This is exactly what I mean! I had never considered a block schedule like this. I've heard of doing schedules in which science was done on Mon & Wed and History on Tues & Thurs. I could see some benefits of doing longer blocks as you have described. Thanks for sharing.

I just recently read an article about block scheduling, and I'm intrigued. This particular homeschooler did math and language arts every day, but did a block scheduling with other subjects like science, history, literature studies, etc. How does block scheduling work in your home?

I am in the same boat most days with my 19 month old and she hasn't taken a nap in the last 3 days. As a matter of fact, she is in her crib calling me to come get her now. You're not alone!

My kids are 6 years apart. I have some curricula that we either never used or that we tried and it just didn't work for him. I'm trying to decide what to keep for child #2 even though she is still a toddler. For example, my son didn't like cuisinaire rods and Miquon didn't work well. Yet, I still have them and a few levels of the books still unused. What if my daughter loves the rods? I'd hate to sell just to have to purchase again in a few years. If they were closer in age, it would be easier to justify, but my family and I are doing a massive declutter so that we can downsize. So, what determining factors do you use to decide what to keep (or not) for the next child?

Thank you. This was very helpful.

Does anyone have experience with either or both of these? Do you mind describing the curriculum for me? I am considering using it for my 7 year old who is a natural speller.

I'm looking for an online fun supplement to help my 7 year old seal in his math facts, particularly subtraction and multiplication. We did the Dreambox free trial about 6 months, so I can't remember it compared to Reflex Math. He's doing the free trial of Reflex Math now and is really enjoying it. So, if anyone has any experience with one or more of these, I'd love to hear your reviews.

What if we haven't done WWE or any other writing program. Could we jump in for 3rd grade after completing FLL3?

We are using this, too, with a 7 year old. You read a passage from scripture and discuss it with a few questions. I love it. It takes you through the Old Testament. After this, we will do Old Story New which is the sequel and takes you through the New Testament.

Thank you all for the great suggestions! I'm sure that choosing curricula gets better/easier with time. I just need to pull the trigger on a few things and see if they work out.

[quote name="justicesmom" post="5515044" timestamp= I've even thought about interest led subjects, but that just seems so random to me (or perhaps my Type A personality is fighting it!). For clarification sake, we have been doing interest led science using mainly living books. Science is his favorite but I am hesitant about continuing doing that as his only science as he gets older. I like structure or guidance.

Popular Mechanics Kids - my 7 year old LOVES this!

My oldest is only 7.5. I haven't bought much curricula at all. We love reading and learn a ton by just reading good books. However, this year I'm finding myself endlessly researching to find the right combination for us? I read reviews, look at samples, and I find myself on the fence. Sometimes I still don't know which curriculum would be the best fit. There are so many factors to consider. A few of them being a. How teacher intensive it is b. cost c. method d. fit our views I second guess myself all of the time. For example, we've been doing Rightstart C. He's never had a problem learning any math concept. He taught himself multiplication using the abacus. I think RS moves too slowly for him. But, I haven't accelerated it for him or switched to another program. I've looked at Singapore countless of times. I'm just not sure exactly how to tell if it is going to be a good fit. The other place I'm stuck is language arts. We've never really done a spelling program. My son is a natural speller even though I know he doesn't know all of the rules. I bought AAS used and it was way too time consuming and moved way too slowly. We both disliked it. Now, I'm trying to decide between R&S spelling and How to Teach Spelling. I could go on and on. I know a lot of deciding curricula has to do with your goals and the method in which to obtain them. I've read plenty of classical education and Charlotte Mason books. There are some methods I like in each of the styles. I've even thought about interest led subjects, but that just seems so random to me (or perhaps my Type A personality is fighting it!). Anyway, I'd love to hear some wisdom on how you make decisions on choosing curricula!

please share why. Also, what did you end up using? We just finished FLL2 with my 7 year old, and I don't think I can take another year of FLL. I've been considering MCT Grammar Island. FWIW, I tend to over research EVERYTHING! I just really dislike wasting money. On the other hand, I realize that it is ok to make mistakes. I love this forum because you get to hear from so many varied opinions especially those that have been homeschooling much longer than me.

I'm also trying to decide for my upcoming 3rd grader. We will be finished with FLL2 in a week or so. I looked at WWE, but it doesn't look promising. MCT, CAP and Bravewriter are my front runners. I will be following this thread.

