Are they equal in the classical language educational realm? Would you start with Latin only, or Greek only and why? Who would recommend studies in both? I'm interested in opinions...

I was on Facebook tonight, and saw a flash for 15% off Levenger products. If you facebook, you might want to keep an eye out on the ads. I didn't catch it in time, but will keep my eyes peeled...

ACE has an online diagnostic test, and would prescribe the actually numbers for the workbooks to help her in the areas she needs it most. It would be an easy, and probably fast way to catch her up, then you could switch to whatever curriculum you wanted.

What style would you say the music is? (i.e. folk, modern, rock, traditional, etc.) Can I hear a sample anywhere?

Ahhh, but the damage has already been done...

Thanks soooo much everyone!!!

I'm looking for good quality three-ring binders, for notebooking and such. Does anyone know where to get them cheaper than Staples? ($10-12 or more for 3-4 inchers) Where do you buy your binders?

I will teach spelling two-fold. (I say "I will" because my son is only 4, and just beginning to blend, but I've thought about this subject alot.) Spelling is just the beginning of writing. As the child sounds out words to read, so he also sounds out words to write. Because of this logical connection, I plan to use word lists around the phonics rules. I know that Ruth Beechick has high-frequency word list, etc, but I will start with the phonics rules, applied to spelling, then work in high-frequency words, like from her lists. (I use Victory Drill Book as a resource for the progression of phonics rules.) The second aspect to spelling is to know the meaning of the word. The LA program that I grew up with incorporated this wonderfully, and I have a very good grasp on spelling. So when it comes to the words that are high-frequency, and do not necessarily follow a phonics rule, I will focus on the meaning, using it in a sentence, and making sure they are reading it quite a bit. They need that mental picture of the word. Like I said before, though, I have a four year old. I have yet to test my theories! :) Sarah

I, too am interested in ordering information for the Classical Christian History Songs by Kathy Gentili. Thank you!

oh, and my four and three year old do "violin lessons" every day. My goal is to have my boys proficient at one instrument by the end of 8th grade, so if he wants to put his energies elsewhere, he can. My girl, I haven't decided yet. But then, she's only one. :tongue_smilie: So yes, music lessons are mandatory in my house. Here is an interesting collection of facts: http://www.amc-music.com/research_briefs.htm

I had a VERY shy student about 10 years ago, who would not even talk to me (her violin teacher). She did everything I asked her, but would whisper to her mother, if she wanted to say anything to me. I thought I would NEVER get her up in front of people for the recital, but she did great! With any student, but especially a shy one, it's soooo important to *inspire* them in their instrument. If you are ok with www.youtube.com, search for children playing the piano. It is so fun for kids to see other kids performing. Be sure to include professional performers, too, so she can experience mature playing. Then, make sure the teacher you get for her is really connected with little children. (One negative teacher can ruin a kid's experience entirely. The right teacher will captivate her and motivate her to play) Get all kinds of piano music CD's for her, talk about how beautiful the music is, and how it sounds like stuff, water, animals, etc. Take her to a live concert. All these things are inspiring. Lots of times it works, sometimes it doesn't. But it is always a good experience to share. :001_smile:

The grammar is very solid, with alot of review, and alot of diagramming. The format of the workbooks are really easy to use, easy to understand with interesting content. I always enjoyed working in the PACE's as a kid. You only have to do 3-4 pages per day to complete the year, so the bites are not huge, you know? You may want to do a diagnostic test, though, to find out which PACE numbers they need, instead of just ordering the 12 for their grade level. Sometimes an area might be weak and kids need specific PACE numbers to fill in that review. The diagnostic test can be taken free online at the school of tomorrow's website. Here is a link http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/acediagnostic/ In the high school years, the grammar PACE's include literature and writing, but not enough in my mind. They do study literature, but it is not classical in nature, and the writing assignments are mostly just shorter essays and some creative writing assignments. I plan to supplement a literature and a writing program in high school with my kids.

Ruth Beechick says to take them no slower than one lesson per week. I don't really know how *fast* they can be taken. I suppose it doesn't really matter how fast. :) I bought the Parent/Teacher's Guide to the McGuffey Readers that she wrote. I have found it to be a very helpful guide. It has notes about the lessons, and how to use the Readers in many different ways. Here is a link to Amazon for the book http://www.amazon.com/Parent-Teacher-Original-McGuffey-Readers/dp/0880620382/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218163109&sr=8-1

I used ACE grammar K-12, and love it. I will use it with my kids. What grades are you wondering about?

I've given the original edition a VERY thorough read, twice, and refer to it MANY, MANY times. I think I've read the Grammar section like maybe 20 times. I've checked out the newer edition from the library twice, and renewed it probably six times. For me it is inspirational as well as practical. The original edition is my favorite.

We are moving to Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids area) in two weeks. I'd love to know of some groups in our area, maybe yahoo groups, or other ways of finding activities and co-ops. I already know of the Home School Building, are there any others? My dss are 4.5 and 3, my dd is 1. We'd love to get together for some fun and friendship! Sarah

ACE (for Math, English, and Spelling - called Word Building) is my absolute favorite for ease for the parent. It is a thorough curriculum and completely individualized, so I can make sure they complete everything they need by a certain time (like Geometry). I'll just do four pages per day. It's *just about that simple*. (OK, so I know nothing is that simple!). I'll adapt it a little when needed. There is alot of handwriting for the younger grades, so I'll just not require so much. I don't plan to incorporate WWE into the Grammar curriculum, but treat it as it's own thing. I guess we'll see how it goes. :)