I am not sure what to do about the RS4K only lasting 10 weeks. I figured that out only after I bought it. Sigh... I think we may try NOEO science again -- I had purchased the Physics 1 a couple of years back and it didn't click. Maybe it will now and I can modify it for all three. Thanks for your input!

You have given me so much to think about! :001_smile: Truly -- everyone's comments have really helped me to start thinking of the big picture -- I had spent so much time trying to figure out each program that I was losing sight of any grand sheme. I do have to really try to sit and logistically plan what we need to accomplish and what I want to accomplish! I like your idea of rotating the lit guides and the reading comp. And I am starting to think maybe two languages may be a bit much, but I was planning on doing them very slowly, no real rush with them. As far as ds, the only reason he would do Singapore science and the experiments with his sisters is because I know he will insist. lol He is doing Singapore Science now (only a page or two here and there) and he won't pass up experiments! I will also think about waiting to start him formally on SOTW -- maybe he can just listen along with the older two this year. My oldest is a great reader and a strong writer. This year is more of a "cement" the basics year -- she is *technically* a "6th grader" this fall (per ps) but she already completed grade 6 in Calvert. So, my husband and I were thinking it would be a good time to continue on at a good pace where she excels, but maybe amp it up a bit where she is not as strong. She is not so hot in math, so that was the thinking behind TT and Singapore -- I have heard mixed reviews about TT but she really likes the way it lays out the problems and explains them. I just was thinking we may need more review? For history I figured she would read a lot more of SOTW's supplementary books than her sister. Again, thanks for giving me such good questions to ponder!

It does seem like a lot for ds, but he is already into some of it and he REALLY likes to do whatever his sisters are doing. We just take longer to do most of it. As for the other subject, I didn't list it, but both girls take piano and they read ALL the time. So, extra reading will be a given. I do like the idea of more read-alouds, especially for my ds. We do CDs a lot in the car, too. We are lucky as far as art -- we live near DC and plan to take advantage of all the museums this year! Thanks for your input!

Good idea -- it seems most people agree that trying to do two languages is too much at 8, so maybe just a little intro to one or the other would be best. Thanks!

You bring up good points. I may be biting off more than my kids can chew, so to speak. I will have to look at it all long range and see if I need to snip here and there. Thanks so much for your input!

anyone...:confused:

My dds (and even my ds) loved the movie. I thought they did a good job. Then girls had a blast and took their dolls (oh...and so did my son...grandma got him one of the boy bitty baby twins so that he can participate with his sisters when they play AG -- not sure how long it will last, but my husband has resigned himself to the fact that it is, in fact, OK, and his son will be a wonderful dad someday. :D)

For the past 3 years we have used Calvert and I got used to them doing everything for me. Now I am going back to putting it all together myself (now with 3!) and I am a bit nervous! For those of you who are pros at this :001_smile:, would you mind taking a look at what I have put together so far? Comments and/or advice would be greatly appreciated! Nothing is set in stone (well, except Latin Prep and RS4K since I already bought those! lol). Why do I feel like, although the list is long, I am still missing things?? Maybe that is just always the case... DD (11) Language Arts: Analytical Grammar...or Voyages…or Ridgewood Grammar or... (this is an area where I am still waffling!) Writing Strands 4 Didax Editing, grades 6-8 Vocabulary from Classical Roots 6 and A Everyday Spelling, grade 7 For reading, the following books, with study guides (Garlic Press when available): Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl, The Hobbit, Midwife’s Apprentice, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Math Teaching Textbooks 7 Singapore Math 6A, 6B and Challenging Word Problems 5 Science Real Science 4 Kids – Level 1 Chemistry History SOTW 3 Latin Latin Prep - Galore Park French Still deciding on this one…maybe First Start French? Logic Mind Benders DD (8 soon) Language Arts: FLL 3 Just Write 3 Vocabulary from Classical Roots 4 Everyday Spelling, grade 4 Didax Editing, grades 3-4 For reading, the following books, with study guides: Island of the Blue Dolphins, Little House in the Big Woods, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Ramona Quimby, Age 8 Steck-Vaughn Non-fiction Reading Comprehension (for extra practice) Handwriting - cursive Math Singapore Math 3A/3B with Challenging Word Problems 3 Science Real Science 4 Kids – Level 1 Chemistry History & Geography SOTW 3 Map Skills for Today 4 - Traveling Near & Far Latin ?? (I think Latin Prep will be too much for her) French Still deciding on this one…maybe Ecoutez! Parlez! Or just listen with her sister? Logic Mind Benders DS (5 soon) Language Arts: OPGTR Spelling Workout A Handwriting FLL BOB books, various others Math Singapore 1B, 2A Science Singapore Science (He’ll also sit in on the experiments, etc., from RS4K with his sisters) History & Geography SOTW 1 Map Skills for Today 1 - Finding Your Way French Still deciding on this one…maybe some Ecoutez! Parlez! if we get it? Logic Mind Benders Beginners 1 (to be like big sisters!) And all of this as DS (1) wreaks havoc around us. :tongue_smilie: Thank you in advance for any help!

