Here it is March and we are working through the BJU DVD program for English/Lit and my ds is just not doing a very good job (or the job at all) in the writing assignments. I need to use something else ASAP to be sure I've got a full English I credit for this year. He's done well, finally, with the literature and his grammar is improving but I need something to supplement the writing. I'm thinking that even if we work through the first 1/3 or 1/2 now (he knows we'll have to work a bit into the summer), then we could do the other half next year. He is not strong AT ALL in writing - this is definitely a weakness and I just don't know how to help him. I'm thinking almost square one - from the topic sentence, making an outline and putting it together, etc. I just have become overwhelmed looking at all the options online that I thought I might give here a try to come up with some suggestions to point me in the right direction. I'm not hung up on grade levels but need to build his skills (and, of course, his confidence levels). Help?! Heidi

I have not worked on any "formal" grammar studies with my ds who will be entering 3rd grade this year. He has really struggled to read so I felt this was more important to accomplish and we would worry about the nouns, verbs and adjectives later. Since his ready skills are finally taking off I'd love to begin a very gentle approach to grammar this year. I have a more Charlotte Mason approach but he's very auditory in his learning and so his writing and copywork, etc. is limited at this point. We are working on developing and fine tuning his fine motorskills so his handwriting is more readable and requiring less effort but his takes time. Do you have any suggestions for an auditory learner? Since I'm also teaching and/or guiding a k, 7th and 9th grade kiddos, I need something clear, quick and to the point. Heidi P.S. This is the last of my ???? for today - I hope.

For those of you who have used this program - could you tell me what is really involved in working through this program? Types of activities - coloring, or narration or just listening to music? Amount of time involved to complete the lessons - 1x a week or more? Would this program work for a K through 7th grader or would you have to buy more than one level? We've never done this type of study before but I sure would like to expand my kids horizons and see what happens. Heidi

I'm not sure if it is "enough" for a middle schooler but I did read and then inquire from NOEO that they are hoping to offer a Level III program for the fall for the middle schoolers. You might email to inquire whether or not this is actually going to happen this year. Heidi

New here but have been reading postings daily. We've been homeschooling for 4 years, this will be our 5th. I am going to be using the QAW this year for a 7th and 9th grader and I think they are a great start. I do think that WP's history programs are really very nice and allow you to do as much as you and your family desire - it works for you rather than you for it. Since MOH is the main spince, you could always use the suggestions from MOH as you go along. You might want to visit the yahoo for MOH as they may have some suggestions, too. I think the notebooking pages are great for hands-on, busyhands type learners. If you are not of that style, they probably are just not worth it. I think some of the lapbooks offered at other sites would be a great addition but after the cost of Ancients who has more to spend? One place you might take a look at is the Living Learning Books website as they offer an ancients study and the student pages may or may not be what you are looking to find. I'm going to have to look at SL's readers as options. Hope this helps. Heidi