On the IB thread in the chat board, someone (Farrar perhaps) mentioned the idea of "rigorous busywork" and I didnt want to derail the thread, so I thought I would start a thread here about it. After reading that statement, I felt lightbulbs go off inside. I had what I have always considered a solid high school career, but since beginning homeschooling, I have felt my own education was lacking somehow. But I did so much work in high school. SO MUCH. And looking back, most of it I would classify as rigorous busywork. Do 20 calculus problems all of the same type. Write lots of random papers. Memorize lots of random dates. Do lots of posters and projects. But I dont think most of it led to a deeper or richer understanding of the materials. I am desperately trying to avoid this in my children's education.

I am a lurker who has made hive-inspired curriculum choices, but this year for Christmas, I am getting the Neat!!! Thanks, all. What sold me was when someone said it was the Tom Sawyer of walls (or something to that effect). I can totally see my kids fighting over using this. I just spent 15 minutes looking at before and after pics on Amazon.

I am a newbie here, but I just had to chime in. I got LASIK and it was life-changing! I didnt realize a person could see individual leaves on trees until after I had LASIK. Glasses and contacts couldnt correct my vision enough or correctly. And I didnt get glasses until I was six - that was when I found out that I was supposed to be able to see people's facial features., including my own (in a mirror). Makes sense why I am terrible with facial recognition now.

I am a long-time lurker who has gleaned much wisdom from this group. This community has been an invaluable resource in my homeschooling journey. Thank you all for your wisdom and support.