As a child, living in another state, there were refundable book fees starting in middle school. I think it is insane where I currently live. The local public elementary schools charge around $250-$500 in fees. Additionally, there is the shopping list of supplies, which, besides all the usual items like pencils, paper, glue, etc., has things like: a case of paper towels, a case of toilet paper, a case of paper plates, a case of napkins, a case of Kleenex... Bizarro.

We started two weeks ago, but we've been working out the kinks. :willy_nilly: This week feels like our first week.

It's not extensive and it may seem too young for your daughter (?), but we all like Signing Time. It's on Netflix streaming.

I went to the LDOE website today, because it's that time of year again, and noticed that they corrected their online registration form. This year, the assurance statement that one must agree to in order to register online correctly references R.S. 17:232.C, rather than bulletin 741. Here's the text from their form: By checking this box and entering my name above, I, the leader of the above named nonpublic school, hereby attest that the information provided on this form is true and correct. I agree, on behalf of the school, to comply with student enrollment notification requirements as indicated in R.S. 17:232.C. I don't mind agreeing to follow the law, just not one that doesn't pertain to me. ;) So, I'll :chillpill: now.

My son (same age) draws like that, as well. One difference I've noticed between my son's and my daughter's (9 y.o.) drawings is motion. Yes, my daughter drew more detailed/lifelike/colorful pictures, earlier. But her pictures tend to be more like a still-life, you know? The complexity in my son's drawings is more implied. :) His focus is just elsewhere... Projectiles seem to be important!

We're reading The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy right now and I am head over heels in love with Willy Pogany's illustrations.

Thanks for this! My kids were climbing over my shoulder to try and get a good look at the preview.

Firstly, I'm sorry I haven't gotten back on the boards up until now. It's been a busy weekend so far! :willy_nilly: Thank you all, for taking the time to respond so thoughtfully. I probably shouldn't admit it, but this is comforting. It's easy (for me) to start to feel inadequate from time to time. I've always been really curious about IEW, but was afraid that maybe I wouldn't be able to teach it. You're right, though. I don't need to commit to buying everything! And yes, I do need to have the whole thing laid out for me, especially since I feel like I'm fumbling in the dark. I will get the DVDs. And geez... Why did I not think of this? I bought the K-4 one a couple years ago, but it's probably been that long since I listened to it. The kids woke me up in the middle of the night last night, so I re-listened to it at 3 a.m. I am going to download the other two as soon as I finish up here. Thanks again everyone for spending the time to help talk me through what truly seemed insurmountable just a few days ago. :svengo: :blush:

I was never taught writing in school. Really. At least not the way it seems a lot of you were, and not anything like what is outlined in TWTM. Our "book reports" just went from half a page in elementary, up to 3 pages in High School. I do remember one 5 page paper due in 11th grade. I transferred to a different school my senior year and they were shocked that I had NO idea what a topic sentence, introduction, conclusion, or footnotes were. :ohmy: I did not go on to college. I am curious if there is a specific program that any of you would recommend to someone like me. We've used up to WWE2 so far... should we just continue? Is there any hope for me, or should I just start thinking about online options for the upper grades? I guess I just feel like I have no background with which to even choose a good program, much less choose one that can walk us both through the process. A bit of general homeschooling advice I keep getting stuck on, is that one should begin with the end in mind. I have no idea what "the end" looks like! Ugh. I appreciate ANY assistance. P.S. I am leaving the house for the evening, so I'll probably check back in the morning.

Fun pens, erasers, paperclips, flashcards, index stickers, et cetera, can be found at Tokyo Pen Shop. I daydream there regularly. http://www.tokyopenshop.com/accoutrements-c-32.html

Ditto!

I just wanted to update this with a page from the CHEF of Louisiana site regarding Bulletin 741. Edited in 2014 to say: the above link is dead. Here's a link to CHEF's Know Your Options page if you're interested.

Ha! :lol: Don't think that didn't cross my mind!

We just use a portable file box with a handle, that way gravity keeps the kids from making a paper mess every time they grab a sheet. They drag it around to wherever the crafting is going on, sometimes it's a stage for Barbies or a picnic table, etc.

I guess I was just too hormonal the other day. :tongue_smilie: HSLDA sent me another email. I'm just gonna copy and paste the body of the message below because it's easier: