Hi All-I know I register as a "visitor" and feel a little conspicuous here, but haven't spent much time on forums and boards until recently. I hope some of you might be willing to share some thoughts. We've homeschooled for 9 years-I never wanted to homeschool, initially that is. But I had a child that I just knew would not succeed in a classroom, and out of much concern for him, kept him home to homeschool. He is my oldest. We got him tested early on, and he registered learning disabled in two major language categories, but with significant strengths in Math. I could summarize the next seven years, up till now, by saying, we've spent all these years trying to help him learn. We've focused in improving weak areas by targeting some special curriculum, while challenging him in his areas of strength. Overall, I'm pleased with where we are. Different tests have been suggested for him, but basically, it comes down to more money-which we don't have. So, we just keep faithfully plugging away here. With that said, we're trying to add Latin now, which we wanted to do years ago when I first read The Well Trained Mind. But after starting school with him, realized that language would be very hard for him and have had to step through most carefully. It seems that now that we're almost in high school, I might be able to successfully add Latin to his work. It can't be high maintenance, nor expensive. But I believe in the benefits of knowing some Latin. Do any of you have some helpful suggestions for me? I have read Duffy's reviews of Vocabulary from classical roots, but I guess this wouldn't really qualify as a Latin program would it? He is currently studying the English from the roots up cards and learning them fairly well. But thats about all. I should mention that I have younger ones that I can start as well, since their learning is more stable. So, something that I can get use out of with more than one child would be great.

We have used MUS since my oldest was in 2nd grade. He is in Algebra 1 now. My second son is doing Zeta in 6th grade, my next doing Gamma in 3rd, and I'm just starting Primer with my K4 child. We test every year, Iowa now, since that is required by our state for homeschoolers. My children always test high in applied problems, and math concepts. They all really understand Math. Everyone seems to like it, but then again, we've only ever done MUS (except my oldest in 1st grade did Saxon and that was a horrible experience, even though I know it is a solid curriculum for so many, just not us). The one weakness that stands out, is that they could do better on the timed portion of their tests. I am using drill sheets just to help them work a little faster. Apart from that, its MUS for us!

I used this with my oldest, who I knew had issues before we even started Kindergarten. What I mean by "issues" is that I knew he was not a "typical" learning style. He would later be tested as learning disabled in both spelling and reading. So, we took it slow and slow. But were faithful with Phonics Pathways. I think the simple and non-busy approach of this curriculum helped him so much. He seemed comforted by it, and more apt to try. There weren't a lot of props and busy things, but just a book and some paper for me to dictate to him. He did learn to read a couple of years later, and by that time we had switched curriculums-but NOT because he and I didn't like it. I loved it and he actually was upset when I told him we would change. I just think he was working so hard and he needed a fresh perspective to help jump-start him again. I still think the Phonics Pathways was a fabulous start, and I would have been happy to continue with it. I still have this book and am saving it for my next one. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Phonics Pathways! My son had some real obstacles in learning to read and it was wonderful!

Okay, Kai, that was very helpful. I have never heard of ALEKS and that sounded interesting so I looked it up. Its not in the budget for me. But I am having my son do timed review online and also another version on paper with both facts, and applied arithmetic. I do this mainly because although a solid student, is just slow. This is not so much a weakness, but a lifestyle :) So, I'm trying to help him "compete" with himself on paper or online. He likes overall the challenge. Buuut, when the time is up, we're back to normal pace . . . Sigh. Anyway, so you think that a solid math foundation is mostly what is critical here, if I understand you correctly. Did you use the DVD's too? Thanks again!

I noticed, and read, many posts on this curriculum before. However, I am not satisfied with my level of understanding people's input on it. My question is this: I am considering this for a seventh grader who has a very solid understanding of Mathematical concepts, and is very comfortable and confident overall with doing Math. Now, I would not say gifted, although definitely a strength. Should he complete a Pre-Algebra curriculum first, or is going straight from 6th grade Math into this doable for this type of a student? Thanks for whatever help you can give. I would plan to purchase the Dr. Calahan DVDs to do it with.

Hello-I would love for all of you, or many of you to help me understand how I might think of these tests. Overall, I'm okay with where my kids have come out on them. But the more I talk to people at times, I get concerned thinking that maybe numbers I'm okay with, I should not be okay with. Of course, I know this is all relative, and every child, situation, test, and year is unique. I just want to know what kinds of numbers you all consider "good". On the IOWA, there is a final percentage number that shows where your child lines up in a 100% range. It seems to me, that above 80 or 85 would be a good solid range. It seems also, that in the 75th or around there, would be good, but not as solid. Are there an abundant amount of homeschoolers testing much higher than this? Or is that an illusion I am creating? Thanks for helping.