Yay!

My gut tells me to go the route regentrude mentioned, I just get caught up in timelines and set dates. And I want so much to cover everything, at least what I think she should do. I'm taking a deep breath and looking at the big picture. I've looked into doing audio books for many of our ancient lit selections and if we only do three, we only do three, but well and not rushed. For science, we will work on three sciences one at a time, as long as it takes and work backwards for transcripts, filling in with 1/2 credit electives or doubling up down the line if that is doable. Same for Spanish. I just have to keep focusing on things well done, good foundations laid. If it takes longer, so be it. And thank you Pen for the personal insight. It really does help to see that progress can be made.

Serenade, it's always good to hear that you're not the only one. Things just happen and time has passed more quickly than you realize. I'm leaning to the "longer road"side of this. I hate to rush or cram, possibly rushing her before a good solid base is set, including good study/learning habits. I just really fear her coming alive in a year or two and realizing she is a little behind and the consequences of that. She understands life happens, but I don't think she can see the impact it can have on her workload/timeframe. I'd really feel better with a full year, at pace; I think it will give her more time to "bloom" as well.

My 9th grader is now behind in her credit hours. Covering the ancients this year, we have gotten as far as Gilgamesh and the Assyrians. We made a pitiful start at Spanish I and Biology. Given that things have smoothed out (cross country move, small rental, buying a home, new job/work hours that were conflicting with schedule, etc), I'm torn in deciding what course of action would be best: starting fresh this month and do a full, in depth year of the WTM cycle (pushing her graduation back by 9 months to a year) or cut our selections short, work through the summer, and keep on course for graduation at 18. This is an average student, no set plans on college/career path. She doesn't really have a strong opinion on her future and what she would like to do yet, so I'm just trying to feel this out. I could use some btdt input. I'm sure I've read some threads along these lines in the past year, but I cannot find the correct tag or search to use. A s/o with a link or tag would be awesome and helpful.

Another related question: if you have used these courses, how did you format them for transcripts? My oldest is now in 9th and this is my first time getting serious, like for real, about looking at how things are recorded, so I'm a little nervous.

Ahhhh! Coursera was the term I was looking for. I see the descriptions list the semester credit amount, I'll use that as my guide. Any experiences, positive or negative, are still welcome!

Has anyone used the Carnegie Mellon University courses? I browsed the open/free courses and was wondering if the content was in depth enough to warrant a full high school credit or was more suitable as a supplement. I did search here, but found nothing-- a point in that direction would also be helpful.

This looks great, thank you! She'll love historical aspect of the Russian tsar. I'm putting "Trails of Evidence" from TTC on my list as well.

Thanks, adult situations are what I was concerned about. There are elements in the show, but we watch it together. I did order one this morning to pre-read, and in the mean time I've found some other resources to whet her appetite for forensic science.

The Temperance books by Kathy Reichs. My 14 yo enjoys the show Bones, and I was curious to know if the books were appropriate for that age. We watch the show together, and she is very interested in the scientific aspects of the plots.

I'm bumping this because I was curious as well. I plan to use this in the fall for my ninth grader. I was planning to use just the text because I'm not sure what the "interactive" component offers. If it is truly worthwhile, I'll use the package.

Will an eighth grader who completes this be ready for Algebra I in 9th? I'm considering this because it covers all of the bases from the beginning, including some things we did not cover, and I'm hoping to make sure she has a firm grasp on basics while doing an intro to algebra.

Reading the online New Jerusalem, I like this, as well as the Oxford. I think this will suit our study needs, as we are approaching this from a historical/cultural standpoint, but I also like the NLT. I may revisit what I had planned to do (one year of ancients and incorporating the Bible as part of our "works") and instead do a Bible study over two or four years, both of us. I am looking for the least "agenda-pushing" version, but i an okay with something with more "inclusive language" (as UrbanSue put it) because we will be discussing this subject together. We will be sitting down tomorrow to read thru these versions together, and I will take in her opinion as well. (I'm pretty settled on choices for younger ones). We will probably choose more than one, which may be the better choice for what we'd like to get out of it. Thank you all again for your thoughtful responses, as I had NO idea of where to start with this.

blondchen- the New Living Translation sounds like something along the lines of what I'm thinking. momma2three- I like the looks of this for my littles, the visual aspects are appealing as always with DK books. I'm currently comparing it to the one Laura reccomended. Spy Car- thanks for giving me something to think about and delve into here. Knowing my oldest, she'll want to explore all of the options out there and hear some opinions on them. Thank you all for the suggestions. I am, of course, open to more.

Any suggestions for a version of the Bible for a non Christian family (dc ages 5 -13)? I am incorporating Bible study at all levels, starting with stories for the youngest children, a graphic novel version for my middle boys, and an overview for my 13 yo and beginning an in depth study in 9th grade Ancients. I'm looking for opinions on what version maybe best suited for us to refer to in studies, as well as reading through in sequence.

Anyone here using this? If so, how do you use it? Stand alone spine, spine with supplement, or simply an interesting supplement....... I'm thinking of using it with my 7th grader, maybe my 5th grader tagging along. I need to decide on *something* for U.S. history.

I'm curious to see what others say as well, as this approach to learning really suits my 7th grader. I didn't notice any diagramming in the samples I saw on the website.

