I'm bumping this to see if anyone else has any input. Thanks, nmoira, that information helps. Kim

I am trying to decide which to go with for next year. Both programs look good. Anyone have experience with both and can give me some thoughts on each in comparison to each other. I have two ds, ages 5 and 7 1/2 (now). Younger ds is very into science,but likes the hands on stuff more than any reading. However older ds LOVES the readings,so I still want that as part of our program. I don't want them to have to do much writing for this program. Either if it could be left out or is not a part of the program. So, any thoughts? Oh, and I am considering the REAL science Life Science program and the Noeo Biology. Thanks for any help, Kim

Jessica, I just saw several items for sale about farms on another board. (Including the book I mentioned.) It looks like a nice set. I don't know if it's okay to mention other boards here, so if you are interested you can e-mail and I'll pass along the info. Kim kbe6910@sbcglobal.net

Why don't you check out A Farm Through Time by Eric Thomas and Angela Wilkes. It is more about the work on a farm and how it has changed through the centuries. I think it is based on an English farm so it goes way back. It doesn't sound like quite what you are looking for,but it is a great book. (Great series by the way.They have A Street Through Time, A port Through Time, and A City Through Time.) Kim

We just got a series of books called Among the Meadow People (plus three more books). I had expected these to just be about animals,but it turns out some of the stories also subtly cover character problems. I don't know about bragging just yet, we've only read a few of the stories. I am just loving these,though. My ds really needs to hear some of this and this is such a nice gentle way to get a message across. The books are available through Yesterday's Classics. Kim

Seriously, this post actually makes me feel better. Thank you. Many days I feel like I am really messing up homeschooling. And the kids fighting drives me nuts. I feel like if things were good, then they would be happy and then they wouldn't behave like this, right? AND...(And I swear this is true) we've been reading Little House in the Big Woods and I think that is making things worse. The reason is, some part of me thinks my kids should behave like those kids and when they are disrespectful, disobedient, rude, fighting or whining I think "The kids in Little House would NEVER behave like that!" So I am even more frustrated because of Little House, lol! I think this happened when we read it last year too! ANd whenever I get one thing under control everything else falls apart. Last year at this time I started exercising regularly. It took too much time. Also, the thing that I found I could do was exercise videos. However, this all was too hard with the kids. It was hard for me to watch them. And they always wanted a show themselves afterward. It seemed like half the day was gone when all was said and done. So now I am just getting chubby,but I know this is better for the kids.(Not my being chubby,just not the exercise videos in the a.m.) I could go on and on,but I've already taken over too much. Sorry. Yes, I can relate. I guess I just am trying to find the right balance. As for exercise, I think we'll be doing more nature walks, as spring is almost here. Well, hang in there, I'm sure we are doing what is best for our dc, so that should be what we keep in mind. Kim

Thanks, that's just what I needed to know. I was concerned about it being too babyish. Also, a confidence booster would be great right now.So, according to Karen's list, I guess I should get the three get ready,get set, go books to start. I'm also considering combining this with queen's hs language arts and pathway readers (which we just got today, yay!) Thanks for the help, Kim

Rebecca, I also was going to reccomend Winterpromise for American History. However, I do not know if all the books would be appropriate. And I certainly understand about not being able to pre-read every book. It is very frustrating! Good luck with your choice. Kim

Hi. I'm having a hard time figuring this out. Ds is 7 1/2. He does not read yet. He knows all the letters, but not all the sounds yet. I figured I should just start him on the first book. (Is that Get Ready for the Code?) But then since I've heard that referred to as a pre-K book many times, I'm wondering if I should be starting him with a different book. Any thoughts? Thank you.