Our faves we have used or are presently using: MUS ~ Math U See (Love it! Left it and came back. :)) Language Lessons Series ~ Queen (as mentioned by Calming Tea) Primary Phonics ~ EPS (This is a wonderful, no-nonsense supplement to Phonics Pathways) Copywork (This alone covers so many facets of grammar study.)

We have loved Simply Spelling (Shoelace Books) and will begin our second year soon. It incorporates beautiful Bible verses, poetry, literature, poetry, and famous quotes through copywork and dictation . The child also focuses each day on a few certain words taken out of the writing, noticing the syllabication and/or patterns. I asked my 11yo ds if he wanted to continue with it this next year and his answer was an emphatic, "Yes!" And it's budget-friendly in that it's a non-consumable for 3rd-12th grades for around $35 or $40. (Plus shipping of course.) One of our favorites this year!

Plan A! I have two friends that did AWOA with their 3 dc. (One is in the 3rd book of the series now.) They enjoyed it and retained very well. Agreeing with the others in that you don't need the textbooks. Infact, unit studies are one of my favorite ways to learn! We've done them before in our household ( just more scattered) and it's amazing to see the dots connect. Warmly,

My ds loved the Nora Gaydos readers along with the Explode the Code series of workbooks. Blessings,

Thank you Jen, Actually, it's on the list of options for my 8yo. I have two friends that adore Singapore, but I'm a little initimidated by it. Do you think it (somewhat) fits my lengthy criteria?

I am waffling between a few curriculums (MM, MUS, and MCP) for my boys and am hoping for a little insight into Mastering Mathematics. I wanted to add that I am looking for a no-nonsense, fluff-free program. Something that introduces a new concept (preferrably through manipulatives), has a few sample problems, and then reasonable amount of independent problems (not 5, but not 50 lol). They also need something without a lot of color or distraction. A bonus for me would be a streamlined, fluff-free TM. Is there such a program? Your thoughts are appreciated,

This is precisely what turned me off from it, but perhaps watching it without the children and teaching them on my own would solve the problem. If I recall correctly, this is what he intends for you to do. I was just looking to do it my way I suppose. :) Thanks titianmom,

We have used (and were pleased with) MUS in the past. I appreciate the logic of their scope and sequence very much. That being said, sometimes the dvd instuction was a bit confusing for us. Does anyone use the TM alone without the dvds? And perhaps rely on the dvd for additional info? In other words, can the TM stand alone? Your thoughts are appreciated,

Do you feel the TG is necessary beyond an answer key? And if so, for what grades? I'm eyeing the answer key that Seton offers and wondering if it would suffice for Level C.

Without a doubt, My Father's World. We have used it and love it! That being said, we love SOTW too but for when they're a little older. :) I especially appreciate that MFW incorporates vol. 2-4 in their programs.

... the simplicity of math copywork and use the following to supplement our curriculum. :) http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=16694

...because I am curious to hear user's reviews as well. Thank you! :001_smile:

OhElizabeth, thank you for a fresh look at BJUP. I wasn't sure what those particular books were for. It does sound like it would be fitting for him to do Spring Into Action. Maybe we'll do that or Key to.. then check out a few things at our state convention.

Thank you Karen. I have friends that have used Key to..., but it doesn't appeal to me. Maybe ds will feel differently. I'll have to look for some samples.

Thank you Cadam. I definitely plan to take a closer look at this when we go to the state convention in May. Perhaps I will have a better perspective then. :-)

I am mostly a lurker and as of late have been searching for math related posts. I have an amost 11yo boy who is not math inclined. We are using BJUP Math 5 and he gets it done, but doesn't seem to retain it well despite our use of their Review Book. He is proficient in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and for the most part division. However, despite instruction in fractions and decimals, he seems to forget from one day to the next what steps he needs to take to complete the problems. For example, we just finished a chapter on fractions where he had to add and subtract unlike fractions, adjusting the denominator accordingly and did quite well, but when given a test, he blanked. Could it just be a matter of more practice focusing on a particular topic? We're ready for the next chapter that focuses on geometry concepts and while the change will be refreshing for him, I feel like it's foolish to move on in some respects. I should note that I am looking to make a decision for him in the long-term. While we have loved BJUP up to this point, I am concerned that it is not the right fit as we enter into the pre-algebra phase. We've used Saxon before and the multitude of different problems overwhelmed him. I've read the reviews of TT and I'm gun-shy with all of the conflicting views on it, but it's still in the running. Should we consider MUS? Or is there someone else out there that is or has been in the same boat? Perhaps a hiatus from the norm is in order and we should use something like the Key-To Series? The Hive's thoughts are immensely appreciated. :)

I didn't vote because we use Simply Spelling (from Shoelace Books) and I wasn't sure what category it fell under. Never-the-less, I and my ds's have never been more pleased. It incorporates so much through copywork ~penmanship, grammar, punctuation, form, diacratical markings, syllabication, and spelling (;)), not to mention wonderful Bible verses, prose, quotes, and more that are effortlessly memorized! And, it's a one-time purchase for the whole family. I also love that it's easy to implement. They copy four days and dictate the fifth. It's, without a doubt, my favorite purchase of the year!

Thank you Melissa!

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Thank you for the help ladies. I'm looking forward to ordering these very soon!

Thank you both for your prompt replies... just what I'd hoped to hear!:)

Please share youngest age you've read aloud to. I'm contemplating them for my 10 and 7 yo guys.