Cynthia, Thanks SO much for your post - very helpful!!! It makes sense. I knew I was missing something! LOL! If you could answer a few more questoins that would be great- 1)Did your ds read the geometry book BEFORE watching the DVD or after or not at all? 2)From your post, you ds didn't work all the problems in the exercise. Last year when we did Lials Algebra 1, I simply had dd work the odd problems- I'm guessing from your email, it's not that simple... ? I just read on the CD website they recommend for Geometry doing all the problems (not all the proofs) 3)Did you have your ds do all the review exercise problems & Chapter Test problems? 4)Also on the CD website it recommends watching the DVD twice the 2nd day - to solidify concepts. Ever need to do this? Thanks SO much for your help! Sangita

I'm looking into literature guides for 8th grade. My dd will be studying Middle Ages/Renaissance/Reformation. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Smarr Lit guides? specifically their Medieval & Early Renaissance guides - Is 8th grade too early to start? - Any likes/dislikes? - Is it a good program that teaches literary analyis? I noticed there were also writing exercies - are these good? Thanks for any help you can give

I know this post was from a few months ago, but wondering if anyone has tried combining MOH II with BF Medieval Guide... I'd like to do something like this in the fall, but not quite sure how to implement? Cindy did you get an answer from BF? Thanks for your help!

I recently bought Chalkdust Geometry (new version) used from the Sale & Swap board. I had a few questions- 1) The book, solutions manual and DVDs came with no syllabus or sheet telling me how to get started etc. Can someone tell me how they impletment CD Geometry? Is it simply watch the DVD to the end of a section, do the problem set, then move on to watch the next section on the DVD and so on? 2) The text book starting on page 3 there is a small book icon with "SSG" written inside it. Below it are "Ex 1 - 7". I can't find a reference to SSG anywhere in the book or solution manual. Does ANYONE know what the SSG means? 3) Do you set aside 10 months to complete the text" Thank you all for helping e out on this:)

Michelle, Thanks for your post!! I feel like I'm not alone feeling this way! So, did you read the books you read the GB books ahead of dc? Or while she was reading them? Also, looks like you used Omnibus, how did that go? Did you use it online or not? Also, what writing curriculum did you use in 8th and on to hs? I feel though my dd likes to write (in particular creative writing) she is week in essays, expository, persuasive. She needs to mature her writing. Any thoughts or advice on this? Thanks for the book suggesting (Reading like a prof, and Well Educ Mind). I will definately read them...! I can use all the help I can get! LOL! Thanks again for your advice, Sangita dd(13), dd(11), dd(8), ds(5)

Hello all! Our oldest dd is starting 8th grade in the fall, so I'm finalizing curriculum plans for her and other dc, so while I'm planning I'm looking ahead to high school and trying to lay out a "general" plan for it as well. We follow a wtm methodology for history (4 yr cycle), but frankly Great Books scare me! I haven't read all those classics and dd really needs to mature her writing for all the essays (I've been looking at Omnibus, Great Books tutorials online, and WTM). From posts I'm read on this board, and some of my other friends are following a traditional history plan (using Notgrass, BJU or whatever). Feel like *I* am more in my comfort zone dong this (the way I did when I was in hs)...LOL! I'd like to know what are the benefits of doing a GB study as opposed to a traditional route?? The GB books look great, but I am concerned about dds ability and my ability!!! LOL! Any advice you can give would be SO helpful! :)

FloridaLisa, I read your post and was wondering what GB tutorial do you use?? I'm looking into these right now and it would be very helpful to get some advice... thanks!

OhElizabeth, Thanks for the post. I'll look at CLP Middle Ages - didn't know it existed! Also, about VP - O2, not sure yet. I'd *like* her to do the online - less pressure on me! LOL! Yet, on the other hand, I don't think she'll be able to keep up. She never taken an online class and she is 13 (minimum age of O2). Also, there is no writing instruction, but essays are (of course) required. We done a LOT of summaries, some outlining, but very little essay writing, more of polishing up paragraphs (using proper tense, grammar, vivid words etc). On the flip side, if she did O2 at home, I'm reading many posts that say parent should read all the books ahead of time. I will be honest here, I don't think I will be able to keep up, and discuss with her, and teach the other 3 kiddos... Also, my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer last year- Praise the Lord he is one-year clear, but just don't know the future.... if there is another mass, I will need to shift my priorities... Also, my husband has been on disability since his surgery,so we have to be very careful where we spend our $$$... YKWIM (he just started working 3 hrs a day in July - PTL!) Have any of your dc taken O2 online or VP scholars?? Just wanted to know if you had experience with it. Also, do you plan to do Great Books in hs? Just wondering the benefit of it as opposed to doing something traditional like Notgrass?? Can you tell I'm confused!! Thanks for taking the time to respond and give me advice Sangita dd(13) -8th, dd(11) -6th, dd(8) -3rd, ds(5) - K!!

