Yeah, I'm sure there are pros to the "window" ones, but it's nice when you don't want to spend the $$. Thanks for the comparison! Good to know that the others last longer if we need it for that. LOL good to know :)

Actually washable markers do the same thing on windows. You don't need to buy the special window ones. HTH.

You don't "HAVE" to do anything. That's why you're homeschooling sweetie ;) Seriously... You know your child best and if he learns best doing math orally for right now then so be it! I agree with previous posts that it will build great mental math skills.

I'm reading all these negatives about how suzuki doesn't teach note reading, but that has not been our experience. My oldest dd started taking suzuki 2 years ago and she does both playing by hearing AND note reading. (now in all fairness she DID take traditional lessons from my MIL prior to that). Is this not the norm? She has separate books... some for finger play where she reads the notes and other for Suzuki where she listens to a CD, but also does read the notes. She does a lot of memory exercises. Perhaps this isn't the norm for Suzuki, but it's what our experience has been.

It definitely depends on the child. My oldest dd started playing the piano (light) at age 4. We didn't push it and just watched as her interest developed and then when we saw it was at it's peak we started paying more for lessons (age 10) I felt it worked perfect for her. There was a younger girl (maybe age 6) at her Spring recital last year who was ahead of her (we do suzuki btw) and she broke down in the middle of her recital. It wasn't that she "couldn't" do it; the pressure just seemed to be too much. We would see her at her lessons sometimes and she looked miserable. It really depends on the child.

:lurk5:

We did PS kindergarten for my oldest dd, and she was bored to tears. She very matter of fact refers to it as the "prison" to her siblings. This is her doing not ours. lol. Every time we drove by on the way to the library she would say to the others, "Look, there's the prison mom rescued me from." I kid you not. This has solidified homeschooling for the other children as the best choice in their eyes. LOL

Thank you. This will be our first "surprise" blessing ;) We are thrilled and shocked at the same time lol. Can't I have the best of both worlds? lol ;) If I had to prioritize those two I would say the organization first. I think the "mom involvement" will be less of an issue if everything is well organized kwim? What do you mean by "lighter" year with CLE? Is this a less challenging program for the student?

I see a lot of you are recommending SL, MFW and HOD. I've never considered SL b/c I thought it was intense with parent involvement. Am I getting the wrong impression on that? MFW....I did MFW Kindergarten with dd5 this year and quite honestly I felt it was a bit weak. I felt like I had to supplement quite a bit, and that is just not something I will be able to keep up with next year. HOD...I've never heard of this curriculum so this is completely new to me. It appears from their website though that they are similar to MFW in that you are responsible for picking a LA program and a Math program. Is that correct? Thank you all. I'm glad I have the oldest figured out for next year. I've been through this decision process so many times that I know 1 out 4 planned out for next year is pretty good at this point LOL ;)

Keep searching for discount codes online. We bought ours for 40% off with an online code. It's been since last Fall so I'm sure that has changed, but just keep your eye on it.

I do get what you are saying. I agree that if I go into it thinking a box with a grade number on it is going to definitely fit my child then it won't work. Primarily, I plan to use this as a guide to keep things on track when I can't do more of a specialized program. Any box set that I use would definitely be something that I would use creative liberty to alter to my child. This is why a "virtual public school" is completely out for us.

We actually veered from my usual and purchased "Master Reader" by Hooked on Phonics this year. It did not take a year for him to finish, however it was worth every penny! He went from a reluctant reader to an excited reader who enjoys it. This program was very "boy" friendly, and NOT babyish at all. The stories ALWAYS interested him. Even the box was exciting to him. Here's the link to the one I used: http://www.hookedonphonics.com/master-reader-deluxe-edition

We've always done homeschool "light" throughout the summer. My kids have always just known it's coming, but I can see how your older ones who have only done hsing for the past 2 years might be bummed. Try and approach it as a learning never stops in life kind of thing. Maybe make it so relaxed that they have a say in the planning with you??

:laugh: yes that would drive me bonkers too lol. Look away....just look away ;)

Yes, I'm pretty sure most of my one on one will need to be devoted to her. Especially since she is the "creative" "dreamy" type ;) Easily distracted in other words ;)

As far as the 9yo goes... I wouldn't do anything. You said he has great hw, so really I wouldn't see an issue with how he's getting it done. Handwriting will eventually be obsolete with e-mail, txting and computing correspondence.

Which 2 guides did you choose?

I do enjoy CM and her philosophy. I even considered MFW for next year, but I'm just not sure how well it will work with an upcoming 1st and 4th grader. :confused:

I would need it for my 4th grader and my 1st grader. The 7th grader is completely independent and will be in a "homeschool school" program next year. I like having independent learners... not b/c I don't like to teach, but b/c it teaches them to love learning. So in much of what I do I try to encourage as much independence as possible ;) Next year I just know i need something that is mapped out for me and completely structured. The 4th grader LOVES to use the computer....and the 1st grader is a "dreamer" creative type.

I have never heard of this curriculum. I will have to look into it. Thanks.

Oh, yes. A Christian based curriculum.

Which one would you chose? I'm looking at several for ease next year as I'm expecting another baby in the Fall. Having everything organized for me will be a necessity. Thanks!

I'm considering this route for my ds age 9 for next year. I would love to hear about different programs. A Beka, AOP, Calvert etc. Thank you!

Thank you!

Yes! this is exactly the thing I wanted to know. I am expecting my 5th child in late fall, so I know this has to be an organized year!! Especially with my 4th grader! I just feel like this is the year we have got to be serious about his writing skills, and I do not want that to go to the side! Thank you.