We are using both Apologia and the Sl Science. I felt even though Apologia is excellent, it is focused on one theme and I wanted at least exposure to different science topics too. SL is easy to add those other topics, but you can do that with just library books.

Is this one she is making on her own or can you get the templates? Would love a link if possible.

I agree with the pp. If it is a creative writing assignment and she is writing creatively then I would let it go but also treat the writing as I would an other piece of writing for school.

If you call and ask, they will supply you with one.

I agree with the run away fast advice. And want to add, if in the future you are considering schooling another child not your own, get the details in writing and signed. (i learned the hard way this lesson)

I agree with the above and want to add...of the two, BJU literature is far more interesting and engaging the Abeka, even at the K and 1st level. BJU will go into all the literary vocabulary as well as teach about reference books and other things.

Just a quick note on this. Yes, the new versions are wonderful compared to the older versions, however. BJU K-6 math is teacher intensive and the program is written this way. Grades 7 -9 new versions are more student lead and even though the TM has teaching it is more for a school setting and not really needed unless you the parent need it in order to assist. The student books are geared to promote self learning. I have not seen the newer grade 10 book so I can not comment on this. Naturally the transition between grade 6 and 7 needs some hand holding but just thought I would let you know why. BJU is very solid math. It does break down some in the Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre Cal but they are rewriting these (as they did with pre algebra and algebra) and if they continue on the same path these rewrites will be excellent.

That depends on the book you use. With ES, I found you do not have to use the book they mention, as long as the topic for the day is the same you can use anything you want. I don't think it is mentioned in the grammar stage, what I mean is mentioned for study...if the book you use mentions it then it will be there and how it is presented will be up to you

We have been listening to the 2nd PJ book in the car. Dd is realy enjoying this series and it was what got my ds interested in mythology. He has done an extensive study on the subject and for his 10th grade year we used Classical Mythology and More for his LA and Latina Mythica for his Latin work. Honestly I do not consider books like PJ or HP twaddle, both are intricately written. Even books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid can have take away value...it inspired my dd to write a book (in similar style). Your idea of literature inspiring the history you study is interesting. You must write more about this when you get things going.

Same here...just got it last week and it looks wonderful. Funny thing is dd is already doing 2 sciences (Sl Science D and Apologia Flying Creatures) so I have no idea when we will use it but I just had to get it because it looked too good to not get.

ES iS one of the easiest science curriculums I have found. It takes 15 mins or less on average. Simply read the page or 2 page spread in the book listed or choose a book of your own, as long as the topic is the same any book can be used, then your child narrates a sentence or 2 that he either writes in the notebook or you write, cut out the picture provided and add to narration or draw your own. That is it for daily work. Once a week is an experiment using normal household items. We added in library books and RSO only because we like science and dd wanted more experiments...but just ES by itself is fine.

It is one meal...healthy or not...and on one should judge you if you fix it more then once. And as you said, add some fruit or veggie to go with it and enjoy being able to do this for him.

As for testing, your child is very young, science requirements for that age are very little. I would look at potential states you might more to and see what they require. You can even wait to you move and then just do a few lessons to cover the basics of the requirements. We use 2 different sciences, Apologia for in depth science and SL for a general science overview. I also have a basic list of skills needed for each grade level and add in some library books to cover what isn't covered in what I am using. With the new Apologia Chemistry/physics book coming out and the promised Geology one coming out in another yr or two, I feel the Apologia books cover quite a wide range of subjects but at a much deeper level. As the child gets older more then one Apologia book can be done in a year.

We are also using the notebook and the Journey through learning Lapbook (this is wonderful, I tried the Apologia Lapbook from Rainbow Resources last year and it too messy and costs more). We are creating a lapbook for each chapter. The Journey Through Learning Lapbook tells you where to find the answers for the lapbook piece and where to place the piece on the lapbook. I will be taking the pages from the notebook for each chapter and attaching it to the back of the lapbook with metal brads...so all the info from chapter 1 will be together, chapter 2 will be together and so on. At the end of the chapter I use the lapbook to review. Most of the answers are inside little booklets so I can point to a piece and ask a question then she can lift the flap and see if she gets it right. Some people will use the lapbook pieces in their own notebooks instead of on a folder. This is good for older students who wll be recording more info. The lapbook piece might contain an outline of facts but the notepage has a more detailed description.

First of all we all have moments of flip flopping or going with the wind in regards to our homeschooling. I recently started blogging but prior to that I kept notebooks. Several ongoing ones. There is 20 years worth of going to and fro, of curriculum I sung high praises about only a few weeks later walked away from. I have lists of curriculum I plan on buying only to look back at it and think 'What was I thinking". Now instead of notebooks to record the homeschool life here I am using the blog. If you want perfect homeschool stories, read the homeschool magazines. If you want real life homeschool read and write bloggs that are not all sunshine and roses and jump about with curriculum. Each child is different and each child is changing. What looked good or was actually good at the beginning of the year might not be working halfway through. It happens.

Okay, I found this when I went looking. It has it listed as the White Side and the Dark side. http://www.philipcop...m/starwars.html But I am still searching. ETA; Found this in Wikipedia "The Force has a "Dark side", which feeds off emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, lust, and hate, but the Jedi are only supposed to use the Force for peaceful purposes.[3] The series' villains, the Sith, embrace the dark side in order to seize power.[4] The Jedi's compassionate and selfless use of the Force has come to be known by inference as "the light side", although that term is not used in the films. So another score for The Light Side. ETA : Found this source http://starwars.wiki.../wiki/The_Force Light Side again.....I think this is the winner, but I still think it needs a cooler name.

But don't they all, Jedi and Sith, have the force? Because young Anikin had the force and was a Jedi turned bad. So the force is not a side...right. Isn't the Way of the Jedi sort of a code of conduct...like chivalry and the knights?

You have Darth Vader and the Dark side and then you have the ........what? What is the opposite of the Dark Side? The Light Side? That would be lame.

Well the realtor is on a 3 week vacation. She will be getting a good bye email this week. We need a house BEFORE we sign a new lease. Waiting 3 weeks for her to return will not work. We went looking at open houses yesterday and one of the agents we talked to impressed us. He mentioned, in passing, things he does with potential buyers that the realtor lady never did with us....simple things like email a list of houses in our price range. I think he will receive an email this week right after I send the other one a dismissal.

Can you ask more then one realtor to help you find a house? I have one lady helping us but I just found a good number of houses in our price range in the area we want that she has not shown us. I did not sign any thing with this lady so can I have several people looking for me?

Yes, but books under the name J.D Robb are a series and should be read in order. Books under the Nora Robert name are individual novel (with the exception of her few trilogies) and could be read in any order.

If you are going to be buying a Wii I would buy the Wii U. Why spend money on something that is an older version if the newer one does all the older one did plus more. Just my opinion. and the new Wii games coming out will be for the WiiU.

I would talk with your husband and tell him why you do not want him to watch the children...the TV thing. Then come up with a compromise. Some TV time won't ruin your children, pick shows that have some redeeming qualities to them. i would then come up with things they should do when tv time is over. Maybe he can teach some science and art while you work. I would not rule out your husband as babysitter while you work part time.

But why the shame? Why do people feel the need to be embarrassed or ashamed of the fact they read romance novels. I know the very first one I read I snuck it out the library. Yep...under my shirt, I was so embarrassed (I worked in the library at the time so I knew how to get by the security and I did not keep the book, brought it back a day later...snuck it in the same way). No one was going to see me with a romance book. Eventually I realized it was no ones business but mine what I read so now I don't care. BUT why? I even had someone a yr or 2 back make a comment when they found out I read romance books that push the edge, the person said something along the lines of "But I thought you were an intellectual". Grrr.