Story of the World published by Peace Hill Press (Provider of these wonderful forums):)

My Father's World and Heart of Dakota are favorites here. :)

Did you cross-post this over at the High School Forum? You may get more feedback there. I'm curious too. :bigear:

Welcome to the WTM Boards! :001_smile: Hope you will find everyone here kind and encouraging.

We will likely finish 700 or 800 (since that's where the Sunrise edition ends), then move to Saxon.

We are using several levels of CLE. As for 600 up, we are using math, and ds and I are both pleased with it.

Ditto. :)

I did the same thing... CLE, CLP... easy to confuse. :) The LU's with 5 are meant to be done 2-3 days a week or for one semester. And it takes approximately 16-18 days to go through one LU. Language arts is designed to be a little less so that you can concentrate on creative writing for a couple of days between each one. Sorry, I'm not a blogger. I marvel at people who find the time! And we haven't used the KG program. However, there is a CLE Yahoo Group that's fairly active.

Actually, some CLE titles are versions of Alpha Omega's Lifepacs, not ACE. However, the new Sunrise editions are completely redesigned and very well written. Additionally, I go over the new material with my dc. They are not left to their own devices. And fwiw, my dc rather like them. Of course I don't think they'd get terribly excited about any math or la's ;), but they prefer it over other curricula we've used prior. I do agree with you about boxed curricula though. We mix in a lot of living books and hands-on science to add life to our studies.

I can only speak for the 300 and 500 levels, but there are an average of 4 per subject per day. For LA, that includes any new instruction, spiraling review, spelling, and penmanship. For math it includes drill, instruction of the new concept, practice of that concept, and spiraling review. I really like the visual appeal of of CLE. It is neither too cramped nor too sparse. They also use very little color, and a few soft illustrations. Have you viewed the samples yet? They would give you a good feel as they have them for each Sunrise edition of the LightUnits.

Ditto. :) And yes, it is designed to be done fairly independently. We use math as well as language arts and I'll be purchasing it for next year's studies. I also like that the Sunrise editions are designed so that the daily lesson is defined. In other words, you're not guessing how many pages should be assigned. The boys really appreciate that predictability. I feel like we've struck gold this year with CLE.

Agreeing with the others. We use CLE math and language arts. And My Fathers World would be great for combining your dc within certain subject areas. If you would like Catholic materials, Seton is another option. I have a df that uses them and has been very happy.

Commiserating. Our future 7th grader was fighting tears over the CAT test today. There just wasn't enough time for him to complete the timed sections. I told him that the test is for students going into 7th through 9th grades, but that didn't seem to provide him any solace.

Welcome, Stephanie. :) Wow! What a challenge that must be, but it sounds as if you've done a great job thus far. I've no real advice other than to ask if you have you found the Special Needs board yet? You may find some help there. I've found some help there in the past for my guy that struggles with auditory processing. Blessings!

:iagree: The color is especially nice. You're right though, more samples would great.

Thank you! Jensens seems to garner good reviews, at least at cbd.com. I'll have to check out the essay writing cd.

Kysha, I love your blog! You have a such a precious family. We will be using CLE math and language arts too. :)

We plan to use Jump In for 7th and 8th grade. Please share what you've found as a good follow-up. :)

Lol! Exactly!

Ditto. I'm finally finding that middle ground. I have found that my dc retain so much more when they enjoy what they're learning. However, I know that there are some things that just have to be done. For example, I don't think there's any composition curriculum that my guys would get excited about. They just don't like to write. But I have found ways of making it more tolerable. They definitely don't complain as much when they're writing about a topic of interest. Simply put: 3 R's - get'r done (considering each dc's learning style) history and science - delight directed (to some extent) ;) They naturally desire to be outside building and exploring. It's innate! So, when they get their work done, off they go. So much learning takes place when they're outdoors. Likely the equivalent, if not more, of what I painstakingly design for them via books.

Our tentative plans for 7th grade: MFW's Exploration to 1850 CLE Math CLE Language Arts Jump In Apologia's General Science organized soccer Friday co-op that includes nature study & art

Sure. It was Jump In from Apologia. :)

I have mixed feelings about it. Our 12yo ds used SWI A. While I believe he acquired some good, basic skills with SWI (like "key words" and "strong verbs" etc...), we both found it tedious. He then went on to a theme-based book, but that felt even more tedious to him and he felt a bit stifled. I'm presently in the process of choosing next year's studies. I showed him the options for writing, one of which included a history theme-based book form IEW, without hesitation he opted for the other. My boys are writing phobic as it is, so as long as he's writing. ;) All that being said, I would consider it for his two younger dbs if I thought it suited their learning style.

We did just that. Our two middle boys started a grade-level behind and I have no regrets. I discovered that they really need the spiraling review that CLE offers. It's a bonus that the spelling is included. I like the straight-forward approach and both of them are thriving. I think GWG is a great program as well. However, as a pp pointed out, it is more of a mastery approach. There is some review included, but not enough for my dc.

I think it depends on what you want from the programs. As you know, CTC combines Bible, Bible memory, history, science, notebooking, etc... all planned out for you. On the other hand, MOH is more streamlined. The younger dc could narrate orally and the older could write theirs down in a notebook or on an index card. As a pp said, you would need to add the literature. You'd also need to add in any additional Bible or character if that's what you desire. I know you're an experienced homeschooler, so this may or may not intimidate you. If you're looking to combine, you certainly could instruct your age range a little easier from MOH, imho, but it would require a little extra planning on your part. I think the Yahoo Group is a great suggestion. ETA: I think Apologia would be a great addition to MOH. However, CTC would be more challenging and meaty. Hope you can find a great fit, Marsha! :)