Lori, thank you for your helpful response! Seriously that is exactly what I was needing a little bit of hand holding and pointing in the right direction! I have been having my gal do all 7 pages of MUS work, what I may do is cut that back and if she gets the topic fill in with the same topic from MM. So she sees a different approach. When using two different math programs would you even attempt to tie them together. "Remember when we did this in MUS?" or teach it separately and let it click for the student? Thanks Amy, I want to add LOF too but I really want to get my hands on it first! I also think MUS is doing a great job I just want her to see if from another view point.

I like MUS from the teacher stand point and for once in MY life I get math :) and it works for my daughter. I think it is weak on the subjects of money, clock and geometry. I also just want her to see questions asked in a different light. I notice when we see a math problem somewhere else she struggles with it because it isn't the MUS way. I was thinking the blue series was more stand alone on subject so we could tackle some of those things in addition to MUS and maybe use it to firm up the concepts we have already covered from MUS. Do you think there is a math curriculum that does a good job presenting the same concept various ways that is "fillng" enough? (not being snarky, qenuinely asking)

Has anyone successfully implemented both programs? We use MUS and I was considering the blue series from MM to supplement the gaps. I am just unsure how *exactly* this will work and I wondered if anyone who has "been there done that" has any advice. Thank you!

Double post! Oops!

You guys have really helped me realize my expectations are realistic and doable and I am not slacking. I think working on routine and regularity will be key for us! I am probably going to loosely homeschool year around, it just helps with our lifestyle. Thank you for all the advice!

THANK YOU! This is all such practical helpful advice! We probably average 5 hours a week for K and I am okay with that. I am trying to figure out how we move from 5-8ish hours a week to meeting our states requirements in 2nd grade. I think the biggest thing we need is better routine! So helpful! Thank you!

I am still trying to get my feet under me as far as homeschool goes. I keep saying "She is only in K" but I cannot say that forever. I am trying to lay out some realistic goals for next year. What has worked for your first grade year? I am going to keep the focus on Language Arts and Math and throw in other stuff. How many hours a week have worked for you? Any 1st grade tips as I prepare for next year?

Thank you! This is really helpful, I was thinking 8-9 hours a week with approximately 1 hour of seat work a day. The rest would be fun stuff but I want to try to be intentional to give her the opportunity to exercise, be creative, and play games together. Thanks!

I need a goal for myself of hours per week. I want it to be realistic but what my daughter needs. This number would include, language (reading and writing), math, art, physical activity, read alouds, games, and memory work. I am thinking seat work plus all the other stuff. I am NOT including our CC day. What is a realistic goal? What are you or have you done for K? Thanks!

Love her blog, there are some other great ones out there too... search pinterest too OH MAN :) I am strongly considering these lapbooks, http://www.wisdomandrighteousness.com/resources/memory-work-lapbooks-for-cycle-1/ And here is a book/reading list for cycle 1 :) http://www.wisdomandrighteousness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/FoundCycle1SuggResources21.pdf

Also, I am considering adding these in too... http://www.wisdomandrighteousness.com/resources/memory-work-lapbooks-for-cycle-1/

This post is perfect timing for me. I have been brainstorming the past few days. We did CC last year as a 4 year old and it was great but we had a really stressful year in life so I am looking forward to digging in next year. My goals for K are getting into grooves and routines. Having structure and going from there. Really trying to keep it simple. Reading/writing - IEW PAL 3-4 times a week Math - Finish MUS Primer and working with the Rightstart Abacus 2-3 times a week Bible - stil not 100% sure Memory Work - review regularly and dig in via books, videos, activities on a few specific topics. Really, I want to enjoy this year, focus on building a firm foundation with a good schooling relationship so that when we add heavier academics the relationship is there to support it.