Donna & Julie, Thanks for your posts about MFW. I guess I figured since my older dds (13) & (11) have already read SOTW and I don't care too much for Streams of Civ, I'd want to add another spine and I'd be modifying the curriculum (like I always seem to do! LOL!) then might as well look for something that I wouldn't need to tweek... But, I will take another look at MFW, I had forgotten it used Caesar Augustus' World. Thanks so much for the advice.

Abbeyej, Thanks for the post about HO. I saw the samples online and it seems like every day they are doing outlining... seems very repeatitive. Do you plan to use HO as is for outlining or adding in some thing else. Also, I wanted to use Famous Men as well, how are you adding this in? - thanks for your help on this! Also, can you explain to me how you will do Shakespeare? We really haven't done too much and I'd love to hear what you do with your dc. My oldest dc did LL 7 last year, so this year we may do LL 8 or CLE 800, not sure. I've heard CLE is very good as well at LL. Anyway, how are you scheduling the additional literature books? Are you going to have dc simply read or will you have her also do narration/summary of the book?? Oldest dc will be in 8th grade, so I am also looking into Omnibus or online Great Books tutorials, most of these start in 8th grade, but the work load looks like a lot. I don't know if dd is ready for all the reading, essays, exams. Yet, at the same time it will prepare her for hs. But, anyway, most tutorials start with Ancients that we studied last year, I was hoping we could pick the middle ages to start, but GB covers specific time periods for each year. (does this make sense?) I'm trying to decide whether to continue w/the middle ages or try omnibus or great books... lot to think about... Sorry to ramble. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Sangita dd(13), dd(11), dd(8), ds(5)

Jackie, I sent you a PM - Thanks

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I didn't know there was a CW online class - where can I find out about this? So, if I did omnibus II, sounds like I should be reading the books are well, I'm just concerned I won't be able to keep up (LOL!) along with teaching the 4 kids.... But, its something to think about. Does your dc do any outlining w/Omnibus? Do you do the comprehension Q's & thining Q's orally? (sorry you may have already posted this above - I can't remember) Also, do you think my 11 yo (6th grader, 12 in Nov) will be able to follow along, or will she be lost?? It would be *easier* if they did the same thing. But... I don't want her to be totally lost either... Thank you for your thoughts- I have a lot to consider.:confused: Sangita dd(13), dd(11), dd(8), ds(5)

We're starting up the middle ages for logic stage and wondered what have others used? I'd like to use real books along with classic literature (like Beowuf, Shakespeare plays, Canterbury Tales, etc). I'd also like to find a curriculum rather than putting one together myself LOL! I've already looked at BP (seems like it jumps around), MFW (don't care fore streams of civ), TOG year 2 (it seems to go very fast thru' the renaisance and reformation and onto colonial america), WP (looks good, but, costly) Any curriculum out there that uses Christine Miller's books (Story of the Middle Ages etc) Also would like to ANy thoughts? Help... thanks so much!!

Kim, Thanks for your reply. Perhaps I need to piece something together myself (again!). What you wrote in your 1st paragraph is exactly what I'm looking for history that uses classics for lit! When you download "decent descriptions and tips on writing the various types of essays" what did you search on? T hanks for telling me about CLE, dd used it for reading in 6th grade then she did Lightning Lit in 7th, originally I was planning for her to do LL 8 this fall, then I started looking at Omnibus II and changed my mind, now I'm not sure.... I'm confused... dd has used R&S English since 3rd grade, so she had a very good base for grammar and diagramming. She'll start R&S Eng 8 next month, so while she as a very strong grammar base, her writing is weak. But she does enjoy writing (a plus!). So, it sounds like you create your own writing curriculum? Is that right? Thanks for your help - lots to think about. Thanks so much, I guess need

Kim, I responded to your post on the K-8 board. - Thanks!!

