I used parts of the Human Body curric and we really liked it.

We don't read the FIAR book every day--it just depends. FIAR has been good for ds because it has introduced him to a wide variety of topics. We do all the science activities per ds request and then pick and choose among social studies, language arts, and art. We have been doing sort of a trip around the world idea for social studies this year. We tie a FIAR book ( or other picture book) in with a country study then do activities from the manual.

My ds really enjoys them. We also like reading the research guides that go along with the books out loud.

We have used the Download and Go series. Her regular unit studies were a bit too advanced for my ds. So far our favorites have been Australia, Astonishing Animals and Goofy Gecko. I subscribe to her newsletter and she has frequent sales.

I looked at both, and decided on FIAR. I preferred the book choices( I have vols 1-4) and my son likes to do activities with the story. That said, there are a few books we have skipped. I felt that the subject matter was too advanced for now. FIAR has introduced him to lots of different topics. I have found most of the books through my local library system or ordering through inter library loan. Have you looked at Before FIAR? I agree with Rivka. I think 3 1/2 is too young for FIAR. A lot of the activities will be too advanced.

Once you are logged in to the FIAR boards, scroll down to the bottom and you will find the archives. They are arranged by volume.

We do the pieces of the lapbook as review after we have read and discussed the information or completed the experiment. For example, we recently did a lapbook on Groundhog Day. Some examples of the pieces/minibooks we did are: the child wrote or dictated the definition of Groundhog Day, why do we have Groundhog day, where does a groundhog live, what does it eat, etc. We also tied this in with signs of spring. Depending on the topic, we will a couple of pieces each day or all at once if it's a short topic. On the last day of the unit we paste all the pieces into our folder or notebook.

I looked at both and decided on FIAR. I preferred the book selections in FIAR and like the more relaxed schedule. I also wanted a more secular program. I have found it easy to get go alongs from the library if it's something ds wants to learn more about. I like that ds is learning about a wide variety of topics.

My Ds loves getting these packages in the mail! So far we have received 5 country packets and it's been fun to see what he will receive. I know in advance which country will be coming for that month, so I make sure to check out some library books in case we want to read more. We are using some of the resources in Galloping the Globe too. We also study one animal from the country. Ds is making a countries notebook. Last fall, they had a sale and I signed up for the second year of countries as well.

I agree with you that the goal is too vague. Who knows what that means? I have never seen benchmarks listed with numbers. On the IEPs I have seen it would say something like ****will be able to identify primary colors red, blue, yellow 80 % of the time Measurement: charting Adaptions and Modifications: speech generating device, manipulatives Benchmark 1 : with verbal and physical prompting 60 % of the time date Oct 10 Benchmark 2: with verbal and physical prompting 80 % date Jan 11 Benchmark 3: with verbal prompting 70% date March 11 This is a simplistic example, but you get the idea. The benchmarks need to be the steps taken to reach the overall annual goal. In December, I attended a goal training workshop put on by the agency that develops the states IEP software. The one thing that was mentioned over and over was measurable goals. I volunteer for an organization that helps parents with IEPs and special education. If I were you, I would request another IEP meeting in writing so the goals can be clarified and rewritten.

We also enjoy the Crickett magazines--especially Click. They often run specials for $5 off a subscription.

My son has an IEP and it includes benchmarks for each goal so I am unsure what you mean? Perhaps the IEP is different in my state, but he has several annual goals. Then under each annual goal there are benchmarks to meet so you can see the progress throughout the year. Can you give me an example of one of her goals?

We are enjoying FIAR, but don't use the bible supplement. We skipped some books that I just thought were not a good fit. I have been able to find most books through my local library or ILL. FWIW, our FIAR time seems to go much smoother when I just stick to the manual and a go along or two. The four volumes cover such a huge range of topics that I allow several extra weeks in the year for rabbit trail studies.

I agree with a previous poster about doing BFIAR with the lapbooks on Homeschool Share--especially if you have a child who likes crafts. I also like Ami's blog--lots of BFIAR book ideas too. http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/?page_id=714323 BFIAR also suggests making animal cards for some of the books. My son really likes doing activities with animal cards--sorting, alphabet stuff, etc. Some of the cards we found on Homeschool Share and others I printed photos I found internet.

Great article! Thanks!

I am also looking into the cooking classes and we're signed up for the open house. I read a blog post by Ami about the cooking classes if that helps. http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/?p=714723

We are doing both. I just do GTG in the order of Little Passports.

We are doing Christmas Around the World from HOAC.

I have a year long membership that I purchased on sale for $45. I am saving up for the lifetime membership next time there is a sale. They do pay for themselves in the freebies and discounts you receive.

I have used a bunch of their lapbooks. They come in various levels but I especially like the multi-level ones since they can fit different ages. I like them because they contain all the info you need right there. They do give a list of supplementary books, but it's not needed. When you click on the sample for each unit, it will give a list of what's covered in each. They have lots of sales ( 40% off on Black Friday). They also have a unit offered each week for $5. Also, I am a super member and recieve a new lapbook for free each month before it goes on sale. They also do an online co-op. Their new website has only been up a week and I know there are some glitches--I couldn't find a place to subscribe to the newsletter either. I belong to their yahoo group, Hand of a Child Talk. They post all their sales there too. Also, be sure to download the semi annual freebie from the link at the top.

Were you looking for the FIAR forums? http://www.fiveinarow.com/~gbprnhrz/forum/index.php? You need to be a member to see the archives with all the titles and list of extra ideas.

We like Click ( nature and animals) from Carus Publishing as well as My Big Backyard.

That is a great list! Thanks for sharing it!

I am using Harmony Fine Arts and it's been easy to adapt for ds. For art prints I bought some calendars when they were on clearance. I don't have the ebooks for the Outdoor Challenges but have done them online. She's got some great stuff at a very good price.

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I didn't realize there were more items that needed purchasing so I'm glad you clarified that. I look forward to hearing what your kids think when they try out some of the activities.