Gee . . . I never thought to ask the author's recommendation. I forgot they have a forum. Hmm, I might have to hop over there. What did she recommend, if you don't mind me asking? Lisa

Well, I ordered the TM and manuscript workbook for dd7, but couldn't see spending the money for a workbook for dd5 just yet. I thought I'd start with phonogram review and slowly move through the program with her and, if need be, have her use a whiteboard or paper for now. I figure she'll have to roll through the program again when she's a bit older (unless she comes out with a different level more appropriate) so I'm just going to skim the surface for now. For dd 7, I bought the whole kit and kaboodle:001_unsure: The supplemental materials (which I probably didn't need) I bought included the phonogram cards (okay, I do need them actually), grammar cards (yeah, I know . . .), spelling book (not even sure what this is, really), and rule cards. I think you could get away with just the TM and one workbook for now, and maybe the phonogram cards. When I think dd5 is ready for her own workbook, I'll buy it then. Good luck, Lisa

I am VERY happy with Art Reed's DVDs, which dd is using for Algebra. He's a real person standing at a blackboard and does a thorough job of explaining the concepts. Dd says she likes him much better than DIVE, which we used last year. Lisa

:grouphug: Sorry you're having a hard time. I know the feeling of loving a curriculum but feeling like it's not clicking with the kids. How did dd manage with LLC? I know dd had trouble as well answering the questions, to the point where I felt she was totally missing the big picture because she was hyperfocused on giving the "right answer". I ended up bagging the questions and just talking to her about them, but then I thought she was getting too lazy just listening to me lecture. With character issues you are referring to I think I might do what's easiest for dd and save yourself headache while you tend to her heart and work on what issues you see in character. I'm not sure what options to suggest. Have you considered history using WTM's approach? What grade is she? I guess my other thought would be that you could try to adjust your requirements with TOG for a while, maybe not having them answer all the questions, but picking one or two (that you know is in the reading) and go a little deeper. If you are preparing and reading the teachers notes, you can cover the gaps during discussion time. Good luck. I know it's frustrating. Lisa

Mine's being delivered on Tuesday :drool: Can't wait to get it in my hands. We'll have to compare notes:001_smile: Blessings, Lisa

Colleen, thank you for trying to verbalize what you feel here. You are right, being active on the SL boards creates another dimension some might not be privy to. I am a member there but don't post often. Regardless, I appreciate that the more invested you are to SL emotionally, the greater your hurt and disappointment. Agree or disagree, those are real feelings and I'm sorry for you. Lisa

Other than the addition of these optional books, I guess I just don't see any substantive changes to the curriculum as a whole to warrant this concern. We can speculate, but the evidence is in the product. What in their product even hints of this view? Lisa

Again, old timer or not, this suggestion is completely unsubstantiated and not reflected in the entirety of what SL offers. Honestly, with all due respect to some of the long-time users (Colleen, you know I heart you), it seems like a gross overreaction to me. FWIW, I started using SL ten years ago and own most of their cores, so I guess I could be considered somewhat of an old-timer myself;) For the record, I understand Colleen and others have other, broader issues related to the PROCESS by which SL made this decision and how they are handling it now. I am specifically addressing the "slippery slope" theory. Lisa

What actions? I just don't see how there is any realistic concern that SL is sliding toward this kind of ideology given the BIG picture of what they offer (which is what I think we're losing here). Most of their book choices are far, far from conservative. Not a year goes by that someone doesn't suggest the substitution of MOH for the secular SOTW, for example. Just not seeing it . . . Lisa

Carol, I agree with you and I know I'm in the minority here, but I just don't feel the outrage. I think Amy's explanations are very feasible. I suppose if they wen't back to using TLATG as a spine or relied on it more heavily, I would feel differently. It's an optional fifth day book and the portions scheduled do not contain the problematic themes as outlined in John's post (according to SL). I guess I just don't expect to agree with every choice, just as I don't agree with every TOG book. There was a megathread last year about This Country of Ours being used in TOG's schedule, with objections to the outdated book's racist language. Many of us defended TOG's choices and saw some value in the book despite our disagreement in its antiquated themes. I say this as a fairly liberal Christian who does NOT believe in the junk being passed off as history in many conservative Christian circles. My perspective, though, extends plenty of grace to SL and its choices and doesn't see this as some sneaky agenda or huge shift in SL ideology. Lisa

