Dd14 is doing very well with the Writing With Skill series (part way through Level 2). I am wondering from those who have completed all 3 levels if Level 3 introduces enough new material that it is worth continuing on with the series? From what I can see of the table of contents, it appears that it does. But I am trying to make decisions for next year and so am gathering facts with which to make a decision.

Here is a blog by a young writer that some of your kids might enjoy. http://theinkloft.blogspot.com/2015/11/i-return-to-blogosphere-with-gifts.html

This is happening to me too.

I emailed and asked her about the change and she said itw as because of the lack of ad revenue.

I'm getting a threat detected warning when I am reading this thread. Wonder if they imbedded something in the spam posts.

It sounds to me like this former mentor is misunderstanding what a mentoring relationship really is, especially with someone who is becoming a young adult. Mentoring is about walking through life with someone sharing in the joys and sorrows and the victories and challenges bringing encouragement through it all. It isn't about looking for every opportunity to bring correction.

Thanks for the heads up. Off to send her a message on why the change was made.

You have me intrigued. How do you use beef broth in your chili?

Decided on going with Elements and Carbon Chemistry with some biographies and other books thrown in. http://www.ellenjmchenry.com/

Several times I thought I was going hyperthyroid when I had an increased dose. Finally figured out it was my adrenals trying to adjust.

My actual thyroid hormones (T3 / T4) are optimal when my TSH is around 0.5. A TSH of 7 is usually WAY low thyroid. I don't liked taking meds but thyroid replacement is one that I know makes a big difference. Having my T3 in the top 1/3 of the reference range is when I do best. Lower normal I have hypo symptoms. The other thing you will want to do is find out what is causing the low thyroid and if you have thyroid antibodies at all. Also, make sure they test your actual thyroid hormones, not just the pituitary TSH! And do your own research on how the thyroid works. There is MUCH misinformation out there even in the medical community. You must be your own advocate. http://hypothyroidmom.com/10-nutrient-deficiencies-every-thyroid-patient-should-have-checked/ http://hypothyroidmom.com/300-hypothyroidism-symptoms-yes-really/

This. And it it will NEVER go against Scripture.

I don't think I would use LoE for just spelling. It works well all together. Although LoE Foundations is way cool of a program! Much more appealing than Essentials. :)

Essentials in Writing works well for step by step instruction. http://essentialsinwriting.com/

"As our knowledge increased, it turns out that antimalarials have anti-inflammatory properties and act by raising the pH of the cell. When an acid cell is made more basic, certain autoimmune pathways are turned off." http://www.lupusinternational.com/About-Lupus-1-1/Treating-Lupus/Medications-.aspx Since the action that seems to help from the Plaq is an anti-inflammatory effect and raising the pH, what about investigating what other methods can accomplish those two things without the possible risks?

Logic of English Foundations!! I love the idea of Spalding and have used SWR, but LoE Foundations has been a super fit for us. Ds starts Level D in the fall.

Do you have a link? Thanks.

What parts have you been disappointed with? The depth? The experiments? The questions?

Definitely look at LoE D! It definitely takes things up a notch from C.

I am thinking on using Real Science-4-Kids Chemistry Middle School this coming year. It seems awfully expensive for only 10 lessons. Is there a way to expand it without a lot of extra effort? What is the teacher manual necessary for? How easy the implement are the experiments? How effective at reinforcing the material are the experiments?

I thought LOE was expensive at the start too. It provided the right comfort level for and when I find material that is the right fit, expensive is relative.

You first want to know what all is going on with your thyroid. Is it just low thyroid indicated by Free T3 not in the upper 1/3 of the reference range and Free T4 not in the upper 1/2 of the reference range? Or do you have thyroid antibodies which is a totally different focus than treating the thyroid but modulating the immune system instead.

LoE Foundations is the closest program to Spalding that I have found that I am comfortable with implementing. Others i have used vary too much from the method for my liking. But LoE Foundations has been GREAT! Ds will be using Level D this fall.

Not all calories are created equally. So to just count calories misses important parts of good nutrition.

Thyroid autoimmune needs an immune focus and is separate treatment than just low thyroid. This is something that is very missed understood by most practitioners. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/recommended-labwork/ http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/