Okay, step back and look at your first example. If you used "all" the factors, you would have LCD = 2x2x2x3x5x2x2x2. But you don't need the second set of three x2s because you already have them in there. Step forward and look at the second one - the one you are having problems explaining. - You need ONE 3 because of the 3 and 6 (2x3). (Don't need an _extra_ 3.) - You need TWO 2s because of the 4 (2x2). You don't need a third 2 because the needs of the 6 are covered with the 3 you already have and one of the 2s you needed due to the 4. If you needed ALL the factors (3x2x2x2x3=72), you would just be multiplying all the denominators together (3x4x6=72). But, you want the "least" common one (3x2x2=12), so you don't need the factors that are common to the others. Does that explanation help any?

We are doing Astronomy right now and it works ok for us. The kids wish I would do more experiments with them. I believe Apologia will probably have an Earth Science book out at some point. Someone other than Jeanne Fullbright (author of the Astronomy/Zoo/Botony books) is scheduled to write one on Physics & Chemistry (not sure if these are going to be separate or together?). Mrs. Fullbright did announce she is writing an Anatomy book that should be out by next school year. I have a do-it-myself earth science program for next semester. I never did find a good earth science book (spine) or curriculum. I don't plan on using the other Apologia books at this point.

I don't use either, so this is mainly a bump. However, I didn't buy the manipulatives for A Beka because if I need them, I make them or use something around the house. We use real money (change jar) when we do money. We use toothpicks for counting sticks. Being the nutritionally-challenged mom that I am, we sometimes cut up food (granola bars or candy bars being the kid's favorites) when introducing a fraction. I did finally break down and buy a geared clock as I was tired of reseting my watch after clock practice. ;-) On the other hand, I have a friend who uses MUS/Saxon and she swears by the manipulatives she bought. Hope someone else can help.

Thanks to all who took the time to reply. I'm glad to hear I can start with GWG 3 w/out going through 1/2 as that will be easier on the pocketbook. :) The post explaining _how_ you actually use the program was helpful as well as the opinion on not using it alone. I have awhile to think about it before next year, obviously, but am encouraged by the posts. Thanks again.

SWR = Spell to Write And Read It is a language arts program that teaches spelling and is very phonics and rules-based. I used 100 Easy Lessons with my first and she was able to struggle through reading when she got done. Her reading took a huge step up after over a semester of SWR. I don't necessarily recommend SWR to everyone as it has a huge learning curve (for the teacher, not for the kid). As much as you are feeling pressured, I echo others. Read to him and don't pressure him to read himself. I went so far as to read every single written instruction on every single math worksheet and test to my kid until she finally told me she didn't need me to read it unless she specifically asked (which took until just this month!). Be patient. I know I 'hated' to read until I hit a certain age and then there was no stopping me. (Even with the four kids, I can still squeeze in my own reading nowadays. But mostly only in the bathroom!:tongue_smilie:) Good luck! Chin up!

I've looked at a lot of the threads on here about grammar programs. I am leaning towards Growing with Grammar because I want a "solid" program to do next year with my to-be-3rd grader. She is pencil-phobic, so I don't want it to be writing-intensive and I'd like at least ONE of my curriculum choices to be something I don't have to teach her the whole time. So, what are your likes AND ESPECIALLY dislikes about Growing with Grammar? Also, the grammar we will have done up to this will have been very loose, unformal grammar in the enrichment exercises of our spelling program (SWR). Should I get GWR 1/2 and breeze through it before starting GWG 3? Or, can I just get GWG 3 and it will offer some review/ramping up at the beginning? Thanks!

We use Spell to Write & Read (SWR) for Language Arts. I'm not doing a formal "writing" program. It seems to be a gentle approach to grammar which is all I think is necessary in 2nd grade. My oldest dd is definitely "pencil phobic," so if we write our narrations, I do that for her. She does very little writing outside of SWR and learning cursive with Cursive First. Suits us fine.

I just ordered the workbook - not the text. I have 1b & 2a for my K-level daughter.

