Most of our writing instruction comes from CLE LA, which has it built in, it's very easy to get done, but there aren't a huge number of projects. That said, Write On! should be arriving next week in case I have time to do some one on one writing with the girls next year and to support older DD with her history writing assignments. Our four oldest are girls :). Currently 6th, 3rd, 1st, and PK.

For the 300s? I won't. CLE covers expository writing of all kinds at different levels - book reports, various types of letters, research reports, outlines, and eventually hits essays (we aren't there yet). The younger grades also include creative writing. I still wouldn't say it's writing-centric, but it's solid. There aren't a lot of writing projects assigned each year I. Terms of quantity/volume in the older grades (4th and up), so I am hoping to get my oldest to add some additional writing in her content subjects this coming year.

Yay!! I had CLE Box Day this week as well! I think I'm in love with LA 300s! Actually, today I was SO appreciating that CLE is teaching 2nd DD calendar skills in both LA and math - spelling says if the week and months in LA, learning calendar skills and how many days in the months in math. Because...I really suck at teaching calendar skills consistently. I don't like it either!

Kage Baker IS pretty fantastic! I've been slumming and reading a lot of YA scifi/post apocalyptic lately. That's been sort of fun, but nothing super notable. Have you read Tad Williams? He has two great series, a very classic coming of age hero journey fantasy an a very virtual reality scifi series that I liked even better.

We actually have, and use, one of those flexible, five subject duo tang:binder things for my oldest. It's awesome!

That sounds great :). I agree that keeping it simple for first is best! If you cover phonics, math, and printing along with Bible and read alouds, you're golden :).

We do use the readers, sound flashcards and word flashcards. They are very helpful. What kind of words can this child decode? It's possible that she may be past LTR. LTR is then initial phonics program. LA then branches into Reading (reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, bits of writing and phonics) and LA (spelling, grammar, penmanship, phonics in the early grades, usage, punctuation, homophones, and all that miscellaneous LA stuff.) Have you seen the detailed scope and sequence? Based on it, I was able to pinpoint where to place my 2nd DD at the end of first grade (LTR 106 and LA 101). Here is a link for you: https://www.clp.org/documents/5748/original/2015-2016_Elementary_Scope_and_Sequence.pdf I hope this helps :).

CLE LTR definitely isn't independent. It also isn't just phonics. It's phonics, spelling, manuscript instruction, copywork, sight words, reading fluency, comprehension etc. It is pretty open and go, but I wouldn't try linkg it up with another programs scope and sequence. It is very full in and of itself.

Oooh, The Story About Ferdinand!

We use CLE LA. 4th grade does not currently include built in creative writing if that is something you are looking for. Here is a recent thread where I outlined a few things about the program: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/550220-would-love-some-feedback-on-cle-math-and-language-arts-programs/

VeritasBible.com had a study of the gospels? No experience with it, but there is a 14 day free trial, I guess :).

CLE Bible 700s? It's a study of the gospels. We are doing I this coming year. It just arrived today, and it looks splendid. It also includes learning to use a concordance as a bonus. We have been VERY happy with CLE Bible from the 100s through the 600s (haven't done the 300s yet, though). "Sunrise Bible 700 is a study of the Gospels. The first LightUnit begins witha brief overview of each Gospel’s unique characteristics. Lessons in the rest of the course follow the chronological order of the Gospel of Luke but include events and teachings from the other Gospels. Each lesson directs the student to read a given portion of Scripture. This Scripture passage is then explained in the LightUnit and followed by activities that help the student interact with what they have learned. The course also teaches students how to use Strong’s Concordance. Bible memory work is included." This is a full year course. Hit the sample links on this page to take a look: https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/23

Double post

Thanks, Mona! I have everything in my cart EXCEPT for the TE right now. Still waiting to press go :).

This may go without saying....but only buy what you LOVE. I haven't always followed this rule, and those books ended up being shelf wasters. If you don't enjoy it, you won't read it.

