Well, I knew I would be in the minority :001_smile:, but we actually like SWO. I researched and debated between it and AAS for quite a while, and the deciding factor for me was that my dd seems to be a natural speller. I just couldn't see a reason to spend so much on a spelling program in her case. She is doing fine with SWO, and it hasn't been too much writing so far. We started it when she was 5.5. I do think that AAS probably works better for kids who need more instruction in spelling. If my ds falls into that category, I will probably switch to AAS for him.

I do buy several of the recs in the SOTW AG. Mostly I pick picture books that I think will help the history reading come to life. For our literature, I don't try to keep on track with what we're learning in history. I purchase many titles that are on Sonlight's lists, as well as titles from other lists. My goal for read alouds and readers is to expose my dc to wonderful, well-written, engaging stories, not just to reenforce our history. I anticipate that as we move into US history/ more modern history, our literature list will include more books that fit into our history time period. For now, they are just really good books that are age appropriate for my dc!

I use Sonlight for a reading list! I think it looks great, but I don't think I would do well with a boxed curriculum. I just wanted to add that FIAR can be hard to plan for, so don't let that discourage you away from WTM. I think following SWB's plans as she has described them can really be open and go. Of course, you can add/ tweak any of it to suit your needs.

Looks great! We love reading the Vos Child's Story Bible. It's not a curriculum, but it has very detailed stories that are often not included in children's story Bibles. We just read a section each day and narrate or discuss the reading.

Mark Kistler online

Science. I hated it in school, but LOVE teaching it to my kids. I can't enough of science books.

:iagree:If you like WTM recs, you'll like ES!

I taught letter sounds in preschool, but we still went through the first 26 lessons of OPG as review. We reviewed the poem, but didn't memorize it.

We really like their pockets. We have two of the literature pockets, and three of the history pockets. My dc love them! I bought Science Works for Kids: Vertebrates, but while we enjoyed it, it seemed more like busy work and a lot of unnecessary copying/ printing. I won't be purchasing another one. I will probably get Beginning Geography at some point, and maybe How to Teach Art to Children.

YES! I love the programs, too. They are simple, inexpensive and get the job done!

We are using ES Earth Science and Astronomy, and BFSU more occasionally. We really like both. ES is much more laid out for you, but both are really great.

Our normal plan is to review the previous two lessons at the beginning of each day, but I also stick a post it or bookmark in lessons that my dc are still struggling with. We review a lot, probably spending more time on our review than on the new lesson each day.

For science picture books, we really like Let's Read and Find Out books.

We are using Spelling Workout. It's inexpensive and simple. My dd seems to fall in the category of being a natural speller, so I find that its just the right amount of instruction and practice for her. I also really like the looks of the upper levels, so I plan to stick with the program.

That's an awesome site! We have made tons of lapbooks for free from there.

We will probably do more like one or two projects a month. If a project looks do-able, fun and like it would add to their learning then we do it. If its too complicated or doesn't seem like it reenforces the reading too much, we skip it. We already have hands-on for science and art, so I'm not too eager to add a ton more.

I have used LHTH a LOT and have gotten several ideas from the first half of LHFHG. It's nice to have a finger play, music, story, hands-on activity and craft all laid out for you!

We are LOVING the Vos Story Bible. We also love SOTW, and I (not my kids) love OPGTR.

Looks great and like lots of fun! I'm in the camp that is saving MOH for later years and doing SOTW now, but that's partly because my ds 4 is joining us. If your dd is a natural speller, then I believe just about any program/ workbook is fine (and usually inexpensive). If she needs the extra phonics practice, All About Spelling would be my choice. I recommend Artistic Pursuits for art! We are really enjoying it.

:iagree:

Learning a foreign language trains the brain in areas that are different from other things we learn. Learning any foreign language at an early age will also help learn a language later as an adult. I do think Latin totally counts as a foreign language! If you don't want to add another, don't worry!

Pretty much the same as other replies. -motivated teacher who truly, intensely CARES for the student's well-being and education -customized curricula, methods -customized pace of study -less distraction by peers -learning becomes a lifestyle that isn't something you stop doing when school hours are finished -and I definitely agree, agree, agree with the reading!

Those are so nice! How creative and thoughtful. Thanks for sharing!

I just downloaded this and am eager to start it. It's a pretty simple program, but I like the books it uses. I'm just going for basic familiarity at this stage.

The Usborne Art Treasury might be a good fit. It has a two page spread on each artist (a full color print and short bio), followed by a project that relates to one of their most famous paintings.