Well, what's working here: Firstly, I have 1 12 yo dd w/ ADHD/Tourettes and a 7.5 yo ds with ADHD/SPD. So, they take flax oil, vitamin c, Natures Way EFA BLEND (the 7.5 yo takes kid formula), VAXA Attend (this is a homeopathic), and in the winter Vitamin D Drops. They also take, as needed, zinc and Magnesium (either as a spray or as a drink like Natural Calm). With the supplements, we've had to do a loading dose (which averaged out to 2 weeks of taking double of the EFA and the VAXA, but the directions were on the box). A few more things that have helped TREMENDOUSLY here: no soda, reduce sugar to only natural sugars and stevia, parasite cleanse (this was a huge success with my son and made a major difference for him), no more than 20 minute's at a time for school subjects and interspersing the things he likes with things he doesn't like so much, physical reward systems (like for ever 2 weeks he completes in school, he gets a new leappad game,etc.). For some reason, chocolate helps too (I guess it's the magneseum). AND adding extra fiber in their diet

Thank you all. This is EXACTLY what I needed to know! I've got lots of thinking/considering to do...Thanks again! Heather

Thanks! That's exactly what I was trying to find! I don't know why I didn't see it over there -

After HOD emerging readers, I filled in with the SL grade 2 readers he didn't cover, then moved up to the HOD readers for 2/3 and added in the level 3 readers for SL. My kids LOVE to read, so that's why we do both. I even have to add MORE than that from the library.

Ok, I've been researching some on College Plus and I am wondering if there is any way I can do something similar myself without paying them. Like thru clep testing or other testing? I want to be able to use my own resources for high school and not be tied into some type of duel-enrollment. Does such a resource exist? has anyone done this?

I just took the TOC and a timeline and plugged in the existing books and some other vintage ebooks as I wanted to read them. I don't stress about it if I can't figure out where it fits though. For those I just couldn't figure out, I put on the "To Be Read This Year" list and in no particular order. Then, we just allowed the kids to read the ones they could read and used the other ones as story time books. I have found that the kids do just fine reading out of order, as it reinforces the concepts they've already learned or whets their appetite for something we're getting ready to learn.

http://oldfashionededucation.com/fullcurriculum.htm this has a link to brightly beaming k curr. plus they have a full 40 week schedule for k-12. Most of the resources are free and include several of the things you listed.

Does anyone know if there is a list somewhere of the American experience episodes arranged chronologically?

We used Essentials in Writing this past year. The girls said it was fine and would do it again if there were no other options. So, in an effort to figure out if there are any other options that are not too expensive, I decided to ask the experts (that's you guys)! So, what I'm looking for is a writing program that will teach my kiddos how to write and be as independent as possible. I only want to grade the papers and answer questions. Any suggestions?

What was it? I saw her schedule and am using many of the books as my "Library Resource List" for each subject. The World of Science book and the other encyclopedia could totally be used as a "spine" with this instead of buying the apologia or the other one.

We always just continue on with our main subjects. Electives tend to change and, sometimes, science, since the seasons play a major roll in a few of the things the kids can do. We also do interest-based electives, that the kids chose, every 6-9 weeks (many of these end up extending over several 6-week periods). We have 4 day school weeks for all subjects, 5th day being for music lessons and anything the independent students didn't finish the rest of the week. We tend to do crafts the 5th day too (student led/delight directed crafts). We school for 6-9 weeks straight and then will take 1-3 weeks off (it always depends on if we have a trip coming up, company or a holiday). If we have sick days, then we are sick. I don't worry about it as it'll all work out in the end. In our state we count hours instead of days, so we ALWAYS have well over 1000 hours. We've only taken summer off one time and it was terrible! We were all ready to start back to the year-round schedule. It just really helps us to keep structure in our home. As far as planning - YES, I have 10 weeks from now to have the new plan ready. Fortunately, I know WHAT I'm teaching, since we just pick up where we left off. It's what I'm teaching it with that I've had to reasearch - this tends to change in my house based on the kids needs and sometimes their interests. So, we just re-evaluate about every 6 months or so and keep on moving forward.

