My son, age 6, is having some problems with detail recall when listening to a story. We are using WWE Level 1, and he does a phenomenal job with writing and storylining (beginning, middle, and end). However, the more literal detail-recall questions in the workbook have proven difficult for him. Has anyone else seen anything like this? This child is strongly mathematical, and he is very analytical in his thinking.

Are the literary elements and theory discussed within FLL or WWE? We cover quite a bit of comprehension and retelling for our content area subjects, but I wondered whether I was covering literary theory adequately since I am not using a formal "Reading" text. My daughter who is still enrolled in PS covered similes, metaphors, alliteration, and onomatopoeia this year in sixth grade. Is there a need to point out these terms, or is it ok to point out the purpose of this verbiage in read-aloud and independent reading?

Bump!

I am not sure if anyone is interested, but Christianbook.com has the home study kits for less than the advertised price of Rainbow. Just thought I would let you know . . .

Could you please answer this, Susan? I really do want to include the things I need in my curriculum.

Are the literary elements and theory discussed within FLL or WWE? We cover quite a bit of comprehension and retelling for our content area subjects, but I wondered whether I was covering literary theory adequately since I am not using a formal "Reading" text. My daughter who is still enrolled in PS covered similes, metaphors, alliteration, and onomatopoeia this year in sixth grade. Is there a need to point out these terms, or is it ok to point out the purpose of this verbiage in read-aloud and independent reading?

Which do you prefer and why? I am trying to decide which of these programs to purchase, and I would like to know what some of the pros/cons of each program. Thanks for any help you can provide.

I, too, was concerned about this until I found The American Story; this is a book similar to Children's History of the World because it is only one volume. However, it contains about 100 stories of America, and my children really enjoy listening to it. You may want to try it. Amazon sells it.

I know of several sites that your dc could go to . . .

I have daily conversations as we cut anything up for snacks. Here is an example: Me: "Are you ready for your snack?" DS: "Yes, I am starving!" Me: "What would you like?" DS: "How about an apple?" Me: "That sounds ok . . . (taking apple out of fridge)" DS: "Aw, Mom . . . only one?" Me: "Yes . . . we are going to make two pieces out of one apple" DS: "How is that?" Me: "(cutting apple in half and holding one piece in each hand) That is how . . . now, here is one piece of two equal pieces. We write that like this . . . 1 (say piece of as you write the slash) 2 (say pieces). How many pieces like this do you need to make 1 whole apple?" DS: "I don't know . . ." Me: "(putting the pieces back together again) We need two. One piece of two and another piece of two makes a whole." Go around the house doing this with other slices . . . then, begin to show them that 2 pieces of four is the same size as 1 piece of two. Simple!

Do any of you have a schedule of genres for read-alouds? I haven't been doing this, but I thought I might try . . . I have been working on reading various classics and Aesop Fables to the kids, but it struck me that I never read non-fiction. I guess I just looked at it as "mature" material they wouldn't be interested in. Well, I found a series from Scholastic that introduces various types of animals, and the saga began. My kids love these books. So, I am thinking that I will try to do one night of non-fiction, one night of fiction, one night of poetry, one night of fables, one night of tall tales, one night of fairy tales, etc. How does that sound? Does anyone else do something similar?

Though I understand that some kids are not really ready for the subjects mentioned above, I believe my four-year old and Pre-K'r are. My four-year already knows all of his letters, is able to count to 100, can skip-count using two's and ten's, puts 50-75 piece puzzles together with ease, etc. I think he needs the challenge. The WP pre-K program uses play to teach these concepts . . . I really like the activities they suggest. She is able to count to 20 (she turned two in November), knows most of her colors (thanks to reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See so many times she has it memorized), sings umpteen songs from the Wee Sing series from memory, is learning to recognize numbers and letters, knows all of her shapes (including trapezoid--thanks to Tupperware's outstanding shape sorter). I know it will be hard, but . . . I have six kids. Some people thought I couldn't do that either. Ok, you guys helped me tons!!! :) Thanks for your continued support!

Ok, so I have my curriculum for Pre-K (WP's I'm Ready to Learn), K (WP's 1st Science, LLATL Blue and Red (he'll be done with Blue by mid-year--we are working on it now), SOTW Vol. 1, Singapore EarlyBird 2A & 2B, various handwriting texts, LOTS of books, CDs for music appreciation, etc), and for 2nd grade (Apologia's Astronomy, LLATL Yellow, SOTW Vol 1, BJU English and Grammar 2, LOTS of books, CDs for music appreciation, Bible 2 LifePacs, BJU 2 Math, BJU Handwriting 2, BJU Spelling 2, etc). I was so pumped up to get started with next year when I met with "The Look" last night from one of the PS teachers where my 4-year old attends Pre-K currently. Now, I am questioning whether I have the ability to do this . . . I am so scared and nervous. She said, "Why don't you just start with one and see if you can handle that first? We have great kindergarten programs here . . . just let *ds* go to kindergarten here". Please help!

I read your review, and I am interested in the TE from Christian Liberty Press . . . is this the answer key shown on their site?

Just checking for info . . .

I absolutely LOVE taking pics of houses I find attractive. I am often struck by the architecture, the symmetry, the color scheme, or the landscaping of the prospective pics. I have even, on occasion, knocked on a stranger's door to determine whether it was ok to snap :-). I have had a couple of strange looks, but I have never been refused!

Try "Music for Little Mozarts". It is very teachable, and kids tend to like it. Get the Deluxe starter kit, though, because it contains all that you need for a much better price than buying separately.

If you want to start your kids in music, a good option is "Music for Little Mozarts", as long as the characters wouldn't offend your kids. I used this as a primer piano and music appreciation course for mine, and they really enjoyed it. I would purchase the Starter Deluxe kit.

If homeschooling becomes illegal in any state, here are some questions I think should be posed to congress: 1.) Will schools funded by the government now be able to teach Bible/apologetics as an optional course so that those who want to reinforce family values will be able to do so during the school day? 2.) Will parents be able to evaluate the curriculum that should be taught to determine whether it offends their religious practices/beliefs? 3.) If curriculum is determined to be offensive, what power will the parents have to protect their children from this material? Will they have veto or modification power? 4.) Will teachers be available to screen each student, determine their optimum learning style, and modify to that student in a tutoring environment similar to what homeschooling provides? 5.) Will the size of classes within a public school be reduced so that more time is spent teaching per student? 6.) Will specific codes of conduct be enforced that will guarantee no child is left to be bullied? 7.) What steps will be taken to ensure that bullying, drug use, gang interactions, etc don't take away from academic pursuit? 8.) Will the steps taken in question 6 be enough to protect the livelihood of OUR children? 9.) Lastly, will the schools determine that tracking students will once again be legal so that students who have higher potential are able to achieve that potential and students who need more remediation are taught in a supportive, encouraging environment? I often think the people in charge of determining the education requirements for our children are able to afford schooling which the majority of Americans are unable. What happens to the rest of us? I believe each of the parents who choose to homeschool do it after much deliberation over what is most appropriate for their child(ren). How very sad that our government (at least part of it) is trying to say that we don't know what is best for our own kids. Last thoughts . . . how much more family time will be lost when we have to reteach and supplement each subject taught in school so that we are able to give our children the instruction they need? And, how will we handle erasing from their minds the negative ideas that unintentionally enter them?

I, too, have this issue. I have found the Scholastic catalog (not the club pamphlets) to be an excellect resource. This book divides books out by reading level, by grade, by gender, by content area, by age range, and by many other sorts that I can't remember. It is an excellent way to find great books for your blessing! Stephanie

How does this compare? I have been using the Blue Book for this year for my four-year-old, and he has done very well with it. Should I just continue, or do I need a more stringent grammar program?

If so, how do you like it?

I have seen various curriculums that suggest PLL, FLL, and English for the Thoughtful Child. Which do you find to be best and why?

I will be teaching art using Cave Paintings to Picasso and Preschool Art. Any of MaryAnn Kohl's books are really good b/c she stresses the importance of the creative process (not results). She also brings in multiple media. I have found that my kids have usually been able to enjoy at least one of them (which does include the infamous pudding painting!!). If you have a hesitant child, I would definitely suggest one of her books.

If you are still looking for options for Earth Science, you may want to join Enchanted Learning. This is a website FULL of activities that are able to be used. Basically, you would just want to look at any scope and sequence for any of the purchased curriculums. Then, you would use these topics to locate information on the EL sight. They have information that begins at rudimentary and goes up to pretty advanced. This is what I have planned. By the way, suggested activities, questions, quizzes, projects, and experiments are available on this site.