Kind of funny...as soon as I clicked "submit" on my message above, my ds (5 at the end of Aug), the one I was talking about regarding wanting to do what his sister did, came to me with his Singapore 1A book and said "you don't even have to tell me what to do on this page...I figured it out" -- and he did! :001_smile: Now he is off to get his science book... See, even if you don't have a structured program, they pick it up. :001_smile: Good luck! Enjoy!

IMO, I don't think a formal program is needed...the learning just happens with reading, etc., and older sibs. I think you may find that your preschoolers may want their own workbooks and such once they see their older siblings have them. That is what happened with each of my kids. :) This past year, my 4 yo had to have his own book for each "subject," just like his sisters. And he really did the work, too. He loves Singapore Math (he started with the Early Bird series) and ETC. But we didn't start with those programs...his first "curriculum" items were just workbooks from B&N or Borders.

This is really good to know about the placement tests. I was just about to have my older dd take it. I think I will wait until our convention in July to take a look at the books. Luckily, they are scheduled to be there. For those of you who saw them at a convention -- did they offer any deals? :)

Congrats! To you and the kids! I just sent our tests out for scoring this morning!

I am stricty a row person. Hubby is a 'round the cob kind of guy. I still love him, though. ;) (So far the kids have taken after me. :) )

If the Little House books are a bit much for her just yet (for my dd, at that age, it was more fun to finish the books quickly -- the sense of accomplishment and all :)), you can check out the "Little House Chapter Books" -- my dds loved them. They are about 80 pages and more akin to the size, etc., of Magic Tree House, and are portions (chapters usually) of the bigger books. You can find them on Amazon by doing a search for Little House Chapter Books.

1 doctor 2 chef 3 air traffic controller (or construction worker, it varies) 4 can't tell me just yet (oh, and at least 3 have agreed to work in a Starbucks during college to get me free coffee ;))

:iagree:

My dds loved the American Girl series -- not great literature, but it always got them interested in the time periods and they would get all into role-playing and reading extra info on the time, especially with Kirsten (pioneer) and Felicity (colonial).

For what it's worth -- my dd liked Calvert 6 much more than she liked Calvert 4 or 5. It is written to the student (as in all the of the assignments, etc., in the lesson manual) so it is very hands-on for the student. Yes, it is a lot of work, but you can take your time doing it and split up some of the lessons. They have added some online lessons (just a few so far) and the lesson manual is online for them, too. Good luck!

I am there right now! Sitting here wondering if I should dye it again since we are going to visit relatives next week. I use the semi-permanent ones -- and not often, only for "events" -- b/c I am breastfeeding (not a lot, but at night). Do you have the names of any organic veg dyes? I don't know where to start looking, but I need something! I have to be honest and say I hate my "arctic blonde"! I looked into henna, but it seems so complicated and an iffy take on the hair.

I was getting depressed that I had only read #2 -- the Harry Potter book -- until I saw 3 more towards the end of the list that were decidedly "more adult." (Though I have to admit to enjoying the HP book more!) :) I figure I will be able to sit and read a book in about, oh, 5 years? lol

For us, Pampers Swadlers and Cruisers were the diaper of choice for about the first year (the newborn Pampers are great) -- then, as they grew, we switched to the Costco brand. They are actually working just find for our latest addition (1 now). Huggies never worked for us (except maybe the Huggies Supreme) -- they always leaked, especially at night, and especially with the boys. And I have to say that with each child, she or he stayed in the more expensive brands less and less, regardless of the leaks or fit. ;)

We were not there for the Halloween party, but we were there at the time of the Christmas party. We didn't go but were at the park as they were kicking all of us without bands out and setting up for the party. IMO, it did not look worth it. It was REALLY pricey and not really that much different than when the park was open. Sure, they had some free drinks (hot chocolate) and snacks, etc., and some of the rides were open late, but it was so CROWDED! One of the reasons we go in Dec. is because the crowds are so light during the day. We had no desire to fight the crowds with tired kids after having relatively breezy days. lol I talked with other people who agreed, but had gone just to say they had been there, done that. As far as whether they would charge you admission, I am not sure. I am pretty sure they say that admission to the park is required for the Christmas party -- i.e., you just can't show up from your trip elsewhere in FL to go to the party, you have to have park tickets, so I would venture to say that you would have to have admission to the MK that day. BUT...it could be that staying in the resort hotels is enough? I forget from all the posts, but if you are staying on site, you could probably call the hotel direct and ask them. They would be able to help you. All this talk gets me excited for our trip. I have been lax in planning...but now I am motivated! :) We go starting Dec. 5 and are staying in Pop Music (we have 4 kids and need the "family suite" lol We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside last year and it was nice, but was not available this time. The best place we ever stayed was Grand Floridian -- on our honeymoon, and the in-laws paid. ;) Since we added so many humans to the picture, we can't be as choosy as to where we stay! lol Hope some of that helps! Good luck!

I just recently heard about LL -- does it include writing? Or is it just literature review?

We have used the dining plan twice in the past and each time we have gone they have offered less and less with the plan. Now they have removed the appetizer option and require you to pay tips (it is added in if you have 6 or more in your party) so be careful if you go to really expensive restaurants -- you will feel like you are getting a good deal until the tip is due! As far as "big" counter service meals, I agree with the chicken places -- Cosmic Ray's -- and places where you can get a "combo" meal as one of your choices (like Pizza Planet in Disney Studios, where you get a pizza, salad and a drink). If you try to get the adult counter service meals for the kids -- make sure the kids are not with you in line when you order. Some of the staff are real sticklers about ordering kids' meals. Have fun! We are going in December and we can't wait!

I have allergies and since I switched to All Free & Clear (Costco has a big one), I haven't had problems. Good luck!

Thanks for those sites, Moira! It even looks like some of the books that I would be interested in are "available now" at Horriblebooks.

Thanks for all the info! I will do some more research into both..and decide which will work best for each dd or for both. It is good to know that Latin Prep probably won't work for both. Is the only place to get the Latin Prep the Galore Park website? With the exchange rate getting all of the books/keys/audio looked to get a bit pricey. I just want to make the right decision...I shelled out a bundle for Latin Primer two years ago after MUCH research and my kids just couldn't get into it. The dvds were just too boring they said. lol Thanks, again, for all the great advice.

Anybody have experience / browsed through both? I had never heard of either until today and they both look great! I am looking for an engaging Latin program for the coming year. Thanks!

Oh, I would say that gives you good standing to judge the program. :001_smile: Thanks for your thoughts.

Oh, and maybe here is a good place to ask...do any of you have recommendations for good French programs (grades 4 and up)? I, too, have my BA and MA in French & French lit...but it has been ages and I am really rusty! I am not confident enough, without brushing up quite a bit, to teach it on my own, but I want my kids to start learning. We tried the Calvert program but they just never got into it. Merci :)

I agree that just speaking French with her in everyday conversation would be a good way to ease into it. It may depend on her age, though. If she is older and has made the decision to learn it, maybe a formal program would be good -- one where she could take the initiative (Rosetta Stone?) since she has indicated she wants (and is ready) to learn it now. That way it would be at her pace and perhaps somewhat separate from the way she used to "learn" it. Does that make sense? lol Sorry you have had such a hard time. Bonne chance!

I checked out the website because of recommendations and good reviews here. One question I had, though, was whether the author has any background in English or grammar. I know she is a homeschooler, so I am sure she has btdt with other grammar programs, etc., and of course she could research the grammar as good as the next...just want to make sure that what I would be buying is a sound and complete program.

Thanks for the advice about just getting the cards. Every dollar counts!