I've used them with and without. Are they absolutely necessary? No. However, my youngest dd has been enjoying the extra activities suggested in them.

I do like co-ops. We haven't participated in one for many years and this one is small and intimate. I've read the bit in TWTM many times and feel like starting at the beginning would be the best for us. 2 of my dc would be starting on this cycle anyway.

they were on a different cycle than you? I have the opportunity to join a small co-op next year. They meet once a week and do activities together via the activity guide. However, they are on modern and we will begin ancients. This will be our first year using a classical framework and I did think about starting in modern to match the group, but I really want to start at the beginning per SWB's advice from the book. So, would you join the group anyway? Erika

Me either :confused:

:iagree: Thank you for sharing this link!

What if you wrote a list of people/events that he should include in his narrations? Then he would have the key names and such to refer to and it would help him organize his thoughts.

I'm right there with you. My dd will be in 8th and while her narrations are good, her dictation is lacking. I'm also trying to determine which level to start with... :bigear:

Thanks for the fast reply. I agree! I'm so excited to add SOTW next year! As for "what worked"...:001_huh: :lol: I went with the "let them read and read and write and write" way and guess what? They don't write well. My oldest dd has done well in college despite my poor preparation for her, but would like to do better for my youngers. I'm hoping that adding FLL and WWE will be the ticket! Erika

Hi! We're in Central Texas too.:001_smile: About 45 minutes south of Waco. I have 6 dc; 1 in college, 1 graduating next month, and 4 still at home. Would love to meet up with other families. Anyone close to me? Erika

would you use them or "upgrade" to the new suggestions? By way of introduction, my name is Erika and I homeschool my 6 dc. My second homeschool student will graduate at the end of May and I have 4 more to go. :001_smile: I've learned from my first 2 that I need more structure and more emphasis on the core learning, especially grammar and writing. So, we are returning to TWTM. Yea! If you were me, would you just use the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, FLL 1&2 combined, and How Nature Works as suggested in the first book? I will have an 8th grader, a 4th grader, a 1st grader, and a 2 year old next year. I have a few more questions as well, but will post them separately. Thank you!