madteaparty, I've ndver read the whole series, do take this with a huge grain of salt, but I don't think not reading The Book of Three (first book) would prevent you from enjoying The Black Cauldron (book two).

That's a fun story! Have you read Betsy-Tacy?

It's Read Aloud Thursday on my blog. Please come over and share your read-aloud blog posts from February if you're a blogger. If not, share what your family's read-alouds have been in a comment! http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/2014/02/27/read-aloud-thursday-february-2014/

We're about 2/3 of the way through The Black Cauldron.

I think my girls' favorites are usually our most recent read alouds. I shared all our favorites from 2013 in this blog post, as well as links to top picks lists from previous years: http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/2013/12/26/read-aloud-thursday-december-2013-list-and-top-ten-for-2013/

SeaConquest, it has been well over a year now since we've used SW (so the levels were easier, too), but it seemed much more like busy work to me. R & S seems to actually address actual rules and patterns. Again, though, it has been a long time since we've used SW.

My 2nd grade, 8 year old dd is working through R & S grade 2 spelling. We've attempted AAS (which I love but cannot implement with all our other time-intensive curricula) and a few others (Spelling Workout, Sequential Spelling & Spelling Wisdom with my older dd), but so far I've been most pleased with R & S on terms of how thorough it is. However, this 2nd grade book is extremely easy for dd. I turned to the back and had her orally spell done of the last words, and she didn't miss a single one. I'm considering getting the grade 3 book and skipping the rest if the grade 2 book. My question is this: will she be missing anything vital in terms of understanding or rules if I do this? My 4th grade dd is doing the 4th grade book, and it's quite a bit more challenging for her, which may or may not be a function of their natural spelling ability--I'm not sure yet.

My first thought when I saw this thread title: "what? Only one?"

Thank you for all the links, Hunter!

I think for this to be stress-relieving, I have to realize and remember it's all about the process, not the end result. :-)

I love this series on this blog: http://artbyerinleigh.blogspot.com/2014/01/art-journaling-your-one-little-word.html

I have blogged about my art journaling: http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/category/bloggy-randomness/art-journaling/

I just take a verse I love or want to meditate on and play with it artistically. Check out my blog link above. I link to some resources I've used in one of those posts.

LLMom, you don't know how amazed and surprised I an that you mentioned this! I started art journaling this past summer (using scripture), and I LOVED it. I meant to make time for it this year, but alas, I haven't. I think it might be just the thing to add into our Fun Friday routine! ETA: here's a link to my scripture art journaling, in case anyone is interested: http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/category/bloggy-randomness/art-journaling/

Dawn, you are absolutely right. Why aren't these things obvious to me?

My girls, ages 8 and 9, have been learning and practicing Getty-Dubay Italic now for a couple of years. They have both expressed interest in learning a "loopier" cursive. Does anyone know of a good free resource for one of these styles. I'm really not too picky as to which one, obviously. I'm just trying to pick my battles and give them something they like. :chillpill: :huh:

I don't know if it has already been mentioned (or if you need yet another suggestion), but the RightStart math games are a fun way to practice. You can purchase just a game kit from RS, or check around on second hand sites.

Nothing to share--just wanted to say that I'm following this one! What a great question!

Thank you for all the responses! Again, it helps so much to know others are in the same boat, and I'm recommitted to finding quiet, kid-free time during my days.

Maybe Marguerite Henry's horse stories?

I'm currently reading The Black Cauldron aloud, and my 3 year old asked if Eilonwy is on the cover of our book. (I don't know what was more surprising--that he knew enough to realize she's a girl or that he pronounced her name correctly.). It never ceases to amaze me that the little ones are actually listening. You'd think by now I'd know it. ;-)

It's a rare read-aloud that DOESN'T make me get wobble-voiced and teary. I'm a sap.

FriedClams, tell me about a WEEKLY lesson plan.

Hmmm. . . how about something like Gary Paulsen's survivor stories?

Thank you!