My dd going into 7th grade is currently doing ws 4 and does not really like it, although it does seem to be working for her. I was thinking of getting cw for older beginners, because I like the look of it, and alternating between doing a week of one and then a week of the other. Would this be too much? Opinions?

It took me two years to get through sotw 4. It is quite intense. I would slow it down and enjoy it. There are some great read alouds that you can get into for that time period. You can always start another rotation when the oldest is in 7th grade and just aim for one more rotation, again taking time to savor the meal. You don't necessarily have to do three rotations.

I have not used TOPS personally, but I have a good friend who has used a number of them. She really likes them. They teach the scientific method, the experiments really work and actually teach something. Also, they are a lot of fun. It seems highly recommended.

Some other books we have really enjoyed are: The Story of the Greeks and The Story of the Romans by Guerber Rosemary Sutcliff Books Cat of Bubastes Theras and His Town

Truthquest quides for these eras would also provide some great resources.

Calendar Quest sounds like a great idea. And you can get it on cd too, so you could listen to it in the car.

I find that I don't just buy stuff and then never use it, but I am finding that I am buying multiple copies of things that I already have, but can't find!

What I might do is get two artistic purstuits books: the k-3, book 2 (which covers the time periods you are studying), and also the 4-6, book 1. You could still do art together, just alternate and do a lesson from each book every other week. The older child would enjoy the different projects in the younger book and also get the appropriate art history, and yet still be challenged by the exercises in the older book. The younger child will be able to do the exercises in the older book. Younger kids do not care so much about drawing accurately, but they do need exposure to different medium and the opportunity to develop their interest in art and observing. Older kids are more into learning to draw accurately, and getting into the elements of art. If you did both, they would both enjoy it, and you could do it together, and they would each have their needs met. You would not need the art postcards, because art prints are included with the curriculum. I have used them a la cm and it has worked very well.

I love the suits from Lands End. They are modest, yet look nice and they last really well. They are worth the price. I have one that is in its third year now, and it still looks good. You can go to Sears and try them on, and even order them there if you need something that is not in the store, and pay no shipping.

I have to say, I had to buy a new blender last year, but did not have a lot of money, so I just bought the least expensive one at Bed, Bath and Beyond. And it has been great. I make smoothies every day and it works wonderfully. It is a Hamilton Beach and only cost around $17.

I would add the James Herriot book of animal stories. Also, Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter, Classic Children's Stories, by Volland

The thing that has always worked like a charm for me is orange juice. Apple juice is pretty good too.

The warm salt water is probably the best for it.

My dh says if Darth Vader is not available, due to so many requests, he may offer to send Darth Maul instead!

Did you compare the cost of renovating the original house compared to building the new one? Old houses can have so much personality. I grew up in a small old house and now live in a nice, new big one. I miss a lot about the old house.More space is great, but it is not everything. It would be great if you could maybe renovate and add on to the old house, having the best of both worlds.

Thanks!

My husband loves to make videos, and this is his most recent episode. It is called "Darth Vader Homeschool." Here is the link to youtube. Check it out and rate it! You can also see this video, as well as others at his website: www.oicproductions.net It's very funny!

Also, here is a great website with free music appreciation programs. http://www.classicsforkids.com/

We use Artistic Pursuits for picture study. We have also used the Come Look with Me books. For music appreciation, I have used the Classical Kids cds and the Opal Wheeler books.

I used fll3 this year with my 4th grade boy. It was just right for him. He did fll1&2 and some r&s3 (which did not fit him well). We liked it a lot. You definitely need the student workbook and the teacher guide.

What would that high school recommendation be?

I did the cursive book during first grade, but had done the printing book before that. I did not just start out with cursive. If they each have their own workbook, there really is no reason to keep them together.

I agree with everyone's advice so far. I have been homeschooling for 7 years, and I still feel like I am just getting the hang of it! Relax, enjoy your time with your son. Do your research, make your decisions wisely, and then accept the fact that you will make some mistakes. When things aren't working out well, re-evaluate and see if a change needs to be made. Make a daily schedule so you have an idea of what you need to do each day. If you can get your schoolwork done by lunch, which should be fairly easy with only a 7 yo, you can then leave your afternoons free for lots of outdoor activity. Let him pursue his own interests during that free time. Read to him lots and lots and lots. Definitley keep your lessons short, 10-20 minutes.

You need to consider whether mfw would be easier for you to follow than winter p romise. If you had a hard time keeping with winter promise, you may have the same issue with mfw, especially in the older years. As you go on with program, it involves more assignments. With ao, there are a lot of books assigned, but you do not have to do them all. I usually only assign poetry, and four books per term, for my 6th grader. That way, she has one chapter to read on her own, in addition to her poetry. On top of that we have a couple read alouds that we do all together as a family during the day. For my 1st and 4th grader, I aim for a couple reading a day, in addition to poetry. That makes is really manageable. Of course, they narrate everything, so I feel that even though they are not cramming a lot of reading in, they are really digesting what they do get. I just started ao year 1 this year with my 9 yo and 6 yo. It has been perfect for them. I wouldn't hesitate to start with year one for both of them, because the books are just so great. If you would like to make it a bit more challenging for the older child, you could add in some indepent reading from one of the higher years. The Guerber books could be a nice add in for an older child, as well as some biographies maybe.

It sounds as if it is more of an issue of accountability and discipline. You may just want to give her a letter strip for her desk as a reminder and have her do some copywork daily, telling her you expect her to do her best writing. I don't know if you really need a handwriting program. If the problem is just that she struggles with handwriting, you could either let her just print or you could get her an italic book, which is a very easy way to write. Either way, you need be diligent to require her best work.