Aubrey, what a great thread. My dh is unemployed since August. He worked in the construction field for over 12 years (glazing supervisor). It has been really hard on us, especially since he decided to go back to school. He wants to be a massage therapist. We have 6 more months to go, after that he contemplates to get his master in massage therapy. I honestly don't know how we can survive that long without an income - I am thinking to put ds into ps. But jobs are hard to get around here, even though I do have a bachelor degree. But I am in my mid-40's and out of the work force for the last couple of years due to hs ds (10). I have to confess, this has been the toughest year so far for us, and I am feeling more depressed than ever. Moving to a different state (we are currently in CO) is not a problem - however, not possible until dh finishes his school and receives his National Certification. So, I don't know what we can do.:confused: Sonja

If you like the "You wouldn't want to be..... books", you can read them online: You Wouldn't Want to be anEgyptian Mummy http://www.salariya.com/web_books/mummy/intro/pages/intro.html You Wouldn't Want to be a Roman Gladiator http://www.salariya.com/web_books/gladiator/index.html You Wouldn't Want to be a Polar Explorer http://www.salariya.com/web_books/explorer/index.html You Woudn't Want to Sail on the Whaling Ship Essex! http://www.salariya.com/web_books/whaling/index.html Maybe someone can use these links. Sonja

This website is just awsome. Offers tons of free books for children. http://www.biguniverse.com/ Maybe some of you can use this site. Just wanted to share a jewel. :) Sonja

Maybe Oakmeadow would be a great fit. It seems that they have what your dd is looking for. Lots of hands-on, different approaches. However, the TM is not scripted and not day by day. But lots of parents and kis love Oakmeadow and we have used this curriculum from K-3rd. :001_smile: Sonja

Tell me, why did you write that? Just curious. :001_huh: Sonja

Superior in English and German Advanced in Latin Novice in Spanish (used to be advanced) Sonja

Exploration Education Program, Singapore Science, Galore Park Science, R.E.A.L. Science, Ellen McHenry's Science, MsNucleus Science Program - just to name a few. Trying to find seculare hs material IS my passion! :D As of right now, I still haven't made up my mind. I think, I will go with R.E.A.L. Science Chemistry and R.E.A.L. Science Earth for my ds 9. But still not sure:001_huh:. Decisions, decisions, .......... Sonja

I hope some day we will be more than trilingual in our house since we are (as well) a truely international family. Dh is from the Ukraine (fluent in Ukranian and Russian, as well as two more languages), I am from Germany (studied Spanish in college, as well a Latin). However, as hard as we try, our ds 9 just does NOT want to learn Russian or Ukranian. He is bilingual (English/German), we have added Latin last year, and I am going to add Spanish for 4th Grade. I wish I could tell you how to go ahead implementing all your languages. I am really interested in HOW other families have done so and love to read all those posts. I really would love for my son to speak one of my husband's native languages - but "sigh" - I don't think this is going to happen! :001_unsure: I love the idea of a tutor - if you can afford a tutor I would really consider this as an excellent option for your dd. Unfortunately, we can't afford a tutor - so, this is not an option in our house. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone trying to conquer this subject! :D Sonja

I'd send my kid to K-State - but that's because I graduated from K-State!!!! :D I really, really loved K-State, the student body, the counselors, and the town as well. Manhattan is a really nice small town, with a close-knit feeling. The campus is laid out very nicely, and as you mentioned, the students AND the staff are very friendly. Unfortunately, K-State does not rank as a top notch college (such as Washburn in Topeka, or KU in Lawrence or TU). When you look at Merit Finalists - K-State does not stand a chance compared to TU. I guess, it's what you are looking for. For myself, I'm very happy with the education I received at K-State. However, K-State has one OF THE BEST veterenary programs in the country!!! Their architectural program, as well a their microbiology program are superb. Ahhhh, it's so good to see someone being interested in K-State. Best luck in your decision. Sonja

I am STILL searching for a fun, not boring, easy to teach Latin program for 4th Grade. We just finished Song School Latin and my ds loved this program. I'd like to continue our Latin studies with a fun Latin program. I printed out some sample pages for Lively Latin Big Book I and Minimus Latin. I really, really thought my son would like Lively Latin - but he wasn't very excited about it.:001_huh: He thought Minimus was more fun. Now my question...... Do I need the Teacher Manual with Minimus? Is he learning enough with Minimus and Minimus Secundus to continue with e.g. Oxford Latin? I do know Latin - but just like to have things spelled out for me.:D The price for the Minimus Teacher Manual is quite expensive - is it worth it? How much information is there for the teacher? Is the grammar portion of Minimus enough? I know that there is Galore Park Latin as well. But I feel my son (at least right now) it not ready for this one. Sorry for all the questions - but I just want to pick the right Latin curriculum for ds. I don't want to kill the love for the language. As of right now, Latin is his most favorite subject!!!! Thanks for your help. Sonja

Hello Tamarind, Thank you so much for your detailed answer. I just found another great secular science program!:D Now, off to their website again! Sonja

Tamarind, what in particular did you like about Galore Park Science? Did you use the Teacher Guide? Is the Teacher Guide necessary? Are there a lot of science projects? Sorry for all the questions, but the website just does not give enough info, and I don't no anyone using it. So, I am all :bigear: Sonja

Has anyone used this curriculum with their kids? We are looking for a secular science program 4th and up. I like Galore Park History and have used it in the past, as well as their English. But I have no experience with their science program. Is ist similar to Singapore's science? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! Sonja

School of Tomorrow sells a version of Heidi with special editing of the contents. However, I don't know to what extend. Maybe, it's what you are looking for. Sonja ___________________________ Homescholing JUST ONE - ds 9

Living Memory is ONE OF THE BEST homeschool books I have ever bought. I just love this book and so does my son. :thumbup: Sonja _______________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

We have tried the Gluten Free diet and it has worked wonders. It took a while to show any changes, but now - we are so happy with the results. Besides going Gluten free, we banished sweets, artificial colors, and soda. I learned to make my own joghurt, bread, and even cream cheese. I can tell immediatly when he was eating something he wasn't supposed to. Sorry, I can't give you any other advise. Just want to offer a big :grouphug: Sonja ________________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

Hi Julianna and Chaik, thank you so much for sharing these two wonderful resources. I'll definitely need more time to check them out. Chaik, I have never ever heard of Mosaic's Myths, Marvels and Legends. I am so glad you posted this one. A Big THANK YOU to the two of you and everyone else who gave such great advise. Sonja _____________________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

Thanks Ann, I'll will check out our library system. It's not the greatest - but it's worth a try. Sonja _____________________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

Hi Cynthia, you can buy the program at amazon.com. It's only $19.77 there. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Italian+for+children The program includes: A Full-Color Activity Book The 80-Page activity Book, whimsically illustrated to enhance the learning experience offers: A complete language course A wide range of activities Games Italian-language sons Information about the Italian-speaking world The cartoon adventures of Supergatto Stimulating program CD's Two 60-minute CD's feature: Numerous activities drawn from the activity book Additional activities created especially for the CD's The songs for all units Each exciting episode of the adventures of Supergatto Parent/Instructor's CD An easy-to follow recording to adults that includes: Tips for helping children get the most out of the program Additional games and activities All the program songs conveniently collected together The exciting adventures of supergatto read aloud for added enjoyment This program has been published by McGraw-Hill Companies. Honestly, I don't know whether or not your son might enjoy this one. It is aimed for children ages 4-8. My son is 9 and still enjoys it a LOT. However, it might be too childish for your son. Sorry, I can't be of more help. Sonja ______________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

My ds 9 really, really wants to learn Italian. However, before spending mega bucks on some of the language courses out there, I bought Italian for Kids. It comes with 2 Italian language CD's, as well as a parent CD. The workbook is colorful and engaging. My son has a blast doing Italian using this one. I know, it's nowhere close to any of those sophisticated language courses out there - but (at least for us) it's a wonderful course to use. With a price tag of about $30.00 you really can't beat this one. We LOVE Italian for Kids. :thumbup: Sonja ____________________________________ Homeschooling JUSTONE - ds 9

Teaching Company has a huge sale going on for the next 5 days. They have some wonderful courses I might be interested in. Especially some of their ancient history, as well as arts/music courses. My ds is 9, going on to be 10 in October. We will be studying Ancients for 4th Grade. Is he too young to enjoy and watch some of these? Any input, ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch! Sonja _______________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

Hi Vanessa, you know how it goes between Franken and Bayern. We always loved our independence and really rather see us as Franken than Bayern! LOL. You know what they say about the "Weisswurstzone"....... However, my dad is Badenzer (waschechter) - he is from Tiengen/Waldshut - and still up to this day, lots of people have problems to understand him. His German is very, very close to Swiss German and when I first met my dad's Mom I asked for a dictionary!!!!!:lol: Over the years, I have learned to speak and understand that type of German, so that I could at least communicate with my grandma and cousins!!! By now, I am gone for too long to understand Swiss German, or even that dialect spoken in this region. My German has changed over the years to a more "Hochdeutsch" - but I have NO problems to understand Frankonians!!! I am glad you can visit Germany and enjoy the "Biergartens." Hope you'll have a great time. Do you think you can take my with in your suitcase?:glare: Sonja _______________________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

My son absolutely loves ALL the FELIX books by Annette Langen & Constance Droop. They are published by Copenrath Verlag. These were the first books my son really, really wanted to read in German. They are great to learn Geography as well. Absolutely darling. I think we have all but 2 of them.:D Sonja _______________________________ Homeschooling JUST ONE - ds 9

Ds 9 wants to be a teacher, teaching history, geography, and foreign languages. He dreams of living and teaching in Italy or Greece! He is still young, and this can change. But, as of right now, this is HIS dream. Sonja

Hi Venessa, loved your response. Makes me feel much better seeing others having the same problems!:D Don't worry too much about the script. My dh is Ukranian, I am German - talk about different writing styles. My son is learning German script - we tried Italic, but he just didn't like it at all. I teach him to read American script - but he uses German script and actually LOVES it. His handwriting has improved so much - it's unbelievable. For writing the numbers 1 and 7 - my son uses (again) the European writing, but in tests, he switches to the American number writing. He is 9 right now, and we have no problem switching forth and back. However, it took until this year for him to do so. He is learning the metric system alongside the English measuring system. I have more problems adjusting to the English measuring system than my son.:lol: Ds speaks German fluently, he can read German books (equivalent to 3rd Grade such as "Das Magische Baumhaus), and he writes on a 1st - 2nd Grade level. He is learning Latin (1st year) and has started with Italian. I went to College here in the States, but was never taught Phonics. I was taught the whole word/sight word system. So, Mom had to learn Phonics first before I could teach my son. :tongue_smilie: Dh just shakes his head. For him, Russian and Ukranian makes sense, English does not!:001_huh: So, I am the only one doing the teaching and it can get very confusing at times. I am just glad that ds has figured it ALL out!!!! BTW - I am from Bavaria as well. Where are you from? I am from Schweinfurt (Unterfranken - so, technically, we are not "Bayern" - but "Franken") Sonja _____________________________________ Homeschooling just one - ds 9