Whoo-hoo! I know that feeling, and it is just so nice to have that peace and to be able to check it off your list. :party:

Although I embrace the philosophy, it is hard (for us) to implement. While my ds gained some skills from IEW with SWI-A, over all he felt it was too tedious and felt a bit stifled. Agree with Cadam (Christina)... I'd consider The Well Trained Mind & SWB's lecture series: A Plan for Teaching Writing: Focus on... You could follow those guidelines in conjunction with your dc's studies. And if you already own TWTM, then the lecture would only be a $3.99 investment.

It really helps to determine (if you haven't already) your philosophy. Do you know if you desire a Classical approach? Or do you lean Traditional or Charlotte Mason etc...? Determining that as well as your teaching style and your dc's learning style(s) can help narrow down some of those choices. Do you desire a Christian worldview? You mentioned both SOTW and Mystery of History. MOH would provide that for you where SOTW, while not anti-Christian in any way, won't give you that worldview. Have you been able to view Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum? Many people find that a valuable resource. Some public libraries carry it too. Also, have you read The Well-Trained Mind? The authors (and providers of these great forums ;)) recommend excellent resources from a Classical perspective. Some other factors you may want to weigh are: how much teacher time you have how far the curriculum your considering goes (i.e. through middle or high school) whether you'd like a workbook or not Don't feel alone. After twelve years, I still have those moments! :tongue_smilie:Every dc needs and desires are different, family dynamics change, and sometimes we just need a change. Lastly, if you do so, pray! Let us know what you decide. :)

Thank you again, Colleen. I was curious if your ds had started writing from the outline. I too am convinced about diagramming. Both of our middle boys do well with it. I think they enjoy the construction aspect... building on paper, I suppose. I also think that it's great that you have noticed his narrating and outlining skills in his daily conversation. I have found that my boys are better oral communicators with a few years of narration under their belts. And thanks for the subscription, Rose. ;)

I like the simplicity of you plan, Colleen! I'm still adjusting to the fact that I won't have an "official" writing curriculum, yet I know the WTM is so much more beneficial. Thank you,

Anyone else? :bigear:

I do have the current WTM and I love the practical steps she has laid out. I need to read through specific sections again though. I think I'm just a little nervous because I've never gone beyond written narrations with the boys. They've done a few book reports and other written assignments assigned within their English books, but I haven't ventured out with the WTM suggestions. They have been using the Remedia outlining books this year so I think they'll do well in that area. I just don't want to supply them with a difficult source to outline from. Anyhow, thank you for your thoughts, Christina. :)

Would you please share if you are using the WTM recommended curriculum sources, or if you are using sources of your own choosing? And which ones? I am considering starting her writing approach next year for my 5th and 7th graders. I plan to use SOTW for narrations. I'm undecided as far as outlining, but I'd like to use A Child's Story of America and BJU's American Republic for a Christian perspective. However, I may add in an encyclopedia if the latter do not lend themselves to good outlining. I'm not wild about the encyclopedias, but if that is the best way then that's the route I'll take. Also, please share what your weekly schedule looks like? My tentative schedule: 5th: narration 2x: Story of the World Vol. 3 outline with main points 1x: A Child's Story of America (?) literary response 1x: current literature (may use WWE in place of) 7th: narration 2x: Story of the World Vol. 3 outline with main and sub-points 2x (will be adding details start of 2nd semester): BJU's American Republic (?) literary response 1x: current literature

Yes, A Beka is enough. Some may even say it's too much. ;) It is designed for the classroom, so there is a lot of physical writing. However, with the examples you gave as a comparison (FLL, WWE, etc...), it may help to decide what approach to instruction it is that you and your dh desire. A Beka is Traditonal where some of the other options you mentioned are bit more Classical. Maybe I'm stating the obvious :tongue_smilie:, but that may help you some. We are eclectic home schoolers, utilizing some of both methods. Something else to consider is A Beka's Christian content. While the curricula you mentioned is in no way anti-Christian, it will not have the Biblical references that A Beka does. We are Christians and prefer the Classical approach in many areas of our home school, but it in no way impedes our efforts to instruct our dc in God's Word. Hth! :)

Now I have to listen to these too! Off to PHP to purchase and download... :auto:

:iagree: The credentials are what assure me; college-level English instructor, author, former homeschool student, and homeschool mother.

Thanks so much for posting this, Kathy. I finally feel like I have some direction in our home school. Writing has always been the proverbial thorn in my side. We just couldn't seem to get past written narrations. I had read WWE before, but still felt somewhat aimless as far as practical application. We tried IEW, but our one ds found it too tedious. Between my purchase of The Well-Trained Mind, and listening to this lecture (prompted by your post), I finally have the confidence I need! Many thanks to SWB! :)

Former HOD Bigger user here... and :iagree:with Carmen.

CT, have you considered CLE's LA? It's spiral, thorough, wholesome, and affordable. Imho, it has adequate coverage of writing for lower elementary, but I still add some oral and written narrations. I recall you liking a lot of the CM approach. My df uses CLE with WWE and she's very pleased. Best of both worlds. And if you are going to the FPEA convention, you can get free shipping on your order. My 2 cents... ;)

Wow, ladies. Thanks for all of your responses.:) I appreciate everyone sharing their unique personal approaches and situations. What I'm walking away with is a sense of lessening my self-inflicted guilt of not reading a ton of books, and concentrating on the Bible and one good literature book from the cream of the crop. You'd think I'd know this since we're completing our 12th year, but with the annual spring bombardment of glossy catalogs, I get caught up in the whirlwind.:tongue_smilie:

Thank you both. :)

I am unable to access it and it is giving me a "509 Bandwidth Limit Exceeded" message.

I voted 3-4 because that was his average. However, there are one or two days a week that it can be 5 or so.

Thanks so much, ladies. :)

Ds is doing an activity in BJU Science. We need an organic substance alternative to raw wheat germ. Any suggestions?

Personally, I'd love to read aloud more, but two big things inhibit me some. First, the needs of our active 3yo. And second, our 10yo has auditory processing issues. The fact is, he retains more when he reads independently. On the other hand, I know he needs training in listening skills so I don't negate it all together. So, please share your ways and thoughts if you'd like. :) ETA: It is a multiple choice poll if you feel more than one answer suits.

Thank you, Danielle. I was afraid to hit the submit button for fear of an empty poll! :)

I found the "post a poll" info at the bottom of the page, but I am not sure which icon or button to push. Pardon my lack of technical savvy. :tongue_smilie:

Scripture Truth sells BJU products at a discount all year round. Additionally, they will ship free when you spend $150+.

That is fantastic! You've earned a brag... or two. ;)