry: A) Is Pre-Level 1 enough for a third grader or should I get her Level 1? and B) Is Level 1 too easy for a 7th grader, or should I get her Level 2? Neither girl has had much chemistry beyond acids/bases/mixtures, etc. stuff. THANK YOU! This is driving.me.crazy. (today, tomorrow it will be something else! lol) Penny