[So, what are YOU reading...]

Based on numerous recommendations from this board, my daughter and I are reading Deconstructing Penguins.

[Has anyone used Visualize World Geography?]

Has anyone used this or have an opinion on it? visualizeworldgeography.com

[Favorite soup recipes? Anyone care to share?]

Taco soup

I like to put this in the crockpot, but it can be put on the stove. Here is the original recipe. I use more or less ground beef depending upon personal preferences and cost factor. I also change out dried beans of our preference (we use black beans instead of kidney beans) and make a few other adjustments. But it goes over really well and can make up a very large batch.

 

 

 

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 can chili beans, with liquid

1 can kidney beans with liquid

1 can whole kernel corn, with liquid

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

2 cups water

2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

 

In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef until browned over medium heat. Drain, and set aside.

Place the ground beef, onion, chili beans, kidney beans, corn, tomato sauce, water, diced tomatoes, green chile peppers and taco seasoning mix in a slow cooker. Mix to blend, and cook on Low setting for 8 hours.

[Should I worry about my children mastering their addition facts to 12..]

I would definitely move on, but keep reviewing the addition at the same time. You could also try learning them in groups . i.e. 9+8=17, 17-9=8

[Frugal Folk Questions and What I've Started]

Crochet cloth rugs - free patterns

 

crochetpatterncentral.com has some listed under the rug section - check out the different rag rugs (some of them use cloth and some use yarn) - they even have a pattern for a plastic bag doormat rug

[Jann in Tx, other math moms: PreAlgebra]

I would do aleks for a month or two and then reassess your thoughts and options. If you still felt she needed more preparation before algebra you could use a fairly rigorous pre-algebra curriculum, or you could always take algebra at a slower pace.

[Omnibus Question]

Does anyone know what the remaining volumes of Omnibus will be covering? I cannot seem to locate any information on anything other than volumes I, II, and III. Any thoughts or info would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[What do you recommend for a Writing program for grades 5-8?]

Jump In is a fairly fun writing program we have used. I have also used a writing instructor from WriteGuide for a month to give my oldest child (and myself) a break from having me as the one always grading her writing.

[What do you use for Latin?]

We are using Lively Latin on some days and Getting Started with Latin on others. Love both of them.

[My DD is home! (nt)]

What great news! I am so happy for you.