You said you do not own the TM so do you do the work yourself? BTW I am considering using it for a 3rd, & 8th grader. And yes, I have considered buying the 2006 versions.

I would love more info on the public speaking....please keep us posted.

Is this curriculum only available for purchase overseas? I am not sure I am looking at the correct link? Please help?

Can we start a favorite spelling/vocab list? I can't wait to see the feedback!

Wow, I am trying to keep costs down and I was hoping I could get away without having to purchase the TM as the seems to be the bulk of the cost. Geez, I might have to breakdown and make cuts somewhere else.

One more question. Are the answers to the student text in the TM? I looked at the samples on their site but the pages look as though the TM only shows lesson plans no text answers. Anyone:confused:

Anyone?:bigear::bigear::bigear::bigear:

I have been hsing for 7 years and I wish I would have not used out of the box curriculum in the beginning. I wasted so much time and money trying to stay with Abeka for 2 years and beyond and then on to BJU, Calvert. I wish I had trusted my instinct and purchased what I knew would work for my kids.

Bump:bigear:

Thank you all! I feel relieved!

I am strongly considering TOG for next year. My question is do I have to start at year 1? I have a 3rd, 8th, 11th and 12th. I would prefer to start with year 4 but I don't want to do this if starting with Year 1 is critical. Any advice would help.

Can someone help me here I am confused? I want to make sure I am placing the correct order for VIE. Which book are the student tests located? According to what I see on the site they are in the assessment books but those are sold in sets of 25 is this correct?

We have used R & S since the 5th Grade. My now 11th, 10th and 7th graders all use it......but I did not care for the (9th & 10th) book. I was really looking for something else for them next year. I will look into the great suggestions from everyone. Thanks.

Thanks for this. The only problem is the site does not show the assessments sold individually. Perhaps I will give them a call! Thanks again.

I forgot this....on the site here are the options Voyages in English 2011 Grade 8 Answer Key for Practice and Assessment Books $18.95 Voyages in English 2011 Grade 8 Assessment Book (25/pk) $69.95 Voyages in English 2011 Grade 8 Practice Book $12.95 Voyages in English 2011 Grade 8 Student Edition $54.95 Voyages in English 2011 Grade 8 Teacher Edition $83.95 Voyages in English 2011 Grade 8 Test Generator $149.95 In an effort to keep costs down I am trying to figure out which books/items are a MUST! Thanks

I am looking to use it for 8th and possibly 3rd grade. I have to buy curriculum for 6 kids so I am looking to keep my costs down. Do I have to buy the assessment book in order to get the tests?

One more question.....do I have to order the assessment book in order to give tests?

Just curious. Can Voyagers in English be used without purchasing the TM?

Bump :bigear:

We have used R&S for the past few years. While I do believe the teaching is thorough it can be plain old boring! Not to mention I do not like the upper level ( & 10 book. Does anyone have any upper level Grammar suggestions? And if they do not incorporate writing what writing program do you use with it?

I keep seeing posts for both MFW and TOG, I am looking for a way to take the stress off of planning and the need for me to be available. I have an upcoming 3rd, 1st and K next year....so I would like for my 12th, 11th and 8th to work on their own with as many subjects as they can and still learn! I am loosing my mind trying to plan social studies, history, etc. for 6 people. I have mentioned before that I am worried they haven't retained much from SOS and Lifepacs so I want to use something else. Can someone please tell me the major differences between MFW and TOG and which is easier to implement with multiple children?

Do not be discouraged. One of my sons and daughters did not learn to read until late. Sometimes they just "ain't ready". Yes, they are both dyslexic, but in addition to that they just were not ready until eight. My son (now 13) reads better than anyone in the house! He is constantly messing up my lesson planning because he reads and comprehends so fast. He normally completes assigned novels in 2-3 days, when I have planned them over a month.....and he can pass any knowledge test on them. He is an insatiable reader! My advice to you would be to continue to drill phonics! Do daily phonics drills. I also would recommend Phonics Pathways for reading. I switched to this this year and my 8 year old daughter is now reading. I have tried every "Learn to Read" book out there ( maybe not all but to many to list) and this one works! Lastly, read with him daily and encourage him to begin reading along with you. Use very easy BIG PRINT books with 3 letter words to encourage him. Daily reading and read along is a must. One more thing.....I was able to self diagnosis the dyslexic (my hubby has this). I was also very obvious with both of them. If you know you have tried some of the steps I have mentioned and they don't work you may want to have him checked for vision or a learning disability.

Well I can't actually say SOS is working for me outside of the fact that it frees me up to work with the other children. Next year I will have K, 1st, 3rd, 8th, 11th and 12th. I have my hands full to say the least. I am trying to find as many subjects as possible that are comprehensive but require less hands on for me. Based on both my observation of the kids....SOS and Lifepacs are either too easy or to light. But I don't really know what other options I have that won't drive me crazy. I figured I would get the opinions of others who have tried the other "time freeing" options for History and Science. Thanks for your input.

Thanks for your response. Just wondering if anyone has tried multiple programs and found success in one rather than the other and why? I am slightly overwhelmed with the choices.

I have multiple grade levels. I tried SOS and Lifepacs in both Science and History to take the pressure off of sooo much lesson planning! I don't feel they are getting enough with Alpha Omega and I am trying to decide on a new curriculum. I have seen many say they LOVE TOG but I have also seen others say it was just too much work. I am looking for a lighter load that is both interesting and educational. Any suggestions. Anyone tried more than one? BTW I have a rising 8th, 11th and 12th and a few younger ones.:confused: