Thanks for the wonderful list!

We are using SOTW Vol 1 for first grade history. In WTM, SWB suggests memorizing at least two of the lists from the Ready Reference section of the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia. I was wondering what lists folks seem to choose from this book or what other lists have folks done with their dc. Thanks! -Julieann

We have completed hooked on phonics - which upon looking back was a good introduction, but not nearly complete - and are working on ETC online and are in book 4 where they go over syllable division and all its variations depending upon vowel placement among the consonants. I do not remember having ever been taught this division with such specificity. One of my 5 year olds is reading very, very well, but having not been taught anthing about this yet, is of course not knowing what to do. (Maybe the answers are in one of the books recommended by WTM, but seeing we received hooked on phonics as a gift we used that instead.) My questions to anyone willing to answer: Did you teach this to your children when teaching reading? Is it important and why? Thanks!

words at the end of sentences? I know there was a thread a while back on this... I just can not seem to find it. I am looking for any information anyone can provide. Thanks a lot! Gee... the boards will not let me edit the title.. should be "speech" not speach.

I paid 60.00 for a years access. The computer makes it fun and while we do not allow any of the reward settings for various web sites the immediate feedback they receive for completing each unit makes it fun for them. We used HOP K-2 and ETC online to supplement. I have seen the ETC workbooks and can see why kids might burn out. Maybe the online plan will give the same material that extra boost to get past the "boringness" of the print version. just a thought, good luck

Hi, my hope in posting this is that folks here might know of another forum that may be a better fit for me. My ideal site would be "The Well Trained Mind forums - for secular families". Thanks.

NT

Prices almost always go down in the summer compared to end of season heating prices. We live in Vermont and are in a similar situation as yours. We will be wearing layers and using less as it is getting warmer. I would never spend the money this time of year as many people do a prebuy at the end of summer. One suggestion that has worked for us in the past (do not know where we went wrong this year) is to purchase more than we think we might use. That way we get any extra credited to our account at the end of the season and do not have to buy at market prices this time of year. HTH!

and to think that so many miss out on these joyous moments with their children! I feel very lucky to have this opportunity with my children. Thank you for sharing.

aren't we lucky!

Thank you to whomever posted about this being available to hs families from homeschool buyers co-op for half the price!! I had been looking at United Streaming for a few weeks, trying to justify the cost. Now that I have signed up, I see just how incredible this is! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I am not sure why I did not see these posts until now, but it is nice to see there are others out there who have started this process before me. I am sure I will have questions as we continue on this great journey. Nice to "meet" you all!

Its even in color! My two love it!

I suggest refinishing any hardwood floors first because of the dust produced and drying time. It is great if you do not have to move in before doing them. You do not have to move any furniture and cleanup is so much easier. You can always put down lots of plasic later when you are painting. Four years ago we purchashed an old colonial circ 1871, 5 acres, inground pool, 5-6 bedrooms which needed a LOT of work including a new liner for the pool. (Liners can be very expensive, our total pool renovations including new decking have come close to 12k!) Had we known before hand we might have filled it in with dirt but now we are glad to have it!! The beautiful parkay floors with mahogany inlay my husband refinished, while we were newly moved in. So, it can be done, but its not easy and required lots of plastic to keep the dust and then the poly fumes contained. But we are big do it yourselfers and that has saved us a lot of money. We also first took care of electrical issues, and then the childrens room and the main bathroom. The rest we have been doing over time. We have not done the kitchen yet, because that is the biggest expense, even more than the pool. We want to do it right the first time so we are saving. We still have many projects to go including landscaping, but it feels good to look at how far we have come in four years. We never could have afforded our home had it come with all the needed improvements already done. Good luck, and remember when you find those unexpected problems - becauese you will - and when you question your sanity at the time of purchase - because you will, try to imagine your home in a few years and smile! It can be so much fun!

I am interested in hearing about the homeschooling group in Lyndonville you mentioned..... I am sure Kerri can give you my number etc.

I am thinking of you during this time....

Thanks for the reply. I will figure out a system and you provided lots of ideas. Even though I am new to these boards they are very helpful. Thanks everyone.

both my children love HOP and have fun with ETC online. Not cheap, but worth every penny!

I was wondering what comes next in reading instruction after a phonics program. We are doing Hooked on Phonics and will be finishing up their second grade level in the next few months. Any program reccomendations would be helpful. Thanks!

Hello. My twins are five and we are in our first year of homeschooling. In preparation for next year, I am wondering how other moms with children the same age or grade level actually "do" narration excercises - ie SOTW etc. For example, I will read to both at the same time, but then wonder if they should be separated to tell me what they heard - so that they can not be influenced by what the other says OR if hearing what the other says is actually beneficial. I am not sure if this makes sense, and perhaps I am over thinking as I want to "get it right". I also notice that they are starting to look at each others workbooks when we are doing math. I want to promote cooperation and teamwork, yet also want to promote independence. Thank you for sharing anything that has worked/not worked for you on your journey.

nt

Hello, this is our first year homeschooling and so far it is going well. I am looking to say hi to any one homeschooling twins. My DS 4.5 and DD 4.5.