I have a similar issue. I don't get to spend as much time as I would like with my 7 year old because I have an 18 month old that is a little firecracker. I always envisioned our homeschool to be a school of discovery, challenge and fun! But, honestly, we have just been doing the basics until last month. I added typing (BBC Dance mat typing - online and free) and Duolingo (foreign language free app). We also started doing a more formal science program. He loves science and we read lots of science books, but we haven't really done many experiments because it is just so difficult with my 18 month old running around. I appreciate the ideas given already. I really like the idea of doing a Fun Friday or a Fun Week. It gives me something to think about and plan accordingly.

I was about to post this very same question!

My young 2nd grader turns 8 years old this summer - a week before starting 3rd grade. This year he has done FLL2 and we are about to start FLL 3 in 2 weeks. He is a voracious reader and reads a few grade levels ahead. He is an excellent story teller. We tried AAS but he is a natural speller and it was just too slow for us (even though I am considering just using the teacher's manual to teach him the rules and fill any gaps). His manuscript handwriting is excellent. He is very meticulous about his handwriting, but he writes painfully slow and complains if he has to write more than a sentence or two. He complains that his hand hurts which could be the case because his grip is tight and he presses down pretty hard on the paper. We school year round and he gets promoted the week after his birthday. Given his background, do you think he is ready to pursue composition? Or will his lack of stamina for handwriting itself be detrimental. I also started him on typing this month. I've been looking at Bravewriter and CAP. Should I wait until the 2nd semester of his 3rd grade year or even 4th grade to pursue composition? If we don't do composition now, what else could I add to Language Arts for him? I've looked at WWE over and over again, but it just doesn't seem like our cup of tea. I'd love some advice from the hive!

My sis n law (dh's sister) wants our kids to be in her wedding. My 7 year old son would be terrified. As a matter of fact, when we mentioned it to him, he adamantly said no. He talked about it all evening and didn't sleep well last night even though we told him he didn't have to do it. My daughter is 18 months (will be 2 at time of the wedding). She is just too young IMO. I honestly think she would just cry and not walk down the aisle. I can't believe my sis n law even asked. I wouldn't think that a 2 year would even be considered, and she knows that my 7 year old wouldn't do it. I just don't know how to explain it to her without hurting her feelings. Or maybe she asked as to not hurt our feelings. I don't want to put my kids in that situation.

My 7 year old is about the 1/4 of the way through Rightstart C, and I'd like to add Singapore's CWP as a supplement. Would level 1 or 2 be most appropriate?

This is the only packaged food we buy. We are all addicted!!

I have a 7.5 year old and an 18 month old. I just created a routine a couple of weeks ago, and it only worked one day. My 18 month old is a firecracker, and I'm having a hard time finding things to do to keep her busy. The other issue is she is LOUD! She plays and talks/sings/babbles loudly. My 7.5 year old is very easily distracted by her. Honestly, I am, too. Of course, he was used to it being just the two of us, and the transition has been difficult. I believe he is also an auditory learner which probably makes it even more difficult to focus when his younger sister is being loud. She is not a great napper at all, so doing school when she is asleep is not an option. She also still has a strong oral inclination so I can't give her small objects. I was at the home of another homeschooling friend who has 5 kids ages 1 to 9, and her day seemed so much smoother than mine because she always rotates the olders to watch the youngers. I don't have that option, and just about everything I do with my 7.5 year old is quite teacher intensive. Perhaps, maybe there is someone in a similar situation that can help with ideas so that things can go a bit smoother for us. Currently, we are really only doing Bible devotion, scripture memory work, Math (Rightstart) and grammar with FLL. He is an excellent reader and reads probably 3 hours a day. I'm not concerned about what he is learning because he learns a ton of science, history, and even spelling through reading. However, there are things I do want to do with him (more read alouds, geography, blobbing, art, etc.). I just haven't been able to figure out a time to do them. I feel like he is getting the short end of the stick. And that makes me sad. So, give me some ideas that will keep my busy bee quiet, even just 15 min at a time.

I'm in the same boat. I have a 1 year old who is as unpredictable as they come, especially regarding naps. So, this year, we are staying home! No co-ops or classes. We do go to the park once a week or even twice a week on occasion. But, for now, my 7 year old and I are HOMEschooling literally!

I received an email that this is available for purchase in the US. https://www.bereanbuilders.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home

I got an email that this is on sale now. I'm in the US, so apparently it is available for purchase. https://www.bereanbuilders.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home