I'm looking at art supplies for K-2nd at most because we are starting at the beginning. I will have 2 kids actively using the program, plus the 4yo who will want to join in. Bottom line is that I don't want to spend money unnecessarily, but I also don't want to shortchange the supplies and thus be thwarting the program. We have some tempera paint in primary colors, black, and white. How much better are RAS paints? We have some good quality Prang water-based markers, although I think it's 8 in a set not 12. We have paper, but it's not as big. Probably should restock our construction paper at some point, but isn't that all the same? I think styrofoam plates work great for palettes with tempera paints. We don't have flat brushes, although have the rest from chunky to various sizes, although maybe only up to sz8 or 10? I have watercolor tube paints that I used to use, although haven't in a couple of years. It's good quality so is that good enough? I do have access to Michael's and Hobby Lobby and all. I like the prices on Jerry's Artarama, but not sure how the shipping fees will be.

Love the input -- thanks! I'm starting a new thread right now about art supplies needed. Would love to get some input from those of you who use this.

Peregrine -- Agreed! that's exactly the thought process I was going through as well. As I was questioning myself as to why I have this negative view of the "cookie cutter" projects, I was realizing that it was not dissimilar to an imitation in writing approach. AprilMay -- got it! Thank you for clarifying! When I reread what you originally wrote it makes perfect sense with what you meant... I just got carried away in my interpretation. ;) Thanks for the reply on that and for sharing all your other thoughts. I'm pretty set on buying something today... debating between a 3-pack and the whole 6-pack. I mean, a 3-pack would be a lot of lessons that would take quite a while, but then the 6-pack.... ugh. Oh, and then there are art supplies! :glare: I will have to go check threads for that. We do have some "quality" art supplies and I really wish she just used primary colors for paints and then mixed. Just sayin'.... lol

Forget to say re: the cookie cutter thing..... I used to have a very negative view of the cookie cutter thing. Perhaps even a "holier than thou" attitude that it stifles creativity and so on. And there is still something I don't like about that, particularly if it involves me shelling out a lump of money for the product. But I can see that my failed (or perhaps non) attempts to do anything at all with art are yielding "zero" amount of creativity and fun for my children. So really, any kind of cookie cuter approach (and I'm not saying that this program is) would be better than what I have right now. And then there's the not-to-be-underrated fun/enjoyment aspect besides just the learning component.

I like the sound of those little techniques -- simple, but things that wouldn't occur to me otherwise. Thanks for sharing that. I didn't realize there were 2 art projects for each lesson. So I watched the K-level sunflower lesson... she traced and cut out circles, snipped edges, cut stems, tore paper for leaves, glued, then finished it off with little dabs of color for the background which I think was supposed to be emulating an impressionist style. So was that "one lesson" just one of the 17 lessons for that level and would there then be a second project using similar steps? Would that be referenced in the PDF lesson versus on the DVD? Thanks!

OK, so I am debating about art... again! I tend to light up at everything new. Not a good habit. :/ Now my eye is considering the Home Art Studio DVDs before the sale is over on Dec 31st. I'm just wondering from those who have used it... are the projects too "cookie cutter" or craft-type projects (versus art)? I remember going to elementary schools and seeing 30 pictures in the hallway all of the same thing -- hence the cookie cutter aspect. And maybe that's not a bad thing if they have fun?? I know people are excited about this curriculum, so I don't want to insult... just honestly asking. If you use these, do you feel the curriculum teaches principles that your kids will actively apply to other creations? Thanks for your feedback! A bit of my background issues with art is below if you care to read on.... :) Background: My kids (7, 8, with a 4yob who would love to make a mess of things) like to do art, and I'm not very consistent with a lot of stuff. The older 2 went to the Barry Stebbing 3-day art seminar earlier in the month and loved it, so I was thinking I'd get "I Can Do All Things" with the DVD. But I've seen reviews about it being boring, etc., and I have to say that I've seen a lot of his instruction through various products tends to be quite redundant...although my kids really enjoyed him and his seminar (with some frustration because he moves quickly for the live seminar). And I do own a few art things that I just don't use. Ugh.

Love it! It's great to read of other families' successes, particularly after struggles! Thanks for sharing! :thumbup1:

Thank you so much for the replies! I really appreciate hearing your experiences, positive and negative. Mumto2, that's interesting about your dd's experience with the contest deadline. I will have to give that some thought, at least in the form of regular pics for sending off to their big sisters or grandparents. Lizze said: We have loved Barry Stebbings programs for many years. Our kids did the 3 day seminar as well, what a blessing. That is when I got the Feed My Sheep with the dvds. Worth every penny to me. Lizzie, how old were your kids when you started Feed My Sheep? I'm sure there's more substance to that program, but wondering if it would be a good match. Mr. Stebbing gave the kids a "homework assignment" the first night and then personally looks at every one and gives them a "grade" (everyone gets 100%, I think, lol) and makes a recommendation for either I Can Do... or Feed My Sheep. But his recommendations seem to be pretty much based on their age, based on what I saw from other kids, although I think he does add on another recommendation or two for some kids. Have you used other products of theirs? Down_the_Rabbit_Hole said: We have used several Barry Stebbing programs. For the most part I like them but ... <snip> He does teach about color and lines but for the most part I found his projects did not have any take away value. Rabbit_Hole -- So given all that... do you have something else you like better? Or is this one of those areas where you just stuck with it because you already had it on your shelf? Thanks so much! More replies are welcome.... especially tonight (tomorrow is the final Day 3 of the seminar)!! :p [Had trouble with quoting the replies and no time to deal with it now... hence the italics. Sorry if it's confusing.]

My mind in swirling with "new" options for art and would love to hear other people's experiences/thoughts! My almost 7yo and 8.5yo daughters are attending a 3-day workshop with Barry Stebbing ("How Great Thou Art" publications) this week. And now I am considering buying art curriculum. <sigh> Just as background, I do want my kids to learn to draw, keep consistent nature notebooks, paint/color theory, all that stuff. Art is one of those things that I can put off and put off though. I had the Evan-Moor How to Teach Art to Children and a very cool Usborne art book (with a focus more on mixed media art experiences than cookie cutter projects)...but they have been AWOL since we moved 4 months ago. Oh and we do have a subscription to Mark Kistler's online art lessons (not the new live ones, but the mini-marshmallow art lessons and all that). And I have Discovering Great Artists which I never pull out. And while I am a firm believer in art appreciation... haven't been doing that either. (Wow, what a loser I am! lol) But I am convicted on that point and ready to jump into that again -- just observing/study 6-8 pieces from one artist, changing every few months. Maybe some biographical material on them. nothing fancy. I find myself looking at these Barry Stebbing programs: I Can Do All Things ($35-$100 depending on options...DVDs needed?? ages 5-10; 3yr program; like that includes painting, drawing, markers, so I think my kids would like that; wonder if it's too little kiddish or busy work) Beginning Drawing DVD ($20 -- like the price! lol not sure how effective it would be) Intermediate Drawing DVD ($20 or $35 for the two together) Nature Journal DVD ($20 - probably not the book because they can stand apart and I already have Claire's How to Keep a Nature Journal book; like this one because I want them to do more with their nature notebooks and like what they do so maybe this will focus skills in a practical application?) Feed My Sheep (DVDs needed?? ages 10+; 4yr program...maybe shouldn't even consider given ages) God and the History of Art ($40-$90 depending on options...DVDs needed?? -- ages 8-adult, but I've also seen 10-adult; 4yr program) and I do own (somewhere) one of the Lamb's Book of Art volumes (ages 8+) from when my college-aged kids were young teens, although then it did not include any paint cards. But that does have some paint elements so maybe I should look into it? It's not considered a "complete" curriculum like I Can Do All Things or Feed My Sheep (or maybe God & History of Art?). I also own Mona Brooks Drawing with Children (never use that either, although I did a bit with my olders). Then I hear such rave reviews about Artistic Pursuits and such, but it always seem so overpriced to me. But then why am I considering Stebbing's materials?? Some of those bigger, multi-year programs can get pricey too. While I am a Christian, I don't feel a need for getting "Christian" materials -- sometimes I like it, but sometimes I think authors overdo it, if that makes sense. Money is a consideration, but I just want quality materials, quality instruction, above all. I feel guilty for not doing art. My kids love to paint. I wouldn't consider them "talented" in the art area (just normal kids), although the 8.5yo does come up with some unexpectedly cute cartoony figures at times. Oh and I have a 4yob who always wants to get his hands into anything. Anybody care to throw out some thoughts? And yes, I do find myself wondering why I am considering buying more "stuff" when we don't use what we have. The consistent theme of inconsistency is not lost on me. <sigh>

If you are looking for ASL words, Signing Time is great! I don't think anything is going to beat the "plug it in and play it on your own" aspect of those DVDs. It's colorful, catchy, reinforcing, thematic. Some of the DVDs introduce a lot more ancillary words, whereas some seem to stick more tightly to the topic. Check if your library has them. If you are looking for more "real" ASL, there is an online class called SigningOnline.com you could consider (you have to pay for it). They actually can count for continuing education courses for adult -- it is not geared to children. But she is going to need some support from you for that, I think. There are oodles of LDS DVDs that have ASL, but those aren't going to actually teach. The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language is another great resource for finding words, and there is an accompanying DVD-ROM (for your computer) that illustrates the signs. Another excellent book for true ASL is the American Sign Language Phrase Book by Fant. It's practical, but most importantly, it is true ASL in terms of its grammatical structure. And of course, get her using what she knows as much as possible with people at church. Maybe you can find someone you guys could visit -- someone whose day would be brightened by your daughter's sunshiney smile and wouldn't mind practicing with her and giving her some instruction. Good luck!

Hi everyone -- Just a heads up that I've got a bunch of high school resources posted on the FS board. I think the prices are reasonable and want to sell today and tomorrow because we are moving out of state this week, but I will consider offers if you don't like the price. I go through spurts where I live on this board, but during those times I often don't look at the FS boards, so I thought I'd point it out. Hope that's ok. Some of what I have: AP Bio, AP Eng, Sonlight 530 Brit Lit, Jensen's Vocabulary, Janson's Story of Painting, Lingua Latina, Hope Chest books, etc. You can click on my name above to see my other posts, or there's a quick link below. http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/showthread.php?t=409375

So are the scores ready on Sunday just by phone when you pay a fee? And if there's a fee, is it per student or per test? Last year we waited for the scores to get mailed out, but this year one of my DDs is basing her 1st semester college course selection on the results of AP scores, so.... One dd thought we would hear 3rd week of July if we wait for the mailed reports. Torn, because I don't want to pay, but I don't want to wait! :)

Not sure if I can answer all your questions as this is still very new to me, but I'll try.... Real-time, one-on-one interaction -- or, if you have 2 kids close is age and experience, you can get a different rate for 2 students : 1 teacher at each lesson. You have a small (3?) pool of teachers who will work with your student, so it won't always be the exact same person, although that 1:1 ratio is maintained. If you do the high school track, you can choose to meet once or twice a week. Personally, I would think the 2x week would be better for progression. No textbook. Conversation and instruction at lessons, homework given. Not positive about the quizzes/tests thing, but I think I remember seeing something about that on the website. No experience is fine -- they just take you wherever you are at and help you move forward. Here are a couple of links: http://www.homeschoolspanishacademy.com/our-programs.html http://www.homeschoolspanishacademy.com/high-school (for this second link, there are a couple of videos on the left side. The one with the 2 kids shows part of a lesson in progress, so that may help you visualize) ETA: You can contact them directly with questions -- they are very helpful! HTH! Stacey :)

WOW! What a story!! That makes across the country seem not as bad! lol Thanks for sharing, and for the tip on the newsy letters. I'm really enjoying all the replies on this thread, even though I don't comment on many. You guys are great! :)

Great idea! OK, so I feel silly asking -- and you said it probably doesn't even matter how you package oatmeal cookies for freshness -- but when you mail cookies or bars or something baked, do you just put them in a ziploc bag, or some kind of tin or something? I guess maybe it also depends what else is getting sent in the box -- that extra long underwear or something heavy....

lol -- Don't worry, I get it. :) And I'm still reading everything, too, so I'm paying attention. :tongue_smilie: Actually, for those who mail, I do want to ask if there are any tricks for mailing perishable foods and keeping them at their freshest. It's been probably a decade or two since I mailed cookies to anyone. And I remember hearing something years ago about putting a slice of bread in with cookies to keep them fresher (moisture from the bread helps the cookies?? IDK). Never tried that, though. So any tips on packaging perishables or types of foods that mail better or worse than others?

More feedback -- thank you! :) So are you all just doing the "high school" lessons, either once or twice weekly? Given the odd time commitments and spacing I'd need for my dd, I'm thinking we'd have to do a block of adult lessons. Just wondering.... I've also thought my elementary kids would probably benefit from this, although I am reluctant to spend the money at this point... at least until the older one is finished.

Great info -- just what I wanted to know! I'm hoping my dd is agreeable. :) Thank you for your help!

I'm so happy someone replied -- thank you! :) Is your son just beginning to learn Spanish, or did he already have some background?

I have two graduating this spring. Here are a few thoughts : - Outside accountability: They each took 2 courses each year (a science and something else) from soph-sr yr. I am really glad they had this opportunity because it exposed them to new people, ideas, routines, teachers, than they would've had otherwise. It pushed them out of their comfort zones and I was grateful that we could talk about some of this while they are here under our roof. My only regret is that I didn't factor in more how to incorporate more elements of accountability in other subject areas for balancing multiple subjects, like a pp said. - Record keeping: Oh, I had good intentions freshman year... sophomore year... junior year.... then that summer after jr year came and I realized I HADN'T DONE IT! :( It would've taken comparatively little effort to write a brief course description for courses as we went along. It was much more stressful than it needed to be because I kept putting off doing it (like I was waiting for the perfect inspiration or something?? c'mon!). Short paragraph covering topics, assessment, note the books used (author, title, edition, ISBNs -- you might not even need all that later, but it's so easy when you're in the midst of it), and a grade if you give letter grades. - AP testing: Wish I would've considered AP test earlier on, instead of waiting until junior year. No one in my area (homeschooling) does these, so it didn't even occur to me to do them sooner. - Focus on developing depth in passions/interests... not being overly scheduled: Mine did this, but I wish I had had more foresight to seeing the importance of this. - Live interaction for foreign language: Again, mine had some of this, but I wish I had thought about this sooner and explored more options. I'm sure there are tons more I could say! lol It's been a great ride, and none of my regrets are too major, but definitely some lessons learned (and many more not listed here, no doubt). Good luck, and ENJOY these years!!

I am looking at buying some 1-on-1 Spanish lessons through Homeschool Spanish Academy. Has anyone used their services? I will say that the guy I talked to on the phone was really nice and helpful. The thing that draws me to this program in particular is that you work with a small pool of teachers, and they tailor the lessons for you (so they claim). So they should be able to move at the pace best for you. Meetings are scheduled and done through Skype online. Any opinions, positive or negative? Thanks so much!

YES!! I totally feel this. My younger crew will be 8, 6, 3 when the older ones leave this summer. I really wonder what their recollection will be of the older ones. I am trying to think of how to keep them all feeling connected to each other when they will probably see each other once in 10 months time....

Aww...that's so cute! I like all those little things that you write about. I'm worried about my youngest ones...IDK...forgetting about their big sibs, I guess. So I really like hearing what you do. I've been thinking -- from time to time when I'm at the store or something -- about little things I could send them in a package. I remember a couple of times a year getting a box from home -- usually something edible like cookies or something, and then some other little goodies. Always such a joy to get the green slip in my mailbox that I had a package to pick up at the desk. And of course, everyone on the floor knows when someone gets a package and hopes the receiver will share the goodies! ;)

Not that I would ever wish these feelings on anyone, lol, but it is such a comfort to me to hear all of your comments. Thank you so much for sharing! I think I will be popping back onto this section when I need a shoulder to cry on. ;) And about the letter writing -- I thought it would be amazing if I wrote a letter a week (of course, 2 kids so does that mean I write 2 letters a week or that they each get one on alternating weeks? Not sure).... But a letter a DAY!! Wow, that is truly impressive. Very cool! :thumbup:

I feel a bit silly posting since they've known for a bit... and now we're waiting on financial aid info still from some, but since I love reading all of your success stories.... DD1 -- accepted at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design), Knox College, Carroll University, and BYU (Brigham Young University) DD2 -- accepted at Marquette University, Ripon College, Carroll University, and BYU (Brigham Young University) The financial aid stuff is stressing me out, but I'm trying not to show it! ;)