I have found what I was looking for and thanks to your posts I have found even more! The list of books & videos was a post by Lori D in response to KIN looking for physics for 4th, 2nd and K. Here: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68577&highlight=physics+4th+2nd The list that plain Jane notes by Lori D is similar and also incredibly helpful. I am also thinking about the books noted by Pata. Thanks!:)

It was someone's rather long list of science books that she suggested. It was in a thread and it was the second post. Lots of people found the list helpful

I was searching for info on the Noeo science program and came across a thread with a fabulous list of science books. Now I can't find that list and don't seem to have bookmarked or printed it out. Augh! This is a list with lots of Usborne books as I remember and is kind of like the Noeo program, using science books for kids rather than a textbook. If someone could guide me to the thread, that would be helpful. I am debating what kind of science curriculum to use for a 10yo who really likes science.

There's a great thread somewhere that begins with a very comprehensive list of science books, for late elementary I think. I found it when I have been researching the Noeo curriculum. So the list is like doing Noeo somewhat. But now I can't figure out where it is on here. Could someone help please? Thanks!

Just as a thought, in many states kids don't even have to be enrolled in public schools until they're 7. Not sure how old your son is, but that may help ease your mind on not having him in public school until he's that old anyway. There are also lots of experts who think that boys on the young age of the cut off should wait a year before starting kindergarten. I realize your son is way advanced. But these are just a few thoughts to consider as possible reasons you might want to try homeschooling.

It sounds as if you're really trying to think of lots of ways to teach handwriting. That's great! I didn't mean to imply at all that any one was not a good parent because their kids were struggling with handwriting. Sorry. Handwriting takes a long time to develop. I had to struggle with how long it took for my son to not only take handwriting seriously, but to improve at it. He's now 10 and realizes how important it is for others to read what he writes. Along those lines, it might be helpful to have your family and adult friends try to read their handwriting. Eventually they'll understand that handwriting is about communicating ideas and that clear handwriting will get their ideas across better. The other reason to teach cursive, as teachers have explained to me, is so that kids can read cursive, which is important, too. I didn't start HWT in cursive with my son until he was 8. Your DS is 7. Things take time. My DS began typing before he had decent handwriting because he just enjoyed being on a laptop more and figured out that typing could be a good way to communicate. As I've mentioned elsewhere, we used the SpongeBob typing program. It sounds as if you are really trying. Keep going! You'll be fine.

Sorry that you are having a hard time with Handwriting Without Tears. I used it to teach my son cursive in third grade. We liked the approach. I looked at a lot of other styles and thought that they emphasized too much curliques and the HWOT style was more like clearer printing. We liked the simplicity of the line drawings and the friendly approach. The end result is very similar to DK books teaching handwriting in England. To those having difficulties, did you get the teacher's guide as well? It explains the approach, which is a little different than just using the workbook. Also, I wonder if it would be helpful to get children's hand muscles working with some manipulatives, like Legos or small toys. But I also think that good handwriting takes a long time to improve. Anyway, when my son sees other kids' handwriting that isn't so good he has said, "I guess their mom just didn't spend time helping them learn good handwriting like you did."

I am considering using Life of Fred. There is a pre-algebra book. I have used Singapore Math as an afterschool supplment. There are also lots of DVD and online type programs to check into. People have been helpful providing ideas here, which I appreciate immensely.

We liked the SpongeBob typing program available on a CD for about $14 on both PC and Mac platforms. Yeah, maybe sounds goofy, but it presents the material in a fun way to kids. My son began using it in second grade and was a decent 10 wpm typist in third grade.

Thanks for providing these resources. I am bookmarking, printing out the information and list and reading up. There's certainly a lot of materials on gifted and talented kids.:)

Good details on how gifted kids are different than some other kids. I'm wondering if you have specific books or resources that you like that have helped you understand gifted kids. These could be helpful to us. Thanks!

Thanks for these ideas. They are very helpful. :) Your blogs are good, too! I have been reading Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks and liked the way she asked the same kind of questions about what style and goals to pursue. While I've been thinking about homeschooling for awhile, I realize that pinpointing goals are a good idea. My son and I have tried a few 'test' days, which went pretty good. But I am aware that it is going to take awhile for him to see me as mom and teacher. I really want to start early in the day. Fortunately, we live in Illinois where it seems to be a positive place to homeschool and there are homeschool groups around here. We have done lots of after school homeschooling already. He is quite proud that I taught him how to do cursive using Handwriting Without Tears, which I highly recommend!! So we'll see how all day goes...:001_huh:

You are all a wealth of knowledge! I have learned so much reading your posts!:001_smile: I think that we are going to start my 10-year-old son homeschooling in January. He's at a nice public school, but unfortunately he's in a class with all the kids who have learning disabilities, which is more than half of 22 kids. He and I have talked with the nice principal separately and the heartbreaking thing that is really deciding that this might be a good idea is that he told her "The kids are preventing me from learning." So, after lots of contemplation and finally getting DH on board, we're going to plunge head. That's a short version of a long story. Could you give me some general ideas or point me to threads that might be helpful on a) starting out in mid-year and b) Math ideas: the Fred series, ixl.com, Aha! Math (we like online learning) and Modern Curriculum Press. Also, wondering if anyone has used the Chester Comix books for history. My son loves graphic novels and I thought these might be a good place to start and then supplement with lots of other things. Maybe they're not quite as serious as some other books but just as a stepping stone. Thanks!

Thanks for this source. I was looking for some kind of spelling ideas for a fifth grader who likes to learn online.