So would you say the TM isn't really necessary at the 5th grade level other than making correcting easier? :thumbup:

I think we've gotten to a point where dd doesn't need spelling anymore (gr. 5) - she never misses a word, never seems challenged by it, it's almost like busy work IMO, but I have noticed she could use a formal vocabulary program which includes definitions, context, etc. I checked into Wordly Wise and was about set on purchasing it, but after looking it over a bit more decided that there seemed to be too much vagueness as well as the same. thing. every. day....day. after. day? Just my perception, as I don't actually have it in my hands but for now I'm just turned off of it. However, after searching here on this forum, I saw Vocabulary Workshop was mentioned a number of times so I checked it out. Pretty much what I'm looking for! However, I was wondering where those of you who use it purchase it from? Do you not need the TM? What about quizzes and testing? Thanks!

We've been plugging along with MUS and dd10 is in Epsilon. She is really struggling and dislikes it. I love the ease of teaching it, but if she's hating it, then I really need to look into something that will make math more likeable. I've looked at pretty much everything out there: Eliminated Saxon (not for us), TT (sounds like it needs to be supplemented, and I want a math program that is self-sufficient), CLE (from what I was able to view, it seemed too confusing or lacking in instruction, jumped around), R&S (have used R&S English and spelling and while thorough programs, we left them because my kids just couldn't relate to all the Mennonite culture that's so prevalent.) So then I looked at Horizons, which seems quite advanced, we might even have to get Gr. 4 just to make sure she's on top of all the subjects before moving on to Gr. 5. BJU we could probably jump on in at Gr. 5 and breeze through several chapters at least that she's already covered in MUS. I'm ok with either scenario. What *I* need is a TM that can explain concepts to me simply and logically. I want there to be enough examples to adequately show how the concept works. I'm so spoiled having the MUS cd, which I watch with my kids (it refreshes my memory so I can help them if we need to go over it some more). So not having that means I need a TM that will not leave me high and dry. We can't afford BJU online class (and I think the cds are the same price.) Can any of you who have used these programs tell me about the teacher's manual and the program for Grades 5 and up? I'm thinking BJU might be a smoother transition from MUS, but Horizons has some appeal as well. Also, if you are using Horizions, what are your plans after Algebra?

How strange that they want to be so vocal and public about their beliefs but at the same time are not up for anyone disagreeing with them or defending their beliefs. If it were me, besides praying there's always the option to "unfollow" them. You're still "friends" on FB and you can visit their FB home pages if you want, but their posts won't be in your feed anymore so you won't have to read them or be tempted to respond.

Thanks Peggy!

I asked my ds12 what he wanted to do - the CD-ROM course or the text with audio. He chose the CD-ROM, which has me a little concerned since it's just sitting in front of a screen reading on a desk top monitor. So, I'm thinking about using the Apologia General Science CD-Rom full course along with the MP3 audio. Is there a way to do this? I kind of wish they had the audio built-in to the CD course....THAT would be perfect! :drool5:

We used The Elements with my then 2nd and 5th grader (a little steep for a 2nd grader, but she did OK.) My ds is not into singing At All, but even he got a kick out of the silly songs. The kids even insisted on singing one of them for Dad when he came home because they thought it was so hysterical. They loved the games (we did the matching one, did it as a 'go fish" (I glued paperclips on them and then strung a magnet onto a yardstick for the fishing pole), and we did the elements board game as well. There are many options to choose from - even little skits if your kids are into that.) If you want a peek at the game we made, you can check it out here on my blog.

I stand by my original thoughts on this, regardless of what eBay or PayPal's policy is. (As if they're the final authority and should dictate what my opinion should be. :laugh: ) I sold on eBay way back before the current policy was so slanted towards the protection of buyers. They've obviously made a lot of changes to help keep PayPal and eBay going by making it all about the buyer. I completely understand the need to protect buyers from dishonest sellers (I dealt with two in my eBay experiences), but basically what you're saying is that a buyer has no responsibility beyond the purchase regardless of how much money they spend on used items from private sellers (not buying something new from, say, a big box retailer like Target.com). All this does is drive up the s/h costs or the cost on the item you're purchasing. Conversely, it this trend continues of making the seller foot the bill for everything, it could also make it difficult for the seller to make much of a profit for their efforts of listing, communicating, packaging and shipping used items, so they simply stop selling, and everyone can go pay full price at the store. :closedeyes:

Our co-op does at the 1st/2nd grade level: Year One History Voting & Ethnic Christmas Science Properties (liquids, etc.), Bubble Science, Utilities, Dental Health, Animals/Plants LA Dr. Seuss Year Two History Johnny Appleseed, Helen Keller, George Washington Carver, Indian/Pilgrims Science Fire Safety, Polar/Arctic, Sink or Float, Sunshine/Shadows, Weather Watching LA Teacher's Choice

The buyer always has the option of requesting/purchasing insurance. I've represented the item to the best of my abilities, packaged the item safely, sent it, and I consider my part done. If the buyer doesn't choose insurance, that's their own fault.

My kid doesn't even use the blocks for any of the math (slows 'em down). Do you think that would change once getting into fractions?

Yup, been down for me for several days. I really hope it's not a permanent closure. I find the site extremely valuable in the reviews, swap boards, forums, etc.

I don't think typing is as important to know at this grade as the writing process. There's nothing wrong with you doing the typing, but he needs to be doing the "writing", whether he's got it all written out in front of him and is dictating or is doing it off the cuff (presuming he's "able" to wing it like that. I find my ds11 can't "compose at the keyboard" - he needs to have it all written down first, otherwise he forgets what he knows about proper paragraphs and all that. You can type it, print it, then let him edit it from the type written word. If he dictates a word you aren't sure he knows how to spell, ask him to spell it for you as you type it. If it's wrong, then he'll have to look it up just as if he were doing a paper in the more traditional way and turning it in to be graded. As you type, you can even leave out capitalization, punctuation, etc. unless he dictates that to you!

I had the same problem with my ds when he went through Gamma - the way it was explained in MUS was very confusing for him, so I just explained it the way I learned - aka "carrying". He gets it now. My dd is now in Gamma, but only on chapter 12. I will see how she does with Mr. Demme's explanation, and if it confuses her too, then we will use the tried and tested way of doing multiplication with carrying.

Thanks for the clarification - actually helps me to make a decision back to Math Mammoth! :001_smile: