WOW Awisha!! Thanks for sharing all this! I'm not in Australia but will keep a copy of these changes in case I ever hear this question again.

I checked my Goodwill today and they didn't have them. :(

This is an old post but I was wondering how these books compare with Life of Fred. Assuming one plans on using them just for a fun supplement that is. I was thinking that I would invest in LoF but was wondering if these are similar in concept- practical math in a living book sort of way. Frugally these books appeal to me but wondering if I should just stick with my original plan of LoF. Anyone used them both to compare?

We generally leave Fridays as our Math Play Day where I change from our normal math lessons. Living books, games, videos, etc. Also, I just stumbled across this awesome looking math living book and just added it to my wishlist. Has anyone read it?

Have you looked into Visual Latin? The instructor makes Latin fun and your kids will enjoy learning from him. You can check out free lessons here.

We also started with Alfred's and I loved it because even though I didn't have any musical background I was able to give my girls a decent head start. We did eventually find a local homeschooler who recently graduated high school and who teaches on the side (for very cheap.) I also have a free printable that I created to go along with a song we made up for young beginner piano students.

Some things we GREATLY enjoy- - a wide and varied assortment of Safari figurines (great for ALL ages and worth their weight in gold!) - fun and functional tea set -This AWESOME art CD that you can easily use as a spine for mini learning activities! Again great for ALL ages. -Maestro Classic Music cds -Any set from Curious Chefs -Create-A-Scene sets -Jim Weiss audio books Some *fun* things currently on my Amazon wishlist. Living Math book Fun Art book

Although my family is secular we recently joined a local Christian co-op. My children are 7,5, and 3. We use the experience in our co-op to open up discussions in our own home. We learn about creation and the fall in class but then we come home and discuss some of the varying beliefs and ideas other people have. My children know my thoughts on the bible are a bit different from the tutors and their friends in CC but they see me being kind, courteous, and respectful to others and vice versa. Having this opportunity, I hope, will instill my children with respect and open-mindness as adults when it comes to differences among people. Whether it's books or co-ops, I just use everything as a spring-board to promote deeper discussion.

Oh goodness!! I have SOOOO many!! audio recording of Jim Weiss. He is an integral member of our car rides. Maestro Classics Lyrical Learning Science Song School Latin We use their whole curriculum but you could easily incorporate just the CD for a fun learning tool if your kids are young. They Might Be Giants - fun, catchy, + educational Singing Science Songs - a collection of records produced in the 1950s and early 60s that contained songs intended to explain science concepts to young children. This website has MP3s available for FREE! I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend them! One of these albums, Space Songs, included the song “Why Does the Sun Shine?†which was later covered by They Might Be Giants. But honestly, my favorite is still the original— vintage crackly-record sound and all. La Bella Stella Picasso, That's Who - This CD is fabulous and a great way to introduce some famous artists to early learners. I'm not sure the age of yours kids so it may be a bit young. But this was so fun with my girls that I ended up starting our own mini-unit based around it. Beethoven's Wig is another favorite here. It's a silly way to learn a bit about composers. Gosh-- I could really go on and on. We really do a lot of driving and therefore I utilize a lot of cds to enhance our learning. Don't forget the fun of good ole fashioned books on tape too. I'll keep thinking, because I know I am forgetting others, and will update as it comes to mind. Hope this helps!

I am using SOTW differently since we joined our local CC co-op. I LOVE the CC timeline cards so I scanned and shrunk them so I could make a chronological showcase of them on our wall using a clothesline approach. Now in addition to our normal CC memory work and history lesson, I have my girls take turns picking a timeline card off this and then finding the corresponding chapter(s) in SOTW to read aloud. Maybe you can do something similar?

As my kids are young, I haven't experienced a non-interest in read alouds yet. I really really hope to continue it as long as possible so I don't know what to do if I experience what you are... but maybe you can switch around read aloud. Do it at a time when he is occupied anyway... I have a friend who reads to her teen age sons while they eat. Breakfast time, snack time, and lunch time. She'll read a chapter or so. Now this does mean she has to eat her own breakfast and lunches before or after them but she says its worth the inconvenience because they listen to her without complaint while they are stuffing their faces. LOL Maybe trying to incorporate read aloud time more into their day instead of making it it's own thing would be worth a shot before you quit it completely.

