Not exactly. I'm Christian, although some may argue that point lol, and I would not say that Muslims don't worship the same God. I also don't believe that God and Jesus are one in the same. I believe that Jesus is the literal son of God. Two seperate beings, but united in one purpose and part of a "Godhead". Christianity has many differening beliefs...I wouldn't say that the trinity is the ultimate definition of Christanity. Also, I can't say which God which religion worships. I think the religion is a deeply personal thing, and I know how I would feel if someone told me that I didn't worship the same God they did. God is God. Whichever religion or church is the most correct, God is still God.

Oooh how do I do that? :)

So if we're doing SOTW volume one right now...should we skip to volume three and four? Or should we continue on with volume two (maybe even doing it this summer) and just get to Volume three when we get to it?

I see the basic needs for Foundations, however what about the Acts and Facts Science cards? Will those be needed? Also, what is the difference between the audio 2-CD set and the memory work resource CD? And finally...we're on SOTW volume 1 right now. Which volume with Cycle 3 be in on in the fall? Thanks!

I see on the CC website they are having a big sale right now of a few items they are discontinuing when the new versions are coming in the Spring. For example, the memory work CD for cycle three is only $5 (in comparison to $30!) BUT I don't to buy it if it won't even match up to next year's program? Thanks!!

I can see your point in most of what you said. I'm not sure I agree with it entirely. I think its easy to make blanket statements of what we should do, but its not that easy to actually implement something like that! Things are never that black and white. However, I'm curious, how does the system make it profitable for teens to have babies? What should be the alternative? I was a teen mom, and I can tell you that it was NOT profitable!

I'd like to hear the answers too. :) From reading the description, the addition/subtraction fact cards come in a tabbed system. My understanding is that they are pretty essential to that level of math. However, the multiplication flashcards are not tabbed, and are much less money. Because of this, I am planning on just buying/making my own multipication fact cards. You can print some out yourself, or buy some at the dollar store. In fact I think I have a set floating around in my homeschool stuff already.

I'm curious which CLE subjects you use, and approximately how much time per subject? I think I'm planning on using CLE math and language arts for my 2nd and 4th grader in the fall. I'm really liking CLE geography too...but they will be getting some geography in their CC co-op and some ALE classes. However I don't know how thorough it would be. So I guess I'm curious how much time I'd expect to spend per day on CLE math and lanugage arts, and if CLE geography/social studies is worth it? We'll also be reading together, doing some science experiments, and then the CC (Classical Conversations) memory work. Thanks!

Okay I'll post some. :) One of my favorites: Helaman 5:12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I've spent hours hear reading posts! I find though that I'm often looking for one thing, and when I read about things (curriculum) that I'm not really interested in - then I tend to skip over it. However, it seems like I'm always coming back to these curricula that I've been skipping over, and now I can't find any posts on them! lol SO I'd love some advice about these curricula that I've tenatively picked. I went through several curricula this year because it was my first year homeschooling and something can sound great and look great - but when you actually get it in your hands and try it out...not so great. I'd love to just pick curricula out for this fall and be completely happy with it all year...or mostly happy with it. :) SO.... 2nd grader - Classical Conversations Foundations (CC) Math - CLE Math grade 2 (waivered between this and MM) Language Arts (grammar, spelling, handwriting...)- CLE LA grade 2 w/ FLL year two (maybe overkill, but I already have the book and the lessons are so quick and easy each day). Reading - Explode the Code and reading books off the Sonlight list (but getting them from library!) Science/History - combo between ALE classes and CC. Also will use Magic School Bus science kits, DVDs and books. Will continue with Story of the World. Art/Music/P.E. - ALE classes 4th grader - Classical Conversations Foundations (CC) Math - CLE Math grade 4 (waivered between this and MM) Language Arts (grammar, spelling, handwriting...)- CLE LA grade 4 Reading - Beyond the Code and reading books off the Sonlight list (but getting them from library!) Science/History - combo between ALE classes and CC. Also will use Magic School Bus science kits, DVDs and books. Will continue with Story of the World. Art/Music/P.E. - ALE classes 7th grader - CC Challenge A for math/language arts/science/history Art/Music/P.E. - ALE classes Also will participate in SOTW with his brothers and the Magic School Bus science kits. So what am I missing? Anything better that I should be looking at? What about those picks along with CC? This year I noticed I lacked in the area of writing. Will CLE LA have enough creative writing?

So I guess, after typing all that out (twice! haha), that I'm looking for a language art/history curriculum that I can use across both of my second oldest sons grades (2nd and 4th). I don't want to buy individual language arts curriculum for them if possible. :grouphug:

thanks for the replies so far and links to other threads! I was wondering because my DH is having issues with how much we're going to be spending this year. I wanted a typical average to give him. We're already looking at just over $3000 for three kids JUST for CC (Classical Conversations). That doesn't include our language arts and math for second two oldest yet (my oldest will be doing Saxon, included in that $3000 price with CC Challenge A). Uggh!