Heather, Thanks for your post. Do you think 8th is too early to start Ominbus II? Also, how do you like CW? I've heard it's teacher intensive? How do you manage to teach to levels of CW along with teaching everything else? I'd love to hear how you do it all! Thanks! Sangita dd(13), dd(11), dd(8), ds(5)

Titianmom (Kim), Thanks for your frank post - I appreciate it. I was wondering, what history/lit did you use for your dd in logic stage? My ideal would be that my dd read some of the great books and spend a good deal of time on essays & learn literary analysis (thought provoking, deep questions not just comprehension). But, I haven't the slightest idea how to teach the writing or lit analysis hence omnibus. I thought it might do what I'm looking for - but it looks like a lot for 8th grade. I don't want to take away her love for history... any thoughts or advice? Thanks so much for your response Sangita dd(13), dd(11), dd(8), ds(5)

Musicmom, Thanks very much for the response. It was very helpful. I too wonder if my 8th grader would be able to handle the reading... That's why I've ruled out the VP scholars online class. Then she will have to ready *everything* and probalby be overwhelmed. Does Omnibus cover history as well? I noticed in the VP calalog they recommend Western Civilization by Spielgovel (sp?), but I could tell it the give page numbers in Omnibus to read? Can yoiu clarify this? I also looked at the online sample, the writng assignments seemed to be where student needs to give their opinion and why. My dd hasn't really writiten that type of essays. So, I'm wondering what writing curriculum to use? Any suggestions?? I'm really stuck on this. Yes, I would love to see your list. Feel free to PM me or I can PM you - thanks so much for offering. Lots to think about and decisions to make. Dio your dc do a 4 year history cycle (wtm)? If you did, I'm just curious what did you use for the logic stage for history & lit? - thanks again for sharing...

My youngest dc will be doing K in the fall. I was about to order OPGTR, but then saw VP Phonics Museum in the catalog and it looks really fun! Anyone can give me their opinion on it or which one I should buy?? PM is more expensive and this purchase is for our youngest dc, so no re-use in our family..? Wonder if it's worth the money.. Help advice would be great!!! THANKS :)

:lurk5:

I'm considering Omnibus II for my rising 8th grader (13 yo) in the fall. I'd love to hear opinions about it - likes/dislikes, did you us it as-is or how did you modify? Also, it looks like a lot of reading did your dc get it all done? Does VP supply a schedule to keep you on track? If you didn't do all books which ones were eliminated (i.e secondary sources?)? Can my sixth grader (11 yo soon-to-be 12 in Nov) tag along?? Would this be too much for her? She does love to read, but I know this is heavy reading. One more question, I know VP has an online Omnibus classes - they are pricey, but anyone taken these? Are they worth the $$? One thing with online dd will have to read all the books! Does omnibus cover teach writing? Or are there writing assignments? My dc enjoy writing, we've done summaries, narrative writing, the writing process but haven't done CM style writing before. I want to mature 13 yo's writing. I'd like her to learn how to analyze writing and learn literary analysis. I know this is another post - but any suggestions on writing curriculums that do this? Any insights you can give me would help make my decision. Thanks SO much!

I'm considering Omnibus II for my rising 8th grader (13 yo) in the fall. I'd love to hear opinions about it - likes/dislikes, did you us it as-is or how did you modify? Also, it looks like a lot of reading did your dc get it all done? Does VP supply a schedule to keep you on track? If you didn't do all books which ones were eliminated (i.e secondary sources?)? Can my sixth grader (11 yo soon-to-be 12 in Nov) tag along?? Would this be too much for her? She does love to read, but I know this is heavy reading. One more question, I know VP has an online Omnibus classes - they are pricey, but anyone taken these? Are they worth the $$? One thing with online dd will have to read all the books! Does omnibus cover teach writing? Or are there writing assignments? My dc enjoy writing, but haven't done CM style writing before. I also want to mature 13 yo's writing. Any insights you can give me would help make my decision. Thanks SO much! (I'm also posting on hs board). :)

Chris in VA, Thanks for your post. What curriculum did you use for your dc in hs? Or did you piece something together yourself? Thanks! Sangita

April & Leanna, Thanks for the detailed reply about TOG. They were helpful. There is a TOG co-op locally, but they will be doing year 4 and we are starting year 2. :-( So, I don't want to skip 2 years with all kids (especially Middle Ages which are so fun and action packed). Do either of you use TOG writing? Is it good? I really want to mature my oldest dds writing. Not just continue outlining/summarizing, but go deeper and write her opinion about a character or why the character acted a certain way, more thought questions or critical thinking writing. Does TOG writing do this? Or does it teach the fundamentals of writing (i.e writing strong sentences, good flow & transition etc)? Also, do you think dc will get the full benefit of TOG by not being in a co-op? I just wonder if those discussions will be very deep? (perhaps I'm thinking of this too deeply myself! LOL) Also, does TOG still give a week schedule and you plan what dc should cover for that week? Anyway, sorry to ask more questions, thanks for taking the the post.