I haven't read all your responses, so maybe this is a repeat... I have a card with "bed" written on it (and put it in front of them when they read or write). Helps them to remember the "b" is at the beginning, the "d" at the end (forming the mattress with the e). My K still needs this prompt... my 2nd grader has it down after struggling last year.

I can't speak to 100 easy lessons, but I have used PP with 2 children (one already reading to fill in gaps and one from ground up). I like that it is not distracting, although for one of my children I have to cover up some text on the page to focus him in as there tends to be a lot of words on a page. I am about to teach my 4 year old how to read after he gets a couple last basic sounds and I will be using PP. I also supplement with Bob books, A Beka K readers and any other phonics readers I can find.

Wow, I am so glad you wrote this post and to see I'm not the only one! I only schooled our older 2 last year and this year I added a K and a preschooler to it and I'm exhausted!!! Could barely do anything today! It's a "good" exhausted though! I think about all we learned this week... it's satisfying! I think for those of us just starting up again after summer it's an adjustment for all to be back in routine!

Thanks for posting this! Have never seen these before! My 8 year old has a huge interest in chemistry right now. The elements song is perfect!

My daughter (7) refuses to use the blocks and instead still uses her fingers (we are at the beginning of Beta too). I have tried to break her habit to no avail. Kids are still concrete learners at this age and some may need the blocks longer... we drill flashcards every day in addition to the workbook lesson. Also, if you go out to MUS website he has "mental math" exercises you may want to take a look at. He also has a worksheet generator out there to generate extra practice. I do timed tests once a week with these generated sheets. It helps them speed up a bit. I just have them try to beat their last time. With math I think it's just repetition.... he'll get it eventually!

We are in So. East MN... This is our 2nd year homeschooling... first year really delving into classical education. Funny thing I figured out after just reading WTM that every curriculum I chose fits into the classical framework! I didn't even know that's what I was doing! Hoping to learn and share lots!