I've used/tried several different math curr with my 3 oldest dds, Rightstart, Singapore, Shiller, Abeka, and MCP (and have looked at Saxon extensively but have not used it). I'm currently using Abeka 1 with my 6 yo, mainly because she loves workbooks and its colorful and fun for her. Honestly, if I had an advanced math preschooler like you, I'd use a curriculum that teaches more interesting strategy and math thinking skills, but just go at whatever pace the child wants. I would be suggesting something like Rightstart or Singapore vs Abeka or Saxon. I'd start at the K level and just move along quickly if it seems too easy. My husband is an engineering professor and I was an engineer years ago (seems like a lifetime!) so we're pretty anal about the math curriculum we use, but this is just my .02 :). HTH

This has happened to me both ways. I've been told something was missing when I knew I had returned it, and I also could have sworn I returned a book and then found it a couple weeks later, whoops! Does your library know you're a homeschooler? My library has a policy where they don't charge homeschoolers for overdue books, which I really appreciate.

I absolutely agree that corrlelation does not equal causation, but there have been many studies done in this area and I was trying to keep it brief. At the risk of drowning you in data, here's some more info (with citations) in case you're interested: What social science says about cohabitation · On average, marriage preceded by cohabitation is 46% more likely to end in divorce. (Popenoe and Whitehead, "Should We Live Together?" 2002, p. 4, citing 1992 study by Alfred DeMaris & K. Vaninadha Rao, "Premarital Cohabitation & Subsequent Marital Stability in the U.S.: A Reassessment," Journal of Marriage and the Family 54) · The risk is greatest for "serial" cohabitators who have had multiple relationships. Some studies indicate that those who live together with definite plans for marriage are at minimal risk; however, there are no positive effects from cohabiting. (Popenoe and Whitehead, "Should We Live Together?" p. 5-6) · Social scientists have tried to determine whether some of the risk is due to the selection effect, i.e., that people who cohabit are already those who are more likely to divorce. While research shows the selection influence, most social scientists emphasize the causal effect, that is, cohabitation itself increases the chance of future marital problems and divorce. (Anne-Marie Ambert, "Cohabitation & Marriage: How are they related," 2005, p.18-19, www.vifamily.ca/library/cft/cohabitation.pdf; Stanley, Kline, & Markman, "The Inertia Hypothesis: Sliding vs. Deciding in the Development of Risk for Couples in Marriage," p. 6-8, www.bgsu.edu/organizations/cfdr/cohabitation/lead_papers/inertia_hypothesis.pdf) · Cohabitation usually favors one partner over the other. Studies find that cohabitors are unequally committed. Often, the more committed partner is willing to put up with poor communication, unequal treatment, insecurity and abuse. Typically, women are more vulnerable, since they tend to be more committed. (Anne-Marie Ambert, "Cohabitation & Marriage: How are they related," 2005, p.13-15) · Cohabitation puts children at risk. Forty percent of cohabiting households include children. After five years, one-half of these couples will have broken up, compared to 15% of married parents. (Whitehead, "Patterns & Predictors of Success & Failure in Marriage," p.7, from the 2005 colloquium "Promoting & Sustaining Marriage as a Community of Life & Love")

We just got Wii here this Christmas. The game part doesn't interest me all that much, but I'm curious about Wii Fit. Anyone out there use and can give me some feedback? I'm in average shape, and currently try to work out 3-4 times per week, but if it make it just 1/2 as much these days, I'm doing pretty well. TIA

I loved this, thanks for posting it -

And I say this as someone who lived with my husband before we married (although we were engaged before we lived together). I'm from the same line of thought as Drew who posted earlier about teaching our children about the lifelong commintment and self-giving in a sexual relationship, by way of Theology of the Body. Based on my recent interest in studying Theology of the Body more and training as a speaker on marriage for my diocese, I learned that cohabitating before marriage actually increases the chance of divorce by 50%. On first reflection, that may seem counterintuitive, but upon further reflection, it's not. When you're living together, what you're really doing is practicing an uncommitted relationship and forming "habits of heart" that are difficult to break. You don't need to take my word on this, you can read more about it at, http://www.jennifer-roback-morse.com/articles/cohab_fast_facts.html, the article is called, "Why Not Take Her for a Test Drive?" As Dr. Morse, the author, says, "Half a commitment is no commitment. Cohabitating couples have one foot out the door, throughout the relationship. They rehearse not trusting." Just wanted to put forth a different perspective on it -

I've taught level A up through Level E with oldest, and am on Level D with dd #2. I know the games are supposed to provide alot of practice and drill, but it just didn't happen for us and I was hoping the girls would play the games with each other, which unfortunately didn't happen either. I ended up using a few things to supplement. We use CWP, about 1 level behind so they don't get too frustrated. I also use Calculadders to help them with computation speed, that was definitely a problem with my oldest. And lastly, I use Evan Moor's daily math practice just to give them a bit of spiral review each day. The book breaks each week down into M-F with 5 short problems for each day. All this supplementing probably sounds like alot, but it really doesn't take too much extra time, maybe 10-15 min per day max. HTH -

recommendation. It's well-laid out, colorful, and my kids really enjoyed it.

