We're almost done with RS D. I've loved every minute of it, but we've got to switch sometime. We're transitioning to Singapore with level 3B in a few weeks even though there may be some repetition from RS D.

For my son in the 7-9 age range: Caddie Woodlawn The Trumpet of the Swan Where the Mountain Meets the Moon The Hobbit but he can't talk stop talking about... The Mysterious Benedict Society

We're a few lessons away from finishing the "light" lessons with a 3rd and 1st grader. I gush about this book. It's the first science we've done consistently. The only supplies we've had to buy were balloons. Science including the experiments get done because the preparation is so minimal. I'm easily discouraged on such things. If the experiments weren't so easy to prepare, I would procrastinate doing them forever. Although easy, they're on point and meaningful.

Caddie Woodlawn and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon have already been mentioned. Those were two of our favorites. My 9yo son also loved The Hobbit, which hasn't been mentioned. His all time favorite, though, (which also hasn't been mentioned) is The Secret Benedict Society. It would be good for either boys or girls. I liked it too!

I've done many of the DVDs but not all. I prefer to walk/run, but on alternating days I work out to various DVDs including T25. I think it would be great for a beginner. It would be challenging but not nearly as challenging as Shaun T's Insanity series. One of the participants in the DVD also demonstrates a modified version of what Shaun T and the others are doing. There are two levels (Alpha and Beta), but Beta is not that much more intense than Alpha. There is great variety, so boredom won't be an issue for a while. I'd recommend it!

Ralph Moody's Little Britches

For health reasons, definitely stainless steel or even cast iron. The non-stick skillets emit toxic fumes when heated at high temperatures. I went to William Sonoma a few years ago to buy a non-stick skillet. The sales person said not to worry about chemicals leaching from the non-stick skillet, because they were inert and would pass through my system. I wasn't reassured. I really enjoy both my stainless skillet and my 10-inch cast iron skillet (Lodge brand).

I agree with the Pampered Chef scraper. That is a little brown square of magic!

I only have the first edition, so I'm not sure about the 2nd edition. For example none of the items listed in your "I think I will have to buy these" section were used in the old RS B. Of the other things you're questioning, I'm not sure what Place Value Cards are in the Math Games book. The ones you need for the lessons have cards for 1,000 - 9000, 100 - 900, 10 - 90 and 1 - 9. The child stacks them to see, for example, that 9,182 is made up of 9000 and 100 and 80 and 2. If your cards are like that, you're good. Although, the cards are a GREAT tool, they are not vital. Any colored 1-inch tiles will work for RS, but they use these a lot. Any calculator will work. Yes, you can print the tangrams...They're not used that much anyway. You'd have to have A LOT of the base 10 blocks to be the equivalent of the Base Ten Picture cards. IMO, the Base Ten Picture cards are vital to the program and really great. To learn, for example, that 900 plus 400 equals 1300, they lay out 9 of the 100 picture cards and an additional 4 of the 100 picture cards. They then trade 10 of them for a 1000 picture card. So they're left with 1 of the 1000 cards and 3 of the hundred picture cards. I love this. The fraction cards can be printed, but someone talked me into buying the sturdier plastic version and I consider it a good use of money as paper tends to move too much. The rest, you can find creative alternatives for and are not necessary to purchase.

It seemed crazy to me too, but I went with it and do not regret it. Cotter claims it's more natural for students to do it this way. She persists in teaching it that way in level D when subtraction spirals back around. However, she also teaches other strategies that help the student see subtraction in different ways, which seems to help me son with understanding.

I'll admit I didn't read the article, but I've known kids who would pick Kraft Mac & Cheese over macaroni and real cheese. My own mother-in-law prefers Cool Whip over real whipped cream. It's seems like the same type of thing.

Razor scooters get a lot of use around here.

I've had my eye on these since they were introduced. I was fortunate to obtain two used for half price and am eager to use them. I enjoyed your blog post.

I pray that he'll find work soon and your burdens will be eased.

There's a RLS biography in the Poetry for Young People series.

We're planning on using 1-3. My son will start 3 in a few weeks when we start 3rd grade. If you'll search old threads, you'll find a link to SWB saying that WWE4 is not necessary if you do 1 through 3. My plan is to go to IEW for a year or so then start on WWS.

My 8 year old has loved, loved, loved: The Mysterious Benedict Society Where the Mountain Meets the Moon The Trumpet of the Swan

It sounds like Schaeffer's topic is more relevant to you at this stage. Pudewa is an exceptional speaker, but he seems to be active on the conference circuit, so you'll likely have more chances to hear him.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Flemming is set in London. Edith Nesbitt books are set in England.

Exercise -- long bike ride Deep clean kitchen Vacuum all floors Clean wood floors Mop tile floors Ironing

I agree with NASDAQ. It is frustrating but normal. Your description of your early reader gave me flashbacks. It will come.

Keep going. Since the program has you work different muscle groups on different days, the muscles that are sore now will get a little bit of a break.

I read a lot too, but have never read any of the great Russian novels. So, at the top of my list would be Anna Karenina War and Peace Crime and Punishment The Brothers Karamazov Lolita I'd also like to read the Inferno and Paradise Lost.

This blog has many art projects tied to books. http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/blog/

I'll tackle Wednesday with you. Done: Jogged almost 3 miles To Do: Put away yesterday's laundry Do another complete load of laundry Pick the blackberries Clean two more shelves of the pantry Buy frames and art supplies Help my daughter get started on her bracelet kit Have a great day everyone....especially if it's your birthday!