Well, I had literally forgotten about it! It came in a packaged special last year at our convention. So, everything I wasn't using right then got put on the top shelf. So, I just pulled it off today to look at and, guess what?? It has a whole experiment section in the back of the book that goes along with the rest of the book. I would consider this a "general science" course, but could definately use it as a starting off point if I wanted to add other books. Up there with this book was the Usborne Science Encyclopedia (I don't know how it got up there, but still...). In it, It has "discover for yourself sections" just about every page. Plus the internet links. So, looks like this will complement the World of Science quite nicely! So, looks like I will only need to coordinate my books and buy a couple that I don't have for his age (most we'll just get whatever's available when we go to the library); decide on any more of the kits (I actually got one today on ebay for $30 (instead of the $70 full price) so that's exciting! ); make my lessons and gather the activity supplies. YAAY! I still really like the look of those other books too. So, maybe I'll be able to find some used at one of the used curriculum fairs or online. But, I surely won't need them with all the other things I have! Thanks for reminding me about that book!

I have this!!! I had totally forgotten about it until I checked my spreadsheet. Great idea!

We did a 15 hour each way with 5 kids 11 and under last summer. We drove straight thru both days and found, if we split it up about 4 times between us, it was VERY doable. Even the kids did fine. Now it took a little longer than the 15 hour drive time, since we stop 3 times to stretch, get stuff out of the coolers, clean up any messes, re-situate everyone (we made the 2 middle kids swap sides of the van a few times so they could stretch a different way), and go to the bathroom. I took lots of pre-made food between the cooler and the big bag of fun snacks and we had 2 gallons of water that I used to refill their sports cups that fit down into their cup holders (this is important that they FIT into the cup holders - lol). We re-supplied at the Walmart on the other end before coming home. We also found that the Welcome Centers in every state we passed thru were very decent (some more than others). Most offer snacks for free, great brochures for homeschooling projects later, playgrounds for the kids or open dog-free spaces for kids to run around and play tag (we do this with the kids to move around). We also have found that Quick Trip is a pretty decent bathroom stop and decent coffee and $.89 drinks for when you just need something different. Also, our overnight lodging - we pick a place that has free full breakfast (eggs, bacon, etc) so we start out full and had a decent meal. So, my thoughts are to do 2 -15 hour days and stay in a hotel 1 night on the road and one night in the town near where you'll be camping. Then the day of your camping excursion, you can sleep in some, eat breakfast and check out by 11 (most places). The kids can swim in the pool that morning before your camping and all around ya'll just relax. activities on the road: with the ages of your 2, you need some type of separate dvd player or movie playing device with downloaded movies. We did ebooks and ebook lights for all the kids with pre-downloaded books (we had a few books on tape as well, for when they were tired. The youngest (3) had audio picture books on his. Drawing supplies in a little portable thingie for the little ones and the big ones had clipboards. We allowed each child to take their backpack with their personal toys for the trip and craft supplies in it. Several road games (those magnetic portable ones) for the bigger kids. They all had mp3's (inexpensive ones) since their ereaders didn't have that function. I even took my computer and did all sorts of things that were non-internet related. We found this adapter thing that converts for your car lighter at Best Buy and it worked well (it's loud, fan sound but it was fine). Every state we went through, we had a challenge - 1 fascinating fact from everyone (we got those at the welcome centers from the brochures - everyone gets brochures that interest them and we compare notes in the car after we get back on the road) and 1 thing per person that we've either never seen before or don't see where we live. Hope you have a good trip!

AAAAKKKKKKK!!!!!!! THE HORROR!!!!!!!! :scared:

Neither sets of our parents supported our decision. I've had numerous lectures from mine about how we are "damaging" our children and not allowing them to reach the "full potential God made them to reach" because we are not putting them into a classroom with other children, allowing the schools to "do their jobs", etc. Of course, there's no factual basis for this, this is just their opinion. My husband's parents are college graduates and my MIL is a retired teacher. They even went as far as to report us to FCS in the state we lived in because they thought we were "abusing" our children by not putting them in school. Fortunately, the FCS claims were nullified and we've never had another problem with the state. Here we are 7 years later, neither set of parents agrees with our decision and are still vocal about it. We finally told them 2 years ago to either keep their opinions to themselves, ground them in fact only if they're going to share them, and to stop insulting us and help out with the school materials if they think we're "jipping" the kids. My inlaws have honored this, my parents, well not as much but we're working on it. What's really interesting is that they are always complementing the kids on how smart they are and how they can't believe they know so much about so many things and how well-mannered and varied their conversational skills are. Then in the next breath "but they'd be better off in school". So, that's their opinion based on what they're comfortable with. Over time, they will see our fruit and will either change their minds or not. This was and is a very hard thing - not having familial support and them being quite vocal about it. BUT, we KNOW this is what we are supposed to be doing and we also know that they really have no authority over our decisions. It was a very HARD line we had to make and one we continually have to reinforce. I have found groups like this and a HS mom or two who are ahead of me in the curve have helped me emotionally. I also found writing out clear reasons of WHY we're homeschooling - with my husband - and reviewing them every time we get frustrated or discouraged helps. Another thing I found that helps is the book "Boundaries" by dr. Cloud. Here's why - this is only one area of our lives that our parents try to control. They aren't allowed to have control any longer and the sooner we ALL understand that, the healthier our relationships will be. For me, this has been a constant struggle with my parents and they still try to control EVERYTHING I do (even living half a country away). So, for me, I've had to set very FIRM boundaries in writing (so I keep to them), to break the pattern and not allow it. Every time I give in and allow them control, I am sinning against my Husband and our union. Every time they try to control my decisions (and I define control as having a very strong, immovable opinion that they expect me to respect and adhere to or they criticize, belittle, manipulate, discuss to death until I give in and they get their way) they are sinning as well - there's a reasone for the "leave and cleave" and "what God has joined together..." portions of our vows. So, I don't want to enable and I want to stop the pattern. Anyways, my reasons... So, please let your friend know that there are MANY of us that are right there with her! AND, should she decide to hs, would be happy to provide some moral support!

