We do so many activities, that it seems hard to try to fit the library in....I tend to buy a lot of used books, and spend a lot of time at the local thrift stores. I do use the library for their literature, but everything else I like to have on hand. Jen

I really like Math U See. The workbook is plain, but you're using the colorful manipulatives, and are actively involved in math. Check it out. It has really been wonderful! Jen

It looks like you've really put a lot of thought into the school year. Great job! Jen

We like Noeo Science and Real Science 4 kids. Check them out. I like how we can customize the Noeo and go off into other areas of interest without falling behind. Jen

Has anyone used lapbooks from Homeschool in the Woods? I'm wondering how they are... Jen

Does anyone have any advice or programs that they have found particularly helpful for dyslexic kids for reading? My daughter is in 4th grade and still really struggles. Jen

I'm learning to trust that Math U See is getting it right. If I find that my kids need extra work in a certain area, I just go to the website and grab extra pages, or give them a worksheet from a general workbook for the age. It always amazes me how much they really are getting it. Jen

I have this book too, and there it sits. I don't think it's very user friendly at all. I think I need to face facts that this one just didn't work for us. Jen

I think Sequential Spelling is great for really learning how to spell - not just memorizing words. I would also add Word Roots, and dump the monotony of book work in Wordly Wise and Spelling Workout. Jen

Amazon is definately the cheapest. I tried to buy it used for months. No one can beat Amazon.

You might like SRA's Real Math. It's a great program, but very expensive. Sometimes I see it for sale on the boards or on Ebay. It is colorful, but clear. Jen

Has anyone used Tapestry of Grace Redesigned year 1? What do you like and not like about it? What about Writing Aids? Do you need to buy all the books listed if they aren't in your library? What can you substitute and what can't you sub? Thanks! Jen

I've used Sequential Spelling this year with one dyslexic daughter and one daughter with ADHD. We just love it. I usually do two lessons a day, although one is just fine. We usually do one at the beginning and one near the end of the school day. They always need to be at least two hours apart. I just give them the words in a sentence, they try to spell the word, I write the word on the board with two different colored markers to highlight the sounds, and they correct the word. There are usually twenty words per day. It takes me about 10 minutes for each lesson per child. They have learned so much this year! I don't even really know why it works, but it does. No more memorizing words. They are integrating what they are learning into all their writing assignments. It's been a Godsend!

Hi, I have two daughters - one 10 year old with ADHD, math issues, and dysgraphia. The other (9 years old) has ADD, anxiety/ocd, and dyslexia. We have been using the Grammar Ace purchased through Sonlight (FYI-it does not have religious references). It is a very simple grammar program that utilizes Schoolhouse Rock to help teach the concepts. The activities are simple, but have worked well for both of them, and they LOVE grammar. The concepts are sticking, and they even correct me sometimes. I have enjoyed it as well. This is a good BASIC program. Don't expect sentence diagramming, but it does help and is a lot more fun than the torturous programs we tried before. Some of the activities are a little young for the 10 year old, but I just adjust them, and it's fine.