I bought yellow ones this year at Office Max and they don't have Microban. Also, I recently decided that there is not a difference between the Black and Yellow other than the color and cost. They don't even list it as being anything more than a black pencil. ;) I even looked at Ticonderoga's site and they don't state a difference. But I do like the way the black ones look.

I very briefly tried Scholaric and Mardel. I didn't feel either was as intuitive as Homeschool planet when it came to dealing with multiple children doing similar assignments but at different levels. But they both had features that Homeschool Planet doesn't. Since you can get a free trial for Scholaric and Homeschool Planet, why not try imputing in a few lessons into both and get a feel for them. Mardel is free. You won't be out anything but some time. I will try the new Well Planned Day provided they release very soon. I have to get my planning finished and don't have time to wait on their nebulous release schedule. ;)

I'm trying to point out the possibilities of why she was given that as an answer. :001_smile: Many of their publications, including the catalog, say that you need to purchase math, reading, and phonetics/spelling program and mention nothing about additional science or history. I was not stating one way or another whether I feel it is enough but rather that some parents feel that it is enough. I think each family needs to make that decision based on their own goals. And, as I stated in a previous post, that I do think a family could do MFW and CC if that's what they want.

If you signed something that said exactly that, it wasn't the standard CC contract. It is a full curriculum at the Challenge level and not a supplement. Perhaps this is what you agreed to: I know a number of people who use CC as their full curriculum and only add in math, handwriting, and reading. It really depends on the community. My community does lean toward less in the younger years and to focus heavily on memory work along with the three R's at the Foundations level. If her community has that same bent, then that might be why they would say that.

I'm starting with my 8 yo. But we may be stuck on Unit 1 & 2 the entire year. I'm ok with that!

CC is just memory work and a presentation. You absolutely can do MFW at the same time if that is what you want to do. Just remember that you will lose 1 day each week and about 30 minutes each day to devote to memorization. But you an also have the CC songs playing while you do chores, run errands, on your way to CC, etc. :)

I don't even think we have a Chevron. Shell is popular but the most expensive. I just buy whatever I'm closest to when I'm low. And I buy the regular grade.

Maybe IEW? I like that they start with a Key Word outline so they have words to start putting the sentences together and then it builds on that concept. The key is to make sure you have the kids retell from the outline.

I use Homeschool Planet. It's helping. And for meal planning, I use ziplist.com which is free. I'm pretty much an online girl except for my to-do list which is page after page in a spiral notebook. I keep other notes in there as well.

oops wrong article....

A few years ago in Kansas City, a car was hijacked with a school aged child in it. But I think that child survived. Horrific story though! This isn't the exact story but apparently it has happened again. http://www.kansascity.com/2013/05/01/4212117/woman-charged-with-car-theft-child.html However, I believe that these stories aren't what is likely to happen when a parent leaves a child in a car. But I can understand why others are posting it is not a good idea to ever leave a child in a car.

Maybe she was curious about what was happening? I don't think I could read that much into some's expression. I think it is also plausible that nobody called and the officer saw your children and stopped.

This might not be the approach you are looking for but these sites are great for practicing typing: http://memorytyper.com &http://scripturetyper.com

Nope. It's all about proper parenting no matter the chosen educational path.

The two groups you mention don't always intersect since everyone has their own comfort levels. A person can limit their audience on facebook by choosing friends and setting their profile to private. Someone who probably limits info on their blog will probably be careful to do the same on facebook either by limiting what information they post or their choice of friends (maybe only IRL friends and family). Many bloggers choose to have a fan page and so they don't have to have their personal account be friends with everyone who reads their blog. And there are people on Facebook who don't blog that limit information as well.

It's a state law here. Did you check into that? Even if the state does not have a specific law prohibiting leaving children inside a vehicle, criminal charges can be filed under more general laws, such as endangering the welfare of a minor, negligent parenthood, or reckless endangerment. The duty of a parent to protect a child from injury is imposed through a legal relationship. (not that I think what you did was wrong or anything. Your children weren't in danger. But more that the preschool and police might have had more legal footing than you realized in the first place.)

have her chew gum or suck on candy when reading or watching TV.

ugh. Monday. But I got up at 5:45. I need to do this over the weekend too so Monday isn't so hard.

Around here the groups are usually full and won't take new members until the following year. But I think it isn't as popular in some areas and they are looking for new members. I'm pretty sure they are everywhere but you may have to drive to get to a club in your county. It just depends on where you live and the popularity of 4H. We meet about once per month. Then there are outside activities. We didn't do Clover Buds. I make my kids wait until they are old enough for the real thing. The Clover Buds don't get to enter fair projects in our county fair and I felt like the purpose and value was unclear. Even though 4H is a BIG deal here, Clover Buds seemed to be a program to keep younger siblings occupied and not much more. YMMV.

These IEW webinars might help: http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/webinar-archive

Just a small tip: I plan 6 weeks at a time. Week 7 is for make up or larger projects if we stayed on schedule. I use an online homeschool planner that has the ability to shift assignments.

She needs to change her expectations. She can expect that she needs to ask him to specifically do things. She also needs to focus more on the things he is doing without being asked. Surely there's something in that category? If not, then it might be time for some professional help.

I find the behavior of the parents that come to your home very odd. The parents might think you have the situation under control? Have you directly asked the parents to tell their children to stop? For example, "I have personal items in my closet and bedroom that aren't for children. Will you please ask them to play here in the living room?" Really the privacy of an adult bedroom should be honored by guests. If they give the little explorers explanation, then say that it isn't appropriate for them to explore your personal items or pantry or whatever and suggest a place they can explore.