I just took time to read this. Thanks for the link!

I've been using SWR phonogram cards for 8 years with 4 kids. Timeless approach to teaching letters sounds/reading/spelling. I used them w/ my son when he was 4 (he's almost 13), before he attended private school (which also used Sanseri's method).

It was dd 10 who was scolded by her tutor, who gave the same reasons you and Kathleen gave. I wonder what the SAT graders think of the "openers" :)

Did you see Mr. Spotts' reaction to "sarah" last week asking about grammar chants? Ouch!

No, but I'd love to! It looks like an easy list to join. It is the same format as the Oeberg list, so is it run by the same people? I am curious if there is an unspoken (or spoken) rivalry between the grammar/translation camp and the direct method crowd. Do you find most teachers/tutors teach both methodologies? Why in the world would the Latin tutor I interviewed say the grammar method is more classical? Do you also find a rivalry btw. the ecclesiastical and classical camps? Thanks Drew.

This is available to watch instantly on Netflix. Sweet!

My kids' writing tutor scolded them for using some IEW stylistic elements (because clause and who/which). Now I'm really confused.

Me too. That scene was fantastic. I thought the acting was incredible. The dialog was current. The high school culture was probably portrayed fairly accurately (besides the maturity of the Juno-Bleeker putting the baby up for adoption & Juno alone seeking out the adoptive parents). What I found disturbing was the hook-up concept. Bleeker & Juno weren't even "dating" when they had s*x. Welcome to the 21st century, Beth (talking to self here:)) I loved the character of the sweet Asian girl outside the abortion clinic. Would I recommend this movie? No. As I said, I should have watched my Shakespeare rentals. Retreating to my happy place...

I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. I found it disturbing. Since it has been all the rage lately, I decided to watch it. I also have "As You Like It" and "Richard III" -- I should have watched those.

We decided to NOT do the infamous road to Hana. I was on Maui in '86. I've heard much has changed since then. I'll still be the one sitting up in the shade of an umbrella or trees w/ my nose in a book. I won't come home w/ a tan. And I can't afford any more wrinkles or crow's feet!

Scary! I'm obviously out of touch w/ the real world. Can I just stay in my happy place? I'm curious what others here thought of that movie. Thanks!

I love this book! I've heard Dr. Gordon Fee speak in person. He is awesome. I recommended this book a few weeks ago here when someone was asking about a book to get them familiar w/ the Bible.

Thanks, gang. Great ideas!

Yes! Austin will turn anyone into a literature addict! Start w/ P & P. Its chicky, romantic and just....wonderful :)

Global warming? Hah! Great pics! Stay warm :)

We're staying in the Kaanapali area. I know we'll go to the Crater. I'd love to make it to Hana. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Thanks for clarifying Drew. Can I rest on my laurels w/ LL for awhile and call it good? I'll leave the high and lofty discussions to you teachers and stay here in my happy place. :) Enjoy the running river today....

Laura, Awhile back there was a news story in California about a small Christian school whose graduates were not accepted into the UofC system because the BJU materials they used did not meet UofC standards/criteria for enrollment. I can't find the link for it. Maybe someone else remembers. If I recall, the issue was w/ BJU Biology not including enough evolution instruction. Also, the Abeka American Govt text was biased also, according to the UofC. I wish I could remember/find more details. Needless to say, it prompted quite a discussion on the old high school boards.

Oh, great -- are you trying to confuse me/us? Please don't throw a wrench in my current plan, Drew! Plus, I can't spend any more money on books!! We're bursting here and I already need to buy more shelves! You know I'm kidding, Drew. Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

Two Saturdays ago it was hot and I got sunburned. Last Saturday ds had a lacrosse game in the snow. Today is blue skies for miles. Global warming or global cooling? Who knows! See you in June at WHO!

Great questions. Every method/publisher defines it differently. I'm done worrying about it, though. I just want my kids to enjoy it -- and I'll worry about how to classify it on transcripts later. A local tutor I interviewed was pushing for Henle because its "classical" and mixing programs would screw up the "levels." I took that as a red flag -- I don't care about levels. I want my kids to enjoy Latin, regardless if its "classical" or not. But that's a completely different discussion. :) Kimber, Are you getting the answers you are looking for? What are your plans? I understand your angst about Spanish. Its everywhere!

Well now you're just being silly, Michelle :) Yes, that would be ideal. Maybe we can talk Drew into going hi-tech and sharing his skills w/ the world through online classes. I can't seem to talk him into it. I tell him he'd make a fortune!

Me too. It's my next homeschool purchase. My little girls will learn Latin at the classical school they will attend. They do LFC there combined w/ lots of Latin songs. I'm so glad we got Latin going here when my older 2 kiddos were 10 & 12. Younger would have been better, though, imho.

Thanks, Lisa. Hows the weather up north? Beautiful here today! :)

Thankfully SWB says creative writing is not critical to a top-notch education. That is a relief because my dd hates it. She is a "perfect paula" (per Cathy Duffy) and doesn't tap into the creative side of her brain easily. We wont be doing creative writing in middle school or high school.