After I post a new thread, sometimes I see lots of replies. And after I read an insightful reply I sometimes wish the same person would answer it. Sometimes I just want to acknowledge that I appreciate their replies. Whats the right way to send a message to that person? Is there an etiquette for doing this?

Something to think about from Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks: I believe that ONE reason why we homeschool is to address lifes most important questions: What do I want my children to learn? What will my children do with their lives? How will be their lifes purpose/philosophy? Is there a God? Many of the old-time thinkers like Socrates, Plato, CS Lewis etc. sought to answer such questions when it comes to education. These questions require us to develop our own philosophy or tie our religious beliefs to our philosophy about how we educate our children. I believe that answering these questions empowers us with deep convictions to be/give our best when we homeschool. Ultimately, answering these questions determines the answers to what curriculum and methodology we use as well as the contents of what we teach ... unless, of course, your only expectations in homeschooling your kids is to produce smart kids who can pass a set of government curriculum standards. I'm not saying that's wrong, that's part of what people want for their kids - smart kids right? But there comes a time in ones life when we realise it's not all about how smart we are, but its about giving an account (even just to yourself) about what you truly think life is all about - and what you want to leave behind.

What kind of threads are you expected to post in the "Parent's Forum Afterschooling Board"? And how is afterschooling defined?

Just wanted to repost this as I was told I might get more of a response here :) If religion plays an important part in your life, how do you incorporate it into your philosophy of education? More importantly, how do you teach it and apply it through homeschooling or afterschooling? Do you start with a Unit Study approach or something else?

If religion plays an important part in your life, how do you incorporate it into your philosophy of education? More importantly, how do you teach it and apply it through homeschooling or afterschooling? Do you start with a Unit Study approach or something else?

I've heard that old saying but I've never really understood it. So, what does a broad education actually mean to you?

Sorry wrong post.

Thanks for your suggestions happygrace! Definitely look into this one.

Thanks Penny for the Jan Brett link :D

They also come in different quantities. How many do you need?

Thanks for the link Bill. I'm seriously thinking about Miquon for my 4 yr old dd. Will Miquon have some sort of guide to using Cuisenaire Rods or can I download something on the internet? I've never really come across them before, so it's a totally new concept to me.

Hi Bill: Can you provide me a link to this?

ZOOKEEPER: That sounds like a good approach to doing maths Zoo Keeper. I simply had in mind to do a lesson from start finish. Does it get confusing though if you do it this way?

With Miquon, there seems to be the introductory set of Cuisenair Rods and the bundle type at a higher price. What is the difference between the two?

I've read a few posts where the "Asian" style of learning maths is used. I can only name Maths Mammoth and Singapore (obviously). Whats the difference and what other flavours are there:confused:

What's the best way to mix MEP with another program? I'm keen to give MEP and another program (for variety) a try. In an earlier post Bill shared his thoughts on the following combo. I particularly like the idea of educating the teacher on how to teach maths. What combos do you use?

I'm looking to expand my general understanding on how to educate my two dd from a Christian perspective. I've just ordered Cathy Duffy's "100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum", and since the AU$ is nearly on par with the US$ I'll like to get some more stuff on Amazon.com. Any recommendations?

I can't remember reading anything in the WTM about how exercise and sports fit into the philosophy of classical education. We don't home school, and my dd isn't attending big school until next year. I know some parents who spend their weekends driving their ds or dd to various sporting activities. However we don't want the extra burden and costs, we just enjoy the time we spend with her. My 4yo dd goes to ballet classes, once a week - which I think is a good "all round" sport for developing her motor skills and general fitness - and she seems pretty happy with it. We've been doing this for over a year now, and we're thinking of taking up swimming now that spring has come around, just for a bit of variety. I would appreciate to know what role you think physical education has in a a childs development and in classical education in general.

Wow thanks Spy Car or should I call you "Bill"? Your posts never fails to expand my narrow mind :001_smile:

thanks:) I was wondering what the extra "d" was for

And also ds. Can't find them in the abbreviations list.

Thanks everyone, I see the logic in using other programs to make learning maths more fun and interesting. This leads me to the next question... in your opinion, what's the best way to mix MEP with another program? Some people have mentioned a few programs. I can also picture my daughter using an abacus type program one day, and MEP the next.

In a previous post I asked "What's so good about MEP"? People who have used it posted positive/informative stuff like: lionfamily1999's: So far so good... However, I began to ask would MEP be a good starting maths program for my 4 yo daughter. The posts by Spy Car and 3BlessingMom seems to agree that MEP is a great program. BUT: This to me seems to point to Miquon Maths as the better starting point for laying a more "concrete" foundation, and that perhaps MEP isn't a complete program. However, doesn't all the MEP levels, starting from the Reception level (which I understand to be a preschool type level) start at the beginning and build on each other? If MEP is an incomplete program, should I be thinking about starting with Miquon (or some other program) first before using MEP.

Thanks nansk, that's exactly the starting point I need :iagree:. There's just too much info on the actual site to even know where to begin.

Just a few clarifications kwiech - I'm not sure what age/yr 1 is in the states. But in Australia, our kids must start formal schooling by the age of 5 - she'll be 4.5 when she starts Kindie next year. My daughter has never done a formal maths program, so I just wanted a starting point. lionfamily1999 - from your post, it seems like MEP really goes into details like Mammoth Maths. If so, that's what I'm looking for. dottieanna29 - that's how I would like to start out. However, I'm not sure my daughter loves numbers because we've never sat down and looked at a formal maths program together.