We have used Saxon, MM, Singapore and BJU is the past, but TT has been the best match for us so far.

We are in the northeast in a low/middle income city. My son is taking Kenpo Karate and we pay $83/month. No fees for tests.

Just passing along that the Lightning Lit 4 Field Testing sign ups is open. Info can be found here: https://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Materials/mPreview.aspx?utm_content=buffer168e0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Those look good too! I never knew they had the Horrible Histories as audio ~ that will make my kids very happy!

Those look great! My son specifically asked to learn more about daily life, so those seem like something he will like. Thanks!

I'm looking to add some secular audiobooks to our ancient history next year that we can listen to while in the car. This would be for my 5th and 6th grade kids who will be using Human Odyssey. Any suggestions?

I haven't used any BYL material before, but I have been considering it. I have seen on the BYL Families FB page that many families use the materials for multiple ages. I believe she offers some suggestions on her blog to beef up the lower grades. I'm anxious to see some samples and decide if this is something we can do with our littles as well as middles.

I know that Build Your Library is planning an 8th grade curriculum with Story of Science. You can see her post here: http://buildyourlibrary.com/a-hint-of-whats-to-come-grade-8/It is supposed to be available in July. These are the books she finalized on at her Amazon store . I know that this is a little above your age group, but it may be a starting point ~ and shows that yes, some are using Story of Science as a spine.

We were using it but then I wanted to give LOE a try. After about a month the kids were begging to go back to AAS, so we switched back and everyone is happier for it.

I plan using OneNote, and then transfer onto paper using the Mardel Planner. I put subjects down the side and color code my students in the boxes. For example, in the Math row, each day will have assignments written in orange, blue, purple & green for each child. I find that even with 4 students, I still have plenty of room. I use the column on the far right to list books I need to get from the library or supplies I need for projects that week. It really has everything I need to track our year.

Still working on a couple of things, but here is the plan right now: Math: Saxon 4 Science: He wants a lot of science, so we will be doing both RSO Earth & Astronomy as well as interest driven with hands on activities History: SOTW Ancients Reading/Lit: AAR, FIAR, and a variety of family read alouds Spelling: AAS Writing: Bravewriter Handwriting: He loves cursive and has asked to try Spencerian this year Typing: Typing Instructor PE: BMX racing and BMX stunt team

I think we have next year figured out.... Math: TT 6 Science: Winter Promise Equine Science History: Ancient History using Human Odyssey and SOTW Literature: Mosdos and some books tied to history Spelling: AAS Writing: Bravewriter Art: Ancient Art & the Orchestra from Harmony Fine Arts Computer: Digital Animation from Youth Digital PE: Horseback riding

Another OneNote user here. I like to plan out the year by subject in one notebook and then add assignments to the kid's notebooks on the weekend. They are then able to access it from their computer. This gives me the flexibility that I need, but all the thinking and planning has been done already ;)

My kids enjoyed the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan which follow the Egyptian myths.

My son (a space nut!) loves When We Left Earth for the Apollo missions.

We will be using Exploration Education next year as well and he is so excited!

My 9yo daughter started with using Sketchbook app on her tablet and youtube videos. I was impressed with all she could do, so for Christmas she got a Wacom pen tablet to use on the computer and her skills have really grown. She has done a bit with Khan animation and we plan on using Youth Digital Animation this fall. There really are so many options out there, but right now we are just following her lead.

We have been using A Fresh Approach Algebra 1 this year and I'm really happy with it. We will probably be going on to Geometry and Algebra 2 with this same author.

The Reading Lesson. It's the only reading program that has worked for my son.

Not sure if you would be interested, but Build Your LIbrary is planning on using the Story of Science books for her 8th grade curriculum. Here is a blog post about it: http://buildyourlibrary.com/a-hint-of-whats-to-come-grade-8/

No, the book we will be using is different. It's the 400 pg Usborne Internet Linked Encyclopedia of the Ancient World.

I have been looking at Yes Japan using the Japanese from Zero books. Does anyone have any experience with this program?

We are planning on using Usborne Encyclopedia of the Ancient World as our spine for next year. I like how it is organized by culture...I wish it included Ancient China, Africa and India, but I will just plan on adding those in along the way.

I was hoping to get one soon as well, but when I couldn't even find them on their site I sent them an email and they said June, sigh.

I also use the Mardel planner and love it. My only complaint is that the 2015-2016 planner won't be available until June.