Hi, I am looking for some feedback from some of you wise women here. Just yesterday, my 14 year old daughter said that when she grows up, she is going to sponsor a home school farmily. It made me think...what if there was a non-profit organization that somehow elicited donors from people that wanted to support home schooling. These funds would go into a “donation account†and then home schooling families could apply for funds as needed. Or perhaps a person would want to sponsor a family directly, and this organization could match them up somehow. And maybe have a donation book library, where homeschooling families could donate materials when they are done, and newer homeschooling families could access these materials either free or at a very reduced rate. Do you think there are enough people in the world that support homeschooling, that they would be willing to donate funds for those people that either don't have enough money to homeschool, or perhaps had some type of crisis and needed financial help, or resources like books and curriculum. This is NOT for me, as we are doing o.k. with financial aspects of homescholing. I just wanted to clarify that. I would love some feedback from anyone who has ANY thoughts or comments on this-positive or negative. pam

Hi, I am looking, wishing, for some type of discovery type of science curriculum. I really don't know exactly what I want, but i do know I want less reading, and more hands on. We are using The Elements right now and while there are some hands on ideas, I would like more for next year. I am adding labs to this....but I guess I want a whole curriculum that is more exploration, then the "facts". Thanks for any recommendations. pam

Thanks for the questions to think about. He has a twin, and they do spend a lot of time playing together. But we did recently change swim teams and his best friend is no longer on the same swim team. I thought about that....and wondered if that might be part of the issue. We are definitely going to make sure he is on the same swim team next year; we have already discussed that this is the most important part in choosing a swim team next year. So that could be the issue. I think I need to make it a priority that he gets together with this friend every week, regardless of how I feel. I deal with chronic pain and sometimes, it just seems so hard. But this has to be a priority. Thanks for all the great feedback!! pj

Hi, I am hoping that some of you wise ladies here have some comments, feedback, or suggestions. My son just turned 12 in January and I have noticed a change in his mood. Last year, he was motivated and really seemed to care about school. He worked hard and was concerned about "not getting behind". Just lately, he seemed uninterested in school and just doesn't care. He even says he doesn't care. He is still respectful and does whatever I tell him to do. But his heart is just not in it. I am a bit concerned.....is this typical for boys this age? Is this a problem with curriculum? I have older girls and I know how to handle them, but not boys!! I am just clueless. When I try to talk about school, he just says," I don't know", or "can we not talk about this?" Has anyone ever had this happen? Is there something I can do? Thanks for any thoughts or advice, pj

Hi, I am looking for just a good experiment book for 12 year olds. I would love one that covers all the disciplines, but would also be willing to buy a few for each discipline (chemistry, physics, biology) I am open to anything at this point!!! Any good suggestions? pam

The class is called Athletic Training / Exercise Physiology / Sports Medicine I This is a course for students who are interested in how the body adapts to exercise and how to heal the body. We will include anatomy and exercise physiology, nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning, as well as the prevention, treatment (including wrapping) and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. If you would like to learn about the body and how to improve it - take this course! She is doing a lot of body memorization-bones etc. I hadn't thought about it as far as college goes. I should look into that. Thanks for taking a look!! pam

I was wondering if someone could take the time to look at my daughters schedule and tell me if you think she is doing enough. Believe it or not, she has said she feels guilty because all her other friends are so much busier than she it and has more homework. She is extremely bright and seems to finish her work quickly. She is in 11th grade. She plans to attend college, but will most likely attend the community college to get the required courses first. Pre Calculus: Math U See History: Using American, A Narrative History, Lies my Teacher told me, and videos at She may take AP or CLEP test at the end of the year. Psychology: local community college French 3: Potter School Science: Althletic Training type of class at Landry Academey Literature: selected literature that I assign: She finish a college English course at local community college sememster. Bible: selected lit. and bible reading. She also attends a weekly high school group, church 1 weekly, and is involved in Student Leadership Team 2 times month. Also does 1 month high school get together at church Guitar: Teaching guitar lessons weekly, plays monthly (all day) for childrens worship, and plays about 2 times per month at her high school life group. Practices on her own 4-5 times per week. She is involved in Swim Team, which meets 6 times per week for practice. Meets vary from 2 times per month or so.w She also attends various outings from church groups, which we don't "count". I know she needs writing with her history, which she will begin to do. Thanks for any feedback pj

I have one more question. I need a good literature book for the Civil War years for an 11th grade girl. She is bright and has a good load so it can't be really long. I want to give her a different angle on the Civil War since she is reading lots of text book like accounts. I would love the best ones that you have read!! pj

Hi, We have never done current events at our house (shame on me!!) but I want to start mostly for my 11th grade daughter. She has a heavy load so I don't want to overload her more, but I want her to be more aware of what is going on in the nation / world. She is interested in learning more about politics. Where do I start? What resources should I use? Do I just use our state journal? How are other people doing current events?? Thanks for any input-happy new year to all! pj

Hi, I am looking for some type of math book or resource to use with my 6th grade boy. He just finished Abeka 5 Arthimetic but he doesn't want to do the 6th book. He is just about ready for pre algebra or algebra but I want to make sure I haven't missed any important skills. And I really am not sure I want to start a whole new book at mid year. I don't want to start Algebra too soon-I did that with my oldest daughter and that didn't turn out too well!! Though she survived and is great now, it was a long road!! Any suggestions?? thanks pj

