You didn't state what grade she was in but has she tried Khan Academy it's free and they have lots of great videos. I am having my dd watch them on weekends and after school when she has a problem in math or just to review.

You could try walking fitness dvd's or Youtube video's that are light aerobic type for beginners like Leslie Samsone. My dd and I do them a few times a week for P.E. class. Her coordination was lacking and this has helped. She was hesitant at first and now she likes kickboxing too.

Thanks for the information I was wondering does the Lial's solutions manual workout the problems or does it just give the answers?

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I am considering purchasing McDougall-Littel Pre-Algebra 3rd Edition and was wondering if it is necessary to purchase a Teachers Guide or Solutions Manual? I am looking for a textbook type pre-algebra that would be similar to Math Mammoth in explanations. I don't like Dolciani or AOP's they seem like they may cause frustration for my dd. I am also considering Lial's Pre-Algebra but was wondering if you need to get teachers guides or solution manuals with that textbook? Does anyone have experience using these textbooks that can give me some input as to whether there is much benefit in purchasing any of the additional guides or manuals offered?

What about Wordsmith Apprentice and Wordsmith I just found out about these and am waiting for my copy so I can't say about using them but something to look into.

I have been wondering the same thing, we have used BJU reading for 4th-6th and Explorations would be our next step. I have read a few bad reviews but I will say that in the 4th -6th grade BJU student reading worktext they did cover personification, alliteration, flashback, cliche, cause and effect, irony, character sketch, imagery, hyperbole, allusion, slapstick, incongruity, pun, etc. I have not seen Explorations in literature's in person only what is available online, but the 4th Ed. has selections from R. Kipling, O. Henry, Helen Keller, James Thurbuer, and R. Frost. which are also some of the same selections on the Mosdos Press Literature. I was wondering if anyone knows if the Exploration in reading continues with literature analysis?

We have used BJU for literature for a few years now but now in middle school I was reevaluating literature and wondering if I should continue. I see lots of fans of Lighting Lit but my dd is a reluctant writer and don't know if it would be too much for her any advice would be appreciated?

This great thanks for the post.

Thanks for the responses this gives me more to look into.

I am looking for a good state history curriculum for 7th grade either lapbook style or workbook style? I have seen a few but none have any reviews any have to do a state history for middle school that can give some insight?

We have been using R&S English since 2rd grade but my dd has taken an interest in wanting to be a lawyer. I want to be sure to prepare her with a good grammar and writing program. I have read quite a few threads and many say Abeka Grammar & Composition is great for future english majors or writers, I have never used it. Could you help with any advise as to if it is or not? We would be doing 7th grade in the fall. I was also wondering about adding Killgallon to supplement. What about Warriner's English Grammar how does it compare to R & S english? Any advise or suggestions would be welcome.

We are using Math Mammoth as our curriculum and adding a school textbook for review it's by McDougal Littel it was recommended on the Math Mammoth website for Pre-Algebra. I am sure you can find one on Amazon for whatever grade your looking for and they are fairly inexpensive.

My dd is going to be going to public school in eighth grade in TX and she did Saxon 7/6 this year for 6th grade it covered all that was on the STAAR Math 2014 online questions available through the TEKS site. I also bought her a cliff notes type book for TX STAARS and except for terminology changes all the topics were covered in Saxon. She did not like how it jumps around and it has lots of review so we are looking into Teaching Textbooks for 7th grade because someone at coop mention it was also aligned with TEK standards. If your son can do Saxon 7/6 I don't think he will have a problem with any Texas placement tests.

Have you tried Saxon it is good if you are good at math and pick up the concepts quickly and it includes lots of review in every lesson. My dd went from Math Mammoth to Saxon but was having problems so we do a combination of MM and Saxon because Saxon only does about 5-10 lesson practice problems and about 30 review practice problems. It seems to work great for someone that really likes math. It is all in one no Teachers guide.

Thanks for the great ideas your advice is greatly appreciated! It makes sense and I will be implementing this.

I use Rod & Staff 6 for English and I know that their test are graded so the least a child gets is a 50, or at least that is how I have understood it. When I grade my dd Saxon Math test I grade on a 100 point, the test has 20 problems and I give 5 points per problem. If she misses 5 answers in math she gets a 75 on her test. If she misses 3 in English she gets a 95. She just pointed this out to me and I see where she is getting frustrated with Saxon math 7/6. Should I be grading on 100 points or on 50 points? I know my main goal is to have her understand her work and for her to work to get the problems correct. Most of the errors are computational not conceptual. I don't want to discourage her in math. How do you grade your test? She has an interest in going to public high school so the main reason I am grading is to prepare her for that. Thanks

I purchased Bob Jones Univ. Reading 6 Curriculum used and was wondering if there are any test packets that I need to purchase? We used BJU Reading last year but we never used any if they are available. We do use the workbook but I don't see any test. Thanks, Diana

I'm considering sequential spelling for my 6th grader.

My dd is 10 and in 4th grade she would be interested in a pen pal. She could definetly use writing practice? Let me know if your interested. Diana

Story of the USA sounds great. It would seem easy to add in since I want to continue doing SOTW once or twice a week. Thanks for all the information.

I have seen The Complete Book of US History but I dont remember it having many comprehension or discussion questions. Is that what you mean by workbook or maybe I'm thinking of the wrong book?

I like A First Book in American History it looks like a great spine and definetly reasonable priced. I have to look more into it. Thanks

Yes your correct it is All American History. Thanks for the info I have to look into both I had never heard of Profiles from History the Beautiful Feet series is wonderful but out of my budget.

I am looking for ideas on US History or American History for next year 4th grade. We are currently doing SOTW and we like that style but we don't get to all the projects. I would prefer a workbook to go with the text. Any ideas or opinions would be great. I have looked into All About History Vol 1 by bright ideas press but not too many sample are offered and it's website suggest for 6th-12th grade, without good samples it's hard to tell if it would be to much.