I LOVED that it was only women. I didn't even have to worry once about wanting to put on make-up or wear cute work-out clothes. ;) Yes I'm married, and I could care less about attracting attention. HOWEVER, I still feel realllllllly self-concious working out around men, especially if I look frumpy and blah. :( So I loved that, but I also loved that the workout was pretty mindless. You just have to follow the circuit that plays over the loudspeakers and tells you when to switch stations. I also love that they measure and weigh you (monthly maybe?) to help you keep track and show you how well you are doing (or how much harder you need to work? lol) I also loved that the workout was only 30 min! WHy I quit going- I just couldn't even find 30 min. :( THey closed early, I think like 7pm. They did open up early (6am I think? ). However I just found it hard making that time to go there three times a week. So...mostly it was just my fault. lol

If you don't mind sharing? I don't know if there is a thread on this already- I searched, but maybe wasn't using the right terms. I'm just curious what the average annual budget for homeschool expenses and curricula is typically? Thanks!!

WOW I just typed a huge post and accidently hit the BACK key. :chillpill: I guess its better that way, I wont ramble on as much now. ;) I'll just cut straight to the point. We're doing Classical Conversations in the fall for our oldest three - who'll be in 2nd, 4th, and 7th grade. We're not doing Essentials for our 4th grader because 1) the money issue and 2) not sure he's ready for it. We are doing Challenge A for my 7th grader. SO after spending just over $3000 on that...you may be able to understand that my DH is not willing to spend a ton more. :( My oldest three will also being taking a few classes at the local ALE program for things like art, science, P.E. The math I think I have covered. So that leaves language arts and I should probably do more in depth with history. What kind of curricula are out there that I could do language arts and history with all three of my children? Preferrably, I like the ideas of combined curricula so that I only need one teacher's guide/lesson book and miminal student materials. The price realllly racks up when I need to buy various grade levels for each child. So are there options out there for me? And how much teacher time and independant time do they have? Also, are they thorough enough to be standalones for language arts (and maybe history too?). We already do Story of the World together and plan to continue with that. Also my 7th grader, I realize, will be pretty preoccupied with Challenge A. I think I read that he doesn't need any other added curricula? THANKS!:grouphug:

I say that I've been blessed a lot. What I mean by that is basically that I'm very thankful for what I have. I definitely don't think that God singles ME out. Rather I use it in place of "I'm very thankful for..."

I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but I found a lot of great info on the Home School Legal Defense Association website. http://www.hslda.org/highschool/ Look at the brochures too. :) And there are documents they have to help you develop your own 4 yr plan. Like here: http://www.hslda.org/highschool/brochures.asp#Plan

I'm curious to hear the replies too. We're putting our 12 yr old in Challenge A in the fall. I really have no clue what to expect. Its a brand new group here so I don't think they even have the tutor yet. I heard they at least have someone in mind, but she has to go through the training still. I'm curious how much to add to his workload. I don't know how much time CC will take. hmmm

I don't know the answer. :) It will be our first year for CC this fall. However, the money we'll be spending on it - I'd REALLY like it to be the spine for our homeschool. I think it would be easier on our schedule anyway, rather then doing CC memory work, etc and then another curriculum on top of that. I'd love to hear the answers and suggestions for those that do use CC as a base/spine. :lurk5:

:iagree::iagree:

:iagree: Sounds like my kind of group :)

It makes me even angrier, though, when people assume that different religions don't have ANything in common with eachother and couldn't possibly all be part of a co-op together. I can see things like Bible studies being a bit complicated with mixed religions. However, homeschooling groups, really? I am LDS (Mormom) and I've yet to meet other LDS families in the various homeschooling co-ops I've tried out. Each has had a statement of faith. I belong to several groups of mixed religions. We get a long just fine. I don't get the idea that different reglions would have nothing in common and so such a group wouldn't work. Hello...homeschooling...that's a pretty big thing to have in common. ;) I know I could personally talk about homeschooling for hours without ever touching on religion. And when religion has come up in some way or form during discussings, I just politely listen. Its pretty hard to find a place where everyone shares your same beliefs and ideas. Sometimes you just have to find common ground and learn to get along. ;)

I'm really liking the Sonlight idea for core concepts. However, I'm wondering if getting the teaching guide would be worth it, and if it would be suitable for a homeschooling family of multiple children. In other words, is it designed for a lot of one-on-one time or is the teaching time relatively short and there is enough independant time to where I can do this with the other children as well? If I did this, I'd only be using it for two children next year. Thank you!!

My son is almost 12 and in 6th grade. His reading level has always been at least 2 grade levels above. In PS he kind of slowed down on his reading improvement because the school did the AR program, and they had contests to see who could get the most AR points. So instead of reading longer, more challening books, he'd read easier books as quick as possible to get more points. :/ Now that I have him home, I've been giving him books within his reading level and he's been breezing right through them. He picked out White Fang by Jack London on Wednesday and finished it today (Thursday). He LOVES to read. He'd read all day if he was really into a book and I let him read all day. lol He likes fantasy type books usually (he loves the Warrior Cat series lol) so I was surprised he was so into White Fang. I'm ordering Call of the Wild from the library next. :) Anyway, I'd love some book ideas for upper levels. I want more challenging reads for him. Where can I find reading lists for upper middle school or even early high school levels? Thanks!

Thanks so much for the advice and ideas. :) I'll have to look into the idea of some sort of sensory chair/seat! hmmm So, after reading the old archives of posts...it seems that some think that MM is nearly on the level with Singapore. Would it be safe to say then that MM is a good challenging program? It will be thorough enough to be a stand-alone curriculum for math? Could my son easily go into Saxon for the upper levels (if that's what we choose at the time, and if we're still doing CC then the Challenge levels use Saxon)? Thank you so much!