I like the theme based units because they are open and go. This Ancient one is written to the student and you don't really need the TM. The TM has white board notes in it, which I have found helpful occasionally when my dd needs some extra help with brainstorming. Sometimes it has some review sentences to practice the vocabulary. It has vocabulary quizzes in it. I think that is about all. I think the program would be fine without it, but if you want help with the items mentioned above, it might be useful.

Even my dh and grown kids! They are definitely a winner here.

We didn't know about it until this year. (My dd is in 8th grade). We love it so much more than A BEKA. My dd has gone from dreading LA to LA being her favorite subject! We used ABEKA in 1st thru 3rd and had no complaints. Then we tried Shurley Grammar, Rod and Staff, then back to ABEKA. As you can see, we didn't use R&S in the younger grades, either. One thing to consider for next year is the way the texts look. A BEKA is colorful and visually appealing (Although that in istself could make it difficult for some children.) My best advice is to try to look at the other programs to see what you like. R&S could be a lot of writing unless you do it orally (We did a lot of it orally.) I hope all my rambling is somewhat helpful. Kathy

I usually peruse the magazine over a period of a month or two. There is a good balance between articles for younger students and those for older students - as well as general homeschooling information

She loved the Keys to...books, and wishes that there was a full Algebra program just like them. Perhaps this would be an easy way to prepare for Algebra in the fall.

We took a TOG detour this year, and are returning to SL for high school. My youngest dd has had no problem tracking several books at one time. However, my oldest daughter was a visual learner, and absolutely hated any read aloud. Sonlight was terribly frustrating for her.

I thought you used Sonlight through highschool, and I was already composing my list of questions for you. Sigh.... Anyway, I hope you find a curriculum you and your family enjoys. Kathy

My poor dd has been through Shurley, ABeka, and Rod and Staff. She thought she hated grammar until this year. We love everything about CLE English. The grammar is thorough, but not overwhelming - and there is regular review of previous material sprinkled throughout all the units! IMHO, you can't go wrong with CLE.

My family enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing. Kathy

I love the idea of doing one sentence a week. Where did you find the diagramming book? Did I say that I love this idea? Thanks again, Kathy

I'm not sure what we'll do. I do know we won't go back to A BEKA. My cheerful, compliant dd might actually rebel over that! I thought about Analytical Grammar, but that is so expensive! Perhaps just using an SAT prep book? Ah, the choices. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to answer. Have a blessed weekend, Kathy

My eighth grade dd is doing extremely well on her Christian Light Grammar exercises and tests. I'm just wondering whether there is a point where grammar becomes "busy work", and we could simply drop it? Does anybody drop grammar? How do you determine when? Thanks, Kathy

We have a section for On Your Own questions, any diagrams, study guides, and Module Summaries; a section for Lab reports; and a section for tests. We purchased the Knowledge Box lapbook supplement which has the on your own questions written out with room to answer and it has the lab reports ready to print out. We like the fact that they have an option to print a lab report with supplies, introduction, and procedure already written. The thing that complicates this is we prefer the Live n Learn lapbook kit for the Study Guide questions. (They are more colorful).

However, when it was time to replace it, I chose a Singer brand. The Miele was expensive to keep up with between the cost of the bags and having to replace the hepa filter each year. Also, it is an hour's drive to the nearest store to find what I needed for parts. The repairman at the store actually recommended the Singer over the Miele: made in America, better warranty, fewer (and cheaper) repairs. I love the Singer! It does great on all my different floors and upholstery. It does an awesome job picking up all the dog hairs from our three dogs.

I wish you were close by to walk me through some of this! Also, I don't know if it is too late, but I have one other idea...My ds took a study skills class in his cs in 8th grade. One invaluable thing they learned was what their learning style was - and how to apply that to studying. Thanks again, Kathy