Oh my... YES, get the plus. It is my best resource for homeschooling! if you start with basic, everything will stay the same when you switch, just the new features will be added. For me, this program is invaluable due to the LESSON PLANS!! I LOVE THEM!!

We didn't use the coloring pages either. But here's why i think the AGs are a great buy... The comprehension questions. I would type them out in a worksheet format and my son would complete them on his own. Map Work. I think this really helped with his geography knowledge. Outlining. My son can outline great after completing all four activity guides that go with SOTW. :)

I love all the Latin books that Memoria Press puts out. For a 12yr old, I'd use First Form Latin. :) But the Latina Christiana books are great too! Your 12yr old could probably do them on his own, with you doing memory work with him. :)

Oh, ya. The DIVE CDs are definately Edition specific. As Saxon changes editions, they slightly change the order of the lessons. I've only used DIVE cds for algebra 1/2 and up, but that's been my experience. :)

Hi! You might want to look into the logic books put out by the Bluedorns... The Fallacy Detective and The Thinking Toolbox. They were written by students for students - to help them to think critically about things and not believe everything they see. My two oldest children enjoyed both of these books (on their own) and I'm getting ready to have my 13yr old start the first book next month when we start school. hope this helps. :) Jen White

I personally think that's a bad idea. most subjects need reinforcment...need to be done several times a week, if not everyday. and...my kids would hate me if i made them do 5 lessons of math in one day!

I went with what SWB suggests. SOTW, Saxon, Rod & Staff. Easy.

Whenever i get bogged down, i simply return to my WTM book. SWB has a way of making it all sound easy and gives me the tools i need. :)

:grouphug: group hug. we celebrate with you. enjoy your summer!

:iagree: Started using DIVE cd's with Alg 1. They are not made by Saxon, but are taught from a Christian viewpoint...very nice. I hear the new Saxon Teacher DVDs are wonderful... a little too late for me. :)

I use Homeschool Tracker Plus. It has all that wonderful stuff... including transcripts and lesson plans. Invaluable.

the Advanced Math book is hatefull in my opinion. :glare: don't get me wrong. it's a GREAT program. but I think AM is the hardest of all the Saxon books... and we've done the Calculus and Physics too! so in my opinion, i would definitely not skip finishing Alg 2. he'll LOVE Alg 2 compared to AM! :)

:iagree: in my experience, i'd say save $$ and go with the older version. in newer versions, they may have swapped a few lessons (the order of them) and changed some of the questions (esp story problems). the earlier versions are completely usable. but yes, you will have to find DIVE cds for that particular version. although, in my opinion the DIVE cds are not necessary for these grades. :)

We did all the Exploring Creation series without any of the extra stuff. Seems like a lot of busy work to me. :glare: Loved the series, btw. had my ds outline the chapters, do the free pages and quizzes, and complete the experiments. he learned a lot! :001_smile:

:lurk5: thanks, girls, for the insight!