I use Primary Sources all of the time, with my kids -- ones appropriate for their level. I think they are eyeopening in many cases and bring history alive. They are FULL of bias actually and that is a learning experience in itself. For example, we are doing the discovery of America right now. I used the Library of Congress's Waldseemüller Maps Interactive which has nifty tools to explore a 1507 map of the world and then a 1516 map of the world. http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/EarlyAmericas/AftermathoftheEncounter/DocumentingNewKnowledge/CartographicTreasures/ExhibitObjects/INT_WaldsMaps.aspx The 1507 map is considered America's birth certificate as it has America on the map and even names it. On the 1516 map, the Pacific Ocean is absent and there is a very reduced view of South America. In the retraction statement the map makers said that the 1507 map was based on ancient sources and not correct and that in fact the 1516 map is far more accurate. Even my 7 year old likes to talk about why that all happened. Historians don't know. I think things like this give kids a sense that even with history, we don't know it all and there are mysteries to be solved. Sorry, I love primary sources :lol:

My son has OCD tied in with his autism. It is still new to me so any help with understanding is appreciated.

:iagree: It is really hard to choose because one may just be a better fit. For us, my daughter primarily dances and we throw in gymnastics here and there for better flexibility/stamina. For her, nothing will replace the recital nights with grandma and grandpa in the audience, or the cute tutus. My son did both dance with her and gymnastics and now does climbing class. As he got older it just wasn't his thing anymore. They were never in the same class.

:iagree: These are beautiful... How long does it tend to take you to create your weekly plan? I love the yearly outlook one too.

I have never looked at this but, I am now sitting here watching the videos on my iPad and really liking the way it looks - it seems so expensive though...

I just did this last November. I did have a great career going but, my children, always the priority of my life, were slipping away. So, I took the plunge and I feel like I am learning more about myself than anything. Congrats on the choice - it is a beautiful calling and wow, does it change you!

Economic Left/Right: -4.88 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -3.54 I was placed closed to where Ghandi was. However, the lack of a middle or a Not Applicable option made me cringe. This thing is probably not accurate.

This is also my plan for next year - using the cd's to keep addressing world history but using history of our living world to delve into American history. MFW ECC is working for us but, I tweak -a lot! Too much to buy the next year. I am also looking at getting truth quest to go along with history of our living world. I just love history!

I have a brother that copies and does DUPLEX! Love that, don't know how I went so long without it. Way cheaper to run than the ink jet too.

I just burned through my second sharpener this year - thanks for this link, I already ordered it!

I have never seen these resources - they look great!

:bigear: I really like the look of this so am interested in other's thoughts as well.

I personally love going to the Denver museum child free at times and they have a great pirate exhibit right now http://www.dmns.org/featured-exhibition. And, the aquarium is great at night, almost eerie because it is so empty http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/default.asp Love the art museum http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home So many good places for food too, here is a list from the Denver mag http://www.5280.com/magazine/2010/03/dining-denver I also heard great things about Billy Elliot and, there are other shows too http://www.denvercenter.org/home.aspx

DH and I both have careers in the PS system. We actually were really quiet about our decision and once the cat was out of the bag - probably in oct this last year, all of our PS contacts were really supportive. I wonder if it is because we were already homeschooling and it did not seem like there was anywhere for them to argue the decision. Most teachers will freely admit that the school system everywhere needs a major overhaul. Really, if your family is supportive, that is awesome. Stand in your decision because this is your family. And have the time of your life too! Honestly, I find it is great practice for learning about education - actually teaching your child to read - you will learn how to teach that better than from a textbook.

Any chance you can get us this list? :)

One of my favorites is pat the bunny - if you have a toddler We love brain pop - my son watches that every day.

I am a computer geek and loved many a pc. Finally took a chance and got a Mac *cough*. Why did I wait so long? I tend to burn out computers for overuse but, my Mac is still as fast as ever, over 2 years later. I still remember going crazy trying to figure out printer drivers on the Mac -- then, I read in my pc to Mac book "just plug in the printer, it will work.". In total disbelief I did it and, it worked! Oh, recently, I wanted a software that would require an OS upgrade. Switching the OS on a pc is crazy so I was scared. It was like $30 and took about 10 minutes. The computer had no error messages or anything. Now we are running the newest OS and loving it. So, yep, I am a pc to Mac convert. I am comfortable on both systems though and I like being able to play in both worlds.

I was dreading this as well and I was a teacher that still works with teachers and my DH is a school admin so, we tried to keep it secret. Well, it got out pretty quickly and everyone was really supportive. I now am going through a series of conversations with some of my teacher friends who are looking into homeschooling. In fact, I have another "session" with an English teacher who is considering it this Thursday :001_smile:

I was actually looking for the answer to this very question once and found this - probably linked from this very forum- http://www.caerdroia.org/116/archives/2010/04/using_tog_secul.html It is a blog post and she details the use of it in a secular manner.

My son is diagnosed with aspergers or high functioning autism - whichever you prefer. However recently, he has developed some strange OCD behaviors that seem to be separate from typical aspergers. And it is the hand washing. So much that it looks like he has on red gloves. Despite constant lotions. And, he will open doors and cupboards with his feet only. If he touches his sisters hands, he has to instantly wash or he freaks out. This is on top of the aspergers behaviors. So, given misty's post, is this common with aspergers kids?

Love this idea!

This was our first year of gs. Somehow, because I probably have a sign that says "idiot" on my head - I was strong armed into becoming cookie mom :001_huh: I did great - got no support - worked my tail off for a whole month - it felt like a full time job. When I told our very unorganized and unhelpful troop leader that we were too busy with my daughter's dance to do gs next year she said, "yeah but, you are still gonna be cookie mom right?" :confused:

You have some great suggestions here... I agree that the native American museum is incredible, I also must say that when I took a 6 yr old and a 10 yr old there last year, they wanted to leave in about 30 minutes. The food though, seriously that is the best place to eat in that area. Air and space is awesome and the younger kids do seem to be more into it. National archives is great if your kids have studied any of the important documents, dec of independence, etc. But again, may not appeal to your youngest. My personal fav is Library of Congress but, I actually work on a LOC grant so I go out there often and get to see very very cool things. It is my favorite place in the world essentially. :lol:

There are a few discrepancies from about 5000 bc - 3000 bc mostly due to things being listed co-currently. It affects very few figures in the timeline. By the time you hit about 3000 bc, it appears to be similar to my sotw book - we are doing American history right now so, I have not really looked at each one in detail though. Maybe someone else here has more info.

Priscilla I went ahead with the homeschool in the woods set though we take more of an old earth view. There is very little history that we would place prior to 5000 as far as direct events/names that would go onto a timeline and if necessary, we may just add some pages in here and there. I got the electronic versions, and figured I would edit if needed.