Thanks, everyone, for all the great ideas! Now, if I can just make a decision... lol

Thanks for the links, Michele! I will look into those.

I am having a HARD time figuring out what grammar / writing program to use with my dds (11 & 8). I think I have made up my mind about 6 times...then I think about something else. lol I had been thinking about Hake Grammar and Writing since that has both (I am looking for a more secular program than R&S or BJ), but have read a lot of good things about GWG and AG (JAG). For those of you who use those programs for grammar, what do you use for a writing program? Thanks!

Thanks for the info, Kai. I am having a hard time finding something for my oldest dd. She is a strong writer for her age, but when it comes to the basics of grammar, she just forgets it a lot. She can write huge, descriptive sentences, but ask her which is the adjective or adverb and she tends to blank. I was looking at Hake because it seems strong in the grammar for that age, and also has the writing program. While she is a strong writer, I don't want to just push it to the side so I need something to keep her writing, too.

bump... anyone?

Any opinions, good or bad, on Hake Grammar as a grammar/writing program at 6th or 7th grade? Thanks. :)

What is KBC?

Thanks for the input, everyone! It sounds like FSF is a good starting point for my 11 yo and if my 8yo can learn along, great...if not, I can wait. Now I am afraid my 5 yo boy will want to do some, too, and then I am in some trouble. I don't want to do it b/c of the price, but maybe I will have to get both programs!

It does, Jessica! Thanks!

Can anyone compare the two programs for me? I have looked at the websites and they show one or two sample pages, but I wish I could see more. I am looking for a program that I could do with my dds (8 & 11), both of whom have not had any real French instruction. I know the basics of French, so I could supplement, but I am looking for a program that will guide me as to where to start with them, what to cover, etc. Merci! :001_smile:

:001_smile: Love it! lol I will have to tell that one to my kids.

I agree -- I was debating what all I needed. Thanks!

I completely understand about the "serious" enough requirement. I want it to be kid-friendly, but not dumbed down, so to speak. We are going to shoot for Chemistry Level 1. I am hoping to use it for my 8 yo and 11 yo together, with the 5 yo listening along. Good luck to you, too! Thanks for the input!

I have finally picked a program (yay!!) and I'm just wondering where the best deal can be found. :001_smile:

I am so sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

I used to visit the old boards and it is there that I got the support and encouragement I needed to start my homeschooling adventure. Due to many things, I stopped visiting as often until I rediscovered the boards (in their new form) this year. Now I am finding the same support and encouragement that I need at this particular point in the adventure. :001_smile: (And I think I post as much now as I did on the old boards, if not more.)

This is exactly what we do with my ds (and did -- I also used them both with my younger dd). They love both programs.