I used A Beka Math 1 last year & definitely recommend that you, the teacher, get the homeschool curriculum/lesson plan book ($35, if I remember correctly). I wouldn't get the teacher's manual. I wasn't sure if I needed it but am VERY glad I got it. It explains what to review & how to teach the lesson/concept that day. I don't do all the activities or every single review item. I haven't purchased the extras they sell - I make our own supplemental material or buy the $1 flashcards vs. their massively priced ones. But I would definitely recommend the lesson plan book for the younger math levels.

:iagree:We do nothing "special" for preschool. They can hang out while I do the upper kids work or play with toys on their own. I read lots of books outloud. Kindergarten is "fun" in our house - with only a very light hands-on Math & a Learn-to-Read class daily that are required. Otherwise, they get to pick a few subjects to do each week. (Oldest picked cooking & building. #2 picked art & sewing.) I'm not a hands-on crafty type. And I'm a bit of an ecletic when it comes to curriculum. I also have all little ones (7 & under) so, take it with a grain of salt.

How comfortable are you with teaching math? If you feel you know math pretty well and that your daughter would be able to handle a fast-moving program, I suggest A Beka. With no formal math program last year, I started my (turned six-year-old in Nov) DD with A Beka 1. It seems to move very quickly and does have a lot of review/drill that you can pick & choose from. I would suggest not getting the Teacher's Manual and instead get the homeschool curriculum book. It provides daily lesson plans. I recently had my daughter complete the Saxon math placement test (K-3) just for fun. It said I should start her on Saxon 3. That echos the thoughts of many here that suggest starting Saxon 1 in K (Saxon 2 in 1st, Saxon 3 in 2nd). My homeschooling neighbor and her (also six-year-old) daughter blew threw Saxon K in a couple of months. I am going to look into Singapore for my younger daughter (turns 5 this summer) as I have read it is more workbook-y and not as rigorous. She isn't as strong in math skills and I want to help her have a good base going into 1st (where I plan on again using A Beka 1).

I once had a homeschool mother of 7 tell me that if my child didn't seem to "get" what we were doing with reading to back off for a few months. Just like potty training, there is something in their brain that just "clicks" when they are ready to put everything together for reading. I know you didn't say that she has trouble doing it, just that she resists. There must be a reason she's throwing a tantrum. I won't psychoanalyze it. But, I'd leave off for a couple of months. Now, that doesn't mean that I wouldn't tease her a bit. . . . I've been known to stop reading aloud in a book at the end of a chapter and then read silently to myself one more chapter - making sure the kid knows I am doing it. This makes her SO MAD because SHE wants me to read it to her. I will then hand it to her and she can read it to herself. I don't do it a lot, but it helps increase the desire to read without you actually pushing it. And, I can't say enough good things about Spell to Read and Write. It is a tough start for a teacher, but we've achieved flight altitude and are gliding along nicely! We used 100EL last year (all 100 lessons) but DD6 still struggled to read "fluently." This year, using SRW, she has just taken off in her reading ability. When she wants to, she'll stop fighting you. IMO, the more you push, the more she'll fight. I swear potty training & learning to read are similiar in so many ways! Good luck!

You are WAAAAY more brave than I am. I have the playdoh way up high in a closet and don't get it out very much. A few of the things suggested look like what I have in mind, so I appreciate it. So many of the things out there are pricey and have more than what I have time/want to do, but I do want her to have fun in K. She has requested coloring, painting, etc. but if I don't have some sort of 'idea generator', I won't actually get around to letting her do art. Thanks!

Does anyone know of a good book that has different art activities for 5-7 yr old age groups? My daughter really wants to do something 'arty' for kindergarten and I am not at all this type of person. I am looking for something with 20+ activities possibly including watercolor, painting (with acrylic?), drawing, clay (playdoh?), etc. I am not really looking for "other craft" things in the book but, of course, it is okay if they are included. Thanks in advance.

In Nebraska this year, there has been a bill introduced (LB 1141) to mandate homeschooler testing each year, including a "pretest" before your child starts the first year. If the testing doesn't show enough progress, the bill would require you to enroll your child in an "accredited" (public or private) school. There are other parts to the bill (including that the parents pay for the testing or an 'assessment' of the student's work). It would be helpful to have updated testing in a study like the one you describe. So, if you do participate, thank you in advance! We think this bill will fail, but are assured there will be future legislation like this next year and the year after or until it passes.