We don't do a formal vocabulary program, but study Latin and we're always defining new words. We were just talking about starting a vocabulary notebook to capture new words as we learn them. I got a great big UGH from that idea. My girls love games and I would like to turn this into some kind of game we can play. Any ideas? Thanks, Rene

Here's a website that lists some good books that might help - these are mostly secular resources. Here is another link you might find helpful if you're interested in a more non-secular approach. It's a collection of poems written by Jerome Berryman; he created Godly Play, a Montessori approach to Christian formation. HTH. Peace, Rene

I'm going to a meeting tomorrow about starting homeschool group to participate in our state's UN program through the YMCA. I'm not sure how I feel about it; it seems like it might be a good opportunity, but I just have to wonder how ready my 6th grader is to participate (or any 6th grader for that matter.) We're doing some pretty meaty stuff this year (CW Homer, TOG, Critical Thinking book 1 & 2). Do you think we would be chasing "rainbows" that won't really help with our long term goals to participate? I would love to hear your experience with such a group. Thanks, Rene

I'm a slacker aunt! I have twin nephews that graduated from high school in spring of 2010 and January of 2011 (he got into some legal trouble, but did a nice job getting back on track.) Anyway, I never got either one a graduation present because...I had no idea what to get them and didn't like the idea of giving them money. They are decent kids, but they have had some drama in their lives and little guidance on dealing with it. The one that didn't get into legal trouble probably is doing more "partying" than some. I would love to get something more meaningful for them than a Walmart gift card but have no idea what it would be. One has moved to another town to attend CC to maybe transfer to university in that town; he's interested in marine biology. The other is living at home (hoping to move out soon) attending CC for automotive technology; he would love to work in NASCAR. I really need to fix this. Any ideas? Peace, Rene

We haven't done this yet either, but I'm thinking of having my dd's done at the pediatrician's office. They charge a little more, but at least I know the equipment will be clean, etc. They mark the girl's ears and then the nurse and doctor do them at the same time. Good luck!

We just did our first Meet the Masters lesson and I really liked it. I loved the detail about Van Gogh's life. It was a little longer than normal because we did the intro lesson in addition to the 1st unit. (The girls really wanted to actually "do" art and I wanted to start at the beginning, as usual.) Anyway, I'm not very artistic and I certainly don't know much about art appreciation. The lesson really walked me through everything I needed to explain. Even though I wasn't too keen on reading the script, I loved having it; next time, I'll be better prepared. I think the girls liked the lesson as well and they enjoyed the art activity. They are 11 and almost 9 and we did the track for 10+. My youngest was able to keep up with no problems. Hope that helps.

:iagree: Me too! My girls would love this. One of our friends came over Monday (our first day of school) to lead a "boot camp". She was in the Navy; we heard stories from her boot camp and she show us how to fold clothes and make a bed properly. She's coming back tomorrow to show us how to keep our stuff orderly. This would be a great segue-way. Rene

My DH always thought he hated pumpkin pie until I served it warm from the oven with whipped cream. Even now at Thanksgiving, I have to make his parents' pie the day ahead so it can be put in the fridge and eaten cold. :001_huh: Now he likes pie the correct way, warm with whipped cream or ice cream. Very bizarre.

We just switched to streaming only, so I know our choices are limited. Foreign films also tend to be more adult themed. Anyone from Quebec want to chime in?

I'm looking for some good books on tape or kid friendly movies/tv shows in French for my 9yo DD. Any ideas? We have a good university library here, but I don't even know any titles to search. Thanks, Rene

Last year I did FLL 3 with my 3rd grader and FLL 4 with my 5th. They are very similar and follow closely with one another week by week. FLL 4 is a bit more advanced in sentence complexity, but I think both of my girls got a great grammar foundation. This year we'll review the rules and lists they memorized last year. My now 6th is moving to Harvey's/CW and my 4th is not doing anything formal; we're going to work on Bravewriter's The Arrow use Nitty Gritty Grammar. I think the PP is referring to WWE. We did both last year as well and I am definitely waiting until 5th to do WWE4 with my younger; the jump from WWE3 to WWE4 is a big one.

