I used RSO Earth and Space and found it really lacking. I was shocked because it was so highly recommended. There was very little information (my kids already knew most of it) and the experiment kit was very expensive and still didn't include everything. The experiments (especially the weather ones) often didn't work very well. I haven't used their bio so I can't comment on that, but I would never buy another one of their products again. My kids really LOVED NOEO Bio I when we did it a couple of years ago. I cannot recommend that program enough. I have never used Elemental Science, but have heard good things.

I am in my third year as well and finally feel confident about our homeschool. We have gotten into a groove and I am much more relaxed. Doesn't it feel great?

I have read E.D. Hirsch's book The Knowledge Deficit. Honestly, i don't have a problem with him. He basically states that there is just common knowledge that we all need to have as a society. It is common for kids to learn the same things every year because the teachers haven't discussed what the kids have already learned (like they could do plants every year). I see his point. That said, the Common Core doesn't really have content standards (which is Hirsch's whole point). There is no mandate to learn about the War of 1812 in second grade or birds in fourth grade or anything of the sort. So, I wouldn't be suspect of this program based solely on that. Good luck in your decision!

My son didn't like Singapore because in the first grade books, you have to do a lot of counting when learning addition and subtraction. It really frustrated my son to have to count birds. Also, he really didn't like all the pictures. He thought it was babyish. I think it is a solid program and really would work for most people. However, it just wasn't a good fit for us.

My son is just now starting to be able to read cursive after a year of writing it. Honestly, he still struggles, especially when he isn't familiar with the word. I am thinking about getting Montessori movable cursive alphabet to help him build his own words. I am starting cursive with my daughter in first grade and this is one of my main reasons.

That's really interesting! That explains why he sounds so Catholic so much of the time. The random Protestant comments probably stem from his upbringing.

We use Right Start and Miquon in combination and they are a perfect combo. Miquon gives the practice that RS lacks. Plus, sometimes my kids understand better with the abacus and sometimes with the rods.

Did he convert to be Orthodox? When I talked to him a couple of years ago he was telling me about the Evangelical Church that he was raised in.

I wish I could draw on here. I wouldn't diagram it as \Sara's, but as \(of)__Sara_____

I think it is because it is the dog of Sara so when you diagram it, Sara is a noun. I'm no grammar expert though so following!

Different perspectives are always interesting! The Protestants at Circe (and other classical Protestants) often quote Catholic books. I'm pretty sure that Desiring the Kingdom is a Protestant book, but I haven't read it. Kern is definitely Protestant although he often does sound very Catholic (except when he definitely doesn't...lol).

I agree with this. I think there is a lot of truth in Circe and that is attractive to Catholics. Also, I think they are trying to return to a true Classical education which really is a Catholic education at heart. There are plenty of Catholics at the conferences (speakers and attendees) as well. However, the main speakers are definitely Protestant.

I ended up ordering LFC. I am going to compare the two and decide what to do. I guess my oldest gets to be the guinea pig. :lol: I will have the one I don't choose to use for sale on these boards so get excited for a good deal. :hurray:

I'm Catholic and the Protestant flavor of it all really turns me off. I've been to two of their conferences and, while I loved them, there were several talks that were openly anti-Catholic. That said, I love a lot of their ideas and their views on education so I can look past it (although there was one talk I walked out of). I think true Classical education can be for everyone, regardless of your faith or lack thereof.

My husband was against it as well, but it was just kindergarten and my oldest is really smart so he was willing to do it for a year. Now he is completely pro-homeschooling. I really suggest going to a homeschool conference if you can. It is nice to meet the normal people at those conferences and to attend the talks. Also, maybe you can attend some local homeschool events. It was very shocking to me the first time I was around a lot of homeschooled teenagers who were friendly, sweet, and engaging. It is smart to think through this decision carefully, but I hope that you can keep an open mind during the process. Best of luck.

I already purchased LC1, but now I am starting to consider LFC1 for my rising 3rd grader. I like the notation they use (it is the standard notation) and I like that they make use of a Latin reader early on. Can anyone compare the two programs? I will definitely be using Henle Latin starting in 6th or 7th grade. Thanks!

I just ordered from them last week. Bummer!!!

My 3 year old loved Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Honestly, at that age, kids just need to be read to...A LOT. Read a lot of high quality picture books with beautiful artwork. Snuggle on the couch. Avoid the television and give him toys that are open ended and that require imagination. Play outside a lot. Just enjoy this time. There is plenty of time for curricula later.

Yes. There is a lot more variety in the larger sets.

I used FF1 before moving into Henle for my own personal study of Latin. I was frustrated by the change in notation. They use stress marks for LC1 and the First Form Series, but standard notation in Henle. I wish that I had just learned the Henle notation from the beginning. Is it easier for kids to make this transition than it was for me? Does anyone know the reason for the difference? When I looked at samples from Latin for Children, they use the same notation as Henle.

My kids (2nd, K, and preschool) are enjoying Mara Pratt's American History Stories. It is not Catholic, but it is not anti-Catholic (at least not that I have found). The readings are short. We read them during breakfast so the kids hands are busy and they listen better. We also do coloring sheets sometimes while I read for my littles. For some reason, my littles pay much more attention and get more when they are eating or coloring. I supplement with picture books. Here is a good list.

I am very prone to sloth and to laziness so I make my own boxes to check. Every week, I give a schedule for each child and they check each box when they are done. We also have a family checklist and a Morning Basket (circle time) list. I think the key for me is to be reasonable with my list and then to stick with it. Of course, you need some flexibility because life happens, but we tend to finish our lists every week. It gives me the accountability I need and the kids know what to expect so they are easier to deal with as well. It takes me about 30-45 minutes to plan each week, but it is worth it to me. Best of luck!

I think he should master every skill before moving on. Just be patient because it will probably take him longer than you think. It is going to be a transition. I hope everything goes well! Congrats on your decision!

It sounds like I do what you do! We read a poem every day. I do take some care in picking them out (based on the season or animals they like or whatever). We don't discuss it much at all. Sometimes I ask the kids to narrate the poem (they actually say some interesting things). Usually we just read it and move on. We were doing really well with memorization, but I lost our memory box and everything fell apart. :banghead:

That is so good to know that D is less mom intensive. I think the problem is that I am really pregnant and on bedrest and these drawing lessons are just about killing me! I actually just put RS C away and we will do it again after the baby comes. I agree that you should take your time with RS B. I usually spend close to two years on RS B. It is so chock full. I absolutely love it!