I want to thank all of you for these great suggestions. I had not even looked at Miquon yet, but after your recommendations did take a look online. Looks like it could be a great program for us! I'm also thrilled to hear about all of the other suggestions for books as well as Bob Jones. I am off the check it out now. This is so exciting! We are having so much fun with homeschooling. We are using Five In A Row, which we all LOVE. I just can't believe how much they are learning while having a blast! LOL! A little bit of a different experience than I had in my own early schooling. :) We are also working on phonics and they can't get enough of that either. I'll never forget my daughters excitement when she read her first reader! LOL! I am so thankful to be a homeschooling mom, and to have such great encouragers and sources of wisdom here on the boards. What a blessing! Thanks again, Anita

Can anyone offer some good advice here? I am looking for the best resources on fun ways to learn using Pattern Block and also Cuisenaire Rods. Is anyone familiar with any of these that I am considering? If not, is there something that you recommend? I have a kindergartener and preschooler. I am considering these for Pattern Blocks: Pattern Block Activities For Primary Grades http://www.rainbowresource.com/cartdetail.php?sid=1249360667-1471588&id=038888 The Super Source Pattern Blocks http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?deptId=&prodId=015120'>http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?deptId=&prodId=015120'>http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?deptId=&prodId=015120'>http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?deptId=&prodId=015120 As well as basic Pattern Block activity cards/books. I'm considering these for Cuisenaire Rods: Idea Book For Cuisenaire Rods At Primary Level http://www.rainbowresource.com/cartdetail.php?sid=1249360667-1471588&id=005104 The Super Source Cuisenaire Rods http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?deptId=&prodId=015120 Of course I can't get them all, so need to narrow it down. Also, I am looking at K math programs. I know that there are many things that can be done apart from a set curriculum with K students, and have considered using the book called Hands-On Math for some additional guidance (newbie homeschooler here). http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1591982324/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance Of course we do things that teach math day to day in real life situations..... Anyway, have any of you used a curriculum in the lower grades that you liked, which used a lot of manipulatives? My children seem to learn best this way. We would like for them to learn to visualize math rather then counting on fingers from an early age. I have heard good things about MUS in the early grades. We are considering using CLE in a few years, but want something now to help them start thinking mathematically. Any suggestions? Thanks for any advice you can give. :)

Yea! I'm happy that it worked for you too! I just LOVE a good deal. LOL! Was shopping for the best deal for Cuisenaire Rods online and just "happened" upon the code. I love it when the Lord provides like that. ;) Anyway, couldn't keep the code to myself. Just too good of a deal not to share....

Make sure to put the code in the coupon code box at checkout, not in the catalog code box. I seem to recall there was one box that I thought was for the coupon code, and entered it and it didn't work. I hope this helps, and that they have not discontinued the code. Would love to hear if anyone else is able to get a good deal using this code. :) Anita

You might also want to consider CLE if you are looking at Rod And Staff. I have heard incredible things about their curriculum. Several people who have used CLE have posted reviews on homeschoolreviews.com. I think R&S would be great too, but CLE is another option to consider if you like R&S, since there are some similarities. http://www.clp.org/christian_light_education :) Anita

Here is a good deal that I got today for Connecting Cuisenaire Rods. Be sure to use this coupon code for an ADDITIONAL 40% off clearance prices! Coupon Code: JULY40 This set in a great deal...and while you may not need the overhead rods, perhaps you know someone who could use them. You also get 48 double sided activity cards to use with the rods. http://www.learningresources.com/product/teachers/shop+by+category/manipulatives/math/number+concepts+-+operations/connecting+cuisenaire--174-+rods+addition+-amp-+subtraction+classroom+kit.do?search=basic&keyword=cuisenaire+rods&sortby=bestSellers&page=1& Hope this helps someone... :001_smile: Anita

OK...so does Interlock have more hands on activities than Horizon Prek? Or are the hands on activities the same in both, but Horizon just adds the workbooks/phonics? I really don't want to miss the hands on activites, since my children really enjoy these...... Thanks, Anita

Hi! Just wanted to thank you for the HOP coupon code info. Thanks to your post I checked their website. Some of their new programs are just coming out. Some are already listed as "on sale" on their website, but the slick50 code didn't work. It works for the old HOP programs, but not the new ones. I found another code that also works for the new ones too. Try the code CASH50. HTH.