Thanks for the replies, my daughter is taking pre-algebra with math u see and has really just covered integers. She fell behind due to medical reasons in the younger years, so I know she may need longer to graduate. BUT she is so excited about chemistry that i wanted to capture that enthusiasm now. Thanks again!!!! pam

hi, I have come once more to hear wisdom from this group! I feel so good knowing that I can come here and get reliable advice. I am looking for a chemistry program for my 14 year old daughter. She really likes chemistry and wants to do this first (before biology) I know that she may need to take a "more intensive" chemistry down the road though. Anyways, I need something that doesn't have a lot of math, and is straight forward with not too many words. I know this sound difficult. She has huge anxiety issues that we have been dealing with. I have only two options right now: Friendly Chemistry, and Conceptual Chemistry. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I would appreciate anything you might think of!!!! Thanks so much pam

Thanks to everyone who answered my post. It was helpful tohave things to consider other than my own thoughts. This is such a great community!! I am so gad that I found it! pam

Hi to anyone who has time to read this post. My husband is suggesting that we do CC next year with my 12 year old twin sons. They have never taken a class anywhere and he wants them to do Challenge A. I just dont know if they are ready-or if I want to get them ready!! I know I have a 1/2 year to work on the skills they will need but something doesn't feel right. Is it my own problem about letting them go?? They are my last kids as I have older 14 and 17 year old. My 17 year old did CC for 1 semester when she was a 10th grader. It went well for her because she was bored and ready for the challenge. My boys have NO desire to do CC, even though their best friend is in it!! I don't know if they are scared, or just don't want to do the work. When my older daughter did CC she has already had experience with 3 or 4 online classes and was bored of them. My boys haven't had any online classes. I am really resisting this, but I also want to be open to what my husband has to say. If i didn't do CC, I would do TOG and maybe use the online discussion classes for them. Could people who are doing or have done CC give me some input as to what their experience has been with CC? I just need to hear others experience!!! Thanks pam

hi, I am schooling 6th graders and we are using WWE 3-I know it is low but we started using this method late so we are a bit behind. But I was also hoping to do I.E.W. Student Intensive B. We did part of I.E,W. A last year and this year I want to get through the whole program. BUT I also want to use the WWE in hopes of getting into WWS before high school. Has anyone used these together? thanks pam

Hi, My daughter wants to try the AP American History exam in May, even though we are not doing an approved curriculum. I have the basic books for her to go through. What I need is: *a few additional biographies, historical fiction, or any other "fun, but educational" resources for this period. *the best AP study guide. It seems that there are a few out there and I don't know which one to buy!! I would appreciate any resources that people are using. Thanks so much! pam

Hi, I am in a bind-was going to use TOG but daughter wants to finish u.s. history in 1 year so she can concentrate on more community college classes next year. So- best laid plan..... what ever the saying is. So I need some type of u.s. history done is 1 year that has a study guide, OR that someone has written some type of study questions and wouldn't mind sharing. I don't want to do Notgrass or Hewitt; those are the only two that I know will not work. My daughter LOVED the Susan Wise Bauer Ancient History and Medieval History so something like that would be great! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING!! pj

Hi, I am in a bind-was going to use TOG but daughter wants to finish u.s. history in 1 year so she can concentrate on more community college classes next year. So- best laid plan..... what ever the saying is. So I need some type of u.s. history done is 1 year that has a study guide, OR that someone has written some type of study questions and wouldn't mind sharing. I don't want to do Notgrass or Hewitt; those are the only two that I know will not work. My daughter LOVED the Susan Wise Bauer Ancient History and Medieval History so something like that would be great! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING!! pj

Hi, I am in a bind-was going to use TOG but daughter wants to finish u.s. history in 1 year so she can concentrate on more community college classes next year. So- best laid plan..... what ever the saying is. So I need some type of u.s. history done is 1 year that has a study guide, OR that someone has written some type of study questions and wouldn't mind sharing. I don't want to do Notgrass or Hewitt; those are the only two that I know will not work. My daughter LOVED the Susan Wise Bauer Ancient History and Medieval History so something like that would be great! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING!! pj

Well...it doesn't have to be completely secular but Rod and Staff has an abundance of religious sentences in every single set of problems. It is just a bit too much for us.

I am looking for a complete English program that is similar to Rod and Staff but ISN"T Rod and Staff- I was thinking about using Analytical Grammar, but I want something that includes proper english/grammar (example who, or whom) punctuation etc. Does something like this even exist?

Hi, I have a friend who has requested help in looking for help finding a science program for a 8th grader. This 8th grader wants a text, with tests. She is not advanced in any way, just very average, and will be going to high school next year. No Abeka or Apologia, though. I had recommended Science Fusion but they don't want computer type of text book. I really would like some help since they are going through a rough time with their marriage and finances and I just don't know where to direct them. Thanks so much! pam

One more question, thought... My boys are 11 and I am still not completely happy with my history line up for the fall. I was wondering if anyone uses SOTW for middle school kids, and if so, how to beef it up. I would be finishing up ancients-we were at chapter 26 and I just let them listen to the tapes in addition to our other history curriculum. How could I use JUST SOTW for 11 year olds?? Any advice?? pam

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can recommend a good bible study book or series for a 6th grader. Something simple and could be done independently or with me. I really don't know where to look-the ones I looked at Christian books are either too young or too advanced. thanks sooo much. pam

Hi, I know there are tons of great literature for this time period. So I am looking for your BEST ones, that you feel draw the student into the time period. I know this is the best place to come for your opinions because their is such a wealth of wisdom here. Thanks so much pj