Hi, I'm interested in finding out more about Zumdahl's Chemistry textbooks. I'm thinking of using Zumdahl with DIVE Chemistry. Does anyone have experience with Zumdahl, especially using it with the DIVE Chem CD-Rom program? Thanks for any feedback!

Hi, I haven't visited the WTM boards for quite a while, but I know when I have questions I can usually find answers here! I trust this community's opinions and value your feedback. So...my son has finished up Exploring Creation/Apologia High School Biology and is ready to move on to Chemistry. He's not a sciencey kid, but is great at math. Our plan is to stick with science basics: one year of Bio, one of Chem, one of Physics. My younger, more science-oriented student plans to use their Human Anatomy, as well. Though we adhere to an evolution rather than creation/design theory, we've found the Apologia science curriculum to be excellent and planned to stick with it. My kids have learned so much from the Bio program and thoroughly enjoy it! Tonight I intended to order Apologia H.S. Chemistry 3rd edition, but noticed poor reviews on both Rainbow Resource and Christian Book. Not expecting that. Has anyone here tried the new 3rd Ed. Chemistry? There's a new author and some changes, apparently. What do you think of the program and how does it compare to the earlier editions? Have you or your kids struggled with the format or solutions/problems? Science is NOT my strong suit, especially math-based, abstract fields like Chem and Physics. My kids have been able to study the H.S. Biology together at their own pace, indulging their separate interests. I was hoping the Chemistry program would be like that, too. After seeing the complaints in the review section, I'm worried now. Please share your experiences and any recommendations, opinions, feedback! Much appreciation! Thanks!

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has used the instructional videos from Apologia for high school science classes. They're pricey, especially because the family is only **renting** the instructional video for 1 year rather than purchasing it. We've used Apologia Biology this year **without** any instructional help. My student is an independent worker, and has done fine. Next year we'll be moving on to Chemistry, which I anticipate to be much tougher--at least for me! This subject was my downfall in school. I'm sweating bullets just thinking about buying the books. My student is very strong in math, though, and has Algebra 2 under his belt. He loves math, but isn't a big science fan. The equations in chemistry may actually appeal to him in a way biologic science does not. But he doesn't have a lot of science experience, and I'm not capable of sufficiently explaining chemistry concepts as questions arise. Because my student doesn't care much for science, we're planning to study 1 year each of the high school basics: biology, chemistry, and physics. Considering his talent in math, I want to make sure he studies chem and physics, rather than exploring general science or advanced biology. Discovering that Apologia offers instructional videos was a relief, but the price....yikes!!! We're respect Creationism, but personally subscribe to a different "worldview". Still, I'm sticking with Apologia Science since my kids are comfortable with the format and the curriculum is satisfactorily rigorous. If you've used their instruction streaming programs, I'd love to hear some feedback, opinions, and experiences!!! Tell me what you think, good, bad, ugly! And was the 1 year video rental worth the price to you and your student(s)? Much appreciation for any input! Thanks!

Look into the concept of FloorTime.

Do you like Deductive Reasoning Exercises? If so, there's a series of mind-stimulating, fun workbooks called Mind Benders published by the Critical Thinking Company. I love these! A couple of years ago I worked through the series to bring my brain back from the dead, so to speak. It felt great, a real self-esteem booster! Start with the first book, A1, even though the level is easy-peasy. A1 is mandatory, as it teaches **how** to approach the exercises and work them through to the end. The Fallacy Detective is fun and interesting, as well. I just ordered a used copy of John Seely's Oxford Everyday Grammar to read myself for fun! Strunk and White's small, pity book on usage and grammar is indispensable. Eats, Shoots, and Leaves is a fun book on grammar. Check out the Wm. Zinsser's On Writing Well, too. If you don't have large chunks of time to devote to novels, focus on short stories, plays, and poetry for now. That's my veteran mom of 3 tip! hahaha : )

What is the general opinion of reselling Calvert materials? I used Calvert only one year. From what I remember, Calvert's rule was No Reselling of any of their spiral bound Instructor's Guides, Curriculum Plans, etc after the purchaser was finished using them. They charge a gazillion dollars, but don't allow resale. Does anyone know if that's still the case? It was a long time ago, but I remember something about Calvert materials being pulled off Ebay, etc is someone was "caught" trying to resell??? Not sure if I'm remembering correctly. Seems extreme...

