I’m from California and BFE is common to say. Although now that I think of it, I don’t hear many people outside my family say it. 🤷🏻‍♀️My mom used a lot of colloquialisms growing up that none of my peers seemed to know. I use it to mean something way out of the way or in the middle of nowhere.

Very helpful, thanks for this!

Thank you! He will definitely be ready for pre algebra; in looking at other pre algebra programs, what he is doing currently is pretty much pre algebra. (This is why I reached out to the teacher because I couldn’t tell much of a difference between Math 7 and pre algebra). We wouldn’t be using Saxon as a supplement; he would be doing either of their pre algebra programs in full OR MM7 (in MM7, I would be comfortable skipping or skimming some topics that he has already mastered). I have the luxury of time since he’s a year “ahead” in math currently and am in no rush to get him to algebra prior to 8th grade, so I’m just wondering what the best course for his 7th grade math year is. He definitely will not be continuing math with the learning center; it is expensive, time consuming, and I’m having a hard time fitting in all the things I want him to do because of all the assignments.

Oh and to be clear, I do not mind helping him at all! In fact, I like to explain it in a way he can understand and keep up with the class to ensure he is progressing. But I’d like to have him do something where he can feel confident doing work on his own.

Thanks for your response. Yes, he is capable of taking an online class. The class he is taking now is online videos/assignments most of the week, and going to class once a week. He still likes the reassurance from me that he’s understanding it correctly, but maybe with one more year to mature he’ll be more independent in this area.

I’m thinking ahead to next year’s math for my oldest and would appreciate any advice! I know it’s only December and next school year is a long way away, but it’s on my mind. I’m trying to include pertinent math background without writing a novel. My 12 yo son is in 6th grade. He currently takes Math 7 at a learning center. TBH, I don’t really know what the difference between Math 7 and pre algebra is, but I asked the teacher what comes next and she said pre algebra. She said they’re very similar but not exactly the same. I’ve looked at different pre algebra curricula online and it looks like many cover the same topics he’s covering currently in Math 7. For various reasons he won’t be taking math at this learning center next year. This year’s math has been very intense and time consuming for him and for me to help him. He does not struggle in math, but is not a math whiz either. He has some confidence issues with math, so he likes me to sit with him while he completes his lessons which kind of defeats the purpose of him being in this math class and freeing up some of my time for his younger siblings. Which brings me to my question. Since Math 7 and pre algebra seem so similar I’m hoping to use next year as a review and confidence boosting year. Im interested in a pre algebra course that he can do mostly independently and will boost his confidence in math. Im looking at math mammoth 7 and having him do the units that he needs practice in, or Saxon 8/7 or algebra ½. I know MM and Saxon are very different, but both offer something I want (MM- doing the units he needs extra practice . Saxon- video lessons from Nicole the Math Lady to shore up pre algebra skills before going to Algebra in 8th). If you got through all this, thank you. What would you do if this was your child?

I do think I am over complicating it. Maybe there’s no premade history only study of this because most people do what you do! My problem is that I work from home. While it’s extremely flexible, it’s still a responsibility and very hard to make a consistent routine like you mentioned. So I spend all this time planning and may actually have very little time to execute it week to week. But I am praying to be able to quit.

So many awesome suggestions, thanks! The enrichment program is an art school that studies one time period a year, and learns of it through art. They encourage families to follow along their SOTW schedule, but it’s totally optional. So, I was thinking of using SOTW as my spine and adding in lots of books and activities to go with it. I usually have lots of ideas, but then get overwhelmed at all the books/fun things to do, that I have a hard time doing any of it. I think I could really benefit from laying the year out this summer as you suggested.

My kids attend an enrichment program one day a week. Next year they’ll be studying medieval history. We don’t always follow along with what the program does, but medieval history sounds super fun, so we’re going to focus on that next year. Im kind of maxed out in all areas of life right now, so I’m hoping to find something spelled out for me (I know I can just read SOTW and choose activities out of it, but I want something more structured). All the medieval studies I’ve found are part of an all in one program. MFW, wayfarer’s, etc. I don’t need science or Bible, since I have that covered already. I want ONLY history stretching from medieval times to the reformation. Does anyone know of something like this that already exists? I like a lot of the hands on activities in MFW from Rome to Reformation, but it spends the first 13 weeks on Rome. Which is interesting, but again, I want to focus on medieval history and I’ll be paying for a science and Bible that I most likely won’t use. Is my only option to spend the summer making units based on topics that will come up during that time period (monasteries/monks, castles, famous kings and queens, etc.)? 🤪 As a side note- we do not do a 4 year chronological history cycle. My kids are 7 and 9 (with 5 yr old sis joining in next year), so I just pick a history that sounds fun for us to do on a year to year basis. I’m not too concerned with them memorizing lots of details at this point; I just want to get a flavor of the medieval/Middle Ages/renaissance world. The kinder will be doing her own thing so this will be focused on a 2nd and 4th grader. Thanks!

I do own the first volume already, so this is definitely an option.

These are all great ideas, and I now have lots to think about. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond, I’ve been quietly reading along.

FIAR was my original plan, so that’s also a possibility. I think both my girls would enjoy it, if I go that route.

Your list is exactly what I’m looking for, but I want someone else to do it for me, ha! I’ve just found that when I do it myself, I let it Peter out. I’m finally admitting to myself that we all do better when I have a curriculum I can loosely follow. I’ll have a third and fourth grader to work with, plus I work for an online charter school, so it’ll alleviate a lot if I can have it laid out for me. Thank you for your input!!

My third and last child will be in Kindergarten next year. I already have her phonics and math picked out (I think), but I am looking for something fun to go along with it. I created my own thing for my oldest and my second did barely any kindergarten due to low interest, so I feel like I’m starting over. I’d like something that has topics that change throughout the year (like, no US History for the whole year) that covers fun little kid topics of interest, like pumpkins, weather, holidays, etc. Because I’m homeschooling two others and do have to work a little throughout the week, I’d like it as open and go as possible. I’ve researched tons of different curriculum but there’s so much out there, maybe someone knows of one I’m missing. I think My Father’s World is the closest I’m looking for, but I don’t really want to focus on animals all year. Maybe the best bet would be to do a letter of the week type thing and incorporate themes? This is my last kindergartener so I want it to be FUN!