Debating on using Truthquest or Mystery of History for high school history. We've always used living books, so kind of nervous about going to more of a textbook form with MOH. But feel the need to be more structured. Can anyone talk about the pros/cons of each? Thanks!

We will be offering a 5-6 grade writing class at our co-op. Although we hear great things about IEW, wondering how you use that program with 5-6 graders that are just now beginning to write? Is there a better program to teach how to write? Does anyone have experience with Classical Conversations Essentials and how they use the IEW for that age group? Any recommendations would be most appreciated. Thank you, Teresa Rasnake

We are currently using Math U See for 2nd and 4th grades. However, the mastery approach does not go well with standardized testing. My 4th grader has never seen a fraction and this year she needs to know how to reduce them, add and subtract them. That being said, I am considering changing math curriculum. I love the looks of Teaching Textbooks. My younger daughter loves to do anything on the computer and I feel it is a perfect fit for her. However, I am concerned about all the posts about TT being slow. My daughters do very well with math and I certainly do not want to hold them back. If I place them correctly and let them move at their own pace, will that solve the problem? I had a dear friend that has used this program recommend that I not use it unless my girls are struggling in math. If you have experience with TT, please tell me about it! Thanks, Teresa

Thank you for all of your suggestions. We did get the Carol Topp book and it is awesome! Our first informational meeting is coming up in one week, so we are very excited!

We are starting a high school co-op this fall and was wondering if you can successfully use Tapestry of Grace in a co-op setting? Does anyone have experience in this area? Is there too much teacher prep? :confused: I have heard the revised version is much more user friendly than the original but my only personal contact used the older version. Thanks! Teresa

I'm looking for an all in one program for a High School co-op that includes History, Bible and Literature. Any recommendations? Thanks, Teresa

Our local homeschool group is planning to start a co-op this fall offering classes once a week for grades k-12. No tuition will be charged but we will be collecting money to cover any expenses. We checked with a local bank about opening a checking account and was told we would have to have either an EIN or TIN (I don't remember which). If we do follow through and get a tax id number, then should we file for a non-profit status? It costs $400 to do this and we have zero funds. Also, we would like to hold some fund raisers to help families with expenses and maybe participate in the box tops program. Does anyone have experience with this? Does it vary by state? We live in Virginia. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, if we get a tax id number does that mean we will have to file a tax return each year? Of course, :tongue_smilie: we don't want to do that! Thank you, Teresa

I did a 5 year old and a 7 year old together using Beyond last year. It worked out pretty well. One easy way to think of it is you do the left hand side of the daily schedule together and the right hand side separately. I actually used both pages of Beyond with my 7 year old and used the right hand side of Little Hearts with my 5 year old. The daily schedule with HOD is excellent and so easy to follow! Blessings, Teresa

This is only my opinion, but I do not recommend teaching cursive with A Reason for Handwriting. I have the TM (homeschool edition with all levels in one) and there is very little guidance. I had to pull out an Abeka TM to show my daughter how to make her letters. I have seen the Handwriting Without Tears book and it gives great instruction on learning the letters. I will use it with my second daughter and then once she learns the letters, return to Reason.