1. Bible, one volume interlinear with translation And transliteration preferably 2. A Handbook for Reading 3. I would hunt for a Little House on the Prairie omnibus, I hope such a thing exists 4. Grammar handbook 5. A general math overview text, nothing fancy 6. Hymn book 7. Sister Wendy 8. A beautiful book of photography - various landscapes, city scapes with people, etc. depicting outdoor life before the bomb 9. History encyclopedia 10. Science encyclopedia Definitely need a slate or dry erase board.

That's a lot of reading, I'd say you're good :).

I got tired of piecing it together and figuring out transitions between steps, subjects, and programs. I moved it all over to CLE's first grade LTR program and their LA. It's simpler and integrated. I like their LA for independent work in the later grades (but not spelling after 2nd), so I figured we'd start with it now and just keep going. I'm very happy with that choice, it relieves a lot of LA confusion for me :).

Hebrew? :)

We also do Postal Bible Studies. Only 4 lessons/month, but it comes by mail (always exciting for the kids), and it's free. It's basically one page per lesson with a small coloring section, a story to read, and maybe a few letters to fill in blanks with in the first level. http://www.bible-n-more.com/ Children earn points and can save them up for goodies too.

CLE's Bible 1 and 2 is just like that. I have book B for my 5-yo and just started CLE 1 with my 7-yo because she wanted Bible coloring pages too. One page story to read, a coloring or activity page on the next page. Pretty affordable too. The difference is there are multiple LU and they are work texts so the story is in the books themselves. No need for the TG at these levels.

Second vote for CLE. My 4th grader did it 95% independently last year, using it again or 5th this year. I also have a bunch of busy younger children :).

Thanks! We are in LA 1 right now, I'm liking it so far :). So, it sounds like I should def. order the I Wonder materials then once we're done with LTR in order to get the full program.

I sort of missed the 1st grade part, sorry! Just do phonics for 1st, really. Spelling can def. wait until 2nd or 3rd.

We're using ACE Word Building. Very independent. Still uses phonetic principles and applies them to other words outside of the list for the PACE. Words aren't too challenging, but it isn't just a list, all teaches vocab, word parts etc. Where it meets your requirements: independent (except for any questions, self tests, tests), colorful (my girls love the character building cartoons), thin workbooks (broken into 12 books/yr). Cons? not the cheapest course, I think it's around $30 in the US, we pay more here in Canada.

Hi All! I need an experienced CLE mom to help me with some questions! I started my 7-yo on the last half of LTR (106). We're in 108 now and LA 103. So my questions are: 1. To get a full phonics program do I need to do Reading 1 and 2 after LTR, or just LA 1 and 2? 2. Is the spelling in LA 2 mainly phonetic? I know it's entirely phonetic in LA 1, but in LA 4 and up, the spelling is more topical and not phonetic at all. When does it change from phonetic to lists of words about Thanksgiving? Thanks!

I would second checking out CLE. It's a rigorous, traditional spiral and is a bit advanced. Great program, covers lots of topics. definitely placement test.

Nope. Mine are behind :). 2 years for one, half a year for the other.

Homeschooll Helper? iOS and droid versions. Only $5.

The Easy French - Canadian ACE is US-based but they have offices in other countries that develop country specific social studies as appropriate for some of the PACEs instead of just US history.

CLE has AWESOME workbooks. LA, Math, Bible - all really good.

Have you read The Whipping Boy? My kids loved it - twice! Fts in well with P and P and Adam. :)

Neither". Have a device? Homeschool Helper is VERY good and just $5.

Owls in the Family!!! Hilarious!

You could have them write a brief summary narration to practice that skill and reinforce the reading.

Well, here's what I'd do :). Just focus on phonics/handwriting until you hit second or unless you move through phonics very quickly.. Do narrations and copywork. If your dc takes off well with reading in K, you could start AAS in 1st, otherwise, wait until you're done formal phonics then start AAS. For dictations, I just use AAS honestly :). You could use your R&S 2 if you have time/motivation - I like it, do most of it orally unless your child loves writing :).

We have some of the theme-based See the Light DVDs and they are awesome. I'm hoping to buy their actual lessons sometime soon. My oldest does the theme DVDs independently and has made some lovely art :).

PDF Expert. We've been very happy.

Is it really pretty independent (the hands-on parts)? :)

Yes :). My DD only really started doing a consistent formal grammar program this year at 9, before that we did narration/dictation/copywork pretty consistently but not much else :).