Thanks again for ALL the feedback, ideas, and links. This thread helped me make an informed decision about a product with which I wasn't previously familiar. I ordered today (deluxe package)! I'm breathing easy and feeling better about our endeavors now. Whew! Appreciation!

Oh, this does sound just right!!! Thank you for all the helpful replies and suggestions! Definitely think my student will like the extra game ideas. Great tip! I didn't know about Ziggy the Zebra until after I made this post and looked at the AAR/AAS website. This puppet may be the just the ticket for us!! Good fit for my kindy's personality. I'm looking forward to moving ahead with this now. Happiness and appreciation!!! : )

For grammar, I really like the curriculum called Easy Grammar. The program includes a student workbook and an instructor's book with answers and tips. The instructor's book corresponds exactly to the student workbook, so the lessons and correct answers are easy to find in a jiff. What I love about this program: -- It makes sense!!! the student (and teacher, if you're like me) starts off learning prepositions. Once prepositions are identified, the rest of the sentence elements are easy to recognize and name. I'm a college grad and only truly understood grammar after using this program with my kids. Diagramming? Me? No way! Until now! : ) --Not complicated. No prep work. --Does NOT focus on diagramming parts of sentences with lots of slanted lines, etc like so many traditional programs. The student learns to identify and use parts of speech, but without the extravagant graphing. Big relief for me and the kids!!! --The book includes capitalization, punctuation, correspondence rules, but places those lessons at the back. The instructor chooses to integrate these lessons with the grammar sections, use them intermittently, or wait, following the book straight through, and tackling them at the end. --**Solid** program, but without a drill-n-kill approach. You can choose to do a little or a lot each day/week. We started with the 3rd level and worked our way up. Each level reviews and expands on the previous one. Each level also provides some review throughout the year through unit tests. If your student needs more review, use Daily Grams or various parts of the unit test throughout the chapters. --Supplement or mix things up with Daily Grams, which are excellent corresponding books that provide practice and/or review via quick exercises. Emphasis on capitalization, punctuation and sentence combining. Great tool. ***************** As far as Handwriting goes....give yourself and your student a break and don't sweat it right now!!!! Let your student concentrate on other subjects, then come back to handwriting later. Really. Boys, especially, often prefer to print, even into adulthood. My son learned cursive when he was in 5th grade or so. That's when he was ready, mentally and physically. He's a teenager now and doing quite well! I used to lose sleep over so many things that seem unimportant now. Truly, don't sweat the small stuff. It will all fall into place. That's one lesson I learned the hard way! : ) There are 2 handwriting programs I like (everyone has her personal favorites! YMMV) --Handwriting Without Tears (printing and cursive programs available) -- New American Cursive (Memoria Press uses this one) Both these programs are easy to implement. Geared toward getting the job done with simplicity and ease, these programs are good for students who struggle with interest and/or motor skills. Letter formation is student-friendly and unfussy without looking "unattractive". : ) In my personal opinion, New American Cursive is the "prettier" of the two and the program that appealed most to my kids. ***************** Spelling is a tough one. Some kids are natural spellers, others struggle no matter what the program or approach. Spelling has **nothing** to do with intelligence or knowledge, but is an important skill nonetheless. If your son still struggles with the phonetic concepts many spelling rules are based upon, I'd suggest trying Explode the Code Workbooks. My natural speller has had great success with ETC, Sing, Spell, Read, and Write, and later with Building Spelling Skills by Christian Liberty Press (very affordable, extremely traditional, rote, old-fashioned, easy to use, challenging material). My struggling speller now uses Building Spelling Skills, too, after trying numerous programs. She's doing adequately. : ) Good enough! Many kids like MCP Spelling Workout (didn't work for us). Lots of moms swear by Sequential Spelling (didn't work for us, either!) I like both these programs, but my student flailed, fussed, and showed little progress no matter how hard we both tried (and cried!). I remember trying Spelling Power briefly, but it felt too intimidating for us. All About Spelling is one program that looks interesting and worth a try if your student learns best with a multi-sensory approach. My youngest may be using this one when the time comes. : ) ********************** Just one idea about formulating sentences and writing....One way to help ease a kid into writing is through narrating/dictating. Have him narrate a sentence about (fill in the blank). Correct his grammar gently, if necessary, through the modeling and repeat approach. Ask gentle questions to get him to add a few details. For example: He says, " The bird flew." You say, "what color is the bird?" He says, "black". Then you say, " The black bird flew." Then ask where the bird flew. He says, "in the sky." You say, " The black bird flew in the sky." Then ask him **how** the bird flew (provide suggestions if he blanks out; did the bird fly fast? weakly? crookedly?). He answers, "crookedly." At this point, he may add that the bird is a klutz or something else. Just go with it. Then repeat his sentence back to him, emphasizing any new or interesting parts: " The black, **klutzy** bird flew crookedly in the sky." Compliment him on ***his*** sentence that *he* just *wrote*. Then write his sentence in a notebook (use large writing, with plenty of spaces). Have him copy this sentence in his own manuscript writing. Emphasize that these are HIS words, this is his sentence--he's the creator--and all you did was take dictation. This is a gentle, effective way to get kids to write original sentences. It takes time and patience, but it does work. Hope this helps a bit! Good luck and enjoy the journey! You're doing great, both of you!