Ok, so, I've been researching all the wonderful science ideas for 4th-6th grade. So many wonderful ideas and wonderful book lists! I've printed the lists and have started a spreadsheet for the ones I like on the rest. So, here's the thing, I am of two minds for science this year - either will be set up in a spreadsheet format/check-off list and he will do fairly independently, with discussion and help from me. Either way, I will add Christian content with secular. He likes both options, so he's of no help. (I tend to be eclectic CM/WTM/whatever else I am): 1. topical unit studies with kits/activities, living books, science informational books using things like Hands On Science Series (thinking that could be a "spine" resource per unit) List of books/encyclopedias on the subject Some creation-based science resources I already own Activity kits from lakeshore, Home Science Adventures, young scientist club, magic school bus kits notebook pages from sites like edhelper, and/or http://www.education.com OR 2. Gods Design for Chemistry and Ecology as a spine and use topically add in books/encyclopedia from great lists I've printed and tagged Maybe a few extra activity kits for interest (see above) Notebooking pages from above listed sites. Other considerations: I have 4 more students ranging from pre-k to 7th grade. 7th graders are doing rainbow science next year. Pre-k kid and 2nd grader will do various units together (2nd grader is a little delayed, and pker is a little advanced, they work well together) and will need me for the majority of their school time. Once I've done these lesson plans, I won't have to do them again for the younger 2, thankfully. So, that's a good thing. Many of the activity resources are reusable too. So, I would LOVE feedback from any of you who have used any of these or done anything similar. Likes/dislikes, things to watch out for, things to consider, etc. Thanks! heather

If the ONLY church available was teaching health/wealth gospel, then it doesn't fall into cosideration at all from a reformed perspective. There would be NO teaching. If there were other churches, even 1 ,that were armenian but taught the bible (conditions: once saved, always saved; triune god; bible is absolute; sola fide; etc), that could be worked around with teaching at home. Obviously, you wouldn't be able to join. Also, you need the fellowship. We drive an hour to go to church so we can be with like-minded people and hear good teaching. Some other friends, go farther (think 2 hours) but only go two times a month. This has worked out well for them, and the reformed church they attend has embraced them. The rest of the month, they home-church. It's not their ideal, but it works. Church at home, in my opion, would be a last option, but it could also be the beginning of something for your little island town. One thing we do in the winter, when we miss a good bit, is have the sermons sent to us. This hepls our family. Also, we have discovered several really good reformed pastors on sermonaudio that can fill this gap. Another thing, ministry opportunities happen everywhere, not just in the church, so that would be something to seek out. As far as loving our church - well this is the first time in 15 years that I can answer YES. We moved here almost 4 years ago and had a hard time finding Reformed AND Evangelical minded (this is important to us after having been several places that weren't). So, we feel very blessed. Prior to that, we kept in touch with several churches over the US that we tend to like the people/pastor and they, over time, have become our "extended-family". I have also found that my best friends/mentors have come from other places. One in TX, one in AL, one in ID, and I'm in MO. So, pretty spread out.

we've done this. with the binoculars. It's not exactly the same, but it's really portable, and really easier to handle on-the-go. you can get a pretty nice pair at the Bass Pro. We also use the same binoculars for bird watching and various other things when we're out. It's part of my sons "go kit" as he calls it.