A while back I was fretting about what to do for my 7th grader who didn't seem to grasp math "conceptually," not understanding word problems, no retention, etc. She preferred the Saxon type style: lecture/video of how to do concept, then drill until comfortable. Apparently a lot wasn't retained or understood in the sense of practical life application. The whole point of math skills IMO. I was all set to go with BJU to help her catch up and cement her skills, but looked at Fred, as I was set to begin fractions with my son, and was unsure if Singapore would suit him. I really liked the look of it and decided to try it with my daughter as well. We started a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. My son (5th) does it alone, then reviews heavily with me. My 7th grader does it solo and has been doing fantastic. I am so pleased with it and plan to continue the series until they want a change. Basically it suits my son by showing him why he did all of those division problems and why you need to multiply two digits by two digits (you can't find out how many minutes in 39 days otherwise!). My independent daughter can learn on her own as she wishes, she learns the basics conceptually, and I check in at bridges to make sure all is okay (she will be on track to start pre-algebra sometime in the fall and with a SOLID foundation). With both children we have discovered weaknesses(roman numerals, place values), and stopped to go over them and practice for a day or two. I hope this helps some, as I know I was a little nervous about it. My kids love the drill drill drill, and when they miss the repetition or feel they need it, we'll just supplement with Khan or worksheets.

My older was also more inherently independent, so it was a natural, slow progression for her. But my rising 5th grader is a different story. I have tried to set him off on some tasks independently (a math review review sheet, for example), but find him dawdling, even with alarms, reminders and gentle nudges. If I left him completely alone, the work would not be done, or he would be in tears from frustration. I have let him know my expectations for the coming year and remind him of them when we have struggles with slacking, daydreaming, etc. and he hears me, but I'm not sure he really gets it yet. I think this is just his personality and maturity level (my older daughter seems to have been more mature at this age). I, too, believe that birth order plays a role as well. At least it has been my experience. I will simply keep giving him the opportunity to work at a higher level and/or independently. I will continue to let him know what my expectations are, and set him up for success in these situations (an independent assignment in a strong subject at an opportune time, etc.) I know he will get there, I know he will get there, I know he will get there.....:tongue_smilie:

DK History of the World? This would be used as a supplemental spine to SOTW, for outlines, summaries, etc. We plan to cover Vols. 1- 4 in 7th and 8th, as well as U.S. and state history. I'm basically trying to decide between DK Fry and DK Definitive Visual Guide was hoping for a little input from those who've used them in a similar way :tongue_smilie:

:grouphug: I'm glad you were able to vent. Our 10yo son is thin as well, the same weight as his eight yo brother, but 2 inches taller. All of us are what I would consider average, healthy weight and size, but people always call us small and tiny. I think it's a social thing. Clothing sizes have changed from what they used to be ( if you buy a size 14 pattern from 1940, it's a size 10 by today's sizing.) I hate dressing my 10yo in size 7 pants, but it's what fits, he eats balanced and healthy and for now, he's not bothered by his size. I continue to stress body types, nutrition , uniqueness, and loving yourself as you are. I only hope to build him up as much as i can before peers and society can rip him apart, before he notices the stares and comments we get.:glare:

From what I can see in the MP literature guides, a lot of what I'd consider "reading" as a subject itself would be covered. By third grade, I think that most issues of phonics, etc. will either present itself in lack of comprehension, or vocabulary words in the text. If your dd can't narrate the story back to you in some sort of manner, you can narrow it down to whatever the particular reason: vocabulary, phonics/reading, or comprehension. You can focus on any areas you need, pulling the BJU if it addresses the issue. IMHO, reading quality books is going to improve all of the areas that reading workbooks address, but more intuitively, naturally. Grammar, the same. Kind of cementing what she has learned from the workbooks. If your budget is super tight, cut them out. If dc really enjoy them, it's worth it.

I hadn't considered having her help me with littles, and that would actually be a great intro into new material and a good gauge for where she is on particular topics. I just get concerned about her moods at this age. Sometimes she's a perfect peach and others, she's off skulking alone, wanting nothing to do with anyone. At this point, I'm looking into vol.2 and will be ordering it this week. I'm not super science-y, but if I pull the material to present, I make sure I become familiar with unknown concepts, or refresh myself on others. At the very least, I just say "I don't know" and we research it together. I think that may be my favorite part of homeschooling. I can't wait to revisit topics I blew off in the high scool years!

My eldest is 12, with little science background, save a couple of books, and several backyard/ kitchen experiments. Mythbusters has been a constant in our line up. I'm not all that concerned about science lacking, as we will begin to broach it in these last 2 years before high school. I'm beginning vol.I with my youngers, and was hoping to see her enjoy this approach and carry on with vol.2&3 as I LOVE the concept of this book. I've been in the group, but have seen such negative responses to just skipping Vol. 1. I'll look further into the ideas there for combining all of my children, while breezing her through the less challenging areas. She is a strong reader and enjoys independent activities, so I was looking more along the lines of supplemental books (biographies?). I hadn't had the common sense to look at vol.2, and should probably just go ahead and buy it now. Thanks for that suggestion.

BFSU Vol. I with an older child, what do you use to supplement, or do you at all?