Hi! My kindy student is 6. I'm looking for an interactive, solid phonics program that doesn't involve a lot of pencil work or too much *conspicuous* drill. I like "drill" and basic, orderly presentation. This kid, however, does NOT. Eyes glaze over, attention goes out the window.... What could be simple and easy becomes arduous for both of us. I'm hoping to find a program that seems relevant to the child's world and interests, and provides pertinent games, activities, and interaction (without too much fluff). I've concluded that this is how my student learns best, so it's time for a revamp. : ) Is there a program that teaches reading through phonics without the kids realizing they're actually "being taught"? lol. I took a brief look at Veritas Press Phonics Museum. It sounded good at first, but the early reader books seem frustrating and stilted so I nixed it. Does anyone have feedback about AAR? Much appreciation!

I'm 44 and love Hip-Hop music. I don't "do" Facebook and don't understand the concept or appeal at all. My house only watches Netflix or DVD's. I haven't seen conventional TV in years. I love Barbie. I prefer Pabst Blue Ribbon beer to Merlot. I strongly identify with Worf, the Klingon from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Thank you for the excellent words of wisdom, all of you. Of course, I **would** have told him I was getting an attorney, bec. I tell him **everything** I do. I'm so programmed that way. So thank you all for that reminder. I'm taking the first baby steps toward being strong and breaking free. Thank you for your guidance. And yes, I do think I have some kind of PTSD that's developed over the past 4-plus years. I hardly recognize myself sometimes.

