Yes, and we were able to move quickly through the first half of courses. Therefore, we were able to complete approximately two courses in a year's time. ETA: I actually tested them out of some of the chapters. However, you may need to familiarize your dc with some of MUS's unconventional approaches. They are not numerous, but different none the less. (I.e., "Striking Nines")

Lol. Yep! I'm planning to take our middle two boys this year. And yes, I have seen their 3rd edition science. In fact, that is the one thing of BJU we've used this year. (We started the year with BJU Spelling, but switched it about halfway through.) My boys are doing the 4th and 6th grade science books. Overall, it's been a good experience. The 6th grade course has been a bit challenging at times for our 12yo, but I think it's good prep for upper level courses.

Well, for just starting out, you have your finger on the pulse! I think you have a very balanced view and you and your dc will thrive. I'm a researcher at heart too. Although it can get me in trouble. I have become over analytical at times, hence my desire to tweak. I think your wise to try to find a program that works and stick to it. However, I've found that what works for one family may not work for another. And the dynamics can change too with babies, illness, moving, etc.... We presently have an active and vocal 3yo who has denounced naps, so reading aloud can be a challenge at times. All-in-all, homeschooling is such a wonderful journey. I can't believe what I have learned along the way. I'll often tell my dc how much I enjoy learning with them. That's especially true in our Bible and character studies. The growth we've all experienced has been immense and I'm so happy we're able to do it together. Let us know what you choose mommyjen, will you? Warmly, :)

So happy you and your dd found the right fit! Funny, my 12yo ds cringes at the sound of BJU. He deplored their math and language arts. I thought it was excellent... especially the writing and grammar. Thank goodness there are so many choices out there! And I'm glad you contacted Sonlight. Really, some people might just air their grievances here and do not take that important step. If it were my business, I'd want to know and I'm sure they appreciate it.

That really is ashame. Like others have mentioned, I've only had positive experiences and no pressure at all. In fact, they're often one of the most friendly booths. I also encourage you to contact Sonlight. They would want to know.

It really is freeing in a way. It sounds contradictory in the sense that one might feel they lose all of their freedom when someone else has scheduled it all out, but yet it is freeing enough that you found joy in baking bread. :) Love that! For the past few years, I have been tweaking and/or customizing a program for Bible, history, reading, and read-alouds, but I'm ready to use someone else's expertise again. Every time I'm making out the week's schedule, these subjects are what takes the most time. I mean, it's ridiculous how much time I spend trying to make those subjects line up. Sometimes I spend a couple of hours on them alone. Blech! We've used Sonlight, HOD, and MFW in the past, and each time it was a real blessing. There's no perfect program per se, but I admire and appreciate all the authors and am very thankful that they have poured their hearts into these guides and we can reap the benefits. And yes, narration is a wonderful tool. We gave up worksheets a long time ago, and they haven't been missed by anyone. ;) Lastly, I have come to realize that there is definitely a balance to be had in terms of rigor and, for lack of a better word, fun. The fact is, my guys retain more when they enjoy what we're doing. Of course, I don't think they'll ever look forward to grammar study for instance, but I love when they are anxious to read the next chapter of a book. May you and your dc continue to find joy in your homeschool.

Just another nod for CLE. Streamlining would be a good description. It is one of our favorites (okay, one of mine) this year. My boys don't complain and that's enough for me. ;)

Thanks for updating us. It's food for the soul and a reminder of God's mercies... new every morning. :)

Ahhh... Reading your post has me recalling our days with Sonlight when our now 20yo was only 8. Fond memories. :) I'm considering it again for our 10 and 12yos.

Would this include middle and high school literature? Please share why! :bigear: I was contemplating Of America for my 7th grader for next years studies.

Wow, Tina. Praying here too... :grouphug:

:smilielol5: Now I've got the song in my head!

I love it, Daisy!!!

Lol, Shari. We refer to my dh as 'the principal' because he mainly steps in when there's a disciplinary issue that needs back-up.

:iagree:That would not be pretty here.

I didn't vote because my dh falls somewhere in the middle. While he is not eager to be involved in the curricula choices, he will help if I ask. He just does not like to be pressured to do so. If I want him to read through a sample or something, I just put it on his desk with a post-it note and ask him to do so when he can. And fwiw, I don't ask often... maybe a few times a year. It's usually a subject that he is more knowledgeable about like science, math, and history. Ultimately, he wants me to do the research and make the decisions since I'm and their main instructor. That tide may shift some when we hit high school math and science. ;) My 2 cents,

I'm hoping to find something simple and practical to implement.

It happened to me too! And it does feel intrusive. I didn't answer the phone, but the lady left a message saying she'd follow up with an email. Sure enough, seconds later, there it was. I promptly replied and told her no further phone calls or emails would be necessary.

I just read in one of the above linked threads that someone did just this. I think she even mentioned that it was the 5-day schedule.

For us... Hits: CLE Math CLE Language Arts Boyhood & Beyond Trial & Triumph HOD's Bigger Hearts Gets the job done: BJU Science (looking for something else for next year) BJU Spelling (will be using CLE's now) Intermediate Language Lessons (ILL) Story of the Middle Ages (from CLP) IEW Medieval History-Based Lessons - way. too. tedious. (I changed it from 'miss' because it is so good, but I think I was rushing ds.) Misses: Truthquest - I *love* the Biblical worldview, but it was just way too much info to wade through for me. I need streamlined TG's. WWE - I love the philosophy, but ds groaned every time it came off the shelf.

Thanks, ladies! That clarifies things a bit for me. :)

I'm considering this for our 10yo. He is interested in all things biology, and it looks pretty meaty. Thoughts appreciated,

We made it through Zeta with one ds and Gamma with another. They both are thriving with CLE at present.

Between those two, I chose Sonlight. While I find the content of TOG beautiful, I know it would drive me bonkers. In a nutshell, I find SL more streamlined and I need that.

Yes. I believe MOH I is the only title in the series with a second edition thus far.