just to make you feel better (hopefully)...my 6th grade daughter has struggled with math since beginning school. Up until we ordered LOF last spring (just over 9 months ago), she was still lost and 3 years (at least) behind her grade level. This was with us working together DAILY 45+ minutes a day cumulative. So, LOF was my "last resort" before math tutors. She got the books, sat down and worked thru the first 3 in a week - perfectly. Then on to the second set. We found several free websites that offer worksheet reinforcement activities for the things she was continuiously missing and that gave her a little extra practice in those areas. I also found a few assessment tests (horizons math is one, i believe, and I can't think of the other one right now and yes, I did 2 different ones) that allowed me to see how she was progressing. I think we did the assessment test this past September (so that was 6 months of using LOF). She had jumped from lower 3rd grade to mid 6th grade skill level! She got stumped on long division in Honey (i think), so we had to spend some time with a dry erase board and lining up our columns. Once she did it a few times, it clicked. I have made her repeat the Honey, Ice Cream, and Jelly Beans this next term, just to make sure she really "get's it" before moving on to middle school math in the Summer. I will do one more assessment as well. So, this isn't everyone's results, but it really cliicked with my daughter and we've been very pleased with this program. I would say, if you are noticing a pattern in what your child is missing, then you might want to look for some extra practice online and print off a few worksheets.

we're 9 weeks from finishing with 2 girls 6th grade. They're avid readers and kind of crafty too. We like the history overall. The books have been fine, but I've added in several of the extension package books to keep them reading. We do our own grammar (we just plug it in where it says "do your own grammar" under the language arts). We also did our own writing program, but the one that comes with it does reinforce history. With the writing, you have to make sure it's the upper level option you choose (unless you haven't covered writing yet). We love the notebooking activities. most of the history projects we do - but not all, because some of them I see no value in for our rather large family (like making beef jerky on a busy day when laundry is going on ). The poetry is enjoyable. Art is nice and very easy - I wish there was art instruction, but the history is rather fascinating. research projects have been a great introduction to research. Science - hmm...well, we really didn't like the Apologia science AT ALL. So, we used God's Design for heaven and Earth instead - it has a lab every lesson and part of it is actually chosen for option 2 in the science. Also, whenever it plugged in any of the other books under option 1 for science, we read those. I just didn't require them to do any of the activities - they were only optional. Bible - The girls really liked the inductive study and the memory song cd. The Beautiful Girlhood - they liked, and I was glad they could read it to themselves. We add extra bible into our studies - Studying God's Word, CLP. This is just something we've always done, so we continue. Math - we don't use singapore math. it doesn't work for ANY of my kids. So, one girl uses Teaching Textbooks at her own pace of 45 min a day and the other does Life of Fred. The only other things we do that aren't included are Music (piano) and spanish 1 (rosetta Stone). on the yahoo groups there are several forums it helps to join. The most helpful one for me has been : homeschoolingHODmoms There are loads of helpful things on this forum. They have a weekly check-off sheet that I have modified to reflect everything we do in a week and the girls are able to check it of daily. It really helps to keep up with it when you only have daily boxes (some of which rotate). This cut down on a lot of our confusion and enabled me to know at a glance what was left to do for the day. Hope that helps.

I am using the Homeschool Tracker Software for scheduling, so hopefully that will be sufficient? I am able to print out every single book read (and yes, I am one of those people that has put in every single book we own for school into the library option). Would that be sufficient to add to a transcript? Test scores - we're doing essay tests, so will that be sufficient? The kids also keep a notebook/journal of all their history studies (well, we kind of do it for everything right now). So, would that count as a representative of their work for history? I have just recently started looking at potential colleges in our area. Fortunately, many of them are very homeschool-friendly and even have early or dual enrollment starting at 16. They also allow clep tests and some other test (don't remember the name but it may have been just that school's version of a clep). So, I'll follow up with a few emails or phone calls to those schools. I totally agree with you, diverse students, diverse study - you think they would appreciate that. I guess it's just really hard to measure knowledge and readiness if they don't look like everyone else. Thanks for the heads'up on that.

I had considered this option. The 8-12 cool histories are newer and I am just now seeing them. I've also requested the 3 week samples to look at this. Question - how hard is it to substitute books with what they have planned out already? Will it throw off the rest of the schedule? What kinds of things are suggested for the 8-12th grade - other than the fill in the blanks, short essays and maps?

Spectrum textbooks or The Spectrum from dr. Dobbins?

I just now saw this and it looks like what I'm looking for for biology. Thanks for the suggestion.