Thank you all so much for the validation and support. It helps to know others recognize the situation I'm describing and to have my feelings affirmed. My situation is incredibly vulnerable, and I have to play my cards very carefully--and with legal help. I did some brief research online about spousal support and hope that I may qualify given my MS, the length of the marriage, and to a lesser extent, my family role and contributions to his career. Honestly, I'm afraid of his tyrannical whimsy and vengefulness. He acts so calm and funny one minute, but can be savage, degrading, and controlling the next, often using various threats to "reel me in" or "get me". He can be nurturing and generous, or extremely withholding and punishing. Of course, everything is somehow "my fault." Why did it take me so long to acknowledge the classic patterns and cycles of abuse in my marriage? I'm a broken shell of the person I once was. And somehow, I feel like I've been addicted to loving him, and more importantly, trying to make him love me back. It's sick. And I'm ashamed. I'm ashamed that I'm "that woman." Yet, I can still feel myself wanting to believe that he will change just enough and I'll make it work. Again, sick. It *is* like a drug problem. ============+++++++ If you have any guidance about what I should ask an attorney, please share. What kinds of stipulations are appropriate for a separation agreement? What should I reasonably ask for and expect? How do I create boundaries with an estranged spouse without incurring his wrath? Feminine and maternal diplomacy is more effective, I find, than power plays. I'm mentally and emotionally worn out from all this....I thought it was bad when he still lived in the house; the months since we separated have been bizarre! In addition, I'm afraid of what his mother will think of me when she finds out!!?? It kills me to think she'll blame me and perhaps resent any settlement, including custody. Maybe she'll think I "deserve" nothing. On the surface, it seems like her son--my dh--is so good. I must be the bad one, right?! This is all so devastating. I've tried so hard. After so many years, my soul is withering. I feel like a trapped animal who has to chew off her own leg to save her life. Much appreciation for your feedback-- and for simply reading

Hi, WTM board. I haven't participated on these boards for quite a while, but I used to hang out here regularly. I've been homeschooling since my first was in K. He's now in 8th grade and dd is in 6th. Homeschooling works for us and the kids are thriving. It's been my hope to continue educating through high school. My dh and I have always agreed about my homeschooling. I also have a 4 yr. old that I plan(ned) to homeschool as well. My marriage has always been difficult, with many ups and downs, but has deteriorated beyond repair this year. We separated several months ago and will remain so. Irreconcilable differences is an understatement. The separation was a long process, but he finally agreed to go and seems glad?/relieved now that he did. I've known peace for the first time in years....Walking on eggshells 24/7 takes a toll.... This January we will have been married 23 years. I've been a stay-at-home mom since my first was born, so I haven't worked in almost 15 years. Originally, I had planned to go to graduate school and work at least part time after having kids, but dh wanted/needed to focus on his job. Dh felt that it was way too stressful to have both parents pursuing career goals. He wasn't open to "babysitting" while I worked on school assignments, etc. My family was my number one priority, so I agreed to focus on being a wife/mother. I also have multiple sclerosis (dx in 1996). My case is fairly stable, and mild-ish as long as I don't overextend myself. Fatigue is the most challenging aspect, and at times can be debilitating. I pace myself and do okay. I used to think I could work a little if I wanted, but over the last few years I've begun to realize this is probably a fantasy as long as my kids aren't grown. I haven't had a major flare in a long time (knock on wood). Pushing myself, though, starts to trigger new problems, so my life is pretty circumscribed. Dh makes a decent salary and never wanted me to work outside the home, so he didn't have a problem with our situation. Ds had behavioral and developmental issues when he was younger. Dh and I both agreed that homeschooling would be best for our son. He is a wonderful, gifted, motivated kid. He also continues to struggle with some issues, but is doing well. Home education is right for him, and my daughter, too. Dh recognizes that homeschooling is important for their continued personal growth. Now that we've separated, though, I'm scared. Dh says he supports my continuing to homeschool. But he is passive-aggressive, controlling, vengeful, deluded, and unpredictable. It took me a long time to recognize and then to admit that my marriage has be defined by emotional abuse for decades. I know I need to protect myself and have a post-nup contract drawn up. He knows I'm completely dependent financially and have limited resources and alternatives. He swears that he will provide support and reassures me that nothing has to--or should-- change about our arrangement. Right now, that's true. The only thing that's different is that he lives in a small apt. He has free access to the kids in our home per our agreement. The kids actually seem to be fine and comfortable and the upheaval has been kept to a bare minimum. But he could change everything any second if he wanted to, and has warned me in arguments that I "better watch it." If you have navigated separation/divorce/abuse/homeschooling could you please share some of your experiences? What are your suggestions, ideas? Would a contract be binding? Would continued support, if we both agree, be honored/recognized by the legal system? Given all the complications of my situation, I'm nervous to say the least. Thank you for any feedback

Thanks for all the ideas! i will do a search and read mission!