I'm struggling with SM too but for some different reasons-- first off, I am NOT mathematically savvy AT ALL. I struggle teaching even at an elementary level of it. My brain releases all these -- what the heck is the opposite of endorphins?? --- whatever if it is - it's like a mini-depression. I love the idea of the Singapore approach and hoped I would be able to manage if I used the HIG; but even with a daily reliance on the HIG- I'm struggling. A In any event, I just blogged about my frustrations and fears here and have gotten some interesting resources in the comments.

I'm thinking pairing this book up with some cute knitted mice would make an awesome gift.

I just stumbled across Mouseton Abbey and wanted to share. Have you guys seen it? I'm know I'm totally buying it for the novelty factor alone but hope my girls like it. :)

I haven't used Memoria Press but wanted to share my Clothesline Timeline. It's been such a boon to our homeschool. I made this using our Classical Conversations timeline cards but you could use any. I just really like seeing the breadth and depth of the timeline in it's entirely.

It's a little late to do now, but I like making photobooks off of Shutterfly. When my husband's father passed away, I used the photos he had on his camera to create a photobook for my MIL. She loves it and literally travels with it. Since then I have made her books with pictures of my kids but this is the first year I really just didn't have time. I am hoping to make one for her in January or so and just surprise her later with one.

I can't really be of much help since I don't really use a packaged curriculum but I wanted to wish you luck. Also, keep in mind you can always tweak curriculum at home to suit your family's needs. My family is rather secular but we are utilizing and loving our local Christian co-op - Classical Conversations. I did a blog post entitled Can My Secular Family Utilize Classical Conversations - I realize you are not in the same boat but you can see how materials and resources can be adjusted to fit your lifestyle and beliefs.

I'm jumping in a bit late but I am a huge advocate for exposing children to classical music in a variety of forms. I am particulary keen on getting my girls out to hear things live. Live music just stirs the soul so much more than listening off a CD. But we do have lots of classical CDs as well. Most of the ones were already mentioned on this thread. In any event, you might like some of my previous blog posts. I hope you find them helpful. -Classical Coloring - a way to interject coloring and classical music in one stroke. -Review on Maestro Classics for Young Children - We adore this series! -Our experience with Beethoven's Wig - We really had a stellar experience with these. We've tapered off a bit from listening to them as we seem to gravitate towards the actual pieces now but these silly introductions really worked well for my kids. -7 Tips for instilling a love of classical music in your children - including ways to try to see live performances -Giving Your Child Their Very OWN symphony (kind of) - a fun way to personalize music for your kids -Children and the Opera

I agree.. The books don't follow the story -- or even tell a story-- it's more a book of one liners and SW related jokes. Funny for a fan but nonsensical for someone who hasn't seen the movies.

For a Star Wars fan, can it ever really be too big?! LOL

I can't guarantee if you win that I'll be able to get it to you in time for Christmas. But I would love one of my hive friends to win these Star Wars novelty comic books! http://www.teachingstars.com/2013/12/18/giveaway-set-star-wars-comic-books-darth-vader-son-vaders-little-princess/

The iHomeschoolNetwork has hosted a 40 days of Christmas Giveaways that ends in one GIANT grand prize of all their prizes together PLUS a $400 gift card. Only 14 hours left to enter! http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/day-40-2013/

Isn't tomorrow the anniversary of the Newtown shooting too? Urgh. Wonder if that played a role in it?

Today Amazon has a $51 Swingline laminator on SALE for only $13.99. I already have an older 3M laminator but I'm tempted to get this as a back up. In any event, Swingline also has the laminating pouches on sale. A 100-pack normally $49 but on sale for $9.89 (80% off!). I'm getting them to add to my pile of supplies for the upcoming school year. :)

Also, be sure to check the Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op before you buy anything. Depending on what you get you could save by going through them. (The co-op is FREE to join and regularly has awesome discounts on curricula and resources.) They currently have a group buy on Jim Weiss audio CDs. I just picked up 10. :) And yes, it was hard to choose which ones I wanted.. :) However, if you want MP3's it's cheaper through Amazon. I