This reader set (scroll to the bottom of the page) is currently 50% off and I'm really coveting it. I don't think we're ready to use it yet, but the price is is hard to let go. Has anyone used this? What age or what stage in your curriculum? Any other thoughts? Thanks! Rene

If you did, how did you set it up? An LP or Weekly Planner? I'm just curious. Thanks! Rene

I'm wanting to explore more of St. Benedict's rule and include the kiddos. Is there a good resource/curriculum that would help me? I have St. Benedict's Toolbox, but I'm wondering if there is a resource that would be a little easier for younger folks. Thanks! Rene

We're not allergic to nuts or anything, but all the store bought ones have soy and/or some type of vegetable oils, which we avoid. I can't seem to find a good recipe and since the hive has so many good answers, I thought I would try here. :) Thanks! Rene

:iagree: in SPADES!

Thanks for the input everyone. It's very helpful. Peace, Rene

Have your children seem all of them? I haven't read all the books, but my girls are finishing the series soon. I told them they needed to read the books before seeing any of the movies. They've seen 1-3, but I'm a little hesitant to let them watch the later, PG-13 movies after having read the parents common sense guide on Netflix. I know I could watch the movies first, but I'm really swamped with other things right now. They're almost 9 & 11 and they haven't watched many PG 13 movies; on a "fright/sensitivity" scale, I would say they're average for their age. Any thoughts? Peace, Rene

OK, so I've read every CW Homer thread out there over the last several months and I'm thinking I'm ready to pull the trigger - now for the scheduling. I get that it takes about 45-60 minutes a day. But I have a stupid question: how much of that time is "at the elbow"? Judging from the samples, I know I'll need to be close, but when I'm scheduling this time, do I need to schedule independent work for my younger DD for a full hour or can I just be accessible to both for questions/guidance on their assignments. This is what I find so difficult about scheduling. I admire you moms of many! Thanks for the insight. Peace, Rene

:grouphug: I can't offer much in the way of OB advice, but I also have heavy periods. I know this sounds a bit over the top, but I quit using store bought pads/tampons. I use either folded washcloths in my panties during the day or a folded handtowel in "bike shorts" at night. There is something freeing energetically to just not worry about my flow. Everyone I tell gets completely grossed out by this, but it works for me! Good luck and hang in there. Peace, Rene

My rising 6th grader has finished WWE 4 and I'm fairly please with her progress. We've done some outlining and writing across curriculum, but not as much as I would like. Next year, I'm using TOG and I purchased the Writing Aids. I'm planning out next year and I'm wondering if I should: generally use the Level 6 assignments let DD choose the assignment that's interesting to her focus on the non-fiction type writing first something else? We'll continue to outline/summarize in science and some history, what would you recommend? Thanks, Rene

How would you recommend incorporating both the CC Audio CD and the Living Memory book? Is there a sample of the CC Audio anywhere? My girls will hate it if it's what they call "dippy". (FWIW, they're OK with the Latin for Children CD.) I'm thinking of just getting the CD for the car, but I could have the girls record their own CD from Living Memory. But you know how the best laid plans goes! Thanks for your insight. Peace, Rene

You can either buy one track with different ages or buy a bundle of track A, B, and C for the same age. I guess it just depends on how often you're going to do it and how many children you have at different levels. The website says you can combine ages to the higher level if they are one level apart. I just don't know if the higher level will be a bit too challenging. I want it to be fun. I guess I'll figure it out. Good luck, Rene

I'm thinking about buying MTM for summer "fun" and I'm wondering how this is going for you. What level did you buy? I have an almost 9 & 11, so I'm torn between level 2 & 3. Do you have any words of wisdom? Thanks! Rene

I've been reading the other threads about saving for retirement and it got me thinking. We are currently saving what we can and our house should be paid for in less than 10 years (I'll be 57 then). I work VERY part-time as a Microsoft Access developer now, with most of my customers in the Thoroughbred industry. A big part of our retirement plan is for me to work full time once my child-raising gig is up. Our definite plan is to HS through middle school and then evaluate our options for high school. That leaves me with at least 5 years of homeschooling left. So, I'm just wondering what to do with my next life. I don't know how much longer my Access gig will hold up (cloud computing, etc.) If I stay in this field, I will need to acquire some new skills. I know I want to work for myself and I want the potential to make big bucks if I work hard. The only thing I can think of is a real estate agent, which doesn't thrill me or turn me off too much. Any other ideas? Thanks for enabling my obsessive need to NOT live in the moment! Can you tell I'm a little bored today? :D Peace, Rene