We like Math Mammoth because after having tried several different programs, it has the most thorough conceptual explanations I have seen in a very useable format. I like the Singapore approach, but I found it cumbersome to use with the different books (MM has only one text with teaching and worksheets included) and sometimes there were leaps in understanding required from the student where we would fall off the bus. It has a subject-oriented book series which is ideal for supplementation, and a grade-level series which is great for a primary program. It seems to be rigorous but with ease of use. I think that's why people like it so much.

Hi Kathy, Well the short answer is, many people want more bells and whistles. SOTW is a perfectly good option for many families, I think a better, simpler one for those with youngers only. Some of us want discussion questions, teacher notes, bible/worldview integration, a comprehensive schedule. I think those with middle and high school level children want to teach everyone the same topic at different levels and these programs help make it easier to do this.

I can really feel so much of what you all are saying. I'm not in the OP's situation location-wise, but spiritually have felt the same way. There was a time when I was so "into" the Lord and felt His presence in so many ways, but somewhere along the lines fell away from that. I think I went through some dissilusionment with fellow believers and disappointment in myself right after losing my mother. It's been a few years since I've been in a Bible study, and we spent a couple of years trying to find the right church. I think I am just beginning to realize how my own heart attitude has been the source of the wedge, instead of external factors. In my rebellion against what I saw that I didn't want to be, I have been this "contrary" person. Not that this is something new in my personality :glare:, but lately I have felt the Lord asking me what else have I pitted myself against that is to my detriment? That quote, "choose your enemies wisely, for they will define you" (sorry, I can't remember who to attribute this to except a U2 song) has been on my heart. In a way being in the Bible Belt can be just as much a desert place as anywhere else if you let it.

We are doing this with a CC group. I think the benefit I see is that my dc are getting a good feel for the flow of history. As we study the different time periods they can say, "Oh! That's one of our cards!" Since I have been very inconsistent with the timeline notebooks and wall timeline, the VP cards are the main *pegs* they have for ordering events. I would think a benefit over a physical timeline is that this one is memorized.

praying:grouphug:

:grouphug:

We have used Rosetta stone in the distant past and while I liked the immersion aspect and that it was computerized (hands-off for me;)), we have since switched to all macs (the version we have is Spanish for pc's) and switched languages to German. Also, back when I used it for Spanish people used to always quiz my dd when they heard she was studying it. The phrases they were teaching were not really conversational, "The boy is under the table," or "The ball is on top of the airplane.". Needless to say, she couldn't respond to the most basic questions they were asking! Anyway, now we are looking for a German program. I am being tempted by the RS sale at the buyer's co-op, but I want to know if it is still the same program it was several years ago. If so, what could I get that would be similar, but conversational. Thanks!

Even though I say I want my own subgroup, the reason I love this place is because there is such wisdom here. You all continue to challenge me to do better for my kids. I know not every child can be gifted academically, but part of the reason I homeschool is because I don't believe an average student should be relegated to an average education. You better believe I'll continue coming here to be inspired. It's so true that our kids lives are so much more than academics. Thanks for the reminder!

You know this is just a thinly veiled plea for reassurance:D. Thank you all for playing...

I have to confess, as I read some of these threads I feel a little queasy about high school. My dd is going into 8th grade and we are trying to make sure she is prepared for high school level work, but she is not taking high school or college level sciences yet, she has to do math all summer to be ready for pre-algebra, we have work to do in spelling and grammar. Arrrgh:confused: I feel like a failure because in most areas she is an average student! In some ways I blame myself. Inconsistencies that she had to endure as my oldest "guinea pig" student probably set her back some. I love the person she is becoming, and I am very proud of her. She is above-average in so many important ways. Don't get me wrong. I just hate feeling so inadequate when it seems everyone here has advanced students. Is there another board for people where average is ok? Maybe we could start a sub-group. Unless of course we are the only ones:tongue_smilie:

You may already be doing this, but having a read-aloud time as a family is a great way to encourage a love for reading. Just because kids are old enough to do their own reading doesn't mean you can't still read to them. This can be a fun novel you read to the family at bedtime. This can improve comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, attention span and can give you a shared experience to bond over. Maybe a summer book club with a few friends would be a fun diversion. My dd is participating in one and loving it. She is reading some books she would not have chosen on her own and the moms are taking turns hosting and leading the discussions. We are in charge of planning a fun book-related activity for each meeting as well. The Bravewriter website and blog has a myriad of fun and interesting activities to encourage writing skills for even the most reluctant writer. Hope this helps!

We'd love to participate! E-mailed the webmaster!

I don't. I like MM because I don't think we're missing anything and don't feel at all compelled to supplement. I think it's great!

I wonder also about this. It seems some in homeschooling who are more on the extreme side of staying out of the "world" might be operating from this kind of view. Is it really that common? I don't want to offend anyone here who may believe this way.

Apparently the glass is so indestructable, you don't need these. They say dropping it just right on the edge could mess it up, but they have protective edge fittings you can get for that. I am typing this on my new iPhone that dh stood in line for 4 hours for yesterday. It's nice :-)

:grouphug:

Well we're only a couple of lessons into it and I haven't seen anything to suggest it couldn't be used secularly. It has mentioned a couple of hot-button issues in the context of debate scenarios (abortion, belief in God), but it seems to me to give no indication of "rightness," only typical fallacies from both sides. I haven't gone through the whole book, these are just my first impressions. HTH.

:D Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I would add in a spelling program, but they cover grammar, writing (IEW) and vocabulary. I think they used to cover spelling using Spelling Plus, but that wasn't a part of our Essentials class last year.

Ok, I won't give away any details, but it made me so wistful of the childhood that's slipping away right under my nose. I remember buying the first movie on VHS when my first-born was still in-utero; then the Jessie hat she used to wear when the second movie came out. My boys' Buzz phase lasted for years! Now my oldest is taller than me and my boys are gaining on puberty. :confused: How did this happen!

:iagree: I have known people who smoke it regularly, and while they aren't bad people, their lives and personalities seem stunted somehow. It's a shame. Also, I think there ARE side effects from chronic use. I can't quote you medical statistics here, just what I've seen.

If you are already covering phonics and spelling and handwriting, you don't need ETC. It isn't ideal for many kids because of all the writing involved.

I don't know if that is what you're looking for. We have read this one, but there are others in the series by Madeleine L'engle.

Whatever you use, the lectures on writing can be beneficial. It is a very simplified method which kind of gives an overview of what you are trying to accomplish at each stage. I have used many writing programs and I think these lectures have better equipped me as a teacher than anything else.

Glad to hear you made it through. Praying for your continued stamina to get through the visit.:grouphug: