Thank you so much!

I agree with this. I alternate IEW with W&R, or MCT writing assignments. I notice that my kids independently apply some of the skills they've learned in IEW. The IEW framework has been very helpful for better organizing the ideas of my oldest dd, who is a natural writer with a strong voice. It is much more difficult for my younger dd, but I am seeing progress.

Thanks for the further responses and review. I decided that I couldn't handle the frustration of possible repeated errors and poor customer service. I have enough of that in other areas of my life right now. (Yes, I'm talking to you, Comcast and Whirlpool!) :glare: I ordered a Plum Paper planner. It isn't as pretty as the EC, but they seem to have more consistently favorable reviews.

Thanks, Lucylu. I'm actually looking at the Life Planner, so your review was helpful. It is nice to know you are getting your third. :) The unlaminated cover of the Plum Paper was one of my concerns. I also love the bright colors of the Erin Condren LP.

I was wondering how you felt about the planner now that you've had it for several months. Are you still as pleased? Do you feel it was worth the money? I'm also curious how your dc's PlumPaper Design planner has held up.

:grouphug: I'm so sorry. I can't imagine. :grouphug:

My oldest showed no signs of working independently until 6th grade. She went from wanting to be by my side all of the time, to working quite independently. It was a drastic change that occurred rapidly. My youngest has always been independent in all aspects of life. She worked independently in 2nd grade, which wasn't always desirable. She'd just keep going and going, even if it was all wrong. Grr. Even now, she shoots ahead in her piano book because she is always trying new, hard things.

I just found this while doing a search on mythology. That was awesome! Please tell your dd I thought it was really well done. The like/dislike feature on the comments was especially funny.

My youngest was 5 or 6 when we read it the first time. She was already used to long chapter books, and enjoyed it immensely. We listened to it on CD, and loved the way the British narrator pronounce "princess". It is interesting that a pp found it creepier than the Narnia books. For my girls, the opposite was true. Dh read the Narnia books to them several years after TPATG, and my oldest was pretty traumatized by it. The younger one was fine with it though.

I'm not sure what to make of the emotional outburst over The Indian in the Cupboard, but I think the other reading issues sound normal. I've noticed most fluent readers substitute small words when reading aloud (the/a/that). Are those the kind of substitutions you are talking about? I've talked to my kids about times exact word choice is important- reading aloud for a running record, poetry, quoting, etc. It doesn't bother me in casual reading situations though. I think sometimes the brain fills in those small words while the eyes are looking ahead. Being able to scan ahead while reading out loud seems to help fluency.

That would be great. I'd buy them, like the audio recordings.

I'm sorry to hear that. It is frustrating, isn't it?

Any word on the streaming option?

I tried that. I've now also indicated that I want to receive notifications at the top of the screen. At least that will catch my attention when I log in.

geodob, Thank you for the tips. Everything in my notifications options indicates I should be receiving email. I'm not sure why it doesn't work. I would have responded to you sooner, but of course the board didn't let me know anyone had responded to my post. :glare: