I would love some recommendations for my ds17. He is dyslexic but with intensive tutoring he reads quite well and his comprehension is outstanding! But, his handwriting still looks like that of a young child. He does want to be a doctor so maybe he'll be fine. LOL Any recommendations for how to help him improve his handwriting? A book or workbook would be great so he could work independently, but that's not a deal breaker. TIA

The minimum requirements in California are: Algebra 1, 3 years of English, US History, World History, 2 years foreign language or Music, 1 physical science, 1 life science, 1 year physical education, health and electives (not sure how many). For someone that is looking into cosmetology I would add consumer/business math, bookkeeping (Quickbooks,etc.), a course in communications and a general business class. I say this with many years of small business experience. I think it is important to be able to communicate with people, know her basic math (to avoid getting ripped off!), etc. than to do upper level math to graduate. We really like the Teaching Textbooks for math, even for college prep students. The older level of TT is easier than the new release, which has added chapters.

My 2 elementary kids want to learn Spanish, they are 8 and 11. Any recommendations?

How about Sonlight's Intro to the World Cultures? We loved that core, lots of great books that have been read over and over again at our home for years. It is easily spread out over 1-2 years.

Check out the History of US books by Joy Hakim. They are an interesting read for US History. Those books along with the Uncle Eric books and a few "must reads" for high school will work. We have used Holt in our charter school for English, they're ok. But, keep this in mind. Even in the schools they only use the textbook for the classes as needed. I prefer the literature based approach for learning history. (Sonlight, WTM, Beautiful Feet, etc.)

MFW uses the Notgrass history guides with their curriculum. Some people just use the Notgrass guides. MFW has 3 of the 4 high school years ready to go and is developing the 4th. My oldest is starting 9th grade and needs an ancient history course so I have been looking. I haven't seen the newest WTM book to see SWB's high school recommendations that go along with her Ancient History book. I will check it out at the convention next week. Looking forward to it. Michon

Drive Thru History is a fun supplemental video series. drivethruhistory.com They have an ancient history series and an Early American history series. They do have workbooks to go along with them as well. Michon

I 2nd YWAM. If you know a missionary be sure they "want" teens to work. My aunt and Uncle are in Uganda and they have decided to only accept 21 yrs old and up. My oldest is soon to be 14 and has already decided on a year of missions after graduation. She didn't even know they had a name for it and asked if it was possible.

What curriculum did you use for AP World? My oldest is starting 9th grade and I am soooo confused at all the choices. I would like her to do some AP courses, especially in history and English. If we could spread it out over 4 years in High school that would be ideal. Also, she wants to take a year off school after graduation to do missions. She will turn 18 in August after graduation and I think it will be a good time.

Preschool Activities in a Bag. These are especially good if they want to work alongside their older siblings and not be too noisy with blocks, etc. www.activitybags.com We had 1 and 2 and they were both good. Michon

DD14 in 9th will be doing Spanish and Latin. She will also be doing Sign Language using Signing Naturally with a teacher.

I've looked at Tapestry before and it looks good. Thanks for the suggestion. I'd like to pick a curriculum and be able to stick with it for 4 years of HS. That's my hope, but who knows what the future holds? My Father's World program looks good, too. Thinking of a life long plan. I'd like my kids to be life-long learners, knowing how to study what they are interested in. That's what appeals to me about the WEM book. I've been reading through some of the books myself and my oldest is looking forward to those harder books. I think a 4 year course of study through history, with corresponding literature will be a good plan. Michon

If you did the literature from Core 400 then what did you do in 12th grade? What cores did you do with your kids? All 4 in order or out of order? TIA, Michon

Hello there! I am starting my oldest in high school this fall and have been trying to decide about curriculum. First, it was Sonlight's 200 core, then 100, but now I'm thinking of using the WTM method with Susan's book or Omnibus. My dd wants harder books and 100 is way too easy in that respect. I've enjoyed reading through the threads here. What is the big difference between WTM and Omnibus? Thank you for your help, Michon R.