Thank you so much! Do you feel it was pretty independent? Semi? Not? I’ll go check out the preview classes, hadn’t seen them somehow.

I don’t have any personal experience with it but a friend uses it for her kids and apparently likes it enough to be using it for a second year. I’m pretty sure she has each kid in grade appropriate books, however. From what it sounds like, it seems like they do it pretty independently. I’d like to hear more thoughts on it too, though.

Thank you!

Have you actually used anything from the Charlotte Mason links above yet? I’m curious about them for German. I speak no German but am fluent in Spanish and shaky in French. My son wants to learn German but I’m planning on him getting a head start in Latin next year with GSWL in 4th and then continuing with Latin and adding a second language more on the side. Would this method still work for that age? Does the teacher need to have any knowledge of the language? Sorry if this is hijacking a bit, but maybe the answers could help the OP some way.

Oh my goodness I’m so confused....

The set includes shin, feet, head and hands, no mouth though and no bag. Hmmmm..... I wish I knew how long they’d end up being in the size that was ordered! I’ll have to talk with him again. It does feel like he does try to get money out here and there moreso than is perhaps necessary, so I’m quite sure he’s making a cut of some sort. On the other hand, it is a very well run and well instructed do jang so I guess I shouldnt’ complain too much.

So the place we go to is “encouraging” us to get sparring gear for DSs 9 and 6. They are currently yellow belts. The master says that even if they don’t want to spar in tournaments (which neither care to do at this point) its going to start to be required during classes. He also “strongly encourages” us to get the sparring gear through him for about $130/each. I asked him about getting some online and while he didn’t say no, he says what he has is likely better quality, etc.... Is there actually a difference in TKD sparring gear? The one I was looking at on Amazon was Macho Dyna brand 7 piece set for $71/each. Definitely enough of a difference where I might just buck he “recommendation,” especially as we’re having plenty of costs this month elsewhere. Is $130 a valid price? What have you paid for yours? Is there much of a quality diffference from this Macho Dyna to something (no idea what that would even be) more expensive?

For what it’s worth, I’m a fan of gifting smart wool or darn tough wool socks in these occastions🙂 everyone loves warm feet!

So I saw in the Black Friday deals thread a link to Matholia. I haven’t heard of it before and am wondering if anyone could weigh in on their experience with it. Is it just for those using Singapore? I tried Singapore when my oldest two were 1st and 3rd and let’s just say I am certainly not a great Singapore method teacher. Those two now in CLE and all is delightful. My youngest is now in 1st and doing Singapore just because I had it and didn’t want to buy another curriculum and he (and even I so far) are doing fine about halfway through 1B. He seems to click with it better than the others did. would using Matholia next year be a way for Singapore to be taught without so much needed from me? Is that the niche it is trying to fill? any other thoughts on it?

Sorry to be pushy, but bumping this to see if anyone else has any reviews. Thanks!

Very helpful, thanks!

So I’m not really sciencey, other than A&P. DD10 in 5th is doing Real Science 4 Kids Biology (elementary level). I’ve stretched it out over the year (which I know is not how it’s really supposed to be used) since I really wasn’t too concerned about pounding science in 5th grade. She has done RSO Science last year, and is familiar with ideas around science but I think it might be time to step it up for next year. I’m also considering doing an online or DVD option with someone who actually is teaching her, as opposed to me just watching progress this year (my best laid plans of being more involved are only somewhat happening). I’d love for the online/DVD option to be not too strenuous, but a solid intro both to being accountable to someone other than me and how to handle the intricacies of online learning, as I see more of this happening slowly in the future. So far I’ve looked at WTMA, CLRC, WHA, Scholé and Memoria Press Online. Of these, it looks like MP might be the less demanding of them all? I’d love input from anyone who has done any of these, or other options I could be considering. I’d love to feel like I’m not failing her, and this might be the route to do that. Thanks!!

I’m so glad I opened this thread!!!! Have been half-heartedly thinking I should get a typing program for my girl and this is exactly what I was needing without knowing what I was needing. I’d love some user tips on it from those familiar with it.

I picked up a 2002 Britanica set from the library for a “suggested donation.” I have told them I’ve been on the lookout for a couple years now so they’ve had me on their radar. I grew up with adult World Book set of 1988 and visually probably prefer them for kids but will make do with these for now.

So does anyone have experience with any knock-off brands?

This thread might just finally tip me over into purchasing.....

So I’m a bit confused by ChalkDust/coolmathguy. Is this just a supplemental program to use as “tutoring” in addition to what we do at home on our own, or can this stand as a whole year course? If so, do people use the books he recommends or what you have already planned on using. I’m thinking of trying a free trial day....

What are people’s thoughts on RS4K Biology for middle grades? I am staring that this year, stretching it out over a full year. We’ll see....

Following, and thinking of so many things I could have done differently!

I’m adding my voice to the “switched from Singapore to CLE” camp as well. We were in your similar boat, DD was in 3rd but had tested into 2A (I think) so did 2A and 2B in third grade year. IT.WAS.A.STRUGGLE. Neither her nor my mind worked that way (though I wish it would have). Math was a drama scene almost every day and we were falling farther and farther behind. End of the year, I knew we needed a change. Investigated here and found many voices recommending CLE. Tested her into 304 for this past fourth grade year (about halfway through the third grade year as Singapore just had not been grasped) and I can’t remember a single day this year where we have had tears. She scored a 92% for the year for math which definitely would not have happened last year. I would have loved for Singapore to be “easy” for her, but it just wasn’t.

Yes, I looked at RSO biology 2 and quickly decided we weren’t ready for that stage quite yet. I’m considering now having 1st and 3rd in RSO Life and then having 5th grader either do RS4K Focus on Biology, having it spread out over the year while she also helps 1st grader with scribing in his notebook for Life. .That way she will be getting a taste on her own level, as well as helping and relearning from Life. Other option is having her do Elemental Science Logic Stage Biology. With this she will likely have less time to help 1st grader and I wonder if I might be stretching myself too thin doing two separate sciences. I really like having them together when we can. Any thoughts on these options?

Seeking Squirrels, thank you for your insight!

Yes, I’m hoping to have everyone in one topic! So much easier. Any other input from wise mommas? Specifically, I guess, what have/would people supplement with?

I am considering using RSO Life which, according to their website, is targeted for 1st grade. I would be using it for a 1st, 3rd and 5th grader. I’ve read varying opinions on its suitability for older ages. If you have used this, can you give me your thoughts on this for a fifth grader? She is average, did RSO Chemistry this year. If you felt the need to supplement, what did you use and how? Thanks!

This dealer has massively great reviews across many review sites, 400+ at each one which makes me feel good. What they have told me is that it had a driver side accident, maybe swiped? Fender, both driver side doors, tire and control motor(?) and axle were replaced. The accident was in 2017, I believe. Does this change anyone’s opinion?