CORRECTION: Grade 5 (?) -- I think it's called "Can-Do" and is available in either manuscript or cursive does NOT have an Instructor Guide. The text is written directly to the student. ;) :iagree:

I used HWoT with my youngest...and we love it! :) For all levels there is an Instructor Guide, a workbook and usually some "extras" like a journal, lined paper, etc. You will need a workbook for each student. The rest is "icing"...

Thank you for all the input...I'll be busy this afternoon checking those programs out. RE: Saxon -- is there a major difference between DIVE and Saxon Teacher? Which do you prefer and why? RE: Chalkdust -- is there a major difference between 5th Edition Set & 2nd Custom Edition? (looking quickly I see that the 5th Ed. is hardbound -- but is the content basically the same?) MUS is "broke" for my youngest...and not necessarily "broke" for my 14 year old, but she isn't being challenged -- even with the Honors Lessons.

Coming from a former TOG Mom, I would purchase books that go with YOUR print edition as you can. Once you've purchased the Year Plan and the books, you shouldn't have to buy them when they go OOP, etc.

BUMPING...for added information. ;)

I always kind of thought that we'd use MUS, but I'm seeing some things that concern me and I'm thinking of changing curriculum, but I don't know what I want to use. I'm hoping the HIVE can help me... Here's the criteria: My 14 year old is thinking about some form of animal science, so I want to make sure she's well-prepared. (a little more "meaty" than MUS) She prefers self-directed courses. (likes DVD/book combinations) She is a good student -- she works hard and learns quickly. (She needs to be challenged...) Any suggestions?? :bigear:

PMing you... :)

Writing Aids shouldn't be a problem...it works with any Year Plan, Classic OR Redesigned. It is a handbook for you, the teacher. Evaluations and Map Aids may work with a little tweaking. I know that Map Aids has been "upgraded" several times. I think Evaluations will work pretty effortlessly. The LOOM shouldn't be sold separately...it is "tied to" the printed Year Plan it was sold with. I believe this is a copyright issue...

Notgrass Exploring Government... :) (Tried Lifepacs for about 1 month...then ditched them.)

This... (Was the plastic seal still on it??)

:iagree:

This is what we've started doing as well...:001_smile:

:iagree: -- have you considered Craigslist? I have found some nice stuff on there for very reasonable prices. (I wouldn't buy "soft, upholstered furniture" but I would definitely look for bunk beds...)

:iagree: -- when we go to large NASCAR events, hockey games, etc. a quick pat down is expected...NOT a big deal. :confused:

Check out "Virtual Homeschool Group . com" (omit spaces) There are at least 2 different TOG co-ops going right now...one is Year 1 and the other is Year 2.

Have you ever considered a virtual co-op?? Just an idea... My 14 year old and I are involved in one at VHSG...we *love* it!! :) I've tried doing the discussions (just her and I) and it didn't work so well.

:iagree: -- If they went ahead with it, I'd probably "bail". ;)

I've highlighted a few things: $40 - 60/hr -- that seems reasonable. (at least where we live...my hubby charges $75/hr) ballpark figure: this is where it gets sticky. My hubby sees situations ALL.THE.TIME. where someone was quoted a "ballpark figure" and then they get the actual bill in the mail. (he recently took a call from a potential client - they had recently been billed over $3000 for a $1200 job.) BE CAREFUL -- ask for a quote IN WRITING. laid off/looking for freelance work: sounds "shaky". I would ask for references and/or a portfolio of other work he has done before I'd hire him to do anything.

:iagree: :iagree:

I think that's a little "steep"...websites can be done for MUCH less $$. Call me cynical: Is there any chance that someone related to the group stands to benefit from this website design job?? (spouse, friend of a friend, etc.)

:iagree: -- although we have a spare fridge in the garage that we use for such occasions. I just checked it before plugging it in and it needs a good cleaning...UGH. (adding that to the "to do list")

I bought my turkey yesterday. :) I'm going to buy a couple more AFTER Thanksgiving to put in the freezer. (My hubby's employer gives everyone a gift card to the grocery store...so we use it to stock up.)

Unless she made a new profile, right?? There's a couple of newbies that I've wondered about...whether they are trolls or not. Possiblility??

Who is this "RechelleUnplugged"?? What planet did she come from?? :glare:

Thanks!! :) (Wished I knew about them before I hit the "pay" button at Amazon.)