I think I need to have a talk with him. I also like the idea of doing something for me.

We did a little of the middle ages, but not really covered it. So, last year had a lot of family issues(largely around my father being very sick). There were a lot of gaps in our homeschooling time. I felt I needed something clearly laid out to follow. I picked Sonlight G in March. I talked to ds and he was super excited to study ancient history. So, I could just continue with that. That is the most logical idea. I may do that but need to find some way to get excited myself again. Maybe just a side thing to add in.

We start our school year late Aug/early September. I have everything ready to go. Mostly it is just things carrying over from last year, either continuing or doing the next level. I need a few things like a spelling program and maybe times tales. The problem is that I'm not excited. I'm not looking forward to this like I usually do. I'm thinking maybe I need to add in something new or maybe our core should be something new. So, I'm looking for suggestions. Here's some general info; Ds is 12, will be 13 late fall. He is a strong reader, but not writer. I really want to move him this year to feeling more comfortable and confident with writing. Part of that will be working on spelling, as he doesn't feel like he can spell. He is not able to work as independently as I would like. I think this is the year when I will work on that with him as well. Generally, I would say I lean to a CMish approach. Some hands on is good too. History wise, we were back at ancients and he was excited to do that time period, but I also feel like we never get to the middle ages and beyond because he loves ancients so much.So maybe we need a year of going all the way through time to the present? So, things I'm considering: Task cards Trail guide to learning ??there was a new program I think that pretty much covered everything. Can anyone help me with the name. Lol , sorry that's a ridiculously vague question. Something else?? Ideas......

I just purchased Faltering Ownership and after looking at it, had the same thought- that maybe I should take a step back and start with Partnering, but I can't really put out another $50 right now. I think adding in one thing at a time is a good idea. I don't have the spelling yet, but I have English Lessons Through Literature. I am starting with that. I will be doing BW lifestyle, plus copywork. Maybe hold off on FO. Thanks for the input.

I have nothing helpful to add as I've never used any spelling program. :) However, I can't believe how hard it has been to decide on spelling. So I have a few more names to throw out and if anyone knows anything about them, jump in..... Building Spelling Skills--there are two programs with this name. One by Evan Moore and the other.....I can't remember who it's from just now. They both looked interesting, but it was the second I was considering. The Grammar of Spelling Anyone???

Still deciding on spelling and leaning towards Apples and Pears. Does this program really help teach how to spell (vs some programs that are more lists of words and memorizing.) Ds needs some framework for learning HOW to spell. Also, would this work well for an older beginner? He is 12 and has had no spelling instruction. I was planning on starting at book A. And lastly, I'm hoping for something not overly complicated/time intensive for me.

What about Otter's Physics from Guest Hollow? Also, I think Jen from Wildflowers and Marbles did a really cool physics year with her son. I believe her plans are posted on her blog. Also, maybe something from Winter Promise like Sea and Sky.

I really don't know if this fits what you're looking for, but why don't you take a look? The guides are $20. They have nursery-8th grade. Each guide covers approximately 8 books. http://greatbooksacademy.org/homeschool-program/good-books-guides/

This program looks so sweet and it's free. Wish I had a kindergartener. http://weefolkart.com/content/homeschool-companion-guides

" I no longer see the guide as something to give away or sell later; I now see it as a record of all the great reading and learning we are doing together." I really like this. Yes! Free from the tyranny of needing to resell and therefor not really using it fully while you own it. Not to mention having that record. Awesome.

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be able to click on the images to see them more up close, but that doesn't work. I can see the pages as is, but not quite read them. Looks beautiful though!

Thank you.

:bigear:

Do you have a sample for The Science of The Seasons book?

Jenn--Thank you so much for sharing. You always create such wonderful programs and are so generous in sharing them.

Thank you for all the help and encouragement.

Homeschool buyers coop has this right now. https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/get-smart/

Thank you. That is all really helpful advice. My concern with starting at the higher levels was that he would miss important basics. However, I understand that you're saying that is not the case. Honestly, his knowledge of grammar is very limited. He does know nouns, verbs, and adjectives but not much more. Yes, this is my fault. Hangs head in shame, but trying to correct it now. I think he will get it pretty quickly, but I'm hoping for a not too boring approach.

Oh yes. Jennifer Bogart recommended CLE for LA. I think that is a possibility as well. My head is spinning. I would like to get this going this year. So need to make decisions soon. Thank you for any help.

Sorry for so many LA questions of late. Up til now we have done mostly copywork, a little (very little) grammar, spelling, and a teeny tiny bit of dictation. However, I see ds really needs more. A lot more than what I was doing. So, I have decided to add in All About Spelling. I would also like some grammar and possibly a writing program or maybe that should wait a bit. Here are the programs I am mulling over. I don't want to be redundant on the programs or have over kill. Please give some suggestions: Grammar: Easy Grammar First Language Lessons (start with level 3, I think) Writing: Writing with Ease (probably start with level 2 I also really like the look of Bravewriter's new program Faltering Ownership Ds is 12. He does not like to write because he is not confident with spelling and his handwriting is slow. I think he would be quick to learn some of the grammar but as of now does not know much. I think he needs to start probably at the beginning. I think I'm forgetting something here. Going to check my notes.....

I decided to start with level 1. If it seems too easy for him, then we can move to level 2. The beauty of homeschooling! Thanks for all your help.

Nm ;)

I found a test online for cvc words. I tested him on 50 words. He only stumbled on one vowel. He mixed up j/g a couple of times. Was not super confident overall but got 46/50 correct.

I would caution that perhaps it will be what he thinks it is or enough so that he wants to be there. What then? I think the op needs to be ready for that possibility if did shadow or enroll there. I cautioned my ds about Ps--more homework, less free time, not really a chance to hang out with friends, etc. However, in the end, I was wrong. At least from his perspective.

Meriwether did you move him to level 2 because you thought it was a better place to start or because he moved quickly through level 1?