We are looking at doing this same plan. Ds has just completed core 5, and would normally be moving into core 6, but I think SOTW would not be challenging enough for him. Hopefully, I can make it work by creating my own plan. I am going to miss the IG schedule already done for me.

Thank you for your suggestions. I think we are just going to stick with Shurley - it has worked well for us. As for writing, I am looking at going with IEW, or writing strands - will take a closer look at both when we go to a conference next month. Thanks again.

Hello all, Planning for next year - looking to follow more of the TWTM methods, but unsure of where to go with our grammar and writing. I have been looking at Rod & Staff, but I really don't know which level to start my DS. TWTM suggests starting him back at grade 5, but we have been doing grammar with Shurley, so I wonder if that would be too repetitive. He has a good grasp on grammar concepts, but we have not done any diagramming. How important is the diagramming? We could just keep going with Shurley and add in a writing program. We need to work on writing, this is his weakest subject. Probably because it is my worst, and I have little confidence for teaching it to him. Need to have something that steps us through the process (more for me than him - especially for grading/giving feedback.) Hoping for some guidance on which way to go next year. TIA for any and all help.

Thank you all for your suggestions - I think we are going to stick with Sonlight and just add in some more notebook work and hands on activities, for the time being. Although I reserve the right to change my mind once I get to check everything out at a conference. :001_smile: My husband I decided that it would be better to stick with what we know, and like, while we are in the middle of such a big transition, we don't need to add more confusion to the mix. Plus I like the idea of having everything I need on hand. I probably will not have the chance to get to know the area we will be in for quite awhile and we will have already started on school by then. Maybe if I find a good library system, I can revisit this for the following school year. I do plan on switching to Omnibus, TOG, or something?? once we get to high school, but I have a little more time to research that. Thank you again for all of your help! Michelle

Hello to all..new to posting on this board, but I am in need of help on choosing History/Literature for next year. I am planning for next year and I am not sure which way to go. I have a ds will be in 7th and dd will be in 2nd. We are currently using SL and for the most part absolutely love it. However, I think that my ds needs more for next year. We were looking at core 6, but I am worried it might not be challenging enough for him. Some of the books seem to be a little below his level and I think the discussion questions are a little weak. I know that he would also enjoy a few more hands on projects. I have recently read WTM and find myself fully identifying with it. Also, have looked into TOG. I think that we would find more of what we need in either of these programs. But... We are moving to Germany in a few months, and I cannot rely on getting book from our library - I've been told it is small. I will need to have all the books needed on hand. So, SL seems to be the better option for that. SL's schedules really kept us on track. I liked knowing exactly where we were and where we were headed at all times. I am honestly scared of making schedules on my own. I don't want to find myself way over my head. Is it possible to successfully include some WTM methods with SL to make it a more challenging program? But then if I'm changing it so much, is it worth it to buy the IG? I am so confused, and so very tired of researching - any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Michelle :confused: :banghead:

I know it is a little ways for you, but there are several homeschool groups in St. Clair county - Belleville/Fairview Heights area. The biggest that I know of is SCCCHE (St. Clair County Christian Home Educators). Depending on how much you are willing to drive this way, they do field trips, monthly meetings, and a weekly co-op. I believe there are several other groups that are curriculum specific. If you'd like any more info, I'd be happy to help. Michelle