I know MUS has a CD to help kids learn their facts, I'm sure there are lots of others out there too. I've also used Times Tales here with moderate sucess. Each fact comes with a little picture and saying to help remember it, so maybe something like that is worth looking into also. HTH, Good luck -

and she's really taken off with her reading this year. We've got a well-stocked bookshelf, so she's preacticing her skills on things like Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House. I also use book lists like Five in a Row and Honey for a Child's Heart to get other age appropriate read-alouds from the library.

with dd6 and it's going well. Like another response said, I skip the narration and copywork in FLL. We also skip the poetry because we use MODG lesson plans for poetry memorization and so FLL is basically a strictly oral grammar text for us. We do WWE as outlined and FLL 3 days a week. With all the skipped lessons, we're already over half way through FLL and it only takes a few minutes a day. I'll probably switch to GWG when she gets to 3rd grade and stick with WWE through the series.

I used 100 easy lessons with my 3rd daughter for about 6 months. The writing is minimal, and since you're doing other things with her like Bob books I think you'll be fine. I did end up switiching my daughter to OPGTTR which is actually working better for us and doesn't require any writing. But if your daughter likes 100 easy lessons and she's learning well with it, then there's no need to switch just becuase of the writing.

I've used it with 3 of my girls. It definitely is much heavier on the discussion than other math programs, so she would probably enjoy it more. It's also scripted, but can be easily modified to your taste, so it's a good fit for moms who want a bit more direction in how to present new concepts. I've used RS with Singapore's CWP as a supplement and recently add Evan Moore's Daily Math Practice too for a bit of spiral review. It's working well for us. Good luck -

My oldest used FLL, switching to GWG in 3rd grade. The next used GWG from grade one, I tried FLL but she didn't care for all the oral work. My 6 yo is now using FLL, but we skip alot becuase she's also using WWE (which I LOVE) and poetry memorization through Mother of Divine Grace lesson plans. Not sure what we'll use after FLL 1/2 for her. I never used FLL 3/4, but I've looked at the sample lessons several times, I think I wanted to like it more than I actually did. I think what kept me from using it is that it's more teacher intensive and if my kids like GWG, it doesn't make sense to switch. I also love that GWG is very solid grammar instruction that they can do independently, but I do agree that a student with strong auditory preference would prefer FLL.

I've used it up to 1/2 way thru level E with my oldest and then we switched to MCP supplementing with Singapore CWP. My 8 yo dd is currently using RS level D after which we'll switch to the MCP/CWP combo also. Good luck with your decision

was recommended by Dianne Craft in her "Biology of Behavior" CD, she's a hs consultant who works with alot of special needs kids. Her claim is that kids versions of probiotics are not potent enough to have a significant impact, and she's observed that this brand works well. It must be bought refrigerated (make sure it ships to the store in refrigerated containers also) and kept refrigerated. The pills are small, but I open them and mix with food or drink becuase my dd has trouble swallowing pills.

I have an easy little book I plan to use with all 3 dds called "Drawing Textbook" but it has repeatedly fallen through the cracks. My dd8 loves art though, so I may sign her up for an outside class this winter. Otherwise pretty much all of it is getting done, which is a relief.

I used a book called "the right instrument for your child" (should be avail at the library) and its got nice checklists to assess your child's readiness as well as good descriptions of each instrument and what temperment of child tends to succeed at them. They claim most kids give up an instrument because they either start too early or studied an instrument that wasn't a good fit for them. I also agree with the other posts about finding the best teacher you can, its money well spent because your child will progress much faster. My oldest plays violin, 2nd dd plays viola, and not sure what dd6 will play, I don't think she's quite ready for anything yet. Good luck -

and have all been happy with them. I had no Latin background so its nice to sit on the couch and learn right along with them. Mrs Leigh is very thorough, the pace can be a bit slow at times, but I'd prefer it a bit on the slow side than too fast. DDs are 10 and 8, and 6 yo listens along too.

that we sign up for. If something looked interesting and we had the time, I'd try it. But now I'm really questioning whether activities are worth the money and the kids' readiness vs what I can accomplish at home (ex. art and music lessons, gymnastics, etc) We never ate out much before but now it seems like that's dropped off completely.

to everyone who replied. Lots of great ideas, and my girls were interested in the idea of trying mimi M&Ms and tic-tacs so I think we'll try that first.

I know, this is a strange question, I'm asking because I'm getting a little frustrated with our situation. I've been following Dianne Craft's 12 week supplement program (from her "Biology of Behavior CD) w dd10, dd8 and dd6. It's mostly for dd10 to try to help with sensory and mood issues. Anyway some of the supplements come only in pill form, like the essential fatty acids supplement. It's called EFA for Children and is a smooth gel capsule, but my kids absolutely gag and insist they can't swallow it. I know they just need to relax and they can do it, but I'm stumped as to anything I can do to help them with this. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

We're northeast of Boston about 1/2 hr. These new boards are taking some adjustment but I'm slowly getting the hang of it - Nancy (formerly Nancy in MA)