Caps for Sale Runaway Bunny Any Frances books Harper Collins Treasury My kids LOVE Perfectly Arugula, even though it is SO pink. Sterling has some great picture books, very fun. Richard Scarry just for the visual feast Green Eggs and Ham Classic Robert Munsch, like Mud Puddle The Story About Ping Franklin, preschoolers love that guy Lots of good recommendations here

LA300 arrived today from CLE and I love it. Spelling may not always be strictly phonetic, but it is tightly integrated into the lessons being taught. So when days of the week are being taught along with abbreviations, capital use, etc. one is sure to be on the list. When syllabificaction concepts are being taught, they show up in the spelling, etc. it will work for us.

I was just flipping through my new CLE LA 300 TM that arrived today and I was reminded of a few other things. It also includes usage, punctuation, editing, homophones, how to use reference materials, how to study, and all sorts of odds and ends that are useful. I once used SO many resources to try to cover my LA bases. Now I just get CLE and know that it will be covered. What a huge relief.

Language arts. We came to CLE LA in 4th after using a hodgepodge of other things with my oldest. She did the placement test and was able to jump in at grade level. We've used 400-600s with her (600s in progress), and 100s-200s with younger siblings. CLE LA includes penmanship, spelling, writing, and grammar. All of this is much more phonetically integrated in the lower grades. Penmanship in 4th and up takes place on separate paper and is often tied to copywork, spelling lists, or topical lists. At the risk of repeating myself, see this post for my take on the spelling: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/549562-choosing-a-spelling-program-isis-not-for-you-if/ We use Rod and Staff for spelling. There is another poster there who does an overview of LOE Essentials as well. They are very different programs and it depends on your goals. LOE is more parent intensive but builds the phonics foundation from scratch. CLE is more independent, but is finished with it's phonics foundation by 4th. That was covered incrementally in 1st and 2nd mainly. The grammar is excellent, includes diagramming, very rigorous. The writing in 4th and up is expository, creative writing is more of an optional add on that many moms don't get to. It has been fine for us, in 7th I hope to add some more writing across the curriculum. CLE does seem to be integrating more creative writing in the 2nd edition LA - they are working on 4th grade next, it won't be out for this fall. Let me know if you have any specific questions?

On math, I my not be the best person to ask. We switched from MUS after Beta, we were running behind because I'd stopped to reteach things (multiple times) that kept being forgotten due to not enough ongoing review. We made a brief layover with MM, total fail for us, pages are TOO crammed, and landed with CLE. It was the beginning of DD's 4th grade and we placed into the 200s. Do use the placement tests, you will likely place farther ahead than we did, but be aware that CLE's scope and sequence is very different than CLE's. Before starting CLE she was crying about her perceived lack of ability to do math. CLE was, and remains, a total win for us. My children retail what they learn due to the spiral review. They also have a better understanding of their facts due to scheduled flash cards and speed drills. As a wonderful bonus, it's also largely independent. Her math confidence has strengthened considerably. Her younger siblings switched early enough that they've never experienced ongoing feelings of math failure. This fall will be our fourth year with CLE. All that being said, if MUS really works for you, leave things be. Apparently it does work well for many families, just not mine, we still use some teaching tools we learned with MUS, but no longer use 'the program' . If it doesn't work for you, switch as soon as possible once you make the choice to do so. As I mentioned, the scope and sequence is SO different. You'll want all the time you can get to cover ground with the new course of study. More on LA later.

I know you've been mulling this over for a while. Why not order a couple of LU dater doing the placement test and see what you think? For math, start with -02, -01 is a refresher book and is set up differently. More later.

If you averaged it out, I think we'd hit 50%. We're way behind due to a tough pregnancy and delivery. I am going to just keep swimming.

Well...I don't think CBD carries LOE? I haven't been able to find it there. That should narrow it down. ;)

I highly recommend CLE. It is spiral, traditional, and very easy to get done.

I am trying to discipline myself to do this with my 6-yo also. Two days in a row success!