I'm inclined to think taking a break from what you're using could work. I decided to break from Singapore when we used it for first grade. Though, we went to Abeka for second, and this year I used TT3 for my DD, who is in third grade. Best decision I made. She hated Singapore, and we got so frustrated. After Abeka, I felt like she really wasn't getting it all- nothing was clicking, etc. It worked for us to take a break and use TT. Also, we are using SM challenge problems this year alongside and SHE GETS IT now and I see how things have clicked and she's grown more confident and keeps on learning! I hope you can make a confident decision- whatever you do!!!!!!!!!

I read your first sentence and switched the "n" and "m" in denom. LOL :tongue_smilie: I think I need to go to bed for some sleep.

That depends I think. My BFF growing up- her dad was a Mennonite preacher and they usually, most of the time, did. Another local church used piano. There's a wide range, most certainly!

Does anyone else get this panicked feeling that there's a ton of stuff to fit in before then, these last couple months? :tongue_smilie: I know that it will alllll be okay, whatever we finish, and we've done plenty, but that feeling...that I should add this. And this. And this other thing. Oh, and wait! This other thing! :lol:

I agree. I love TT but I decided to use Saxon 54 for my my DD when she is in 4th grade in the fall. AND, I JUST read something about 54 being more for third graders..geesh..how confusing is that??! LOL! Anyways, I say go ahead. That's what I'm doing. Sounds good to me!!!!

I tried the Anatomy book with my kids last year...UGH. They were K and 2nd. Totally not cool with us. I may use it NEXT year, when they are in 2nd and 4th. I think using it for both of them would be ideal at that time, instead.

I use a main, with one or two as supplements, as well as iPad apps. I voted four. Lol.

I totally agree. I can't fathom the price, honestly. That's the budget for homeschool supplies for the year for some! Kwim?

This was awesome! Thank you so much!

We're at a third grade level with Grammar and haven't quite "officially" diagrammed. My first thought- I just know my own DD isn't "quite" there yet, soon, but not yet. I think just taking your time and not getting too concerned is probably the best thing to do, but that's me, and I am really at the same point as you! LOL! If I find any other opinions when I do my own internet research, I'll come back here and share!

Good point- like the feigning misunderstanding bit. Ladies you have been ever so helpful! I knew you would be! I know this is an almost universal thing to deal with..ha...so it's nice to share thoughts with one another. Even my dad, who is a retired chemistry teacher, thought the comment quite off.

We have used POE all year, and it has been AWESOME for us. I am planning to use POS next year. My first grader has tagged along- and of course I haven't done everything with him the same, but adjusted things to his level. I used a mix of the first and second level for my third grader. Next year, with Paths of Settlement, I'm looking forward to using it because it is laid out perfectly for us, and for my mind. LOL. If you have any particular questions, I'd be happy to answer.

We have 16. It's enough for us.

I THOUGHT something like that- but I'm too chicken. :tongue_smilie:

Well, I can *see* our homeschool sticking with the Trail Guide to Learning series (Paths of Exploration this year, next year is Paths of Settlement, and then there's another). Also, Saxon falls under the *see* list, and BJU reading.

Wondering about how to respond to someone who states that the problem with homeschooling is the kids don't get to be in the real world/don't know how to deal with life/etc. Sometimes I have the answer in my head, but tonight I don't. :glare: This question stems from a conversation I had with someone at choir practice tonight. I said nothing in reply, just listened and smiled. :001_huh: It didn't feel right to try to explain to her all that I know and see these days, all the opportunities and benefits. I think her mind was made up already, anyhow!

I do several programs- Singapore CWP and IP as a supplement. We do those once a week, and actually, my dad goes over those with my kids! LOL! He is a retired Chem teacher but has experience with math too and it's nice to have him do those with the kids. So, I don't pull those books out all the time- actually, not even every week! It's more like 3 xs a month. We are almost through them, though! We have what I think is enough to last til the end of May.

I'm thinking along these lines, too. Definitely. I am SOOO sorry for your friendship hurts. I've had plenty. The ups and downs are not fun at all. :grouphug:

Math is not my DD's best subject, but keeping her on grade level has been perfect as far as TT goes. So, we've been using TT3. Now, we didn't start with the first lesson. I skipped her ahead a bit. I do think we'll be moving along into TT4 in April/May and continue to do some in the summer. I am working with her at a nice gentle, pace. I wanted to reinforce thins she knew and challenge her at the same time. TT3 has accomplished that, and we've been happy thus so far. I guess it just depends on your situation! I do NOT feel badly about using it on grade level. We also do a bit of challenge word problems from Singapore and then some supplemental pages from Saxon 3, just to do extra practice. But, I'm eclectic like that with EVERYTHING we use, not just math!

Sometimes, yes! I always thought I must be strange, but this year, with the way things go, it seems I do best in the afternoons too. LOL! I have a hard time getting my kids to bed early so they end up sleeping in a bit, especially my DS. So, we get started later, anyways! I'd love to implement all afternoon schooling IF I knew we'd get done in time, before 4:30ish!! But, I think we better stick with some school in the morning just to make sure we don't try to cram everything in the morning. Truly, though, we only get one or two hours done in the morning.

Well, my kids have gone through stages. Now, my DD8 is definitely more of a reader and right now she is reading the Mandie books I had when I was a kid. I LOVED those and loved reading about anything! And yes, I kept my Mandie book collection all these years! HA! Good thing, too, because she is reading them right and left. Just keep a balance. I let her read the Mandie book outside of school, and we have literature for school that is for separate reading time. I don't really see anything wrong with reading other books- I think there are treasures of imagination to be found in a multitude of books! Other "twaddle-ish" books may just spark an interest in something else that leads to MORE reading, and so forth.

We are using it this year. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I have first and third graders. My first grader tags along pretty well. I use level one for him, and level 2 for my third grader. We haven't done EVERYTHING exactly how it is planned, so that being said, I think it'd be easier to do that with your fifth graders. Next year, we are definitely going through with the next book- Paths of Settlement. Possibly still using the first and second levels for my children. I didn't do the copywork with my first grader- who is a 6 year old boy. Didn't want to push it but next year I'd like for him to do it, after he gets finished this year of handwriting practice. The way the book is set up- it is just perfect for my style of teaching. It is GREAT for the minds of my children. I do use additional language arts and science. I get excited when I pull the manual out...they have learned SOOO much and enjoy the process. I just love how it is broken down, what is actually included in the curriculum, the nature studies, discussion questions, vocabulary, geography skills...It is perfect for us. Yes, a little pricey but...so is a lot of things anymore! I will continue to use it because, as this being the third year I have homeschooled, I do NOT want to keep trying things out and if this works so well, I'm sticking with the program!

This is very "rough" but similar to this year I guess: History/Geography/some science/nature studies/vocabulary/some reading: Paths of Settlement Elemental Science (chemistry and physics) to fill in :) Writing: IEW-continue working with the fables/myths/fairy tales book if we aren't done by end of summer, then on to another one Literature: from POS, the Arrow (Bravewriter), and others I decide she'll do English: I have an eclectic array planned- Killagon, some from online I found as seatwork, something else I can't recall Spanish: Homeschool Spanish Art: whatever we decide, lol Math: TT4, some Singapore Practice and Word Problems Spelling: through POE dictation, and online

My google searches aren't too successful but i did see this last night: http://usastore.friendsandheroes.com/

I understand! I've had plenty of days like this lately!