We've used the second option (SKrafty/whenyouriseup) for three self-paced classes (elementary school level). It's a fun, helpful community. Server/chat is monitored very well. Has an active Facebook group, and the admins are quick to address and resolve any issues/conflicts that do pop up. I've been very impressed so far (it's been about 3 months since we joined).

Another happy LibreOffice user here!

I'm starting The Goldfinch

When I went off to college, my flute teacher bought me a Sunbeam Hot Shot hot water dispenser for my dorm room. That was 18 years ago; I've used it a least a few times a week ever since! It's perfect for what you're describing. They're around $15, I think.

Like MrsMommy, we also do stockings and read the story of La Befana on Epiphany.

So cool! I love it!

Thanks!

There are some Minecraft-based classes at SKrafty. Maybe something like that? http://whenyouriseup.com/skrafty-homeschool-minecraft-classes/

This looks great, just got this bundle, thanks for sharing!

LOL that's too cute (and impressive!)

I graduated high school in 1994 and was never taught them. I feel kind of cheated now, wow!

DD just joined Girl Scouts as an individual member/Juliette. She's a Daisy; right now she's learning the Girl Scout Law and working on her light blue "honest and fair" petal. We're planning to learn more about Juliette Gordon Low the last week of this month, and we'll finish up with a little celebration in honor of Low's birthday Oct. 31.

Seconding Moses Hogan!!! Love! Duke Ellington and Scott Joplin, as already mentioned. William Grant Still would be a good, too. Maybe even Blind Tom? (blindtom.org has a ton of info and resources, even sheet music)

Tornado watch until 3:00 a.m. here (Florida panhandle). Stay safe everyone!

We're doing Italian since I already know it. I keep it laidback and play-based. DD just started rolling her R's, so she's super excited about speaking now! :)

I haven't been checking in since hitting 52 books, but I started out 2013 hoping to read a book a week, and I'm now a few pages away from finishing my 100th book of the year. I can't believe it. Thanks so much to this group and the weekly threads!

We have the Wii because DH and I like the Zelda/Mario games. :)

I read and reviewed this book last month and loved it!!! I've been a fan of her blog (Sarcastic Lutheran) for quite a while, so I kind of knew going in that I wouldn't likely be disappointed. :)

Pedal harp, right? (I'm assuming, since you mentioned orchestra). There are some pedal harp teachers with great credentials listed on the AHS site who teach via Skype: http://www.harpsociety.org/resources/teachersdirectory.asp That is a crazy increase in fees!

I'm printing it off and hanging it in my studio - lessons start back up Monday! (and to be honest, I should be practicing myself...)

I switched DD from RFing to FFing at 3 1/2.

I'm excited because I just started book 52 tonight!! Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin, which I won in a giveaway. I just finished an advance copy of Aimee Bender's new book, The Color Master, a collection of short stories. Gosh I love her writing, there's nobody quite like her.

I'd probably keep them at the front of the waiting list, but really try to hold the spot. I had a family who went out of town for 2 months last year. They insisted on paying to keep their spot instead of chancing not having a spot when they returned. The student took half hour lessons, so for a month before and a month after the trip, we did hour long lessons as often as our schedules allowed. Didn't get them all in, but we got most!

I teach privately (flute, piano, and harp) and have a flat rate per month. I don't adjust for vacations/holidays. I don't charge extra for 5-week months, and I have no recital or registration fees. I don't refund for missed lessons on the student's part, although I do try to schedule a makeup lesson if my schedule allows. If I can't work it in within a week or two, the lesson is forfeited. They're also allowed to switch with other students (many of them know each other from school). My studio runs so much more smoothly since I started using a stricter policy. However, I DO refund a pro-rated amount if I have to miss and we can't schedule a makeup lesson. That only seems fair. :)

Stacia, I'm so sorry. (((hugs)))