Worthy conversation to have. I am going to be out pocket the next two days. Didn't want you to think I was posting and running. To clear a few things up, the we is me and my family. If it came across as I was representing anything other than that I apoligize. Also, we don't bring d@mnation upon ur children. They know they are sinners in need of a savior and My 5 year old has a basic understanding of what sin is. We proclaim grace in our house often and regularly. D@mnation does nothing if grace is not present. Just a question this has made me think of, why does "discipline/correction" have to be negative? The Bible says the Lord disciplines those He loves. Ultimately discipline is about righting a relationship with God first and others second. I would rather say, the Bible says and turn there, "keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies" than don't tells lies it's not right. I believe their is power in the word to change me and my children, my authority is just my agenda when it doesn't come from the word. I view the "tags hanging out" as a lesson to learn, a direction to go. Could this be misused, no doubt. Could it be helpful and beneficial, no doubt. I don't even have it but I am planning to order one after seeing a friends this week. I think the book For Instruction in Rightesousness is a great addition to this resource. Also the sow chart you posted. I never claimed it was all inclusive but I think it can be beneficial. I am going to look at it closer but I think it has more than just negative behaviors. I want to be specific so let me look at it again for a specific example.

That is great. I disagree with the assertion that the CTB is a bad idea. There is also a difference between reading the bible for practice or The fact it is a great book of literature and believing that it is the Word of God and reading it for sustenance and being changed by it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Really I mean no disrespect, I just believe we are working from two different frameworks and have different opinions on this issue. :)

I totally agree that balance is necessary. I also stated this is a tool, one tool for people to use to train their children. It is our job as parents to raise our children in the whole counsel of scripture but to say this tool is dangerous I believe is unfair. Yes it could be expanded on, it can be added to but it is what it is a tool. We use other things in our lives at times that are not complete or balanced but we do the job of filling in the gaps. Your warning 'of please be careful was perfect and right.' When coming to God's word we must be careful. This tool is one aid in helping to raise my children with a Biblical worldview. I never said it was the only thing. I also believe a Biblical worldview is more than just Exposing them to the balance of scripture. I believe that is part of it but it is a framework in which we live our lives, make decisions, alter behaviors based on what we believe the Bible says. Above all we weigh things in light of loving God and loving others.

I think t is a great resource and tool. Every tool can be used properly or improperly. Ephesians 4:22-24 says Christians need to put off the sinful behavior, be renewed in the Spirit of our mind, and put on the new self created in the image of God. This is a great tool to teach us how to put off and reveal what is a sinful behavior. We can be renewed by looking to the gospel and what Christ has done and through His grace we can put on our new self. I understand for those who do not want to raise their children from a biblical world view would view this as dangerous but it really helps to train ourselves and our children using the word. Looking at the disobedience affords me an opportunity to point my children to their need for a savior and show them there is mercy and grace in Jesus. Some other resources: http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/misc/putoffon.cfm For Instructions in Righteousness is a whole book like this with put on/ put off and so much more Also Ginger Plowman has a calendar looking ling called wise words for mom.

Thanks, I am new to R&S and just learning more about what they had to offer. I will look into it!

What are your favorites? Early readers? k and 1st grade?

Thanks everyone!

I think with FIAR you can move as fast or slow. If you allow her to read parts of it would that help?

Great feedback here! I think in the beginning this will be great, I might add the text or the AG as she gets a bit older!!

I am thinking me might look into the activity book when she is a bit older. I am also wondering if just the audio would be the way to go for now.

What works best for you? Would you just get the audiobook or do you want the text too? I am thinking we will listen/read aloud SOTW as we are moving through our CC history memory work. My thoughts were PDF for my ipad and kindle and then audiobook? What do you think?

I am looking at Song School Latin for my soon to be 5 year old. What does it best lead into? I am thinking at the end of 1st grade or in 2nd grade we would start more formal Latin lessons. I am open to any suggestions or thoughts!

I really like CC for my 4.5 year old. I know some people think it is a lot but I love to see her making the connections she is making from the memory work. We honestly didn't do a whole lt at home this year. Next year we I'll include story of the word and read othe books geared toward the science and history. Probably at 1st grade we will incorporate more Latin. I think it is teaching her how to memorize and giving her the tools to do that successfully.