I voted for Rainbow. After purchasing and returning Apologia General, I am teetering on purchasing this for our 7th grade ds. (AG's awesome, but just too wordy for him.) Like your guys, he does not read for fun and he is a very kinesthetic learner.

We're entering our 13th year at the end of the summer. We originally started with a 5-day week, but have progressed to a 4-day with a light 5th day as others have mentioned. Sometimes we do nothing at all in terms of book studies on that 5th day if we have a co-op gathering or just want to head to the beach or something as a family. Many blessings! :)

Thanks so much for sharing this, Tina! :lol: I'm headin' to amazon to add it to my wishlist! :auto:

I had a similar experience when placing one of our dc. They are a homeschool gem. :)

Childrens' Books sells it discounted with very reasonable shipping rates. I've purchased from them a few times and have been pleased thus far.

Go with your gut. It sounds like you have a peace with this plan. I've found with my boys (two of which are non-readers thus far) that less is definitely more in their case. I think the book list from MFW relieves some of the pressure the that Sonlight schedule can give. Our eldest ds is like your ds and middle dd and would read all day if he could! I am considering MFW Year 5 again for our 13yo and 10yo, but just using SOTW and Exploring American History. I have to remind myself that it's enough! And that they will likely retain more. When I read on and on, they check out. It's just a fact around here and I have to make the best of when I have their attention. Blessings for a great year! Let us know what you decide! :)

Rainbow Resource sells it at a slightly discounted price.

Thanks so much, Holly! :)

Well, put me in the crazy pot too. :tongue_smilie: There was a parent on these forums about a year or so that suggested a new curriculum (and I'm paraphrasing)... My Father's Tapestry Heart of Winter's Sonlight Promise. You get the idea. We do something similar to what you're planning. I'll be combining Biblioplan Year 3 that schedules SOTW and A Child's Story of America with a BJU text. We'll add several Sonlight, Queen, and Winter Promise books for reading or reading aloud. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone in that mix, but needless to say, you're not alone!

Holly, Would you mind sharing what you thought of the history titles that you used? I'm been looking at these for my 10 and 13yo boys.

Would you please send one to me as well? Thank you! :)

Another option may be Biblioplan. It'd bring history, read-alouds, readers, geography, timelines, and some writing.

I still have a few decisions to make, but here's our tentative plan: Bible: Who is God? (Apologia) Math: CLE 606-705 Science: ABeka's Order and Reality or Homeschool Science Academy History & Geography: Biblioplan Year 3 w/ first half of BJU's American Republic Literature: historical fiction, biographies, and classics with essay 1x/week per WTM Grammar: Rod and Staff or CLE 6? Composition: WTM cross-curricular dictation, narration, and outlining Spelling: Apples? Vocabulary: EFTRU P.E.: going to gym with Dad, conditioning to to hike the Grand Canyon's North Rim Nature Study: co-op

Things that are a certainty that I've purchased: Bible Study, Memory, and Apologetics: Who is God? math: CLE science: BJUP 5 WTM composition: cross-curricular copy work, dictation, narration, and outlining Things I've purchased but where I'm still wavering: grammar: Rod & Staff or? I'm looking to take a break from rigor and thinking of doing R & S orally. history: Biblioplan Year 3? science: Apologia General or A Beka 7 Still have to purchase or borrow from the library: I have an amazon list for literature as well as a library list. history: Queen materials? spelling: Apples for our 13yo? and dictation for our 10yo?

I don't think Queen has been mentioned. They offer some wonderful books and curricula as well as encouragement.

Yep. This is one of our quick, but yummy dessert faves. I was going to suggest this or angel food cake.

I definitely spend the most on history and science.

Yes. Our fourth son just did not want to come. I was induced without an epidural, but I did have a Nubain and it took the edge off, but I had very little rest in between because. The contractions were more frequent and much stronger, so it was a bit tough. However, between the Nubain , a *lot* of prayer, and a strong dh, I managed. I did ask for the epidural once, but dh helped me get through it and we welcomed a healthy little man.

You've taught her everything she knows thus far. Who better to teach her than you? :) Hope it's a wonderful day with many blessings!

I *believe* that they are pilot testing it with some families starting this fall.

This is our experience as well. While 300 had an adequate amount of writing, I still required copywork and dictation. 500 definitely needs additional writing. I'm looking forward to implementing more of TWTM method of writing. Also, we don't don't do penmanship. When we started CLE, my guys were well into the Getty Dubay Italics. Even then, CLE is a great value.

My ds 7th grade is in the exact same LU, so we're on the same path. I was either going to put him in Algebra 1/2 after completing the 600 level or Algebra 1 after the 700 level. After reading through the scope and sequence and looking at the placement, that's where he should fit. I will have him take the placement to be sure. I'm presently leaning towards the 1/2 book because I understand that they begin to incorporate the geometry that year that is spread out through Advanced Mathematics. I could be mistaken, but that's what I recall. But that's not written in stone. He and I both love the workbook format, and he's gained a confidence he's never had with CLE. It's hard to let it go!

We have used and loved both Sonlight's 3 + 4 and HOD's Bigger Hearts. :)

oops

I think your plan looks great! Very streamlined, yet rich. :) Ours is similar. We'll continue to use CLE math and la, but will be adding Biblioplan. Like Kelli, I found the writing lacking in CLE 5. However, in CLE 3, there seemed to be plenty. From the scope and sequence, CLE 4 looks to have an adequate amount as well. Through their history titles, I'll add in the WTM writing skills of narrating, dictation, and outlining.