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tjarnold

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Everything posted by tjarnold

  1. I'm looking forward to hearing the responses to this, too. Tiffany
  2. No religion is in it, except to tell the story of science within historical context. The author is not Christian, and the series is definitely secular. We've been using Aristotle Leads the Way this year for my 6th-grader and 7th-grader, occasionally using the Teacher's Manual and Quest Guide. I don't think we'll continue with the TM and Quest Guide in the future, but that's probably mostly because I tend not to use teacher's manuals in general. I buy them, but I don't use them. My question is this ... I'm in a dilemma about what to do for my soon-to-be 8th-grader. Looking toward high school, should I have my son just continue with Story of Science, and then plunge into biology (probably a secular textbook, since my husband doesn't want to use Apologia), or should I switch to a new program now? I'm thinking my son might need more of a foundation before he hits a massive biology textbook. Anyone have advice?
  3. Have you figured out exactly which facts they know by heart? There is a sheet of all the addition facts in either the student book or the teacher's manual (depending on which edition you have). Steve Demme suggests that you have the child(ren) mark which facts they've mastered so they understand their goal and what they've already accomplished. Also, how long have they been working on Alpha? The answers to those two questions would help me determine whether you should move ahead or slow down and let them concentrate on mastering facts for awhile. Tiffany
  4. No, my kids didn't have trouble with the switch. I think they found it relaxing and a breath of fresh air. Of course, the way it's presented by the parent could make a big difference in how the children perceive it. I presented it as if it would be the solution to my daughter's math struggles. (It might not have been a complete solution, but it certainly helped a LOT.) Tiffany
  5. We, too, switched from A Beka to MUS. We backtracked a bit for one of my children, so I can relate to your dilemma. I'd do the placement testing first, then re-evaluate. And since you know you want to switch, I'd do it now, which would give you a running start for the fall. Just one opinion, Tiffany
  6. Looking forward to hearing the answers to this question. I kept asking it myself as I stood in front of the CAP booth in Cincinnati this past weekend. Tiffany
  7. That would be fantastic! I have two students who are ready for it, and we can't wait to get started. Thanks, Tiffany P.S. Loved hearing you speak in Cincinnati!
  8. Thank you SO much for the update. So will the Bauer Family Homeschool talk appear at a different time? Tiffany
  9. These sound like great ideas! I understand about the VP cards. They are, indeed, pricey. I'm thinking that, at the minimum, I'll buy the Foundations Guide and audio CD. I'd love to hear how it all works out for you. Keep us posted! Tiffany
  10. Thanks, Crimson Wife. That's very helpful. Tiffany
  11. Thank you so much for your replies and insights, ladies! Tiffany
  12. Actually, I haven't quite figured out how we'll be doing the memory work. I'm hoping that some of my friends will want to do an informal group, modeled on CC, but some are undecided still. I think I'll need the external accountability to keep it going within our own homeschool. How about you? Have you worked out how you'll make it work?
  13. Do you find that you do a lot of condensing? And then do you continue with FLL 3 and 4? Thanks!
  14. Hi, We're not actually enrolled in CC either, but I'm trying to work out a way to get going on the memory component on my own (similar to your situation). I did just receive an official message from CC, which said that Essentials of the English Language was going to be released in a 4th edition. Apparently, there will be a blogtalkradio.com show today at 12:00 pm, during which new products/updates will be discussed. Here's the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/1smartmama/2011/03/23/courtney-sanford-talks-about-ccs-new-trivium-tables HTH, Tiffany
  15. Thank you, Dawn. At this point, I'm planning on using WWE as well, so I wonder if that should be a significant point in my decision-making process. Tiffany
  16. Hi, all, I've used IEW's Phonetic Zoo with one of my children, and it dramatically improved her spelling. I now have a younger child coming along, and I'm considering various spelling program options. I'd love to be able to use something that won't take much assistance from mom. Phonetic Zoo is appealing because a) I already own it, and b) it's very self-directed. However, I'm worried that even though this child is a good reader for her age (reading Nate the Great books at age 5) and LOVES spelling, I'd be asking too much to have her start PZ by next fall. What are your opinions? The other option at this point seems to be Spelling Workout, which I've used a bit in the past. Thanks, Tiffany
  17. Hi, all, I used First Language Lessons (c. 2003) with my two older children when it was first published. Now my youngest is almost ready to begin the program, and I'm wondering if you can advise me about the new version. I have looked at samples online, but I'm torn between my love of buying new books and my desire not to waste money. Are there any compelling reasons that I should buy the new FLL? Advantages/disadvantages of each? FWIW, I already own Rod and Staff English 3 and 4, so it would probably be wise for me to transition to R&S after the first two years of FLL. But I'd be open to hearing opinions on why I might want to use FLL for the full four years. Thanks, Tiffany
  18. I bought the completer set a couple of years into our MUS journey. We rarely actually need them, but at the time, I thought they would be nice to have on hand since I have three children doing MUS. We're not big users of the blocks anyway, and honestly, I probably wouldn't buy them again. For a family that uses the manipulatives with every lesson though, the completer set might be very, very useful. HTH, Tiffany
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