:thumbup1: Nicely done, Tara:D

Thank you! Definitely worth $3.50:001_smile: Lisa

Exactly. It's one thing making statements like, "It didn't move quickly enough for me" or "I didn't like the presentation of some math concepts", or even, "It wasn't vigorous enough for my math loving child", but what ruffles the feathers of TT users are comments suggesting it is woefully inferior and doing a disservice to our children (i.e., "feeding them only french fries"). We all critique curriculum on this board, but I know of no other program that gets this kind of abuse, so that is why you get a backlash. Then again, I see a lot of educational snobbery on this board;) Lisa

I think this is the old projected date. Amazon doesn't have it on preorder. Lisa

Sarah, the forum here titled K-8 writing workshop may help. It is where parents post samples of childrens' work for feedback. Good luck, Lisa

Oh, Yvonne, this was so helpful! I am so excited for you in being able to attend the workshop. I, too, feel hope that I can actually tackle mentoring dd with upper level writing in listening to the LTOW cds. I've only gotten through the first lesson with dd, but I thought of doing exactly what you suggested and start an ANI chart with her. Because I haven't really been through the five topics yet, though, I wasn't sure how to use them to dig for more information, so your examples really help here. This is where I really have faith that LTOW will help. I have lots of resources that teach form, but LTOW helps develop ideas and discussion, asking lots of questions and analyzing. Thanks again and good luck! Lisa

Thank you so much for taking a stab at this:001_smile: That was really helpful. I think the question is meant to produce a five paragraph essay, so trying to help her come up with her thesis and three points supporting that didn't seem too difficult until I started to actually try and help her and came up empty;) I don't know if I'm overthinking in where I suggest she take this. Should she focus on the story and examples therein, or in a broader sense discuss the definition of "bravery" and give real life examples. I so need a writing coach. Your suggestions gave me a starting point, so thank you! Lisa

First, let me say that I su** at teaching writing. I am feeling my way along and surrounding myself with great resources, and fully intend to guide my children into becoming good writers. Why then, can I not help her get started with this simple essay? The assignment: Do you agree with Uncle Henrik's definition of bravery in Number the Stars? Give examples. (Uncle Henrik states that bravery is doing what you must even when you are scared). This is for a ninth grader who is behind in writing. We are just starting Lost Tools of Writing separately, but are not far enough along for that to be useful here. (This is for her Challenge class). So I'm just having trouble figuring out which way to attack this thing. In LTOW, they have you state your thesis and start listing affirmative, negative, and interesting statements, then develop them further by going through the five topics (which we have not gotten to yet). So, would her thesis perhaps be "Bravery is defined by . . . ."? (I have to admit, that I'm still feeling my way around the differences between essays and other expository writing, and have not done much with developing a thesis). Would possible points supporting this thesis be examples from the book, real life, etc? I am so lost as to how to guide her to get started on this. Can anyone throw me a bone:confused: thanks, lisa

http://abasiccurriculum.com/homeschool/roots/roma/ If you scroll down they have lists of programs. Lisa

I've been evaluating this very issue lately. This essay is interesting http://www.abasiccurriculum.com/homeschool/roots/essay.html I think I'm leaning toward dropping Latin as a subject and focusing on vocabulary building with roots. Lisa

:iagree:

Nancy, I can see why this is not sitting well with you. I have staff for my daughter, and I understand that if they are asked to take her somewhere where a fee is required, i.e., the pool or zoo, it is my responsibility to pay their admission since, after all, I am asking them to go. But in your case, it seems she is pushing that to mean than any expense incurred in their outing, however, optional, is coming out of your daughter's money, and that is not right. She is stretching it to a point where she is taking advantage of your dd. I hope you find a resolution to this matter. If you feel you can salvage a good relationship with her by setting firmer boundaries, I might try that first. But if you feel she would be insulted and take it out on your dd, I'd end it. Sorry this is happening:grouphug: Lisa

I'm sorry you are going through this:grouphug: I don't know what's wrong with people. Lisa

I like your new duck avatar, mommaduck:D Lisa

Dd14 was invited to go with a friend to her church's youth group weekend retreat. She wants to go, but is nervous and does not know what to expect. Can anyone share their kids experiences. The retreat is in upstate PA and I looks beautiful from what saw online. Tx:001_smile: Lisa