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!

I signed up for the ACT on-line course at CollegeBoard.com. worked well. :)

I think it's enough. but i'd make them do the "older students" section. :)

After trying out many Latin programs, I think Memoria Press has the best. I'd check out Prima Latina or Latina Christiana. I'm sure you can get either of those sets for an awesome price on the board. :)

I have had Homeschool Tracker Plus for 9 years. It's the best $$ I ever spent on homeschooling. The lesson plan option alone makes it well worth the money.

We've used literature guides from Progeny Press, L-I-T, and Total Language Plus. They all have good comprehension questions and vocabulary practice. TLP has spelling too. I like them because I don't have to read every single book they read and/or they can do the questions on their own.

we've used all the R&S English books. Loved them all! I do not think it would be too much for them.

we didn't even use a curriculum. i bought a huge world map and tacked it to the wall right above the dinner table. by the end of the school year, they had it memorized! We did this with a presidential timeline as well...they had all the presidents memorized in order. Guess there's nothing else to stare at while eating their bowl of cereal in the morning! :)

I scan things that might be important, then recycle the rest. I also scan things like illustrated stories they may have done or samples of their handwriting. Makes for nice memories. I would definitely look into using Carbonite for backup. I've lost MANY of files...backed up at two locations at home.

:001_huh: I think if you have one good math program (we've always used Saxon) then there is no need to supplement. If you feel like you program is lacking, then I'd say it's time to start looking for a new math program. ;)

:iagree: start at the beginning.