I am working with a new homeschool group and will be teaching children of different ages (1st-6th). My own children (I have 4) have just finished Ancients and we would be doing Medieval this year. I have Veritas Press, SOTW, HSITW timeline figures, and MOH. I use different resources for different things, but like SOTW as a spine. Should I continue on our normal path and do Medieval with these students (most of whom are coming out of a public school to homeschool for the first time)? What program would be easiest to implement with a wide variety of ages (even ones I don't have listed here)? I want it to be a well-rounded program with reading, writing, hands-on activities, etc. We will be using IEW for writing. I have the Medieval Writing from IEW as well as TWSS and SWI A and B. I have looked at so many things that I am going crazy!!

We are finishing up the POE from Trailguide to Learning. I have found that it gives the students a deep understanding of the people and the time period they are studying. At times my son and daughter have felt bogged down with it, but enjoy it overall. Considering all of the things that are integrated, it accomplishes many things at once. As a former high school English teacher, and then head of a K-12 private school in charge of curriculum, I have looked for something like this to come along. It is interesting and engaging while integrating history, writing, vocab, and grammar (though TGL takes an informal approach to grammar). We will continue next year with POS. There are things I would change about it, but by and large think it is an excellent choice. I hope this helps.

my sister trains K9 companions for law enforcement and for special needs. She has been doing it for nearly 20 years and she still cries every time one is lost. They are so special. MY heart and prayers go out to you. :grouphug:

OK, I'll attempt this. Up by 8:30 or 9:00 with breakfast while I read either a read aloud or SOTW. SOTW Activity Guide (Ancient Portfolio Jr. for the little one) Math by 9:45 Reading subject of their choice or me teaching Grammar Morning Recess or lunch/recess depending on how long all of this takes Spelling Handwriting or copywork depending on age American History in the form of Trailguide to Learning for the older two Phonics for the Younger two Spelling for the younger three Vocab for oldest Science on Science days Usually done by 3:30 or 4:00 Recess Chores Dinner I FINALLY get to read and then bed. Of course there are a few 'breaks' to check in on TWTM, email, etc. :tongue_smilie:

The thing that is mindboggling to me is how addictive it is.

I see both sides of the issue...my sister had to have a credit check when she was hired as a police officer. On the other hand, my Dad who is an excellent worker had hits to his credit after being laid off from work. How can you pay your debts on time if you can't get a job due to hits on your credit?? He finally got a job after serious hunting and it is with a gov't agency, so apparently not everyone weighs heavily on this issue.

Very interesting...thanks for posting. BTW, the botox thing is for real. My headache specialist uses it and it is now FDA approved. I told him I wanted to stop my headaches not kill my head! I can't believe the nerve of some of these drug companies. It is great to hear that the gov't is actually recovering $$ instead of spending it.

:iagree:...weird.

I've already started. I waited last year until the summer to get some things and my experience was that they were more expensive and harder to find used. I am on the lookout for things that are in new condition or like new and purchasing them on the hive or in other homeschool forums.

It took me a while to get my order too, but they did email me back and when I had questions about the divider cards (new vs. old) I called and they were helpful. Every time I have called I have gotten someone on the phone. You will probably get it very soon.

:iagree: If we don't engage, they likely will never study that subject/area on their own. Of course they can learn without being engaged, but it's kind of like eating brussel sprouts with no seasoning when you hate brussel sprouts. I am not saying you don't need to eat brussel sprouts at all...just spice them up a bit. I think it is why many of us are constantly looking for the 'right' curriculum (in the way of materials) when it might be better to look at the outcome and work from there while utilizing your own child's strengths and learning style for scaffolding. A book that I liked was Understanding By Design...it explains how to work backward for the intended goal.

Actually, Chicos is having a buy one get one 50% off on their already reduced items. You might pay a little more for their stuff but it lasts forever and much of it doesn't go out of style (unless you go with the crazy stuff). Their pants do not wear out and their jackets are very well made.

Chico's, Ann Taylor Loft, and Talbot's are my favorites. You can just shop online and skip the driving.

Chico's also has great jeans: www.chicos.com.

Diane Gilman on HSN caters to the over 40 crowd and has great jeans...bootcut, skinny, and jeggings. They are great and comfortable too even though I am not quite 40! I had to put that in there since I am so close and hanging on by a thread!! Here's a link: Diane Gilman Fashions

“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.†~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. I appreciate the great conversation this thread has offered. It is always interesting to hear the ideas of others in regard to education. They will always be varied and heated. That is the nature of education...we are all so passionate about it or we wouldn't be homeschooling.

You are all so wonderful to post. I appreciate it so much. Hopefully this thread and all the great info will be helpful to others. I am starting Feverfew, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, CoQ10, B12, and a mega dose of B2 (at the advice of my neuro) but haven't been doing this long enough to tell. I hope something helps. It is taxing on your state of mind having these so often, but I do my best to keep a good attitude. Thanks again, and please keep posting your experiences.

Cpox is really bad the older they get. All of mine got the vax and it didn't cause any problems. I am prone to the shingles and did not get them at the time that any of mine had the vaccination. I would have them all done. It is too much of a problem for you to get it while pregnant.

What about Supercharged Science? All hands on...you can buy kits or get your own supplies.

:iagree:on the hard food disposal...but we have a KitchenAid. it was worth every penny.

I have frequent migraines and a generally constant daily headache (not exaggerating) and have for about 7 years. I have a high pain tolerance, but honestly I am just wearing out from these. For those of you who have had migraines or cluster headaches, what has helped?

The tiles are needed and the box is great...it fits the cards perfectly and comes with the new laminated dividers which are so much better than the old card stock ones. BTW the old card stock dividers will not fit in the new boxes.

When Children Love to Learn: When Children Love to Learn: A Practical Application of Charlotte Mas… avail on Amazon This is the best book I have read on CM. It is written by many of the people associated with Childlight USA. I believe Ranald Macaulay has a chapter as well as Jack Beckman and Bobby Scott. I think it is edited by Levinson. It breaks down each of the four pillars of a CM education. I have met and listened to many of these speakers many times and they are an amazing array of CM knowledge and just great people in general.

I used History Portfolio Jr for my 5 year old and he likes it. My older ones have done SOTW activity guide. I would love to hear from anyone who has used HP, especially Medieval and what you thought about it. I am considering it vs. SOTW AG. If you have used HP, does it line up fairly well with SOTW? If not, what did you use for Medieval or later? I truly appreciate any input you can give.

We love this show and record it on DVR so we can back it up and see people bouncing off of the balls. Honestly, they must need a chiropractor after that show. I am half horrified and half entertained but the kids and husband are all in.